No Saturday FPL lunchtime game means more time for you to pick your FPL team and even the chance to broaden your football viewing by taking in the FA Cup First Round game on BBC2 between South Shields and Forest Green. Once that’s done settle down with Jeff Stelling for updates on the 3pm kick offs:
Leeds United v Bournemouth
- This will be the first time these sides have met in the Premier League, last time they did play was in the Championship back in 2015 with Leeds coming out one nil victors. Luke Murphy now of Macclesfield Town was the goalscorer that day, two of his teammates from the win will be taking part in this fixture. Liam Cooper for Leeds and Lewis Cook for Bournemouth.
- The football styles differ greatly between these two outfits, Bournemouth are dogged and defensive while Leeds look to press all over the park. The Cherries approach has not worked since they beat Leicester, even last weekend at home to Spurs they could not defend a two goal lead. The saving grace for them will be Leeds do not possess talented players like Tottenham plus if they keep it tight they will not concede the two goals which beat Liverpool last Saturday.
- As mentioned before in this column Elland Road when buzzing can be worth another man to the home side but also when the chips are down hinders, even devastates player performance. The start from Leeds on Saturday has to be ultra quick, not just in the press but in possession, delivering dead balls and restarting play. Murderball needs to be reestablished, the support will react positively and stop the visitors doing what they want to do.
Player to Watch – Jack Harrison
One of the standout Leeds players last season has been disappointing this term when he is within the attacking third but he’s a non stop runner, always giving 100%. After the shock win last Saturday against Liverpool, the home fans will be seeking a second victory in a row and Harrison will be key especially if he can create or score a goal. His direct opponent this weekend, Adam Smith is very underrated but at the same time can become over engaged when duelling with left wingers, this is why the Leeds man could have a fruitful afternoon.
Manchester City v Fulham
- The first time these sides met at the Etihad was back in March 2004, with the game ending scoreless. If that result occurs on Saturday surely it will be the marquee result of Fulham’s season? When looking at the line ups from 2004 City had Robbie Fowler and Nicholas Anelka in attack, how did they not score, well both were subbed after 65mins for Paulo Wanchope and Jonathan Macken!
- Pep is infamous for his squad rotation, no shock with the depth of talent at his disposal but with the World Cup looming this will be his last opportunity to name a full strength line up. Respect needs to be shown for Fulham, they are vibrant right now. With the EFL Cup game v Chelsea during the week the youngsters will start and then Brentford in the league should see a blend of non tournament/youth players to see off the struggling West Londoners.
- Aleksandar Mitrovic needs to be very careful against City, all season he has been walking a disciplinary tightrope, countless times he could or should have been shown a red card for needless challenges or disputes with the other team. The home sides defenders are very cute and will be looking to get the Serbian in trouble with the referee.
Player to Watch – Jack Grealish
Fulham’s game script begins with multiple players behind the ball, this will not alter playing away at the Etihad, it’s later in the match when they open up. Matches like this are ideal for the former Villa captain, Grealish thrives on picking up the ball in congested zones tempting the other team into challenges thus winning fouls or breaking the lines, he’s shown this numerous times already this season. His form in European competitions is still questionable but domestically cannot be faulted.
Nottingham Forest v Brentford
- Another debut Premier League meeting this weekend brings with it a great deal of recent history baggage. The relationship between Steve Cooper and Brentford has been heated, the matches when he was in charge at Swansea were always tight, his final game in charge of the Welsh outfit was when they lost to the Bees in the Playoff final. The last City ground match ended up 3-1 to the visitors, Thomas Frank would snap your hand off if his side could score multiple goals and win this weekend.
- Brentford are missing multiple first teamers due to injury or suspension this weekend, most notably top scorer Ivan Toney. Who is selected in his place will decide the tempo of the team. If Mbuemo plays down the middle they will look to stretch the pitch as he likes to play on the last man’s shoulder. While if Wissa is used centrally he will need to concentrate a lot more then when he previously started in that role. Neither candidate is renowned for hold up play like Toney so the ball usage in general has to be at a level they’ve not shown all season.
- Forest would have been eyeing up this fixture for a while, considering it as a great chance to gain three points. To gain the win they need to continue where they left off two weeks ago when they beat Liverpool. That day they worked hard, contested every tackle like their life depended on it and never lost focus tactically. If they can keep the score nil nil as long as possible it will be the visitors who will throw the kitchen sink at them, Thomas Frank is infamous for chasing the win with risky substitutions, at that point Forest can counter with conviction.
