It’s great to have the Premier League back and due to the fixture congestion this preview reviews each club rather than specific matches.
Arsenal
Fixtures:
West Ham United (home)
Brighton & Hove Albion (away)
Newcastle United (home)
Three Wise Men:
Bukayo Saka – One of the leading contenders for young player of the year comes back from the World Cup now also considered one of the most promising players on the planet. If his Qatar form continues then fullbacks he takes on over the next three games will be having nightmares.
Eddie Nketiah – At the tail end of last season he earned a new contract by showing glimpses that he could be trusted leading the line. Jesus has controlled the shirt this term, it’s now back to prove it time for Nketiah. The Newcastle and Brighton matches are his biggest tests, both clubs possess tight defensive units.
Kieran Tierney – Arsenal face some of the leagues most dangerous widemen over the next week, the Scotsman needs to stay fit and show the fans why he is considered to be one of the most talented fullbacks in the Premier League.
Aston Villa
Fixtures:
Liverpool (home)
Tottenham Hotspur (away)
Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)
Three Wise Men:
Danny Ings – Two of the first three games are ultra difficult, Ings needs to be at his poaching best to assist his side in getting any positive result. Watkins is the better player but the former Liverpool man comes alive inside the penalty box, he lets others do the donkey work he has to finish the move.
Ezrl Konsa – Centre back is a massive weakness for Villa, Emery will be looking to upgrade in January. Mings is certainly on his way out, this stretch of games will be the final audition for Konsa. If he averages seven out of ten rating wise his slot will be safe for now.
Lucas Digne – The Frenchman has not shown the form he produced at Everton for The Villians, within such a tough run of matches this is when he needs to show why once he played for Barcelona.
Bournemouth
Fixtures:
Chelsea (away)
Crystal Palace (home)
Manchester United (away)
Three Wise Men:
Dominic Solanke – This season has been a mini break out term for the former youth World Cup winner, no better time to push on with his England claims is to perform on Boxing Day against his first team, Chelsea.
Marcus Tavernier – The energy, drive and forcefulness from midfield starts with Tavernier, opposition underestimate him and he is their cheat code.
Jordan Zemura – The young defender will go head to head with a plethora of attacking talent over Christmas, it’s sink or swim time!
Brentford
Fixtures:
Tottenham Hotspur (home)
West Ham United (away)
Liverpool (home)
Three Wise Men:
Ivan Toney – He was the man of the match last time out versus City and is looking at a lengthy ban due to his historical betting antics. I get the feeling the Premier League are going to see a man possessed.
Christian Norgaard – Barely fit this term for his club, Norgaard made the Denmark World Cup Squad and did not figure. The best defensive midfielder in the Premier League will surely stamp his authority immediately on a depleted Spurs lineup on Boxing Day.
Aaron Hickey – Much like his compatriot Tierney, fitness has been a issue and he enters this run of games tackling some poignant top flight attacking flair, his previous form needs to be reproduced in a instant.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Fixtures:
Southampton (away)
Arsenal (home)
Everton (away)
Three Wise Men:
Lewis Dunk – Che Adams, Eddie Nketiah and Dominic Calvert-Lewin love a battle, Dunk needs to control his defence and smother all these physical matchups.
Pervis Estupinan – The Ecuadorians stock continues to rise after a prominent showing in Qatar. As long as he doesn’t dive when no challenge is offered he will offer a decisive outlet for the Seagulls.
Danny Welbeck – Tremendous working outside the penalty area for his team, goals are needed now! Brighton face two very winnable games in this period and he needs to contribute by hitting the net rather than bullying defenders.
Chelsea
Fixtures:
Bournemouth (home)
Nottingham Forest (away)
Manchester City (home)
Fulham (away)
Three Wise Men:
Raheem Sterling – One of my favourite footballers has not shown his true self for Chelsea, with a game versus his old team and two against the leagues strugglers preceding it this a ideal time to announce himself in Chelsea colours.
Cesar Azpilicueta – I get a feeling the club captain has been working intensively over this break with Graham Potter and reestablish himself as the key defender for his club.
Jorginho – The Italian is built for big games, missing the World Cup due to Italys qualification failings will drive him towards a massive performance when City visit Stamford Bridge.
Crystal Palace
Fixtures:
Fulham (home)
Bournemouth (away)
Tottenham Hotspur (home)
Three Wise Men:
Michael Olise – Promise needs to be turned into performances, George Eleks generational talent has blown hot and very cold since he joined Palace. With the prospect Zaha is leaving next summer he needs to grab the baton, good time to start when facing Fulham and Bournemouth.
Jordan Ayew – He will not be remembered as a Selhurst Park great but his role within Veira’s team is significant. The run of games Palace have are very winnable over Christmas but it requires 100% effort from all, I get the feeling he may chip in with a couple of goals.
