Surely squads will be rotated this MatchWeek as the majority face league games next midweek too! Friday night kicks off the action at The Gtech Community, with a grudge match between two owners who were once colleagues now bitter rivals in Matthew Bentham versus Tony Bloom, the analytical Kings:
Brentford v Brighton & Hove Albion
Roberto De Zerbi has not won a game since he took charge at Brighton but facing opposition like Liverpool & Tottenham means he comes into this away game not feeling much pressure as the performances have been good especially the game at Anfield. Brentford seem to be lacking in confidence which stems from the management who do not seem to know what their best line up is. Back in September Thomas Frank was being linked with moves away but now he is the man facing negativity regarding his role. Key to a home win will be delivering the ball to Ivan Toney, since the Leeds victory his supply line has been woeful and he has been living off scraps. The Seagulls on the other hand can boast numerous players who are a threat to goal based on this seasons form but historically this has always been the case, they produce heavy in spells. The major question mark is always the lack of a goal scorer who will deliver consistently, if they had a true number nine since they joined the Premier League they could have been playing in European completions as game domination is always high therefore higher league finishes may have occurred. Due to both sides current circumstances it will be either set of defenders who hold the key to victory.
Player to Watch – Vitaly Janelt
Brentford have missed defensive midfielder Christian Norgaard and need the young german to fill those boots. He was surprising dropped last weekend, but should come back in the side against Brighton. If he can perform like he did last season, snapping into challenges and driving deep from midfield it will give his team a great chance of winning.
Leicester City v Crystal Palace
News reports circulated this week that no birthday announcements will be made Saturday due to a influx of requests for Brenda Nout or Rodger Sux, the support are firmly against the boss, his future does not seem secure. Rightly so after losing to Bournemouth but blame has to lay with the players too, they dominated but could not build on one goal and then capitulated defensively when under some pressure. This matchup may have been better for Leicester if it was away as they could have been the ones looking to counter but at home the emphasis is on them taking it to Palace. That tactic suits Vierras men as attacking with pace is their main strength, if they can be clinical it may be a thrashing, Danny Ward cannot catch a cold! James Maddison could capitalise with a goal via a free kick as Guehi especially is prone to reckless challenges in and around the box.
Player to Watch – Jordan Ayew
The Ghanaian is more of a defensive forward than a goal scorer but his energy and willingness to carry the ball from the second third to the final one could be a key tactic on Saturday lunchtime. Leicester will be looking to stop Zaha, Olise and Eze, which will leave gaps for Ayew to penetrate.
Fulham v Bournemouth
After a promising start to the campaign Fulham have found the going tough lately and face a highly organised Cherries on Saturday afternoon. Both clubs will feel the victory is their for the taking but would not turn down a draw if offered to them now, every point this early in the campaign should be accepted. Discipline will be the key to victory as the hosts have already felt the pain of losing a player to a red card early when they faced Newcastle. Billing, Cook, Reed and Palhinha are all determined in the challenge, if the referee loses control then a card riddled narrative may rule this match. Mitrovic missed the last game and is a doubt this weekend, even if can play half the match it could make all the difference.
Player to Watch – Dominic Solanke
The creator of both goals in the win versus Leicester last weekend will be looking to contribute again and this time with a goal himself. He offers a great blend of physicality and skill which will cause many Premier League defenders issues this season. Fulham’s centre backs will be seeking help from their defensive midfielders in this match up by either stopping the ball played into Solanke or doubling up.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Nottingham Forest
Forest for the first time this season go into a game as favourites and rightly so as Wolves have no identity. Neither does Forest to be fair but at least they have a manager in place and a abundance of players to choose from who could impact the proceedings. As a spectacle it could rival the boreathon from Monday night, confidence is low within both ranks. Bravery in possession is needed if either team is to win, rather than play safe the winner will have someone who looks to play through the lines, run with the ball or take a shot on when the goal is in sight. Adama Traore has not set the world on fire since his loan move to Barcelona and owes the Moulineux faithful one of his dynamic displays, the lack of pace within the Forest backline will be played upon by Wolves as Podence and Hwang are no slouches either.
Player to Watch – Morgan Gibbs White
As I’ve mentioned many times in this column one of the Forest attackers needs to stand up and be counted. The England under 21 international lines up against his former club where he was never given a chance, they must regret that now considering their lack of striking options. If Gibbs Whites Forest career is going to come alive why not this weekend?
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton
Everton when the Premier League was formed saw themselves as one of the top six clubs, it’s never panned out though over the thirty years the competition has been in existence. Spurs were in a similar mindset at that time and took their time but over the last ten years have been challengers around the top four sometimes breaching one of those slots. The difference between them is vast these days and starts with the two men in charge, subsequently flowing through the playing staff. Conte is a renowned winner while Lampard has always faced question marks about his tactical and leadership qualities. Everton’s best player left in the summer to become a complimentary piece at Tottenham alongside the Premier Leagues top scorer Son and England Captain Kane, while his former side like many windows cobbled many signings together with no fixed plan for any of them. The NFL may have left The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for another year but the score line could reflect a converted touchdown in favour of the home side. They have the firepower and not since the opening day fully punished a side. Everton defend deep but all the Spurs strikers can strike from distance or inside the box if given a slight bit of room.