Player to Watch – Christian Norgaard
The Danish international has been missing for a couple of months now but is back in training and surely needs some sort of game time prior to the World Cup. His side need him back as current team form has been concerning plus with Toney and Jansson not available Saturday his influence/leadership will be required for this must win, difficult away game. Norgaard is the glue for Brentford, without him it’s easy to play around their midfield and is why so often in his absence they revert to a five man defence.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brighton & Hove Albion
- Six months ago Brighton won this fixture 3-0 and their chances to equal or better that result seem very high especially after they destroyed Chelsea last weekend. Two of the goal scorers that day Trossard & Mac Allister have been impressive this season and will feel they can enjoy the freedom of Moulineux once more.
- Wolves stole a point last weekend against Brentford, they cheated their way through the entire match and if potential manager Lopetegui was watching he could well be put off taking over. With Diego Costa banned it’s very likely they may go with a false nine but another intriguing option would be playing Adama Troare down the middle. His pace and strength would cause the Brighton backline a headache all game.
- Playing the role of heavy favourites has not always sat well with Brighton this term, being the underdogs has brought them better results just ask Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea. They need to find a way to turn possession into goals.
Player to Watch – Danny Welbeck
Impressive all season playing the lone striker role, this is no surprise though as all his skill sets suit that position, he was used at Man Utd, Arsenal and England as a wide forward because he worked hard. Wellbecks Achilles heel all his career has been injuries, that lack of consistent playing time subsequently affects his scoring touch. It’s about time he was rewarded with a goal this term and the Wolves backline are as poor as they come in the Premier League.
Everton v Leicester City
- 28 years ago was when these sides first battled in the Premier League at Goodison Park, one all was the final score. The late Gary Ablett scored for Everton, he was such a underrated player and his playing style would have been more suited to modern day football. On the other hand Leicesters scorer that day Mark Draper was firmly a player of his time, he would have struggled as a eight these days and maybe lacked the reading of the game to be a six.
- Bouyed by a tight loss to champions Man City, Leicester will waltz into Everton expecting to grab all three points. The home side though have dusted themselves off after a tough fixture run and turned the last two matches into four points. If the visitors are to win it will stem from them successfully attacking down the flanks as centrally The Toffees flood the space.
- Frank Lampard has always been criticised by the masses whether it be as a player or manager, doubts were always thrown at him regarding his playing ability, every game was a prove them wrong occasion. This has followed him in management with his tactical know questioned but as he approaches a year in charge of Everton you can see signs he is proving critics wrong. The recruitment has been a mess for years at Goodison Park but the team has been built by Lampard, empowering individuals and repositioning certain players with success, most notably Alex Iwobi.
Player to Watch – Jordan Pickford
Leicester have found their shooting boots over the last month, Pickford when fit this season has been as good as he’s ever been, this bodes well for England going into the World Cup but in the short term vital if Everton can pick any positive outcome from Saturdays game.
Chelsea v Arsenal
- Sixty times these sides have met in the Premier League plus countless Cup matches, this fixture sometimes goes under the radar compared to other matches between the big six. Arsenal currently edge the head to head 23-20 and enter Stamford Bridge as confident as they did back in 2004 during the invincible campaign. Edu and Patrick Viera scored that day, could current midfield linchpins Partey and Xhaka be the scorers on Sunday?
- Both sides enter this match fatigued, the first half of the season has been like the WWEs Royal Rumble, constant new battles every few days, but their is no prize prior to the World Cup for Arsenals excellent form. To set them up confidently for the New Year and the trophy drive they need two more victories. Chelsea will be tough but they are incurring serious injuries every match, Arteta will make sure his side take advantage of their key men being missing by reiterating the need to be intense in attack.
- This is the Aubameyang Grudge Game, all the right things are being said in the press regarding no hard feelings but how it went down last year surely means feelings are raw. The former captain will hold a vendetta like Ashley Cole did when he left Arsenal for Chelsea, maybe even stronger as he was laid bare within the media for weeks till he joined Barcelona. Enjoy your lunch time pint Sunday, settle down it could be quite saucy if Auba scores.
Player to Watch – Gabriel Martinelli
With Saka potentially missing this London derby the attacking intent will firmly fall on the Arsenal left hand side. The workload is not a problem for the Brazilian, in actual fact being constantly fed the ball suits him as he thrives on being a pest. Chelsea are massively weakened due to Reece James injury, no other right back at the club comes close to the England international who would have offered Martinelli a decent battle.
Aston Villa v Manchester United
- Once upon a time this fixture was the big draw in the Premier League as these teams slugged it out for the inaugural title. That season Villa came second but could boast taking four points off the champions. The first meeting was at Villa Park and Dalian Atkinson who was unplayable at times in his career scored the only goal. In hindsight how he never played for England is a mystery, one time he was capped at B level in 1990 and he scored. Cruelly killed six years ago by a police officer hopefully the Holte End remember him on Sunday.