Joachim Andersen – Usually after a poor World Cup the wait to get back out on the pitch is very long but this Dane can right some wrongs swiftly. The major question mark to me around Andersen is if he’s a good defender, I have my doubts and he goes into battle with some interesting Premier League number nines in the form of Mitrovic, Solanke and Kane.
Everton
Fixtures:
Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)
Manchester City (away)
Brighton & Hove Albion (home)
Three Wise Men:
Dominic Calvert Lewin – If fully fit for the last year, Lewin would have been on the plane to Qatar, now it’s time for him to play consistently and aim for the Euros in 2024. A difference maker when on the pitch, his club and coach desperately needs him if they are to avoid relegation.
Anthony Gordon – A marmite footballer, I lean on the side of overrated but their is no doubt he is one for the first names on the team sheet for the Toffees. Afforded the freedom to join in with the central striker, that role needs to produce goals especially when the first outing is against Wolves.
Amadou Onana – Along with Iwobi the Belgian has caused countless problems for other sides this term but severely lacks a killer touch. Too often he has found himself in good attacking third areas and squanders the chance. If he concentrates on winning the engine room battle and passes the ball to skilled players now they are becoming fit it could be fruitful, the Brighton game will be fun with him taking on Caicedo and McAllister.
Fulham
Fixtures:
Crystal Palace (away)
Southampton (home)
Leicester City (away)
Chelsea (home)
Three Wise Men:
Dan James – What has happened to one of the hottest young players in the English game? Harshly dealt with at Manchester United, Leeds who coveted him so fondly now do not want him and Fulham cannot justify selecting him. The World Cup was a disaster, Wales now view Brennan Johnson as the supporting cast for Bale and Ramsey. The bounce back needs to start within this return of the Premier League.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – His importance to his team is second to none, long term he’s not the answer but right now the power forward possesses the keys to survival. The Serb will thrive in all the festive fixtures, the defences he faces all have a weakness facing strength and desire.
Antonee Robinson – The American international promises so much but struggles in the tackle, too often his decision making causes issues for his fellow defenders. The first two games are very winnable, Marco Silva will hope Robinson eradicates the brain drains he suffers with way too often.
Leeds United
Fixtures:
Manchester City (home)
Newcastle United (away)
West Ham United (home)
Three Wise Men:
Crysencio Summerville – The standout player prior to the league break, other sides will try to game plan against him now but stopping raw pace, desire and drive is easy in practice.
Jack Harrison – One of the star men since Leeds were promoted has been a shadow of himself this season. Non stop energy and a left foot to die for are his strengths, if Leeds go down he will be a sought after commodity but Elland Road want to see his talent flourish again before
Rodrigo – With Bamford consistently injured, the Spaniard has stepped up goals wise but is not a like for like replacement. Stylish in possession and clever with his movement, City will not fear him but the gigantic defenders at West Ham and Newcastle will not like taking him on.
Leicester City
Fixtures:
Newcastle United (home)
Liverpool (away)
Fulham (home)
Three Wise Men:
Harvey Barnes – The Foxes player of the year so far surely will continue his positive form this season into these next three games. Being a power winger he always appears to be making things happen in the attacking third, this will be needed when taking on two of the best sides in the league in Newcastle and Liverpool.
James Maddison – He has taken on Jamie Vardys mantle of the face of Leicester City and is thriving in his centre midfield role. His career development could see him become the English KDB?
Jonny Evans – Sorely missed due to injuries, the Northern Irishman is still one of the top defenders in the league on his day. A pure centre back who does not rely on pace or strength, he just knows how to tackle, mark and protect his teams goal, skills that never fade.
Liverpool
Fixtures:
Aston Villa (away)
Leicester City (home)
Brentford (away)
Three Wise Men:
Mo Salah – Without a doubt the Egyptian is one of the greatest Liverpool players ever and his club will need all his magical dribbling and goals as we leave 2022 and enter 2023 with so many of his supporting cast missing.
Jordan Henderson – RESPECT as a Footballer has been restored to his name thanks to World Cup form. Off the pitch he does so much for the community but his discipline and laser passing are required on the field from now till May.
Andrew Robertson – His trademark proving runs will cause Villa and Leicester issues as both sides right side of defence is questionable at best! The New Year fixture will be fun as he may face off against compatriot Aaron Hickey, full on Braveheart duel.
Manchester City
Fixtures:
Leeds United (away)
Everton (home)
Chelsea (away)
Three Wise Men:
Erling Haaland – The best striker in the world did not play in Qatar and surely will be raring to start scoring league goals again. Till City play Chelsea the opposition defences are porous, five in two seems very possible!
Joao Cancelo – A fantastic pure footballer who was not utilised by his country correctly during the World Cup will be glad to be back with Pep. The Leeds game especially should be a enjoyable bounce back game.
Jack Grealish – I am still waiting for Grealish to perform like he can at City and I can see him moving on in the summer if he doesn’t perform during this second half of the season. This is now make or break time for the former Villa captain, Everton away should be a fruitful game.