Player to Watch – Richarlison
After a impressive start at Spurs, ousting Son from the lineup a few games ago, the Brazilian has been very quiet. Everton will know all about their former player but stopping him is another matter. The issue will be if he’s over inspired as he is always liable to jump into a silly challenge or ruckus leading into trouble with the referee.
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Chelsea have found their rhythm since Graham Potter took charge at both ends of the pitch, key players have rediscovered form and neither of these factors bode well for Steven Gerrards team. Villa seemed to recruit well early in the summer transfer window but none of those players have either been fit or performed like they promised too. The club seems flat and results mirror that factor, they can’t win and barely score. This was the mood around Villa Park prior to Dean Smith leaving, whatever the owner decides to do next a full review of the structure needs to occur. The positive that can be taken going into this game is the best performance of the season was against champions City. That desire and tempo needs to be rediscovered and then produced every match.
Player to Watch – Conor Gallagher
Gallagher is starting to find his feet in the Chelsea lineup and show the form he produced last season for Palace. His runs from midfield will cause Villas backline issues and his teammates possess the quality to pick through the gaps where he will move into. It will be very ironic that a young all action English midfielder delivers the final blow to Steven Gerrard’s Villa leadership.
Leeds United v Arsenal
Away win seems inevitable, Arsenal have been so impressive all season even when they lost away to Manchester United, while Leeds are in a run of results which screams relegation fight. In front of their own fans though Leeds always find a extra spring in their step, if any positive result can be obtained the crowd will be the key factor. The longer the score stays nil nil the louder and boisterous Elland Road will become. With Patrick Bamford back in the starting eleven he obviously offers a goal threat but also rest-bite to his defence by holding the ball up in the attacking third. Stylistically both sides play at a very fast speed, always looking to press so their could be a chance that the quality of tackling may decide this battle, can either team keep all eleven on the field?
Player to Watch – Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian lines up against another weak right back this weekend and will show no mercy like he has done all season. Like his compatriot Jesus the work rate he gets through sets the tone for his team. Martinelli does not even need service into him as he seeks the ball and can turn defence into attack within seconds, he may well be the fastest player in the league with the ball at his feet.
Manchester United v Newcastle United
Both teams are building towards becoming top four challengers and this could sneakily be the best game of the weekend if they decide to trade blows. Old Trafford is not the fortress it used to be and since Alex Ferguson left numerous visitors have come away with all three points as they don’t fear the hosts. Ten Hags men are strong in attack while Howes lads pride themselves on being organised in defence, the first goal will therefore be vital. Allan Saint Maximin is back in contention and the right back position for Man United is a weak area, I expect that side of the pitch to see a lot of the ball.
Player to Watch – Casemiro
A man of the match display in his first start enabled the United fans to realise why he was such a important cog in the Real Madrid side and excite them going forward, finally they have a defensive midfielder to support the teams forward minded players. The veteran will enjoy showing his international teammate Bruno Guimaraes who is the boss and if he wins, Manchester United will win.
Southampton v West Ham United
Southampton have not won this fixture in five years and from recent league form it’s hard to see that run ending. West Ham have won two on the bounce while the Saints have lost the last four, scoring only once. The glimmer of hope for the hosts will be if the visitors show any signs of fatigue after Thursdays game in the Europa Conference League encounter and rotate prior to the midweek league game. That though is a damning indictment for a top flight team when it’s clear they do not have enough quality to win and are looking for the other side to be weakened by one form or another. Kyle Walker-Peters and James Ward-Prowse need to have big games to inspire their teammates but also if they want to be considered for the World Cup in November.
Player to Watch – Lucas Paqueta
The fourth Brazilian in the Player to watch list this week is a very different player to his county men and was always going to be a slow burner. West Ham’s poor start to the campaign did not aid his integration to the team and league but against this youthful Southampton his creative movement should mean he has best game so far.
Liverpool v Manchester City
Liverpool have been City’s main foe for five years but this is the best Pep City side ever and the hosts are recreating themselves. The Kop will expect victory but arguably the best result will be in the level of performance which can be built upon prior to the World Cup break. Haaland was rested in the week and will not fear facing VVD who has defended well all term. The Foden/Erling combo is a joy to watch and you can tell they are enjoying each other’s company on and off the pitch. They will be a thorn to the opposition for years to come and should lead City to the desired Champions League win this year. Despite Trent Alexander Arnold’s faults defending, his forward play is vital so while he is missing the returning Andrew Robertson will be a positive as he can offer the attacking drive which will now be lacking on the right. Wednesday nights thrashing of Rangers reminded us all that Liverpool can be devastating still but this is a different proposition.
Player to Watch – Darwin Nunez
Arsenal found it difficult to deal with the former Benfica man last Sunday, if Liverpool have any chance against the champions his movement, pace, power and goal scoring needs to be on point. City’s backline are dealing with numerous injuries and when the home side have the ball, which will be rare in this match up, they need to make it count which is where Nunez’s presence must be felt.
The fixtures this weekend lined up with form seem to suggest routine victories for many sides even Manchester City but the Premier League throws up surprises when you are feeling comfortable, this could be a blockbuster before the midweek fixtures.
