The Amazon fixture block summed up a lot of the content they show, lots of promise from the trailer but boring after half hour. The weekend kicks off at the County Ground, it could be messy?
Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
- This fixture reminds me of the first ever Super Sunday when Teddy Sheringham scored the only goal, one nil Forest is the most unlikely score line this time around! It’s hard to see the home side score or keep a clean sheet.
- Trent Alexander Arnold came back into the line up during the week, it will be very tempting for Jurgen Klopp to keep him in the side due to his attacking and dead ball ability but he should revert back to last weekends defensive lineup. His presence nearly cost the reds a goal in the week, let the midfielders and attackers do what they can do in the attacking third, stability in front of noisy County Ground crowd is required before introducing him later in the game.
- This game will not decide Nottingham Forests Premier League future but it could set the tone for the rest of the campaign. Pride and passion will be seeping onto the pitch from the fans, a few of the team need to do the same. Steve Cooper is setting out tactics to contain currently but allowing players like Johnson or Dennis to express themselves slightly this weekend will dish out some hope for the coming weeks that they can hurt the opposition in possession.
Player to Watch – Harvey Elliot
While Forest are trying to stop the abundance of attacking talent Liverpool possess the young England starlet could sneak under the radar, capitalising on the space created. Smart on the ball, nimble when dribbling and growing in confidence in front of goal, this could be his best game of the season. With injuries mounting for England his form could see him sneak onto the plane.
Everton v Crystal Palace
- Joel Ward is one of the most underrated defenders in the Premier League, with his contract expiring next summer this could be his last season as a Eagle. Every game is a showcase for him, Everton should take note of his performance on Saturday, he would be great addition for them.
- It’s thirty years since the first Premier League match between these sides and Palace were the victors, two nil via a brace from Chris Armstrong. The visitors do not possess a prolific goalscorer and this could be their downfall at Goodison Park. They are growing in confidence due to a three game unbeaten run, this will mean nothing if they cannot keep the home support quiet with a first half goal.
- Discipline is key for both teams and keeping a full compliment of players may be the difference. Both sets of players are very erratic physically and in attitude, if the yellows flow early surely someone will see a red card?
Player to Watch – Dominic Calvert Lewin
Back in the starting line up during the week against Newcastle, he lasted over a hour and will view this match as a opportunity to gain more minutes plus score for the first time this term. Guehi and Anderson will relish the physical battle but DCL will feel the same and his presence enables space for his teammates to step into.
Manchester City v Brighton
- Brighton have to deal with the fact they for once will not be dominating possession. They have shown recently how hard they find it to break opponents down, can they show quality during the short spells they have the ball?
- City not playing during midweek spells trouble for The Seagulls especially as the hosts lost last time out to Liverpool. Pep will name his strongest team and those men have a point to prove, Godzilla is angry! Brighton are so good technically if you are beating them you cannot take your foot off the pedal so I do not expect some of the exciting youth players to appear, the screw will be tightened consistently by Pep.
- Roberto De Zerbi will not be judged on this game but his tenure has not brought a win yet, questions will be asked soon if the run continues. It’s widely known Brighton always are thinking one step ahead regarding recruitment and they may have to delve into their coaching talent black book sooner than they thought if by February results have not improved.
Player to Watch – Pervis Estupinan
The Ecuadorean is impressive bursting forward but he needs to start offering a end product to his powerful runs. Defensively he will be tested to the maximum by City, he showed in the Champions League for Villarreal last season he can deal with pressure situations, now is the time to star in the Premier League.
Chelsea v Manchester United
- This type of fixture is why the league created the 5.30 kick off slot, Saturday night is when titans should go to battle. Too often Sky have allowed drab fixtures to be scheduled. Both teams will feel like they can win and should produce a exciting match. The last four meetings have been draws but management and personal has changed considerably, the game has a freshness to it.
- Kepe has been inspired since being drafted back into the lineup, he will face though a United side who can shoot from all angles or position. His defenders need to step up and shield him a lot better than they have done lately as the heroics performed are not sustainable much longer.
- Uniteds last visit to West London sparked a reset to their season, winning at Stamford Bridge will make the whole league take notice. The impressive wins have been at Old Trafford, the away days could see them challenge for a Champions League slot. The opening half hour will set the game narrative.