Manchester United
Fixtures:
Nottingham Forest (home)
Wolverhampton Wanderers (away)
Bournemouth (home)
Three Wise Men:
Marcus Rashford – Discussed as one of the worlds best strikers during the World Cup and rightfully so due to his talent, Old Trafford want to see him fulfil his promise. The Forest and Bournemouth matches should see plenty of possession where Rashford needs to add the finishing touch.
Harry Maguire – Varane and Martinez will be missing the first two fixtures so this is keep the shirt time for the England centre back.
Christian Eriksen – The danish playmaker has settled in well at United but surely their is more to offer, more direct involvement regarding shots or goals comes to mind.
Newcastle United
Fixtures:
Leicester City (away)
Leeds United (home)
Arsenal (away)
Three Wise Men:
Allan Saint Maximin – Despite all the money Newcastle possess the Frenchman who was inherited by the owners remains one of the key men at St James Park. The winger has the X factor and during the away game to Arsenal should enjoy plenty of space to attack and remind us all of his big game play.
Callum Wilson – Penalty box threat is what Wilson offers and he looked out of his depth during the World Cup for England so being back with his club will be self confidence boost.
Dan Burn – During this festive period Burn will face numerous players who will look to attack his weakness, which is pace. Playing his zone rather than the men he faces is his best option.
Nottingham Forest
Fixtures:
Manchester United (away)
Chelsea (home)
Southampton (away)
Three Wise Men:
Jesse Lingard – The biggest bust of the summer Forest recruitment drive is playing for his future, not necessarily at his current club but how he will be viewed on potential new homes once his one year deal finishes. A big game at his old home is the Christmas present he would love.
Morgan Gibbs White – Passionate when attacking, he is the only recruit he seems to care about the club when on the field. Now he is gaining regular game time in the top flight he seems to have the self confidence to feel he can drive towards a Euro2024 squad spot for England.
Ryan Yates – He has been through worst times with Forest than this season, this is the sort of individual who will galvanise the locker room during the relegation dog fight.
Southampton
Fixtures:
Brighton & Hove Albion (home)
Fulham (away)
Nottingham Forest (home)
Three Wise Men:
Che Adams – It’s likely Southampton will look to bring in a new number nine during the January Transfer Window but before this occurs Adams has a chance to keep the shirt. Unfortunately goals on a regular pattern are not produced by Adams, he is more a target man than net buster.
James Ward-Prowse – This dead ball devil is needed by his club to perform at levels he’s never found before during this second half of the season if they are going to stay up!
Kyle Walker-Peters – Being back from injury is a massive boost, he is the only Southampton defender who can make a impact within the attacking third.
Tottenham Hotspur
Fixtures:
Brentford (away)
Aston Villa (home)
Crystal Palace (away)
Three Wise Men:
Harry Kane – Injuries have been the England captains major bounce back moment till now, on Boxing Day we find out how on pitch disappointment affects his striking ability.
Ben Davies – Like a few clubs Spurs will need to utilise their squad depth during the Christmas stretch of games due to World Cup involvement, Davies is going to be one of those beneficiaries.
Eric Dier – With a few of his defensive partners not being available he may need to play more tight in a back four, this will be a big make or break moment for Dier personally if he’s to maintain his England squad slot.
West Ham United
Fixtures:
Arsenal (away)
Brentford (home)
Wolverhampton Wanderers (away)
Three Wise Men:
Declan Rice – Surely this will be the last season at West Ham for Rice, with two frisky away games in the next three his endeavour in midfield is vital if Moyes men can grab any points.
Jarrod Bowen – I always enjoy watching Bowen play, he’s direct and impactful when shooting. Goals have been hard to come by domestically for West Ham and that makes sense as Jarrod has not met the heights of previous seasons.
Lukasz Fabianski – The Pole needs to control his box a lot better than he did in the first half of the season, at times he has played like a rookie causing his defence to over compensate.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Fixtures:
Everton (away)
Manchester United (home)
Aston Villa (away)
Three Wise Men:
Ruben Neves – The star man for his team prior to the World Cup will be hoping his new manager can encourage better performances from his teammates. Neves will continue carrying the team on his shoulders as it’s how he plays.
Max Kilman – Massively disappointing this term after the breakout last season. At the moment it seems like he can only play in a back three, that restriction will detriment his future in the Premier a league.
Mathus Nunes – Stated to be one of Portugals best players prior to joining Wolves, so far his tenure disagrees with that expectation.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
This second half of the season could see massive changes in these power rankings but prior to the World Cup this was the top ten. The positions are determined by short term excellence and long term consistency.
- Miguel Almiron
- Kevin De Bruyne
- James Maddison
- Bruno Guimaraes
- Granit Xhaka
- Erling Haaland
- Callum Wilson
- Leandro Trossard
- Harvey Barnes
- Alisson
It’s going to be fun over the next week to see how the mid season break affects teams, have great fun watching all the action as I feel the league table could alter by the time the next set of fixtures starts.
