With a quick turnaround this MatchWeek preview is shortened but inspired by the fact Amazon Prime are broadcasting all the games. Currently in the USA Amazon exclusively show Thursday Night NFL action so I have compared each game to the outstanding broadcasters on the groundbreaking telecast taking America by storm.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest
Michael Smith operates off the sideline but also is involved in the popular podcast Brother from another, these two teams are far from brothers, they are polar opposites. Brighton have a precise, configured transfer policy while Forest are haphazard. Roberto De Zerbi was unlucky not to gain his first three points on Friday night versus Brentford, Brighton dominated possession and faced a inspired David Raya. Forests lineup on Saturday finally resembled a team with a plan, it could well be unfortunate the World Cup break is pending as by then they could be finding some rhythm then the games stop!
Player to Watch – Moises Caicedo
The Ecuadorean is a upgrade on the departed Bissouma, he matches the defensive skills but also can attack with velocity. Boomed a cracking shot on Friday and will fancy his chances in scoring against Forest.
Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Kirk Herbstreit has been promoted to NFL commentary with Amazon but he’s made his name analysing College Football, this matchup on Tuesday boosts some of this countries top young talent. Beating Forest at the weekend should be a springboard for Wolves but it was only a penalty scored and the major doubt remains if they can score from open play. Palace come into this game off the back of a away clean sheet and despite it not being a classic defensive display they will be reflecting on the performance, improvements will be made.
Player to Watch – Michael Olise
Dropped at the weekend, he seems a shoe in to start this game as most teams will rotate this midweek. His season has not got going yet but facing off with Ait-Nouri should be a positive matchup as the Frenchman loves driving forward which will leave Max Kilman a lot of covering to do.
Bournemouth v Southampton
Andrew Whitworth is a very articulate man and last year won the Walter Payton award for his volunteer, good cause work, if you are a neutral and choose to watch this match you are being very charitable. He also played offensive lineman in the NFL, which is where the nuts and bolts of a game occur, goalkeepers and defenders will hold the key to victory in this south coast fixture. Mistakes rather than excellent football will be how goals are scored at the Vitality.
Player to Watch – Armel Bella-Kotchap
The young German holds a hope he may be selected for the World Cup, stopping a confident Dominic Solanke will help his case.
Brentford v Chelsea
Richard Sherman played cornerback at a elite level and on Wednesday some of the Premier Leagues best fullbacks will be on show at the GTech. He was not short of confidence, letting opponents know his thoughts quite publicly, Ivan Toney, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling have shown those traits too. The Bees humiliated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in April, revenge will be firmly sought by the away support. Chelsea’s pace in attack tips the game in there favour but if the home support turns it on Brentford’s players could dig out a result like Friday night.
Player to Watch – Mason Mount
Since his goal versus Germany Mount has been virtually unplayable, Janelt and Onyeka will have a busy night. Brentford may stop him playing but Chelsea will then benefit from extra space to exploit, they have a plethora of talent.
Liverpool v West Ham United
Tony Gonzalez is a hall of fame tight end, NFL royalty and this fixture is a historically classic Premier League encounter. The weekend brought differing fortunes for each side and Liverpool undoubtably are the favourites. Off the back of beating City three points has to occur. Not conceding early is vital for David Moyes men, drawing seems the best result they can achieve, especially as Sundays performance hinted at tiredness seeping in. They have been playing twice a week for a while and the squad depth is not there like the other English clubs in Europe.
Player to Watch – Mo Salah
The last week has been Salahs best all season, taking on Aaron Cresswell should reap further success.
Newcastle United v Everton
Al Michaels is one of the best commentators in all sports, he would enjoy the atmosphere of St James Park under the lights. Sundays away draw with Manchester United should be seen as a positive by the Geordie faithful and another building block towards becoming one of the elite Premier League clubs. It feels like this will be another difficult away day for Everton and coming away with no injuries or suspensions will be a positive outcome. Winnable games are to come in the future!
Player to Watch – Jordan Pickford
The Mackem lad always enjoys taking on Newcastle, he needs to be at his best if Everton can take any points back to Goodison Park.
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Charissa Thompson is the presenter of Amazons NFL coverage, she is glamorous and this game is the head turning encounter in this MatchWeek. These two clubs are competing for the fourth Champions League slot, early on it will be very cagey which suits Antonio Conte, he knows his frontman have the quality to take advantage when the opportunity arises. United are not short of attacking flair but showed last Thursday in the Europa League when the space is limited within the final third they can become frustrated and anxious when the goal is in sight.
Player to Watch – Jadon Sancho
The former Dortmund man has struggled since he arrived at Old Trafford, injuries and the uncertainty at the club has not helped but he is fast becoming a forgotten man internationally and domestically. United fans have a new toy in Anthony, performing in this top tier match is a sure fire way to remind everyone of his talents.
Fulham v Aston Villa
Ryan Fitzpatrick was a journeyman quarterback, never playing for a top side and these two clubs feel like ones he would have played for if he was a footballer. Steven Gerrard has made it through to another round of fixtures, mistakes did not help Sunday but pure and simple his strikers need to start scoring. Fulham are quite leaky at the back, Ollie Watkins possesses a skillset which will trouble the home teams defenders. Mitrovic versus Mings is a fun side show and it will amaze me if neither gets booked.
Player to Watch – Dan James
His place on the Welsh World Cup plane is guaranteed but he is fast becoming a squad player for Rob Page, he needs to start producing like his early promise at Swansea threatened.
Leicester City v Leeds United
Kaylee Hartung has worked her through various television jobs to become a touchline reporter for Amazon, if either of these teams are to drag themselves away from the bottom half of the table/relegation zone over the next few months they need to graft, dig in and show resolve like she has. Both clubs will see this as a chance to gain three points and despite the perilous positions they are in it could be a fun, high scoring affair. Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra have been very quiet since the opening rounds of fixtures, they are key cogs within the high pressing system.
Player to Watch – Jamie Vardy
He came off the bench on Saturday so should be a shoe in to start this tussle, the pace and drive has diminished but he is still the main goal threat for his club, they desperately need him.
Midweek league games always throw out some strange results, this set of fixtures will surely deliver but where will the shocks occur?
Enjoy the fact all games are being televised, support your team and also have a look at how your rivals are getting on over the next three days.