Player to Watch – Antony
Bruno Fernandes was the star on Wednesday night versus Tottenham while Antony struggled to make his presence felt. This has been the case for a few games now, he started his Old Trafford career with a bang. Whether he is lining up against Cucurella or Chillwell on Saturday night, the former Ajax man has the ability to pin them back and make them defend rather than attack. The fear United will have is he turns out another anonymous performance, allowing Chelsea to dictate their right hand side leaving Dalot exposed.
Aston Villa v Brentford
- With Steven Gerard gone how Villa will line up without him is very intriguing. Experienced depth is lacking due to injuries so the impressive youth talent is the option if any first teamers are dropped. It’s a very short period in between games so preparation will be kin to recent times, the positive performances or results may come after Sunday.
- Tyrone Mings is playing terribly, taking him out of the lineup is not a option though as his team are short of cover at centre backs. Facing Ivan Toney is not what a out of sorts defender needs in his life, the England hopeful is a menace, this is a potential game winning duel. Konsa is a former Bee and reknowed for rash challenges, Toney penalty run could be in play Sunday.
- Offensive corners could be a weapon for Aston Villa due to Brentford’s poor goal conceding rate this term, Douglas Luiz is available after his red card was rescinded. The away side will hope the fit again, improving Ethan Pinnock can deal with them while David Raya has rediscovered his form, dominating his box like last season.
Player to Watch – Jacob Ramsey
Over the last couple of games the Brentford midfield has tightened up, leading the team to four points from six. Villas midfield still has not stamped their authority which is one of the reasons they are in this current predicament. Jacob Ramsey relies on his engine room partners like McGinn or Luiz to win the physical battles so he can attack the box. The young England man has X Factor traits, with one of the main ones being pace, if he can get in between the defence and midfield this Sunday he will create matchups Ben Mee or Vitaly Janelt will not enjoy.
Leeds United v Fulham
- The home support needs to be positive, they are a passionate crowd but any sign of negativity will play into Fulham’s hands. The current run by Leeds is dire and naturally the players will be low, the spark needs to come from the stands, make Elland Road a fortress and inspire their team. Cheerleader Jesse Marsch has been awfully quiet and cannot inspire his troops, it’s down to the fans.
- Bouyed by Thursdays result against Aston Villa, Fulham will sense they can win their second away match of the season at Leeds. The game script will not differ from any other fixture this season by relying on the midfield to win their battles, but what Marco Silvas men have learnt is when they want to be expansive they can hurt the opposition. This is led by Kebano, Willian and Wilson and flows from muscle memory from when they dominated the Championship last season.
- Forget about Kalvin Phillips the missing link is Stuart Dallas has been sorely missed by Leeds since his horrific injury, he’s not a player who would grace many other Premier League sides but his energy, ball striking and most importantly passion for the badge makes him priceless to the unit. I don’t think they would be in the predicament right now if the Northern Irish utility man was on the field.
Player to Watch – Patrick Bamford
Leeds need their number one marksman to stay fit and start scoring but so does he, otherwise Leeds will need to start looking for a new number nine. The match up against Fulham’s backline does not offer any advantages for Bamford as they will enjoy the physical battle, he just needs to ensure he converts any chances that fall his way.
Southampton v Arsenal
- Tomiyasu coming back into the defence on either flank has given Arsenal a boost, every individual match up he has faced has been won by him. His form has made him undroppable and could affect Ben Whites potential place in the England World Cup squad. Arteta will not care though he is in the business of winning games for his club!
- Set pieces are Southamptons best chance to score in this game, Arsenal are not bad at defending them, it’s just hard to see in open play how they can hurt the visitors. Too often lately the Saints have been involved in games where they should be competing for the points and show nothing in the final third. Ward Prowse’s delivery is as good as any player in the league, Arsenal will be avoiding conceding any cheap fouls or corners.
- History heavily favours the away side in this fixture, they have played 46 times and Arsenal have won 25 times. The first game in the Premier League between them was thirty years ago at The Dell, the home side won two nil. Ian Dowie and Neil Maddison scored, the modern day Saints player comparisons would be Che Adam’s and Stuart Armstrong.
Player to Watch – Joe Aribo
The start to his Southampton career has produced some bright moments but they need to occur with a lot more regularity going forward. Defenders do not like strong, pacy, skilful forwards like the former Rangers man, it’s far to say the service has not been great, thanks to the teams struggles in possession but that’s when he needs to work on the training ground with teammates like Ward-Prowse, build trust and a rapport! If they can understand his movement possibly more penetrative passing may occur.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leicester City
- Moulineux will be a bag of nerves on Sunday, this is possibly the most monumental match of the weekend. Both sides futures could be determined off the back of this result. Wolves cannot hire a new coach and who would want to come when they look so woeful while Leicester may dispose of a Brendan Rodgers if his side cannot beat the struggling hosts.
- James Maddison has been grabbing all the headlines but Harvey Barnes is the player who is currently providing the attacking spark game in, game out. It’s too late for him to grab a World Cup slot but if he stays injury free then his time will come next year.
- The pain of defeat affects supporters till their clubs next match, but I think I would prefer Leicesters course than Wolves. Wanderers average 0.5 goals per game scored and 1.3 per game conceded while City are at 1.5 goals scored and 2.2 goals conceded. Basically they are both losing by one but at least Leicester give the fans something to cheer before the agony.
Player to Watch – Diego Costa
The volatile Spaniard is not the long term answer for Wolves but if he can continue being a nuisance, allowing space for his fitter more technical teammates then the Black Country club could win a game or two. Jury’s out though if those teammates can finish the chances created, they are sleep walking into relegation.
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United
- The array of talent on the pitch should equate to a great match between these two but how both managers set the teams out could mean this game is a chess match rather than a basketball match. It will show how mammoth this game is to the players when they celebrate a goal on Sunday.
- The Newcastle project has not spent big yet but when they do, Tottenham could be a hunting ground. If Eddie Howe goes on to manage England, Conte is the sort of name the owners would like to bring in. Kane, Son, Dier, Romero or Bentancur are the type of talents who would add value to the squad. January will be very important for Spurs, new signings have to come in and bolster the squad.
- Look out early in this game for the tackles dished out by Hojbjerg on Guimaraes, the Dane is a bully and will look to dominate with a few liveners before the ref clamps down on him.
Player to Watch – Harry Kane
With Conte continuing to persevere with boreball, the emphasis is on the England Captain to score with one of the few chances created. With the World Cup looming club and country need him to find his deadly, shooting boots. In every game Kane is Tottenhams player to watch, he is that important to them.
West Ham United v Bournemouth
- The teams last met in the Premier League two years ago and West Ham came away with a four nil win, surprisingly only one of the goal scorers is still a Hammer, Aaron Cresswell. The Englishman struggles defensively but his left foot still can cause havoc from dead balls or crosses and it would not be surprising if he makes a impact Monday in the attacking third.
- Gary O’Neils claims to be the permanent manager for Bournemouth are strong and if he doesn’t get the job surely someone will take a punt on him in the near future. His impact has been amazing and given the Cherries a fighting chance in staying up. It would be interesting to see what he could do by allowing a team he is in charge of be a slightly more expressive, a luxury he cannot do at Bournemouth.
- Both teams lost one nil in the week but those performances epitomise their approaches to games, they are street warriors and compete from the first to last whistle. West Ham host the greater array of game changing talent and will need to be patient trying to break down the away side. The Hammers hold experience in this scenario though from their recent European excursions and will be confident they can grab a victory.
Player to Watch – Philip Billing
With both sides playing three in midfield, space and timing will be minimal, the imposing Dane has all the traits to stand out literally. The duel between Rice and Billing promises to be a box office battle, whoever comes out on top could well lead their side to victory.
Going forward I will also be listing my Premier League Player Power Rankings, these are the best players so far this season. How will this weekend affect the standings for next week?
- Erling Harland
- Miguel Almiron
- Phil Foden
- Bukayo Saka
- Jesus
- James Maddison
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Reece James
- Leandro Trossard
- Mason Mount
It’s been a busy week of Premier League action, among a manic fixture log generally, tiredness will be creeping in so this weekends matches may follow the midweek cagey tendency or the goals could flow.
Enjoy the action!