- Unai Emery has not had enough time to set in his way of playing and faces as tough a game run as you can get against United & Brighton till he can bed in his tactics. His team selection Sunday will show what his early thoughts are on certain players, those left out could be former Villa players by January. It would be wise to utilise the youth talent at his disposal, they can be influenced easier compared to the senior players who have led the club into this position. Jacob Ramsey should be pushing for a England squad spot but he has been way off this term, he could do for Emery what Mount did for Tuchel when he took charge of Chelsea if trusted with the keys to drive the midfield.
Player to Watch – Christian Eriksen
After another disappointing result last weekend, Villa will be looking to perform at the high octane levels they showed at home to Brentford two weeks ago. This is where the ball retention and creativity Christian Eriksen offers will be valued by United during this game. He and Casimero are the calm heads, dependable pivots among a team of direct running forward thinking players.
Southampton v Newcastle United
- If you was born prior to the nineties you will remember Southamptons old stadium The Dell, it was a eyesore with its slanting stand but that added to the magic and atmosphere, away teams knew they was in for battle. It also bore witness to the two most outrageous goals scored in this fixture by the greatest Saint of them all, Matt Le Tissier. The home side had no right to win but Tiss took the game by the scruff of the neck producing brilliance only he was capable of.
- Newcastle will not want the games to stop, they are imperious currently and all signs lead to a long afternoon for Southampton. The most impressive element of Eddie Howes side is they are a collective and not one individual within the unit is irreplaceable.
- In a boxing match it only takes one punch to win, Southampton will be looking to ride their luck and strike a knockout blow on the break or via a set piece. Their trump card is James Ward Prowse who will feel he can give Nick Pope a difficult day, the England keeper is very flat footed when trying to move swiftly. The Saints can also build off the memory that their last home game was a draw with Arsenal.
Player to Watch – Miguel Almiron
The Power Rankings top player will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing this inexperienced Saints defence, many FPL players will be captaining Almiron. The Paraguayan will enjoy taking on Perraud who is better going forward than defending.
West Ham United v Crystal Palace
- Before the UK could even imagine hosting a Olympics let alone allow the centrepiece to be offered out as a football stadium after the event, Upton Park hosted the first Premier League meeting of these teams. Don Hutchinson scored the only goal for the Hammers but the current England manager Gareth Southgate was also playing and was booked in the last minute, fingers crossed his squad in Qatar are not as indisciplined.
- As usual Palaces wide forwards hold the key to them winning but they face off against two of the top flights most experienced full backs in Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal. If Zaha and co can take control they will dominate the territory, this gives them a chance of winning, the only issue is the Eagles strikers are so goal shy they are not clinical enough.
- West Ham are a bunch of warriors, they go into every game physically deficient compared to the other side but always stick around to the end, when they win it’s due to them smothering the match. That mindset makes them favourites against Palace who do not show any mental resilience which is surprising considering they are managed by Patrick Vieira.
Player to Watch – Flynn Downes
The summer recruit from Swansea took his time to force his way into the starting eleven but his introduction has seen improved performances and results for West Ham. A magnificent all round game compliments his midfield partners Rice and Soucek, they are as tough a engine room as any in the league currently, it promises to be a tough afternoon for Crystal Palace.
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
- Twice White Hart Lane/Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has witnessed three all draws, once in 1993 and the other time in 1998. Some of the goal scorers over the two matches are Premier League Hall of Famers like Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Paul Ince, David Ginola, Jurgen Klimsman and Jamie Redknapp. On the scoreboard in the 93 match for Spurs was Mickey Hazard, Vinny Samways and Darren Caskey this shows the disarray they was in at the time financially post Paul Gascogne, plugging the midfield with a veteran and two youth products.
- This promises to be attack (Liverpool) versus defence (Spurs) but the Reds have shown in their last two matches in the league they can struggle to break down organised defensive lines. The burden as usual will fall on Mo Salah to score the decisive goals but he will need Nunez to occupy Lenglet and Dier so he can be left one on one with Davies which is contest he will win nine times out of ten.
- Ivan Perisic has not yet performed to his high standards in a Spurs shirt but has shown all through his career he can be relied on to score in a big game, this is the time for him to enamour himself to the home support. A clean striker of the ball with either foot he will cause Alexander Arnold issues as he can dribble inside or out with ease.
Player to Watch – Virgil Van Dijk
Spurs have not attacked like they can this season but Harry Kane always is a threat in or around the penalty area, any lapse in concentration will be capitalised on by the England captain. Van Dijk needs to rediscover his imperious form, not just this Sunday but for the rest of the campaign. Currently whoever faces Liverpool feels they can get at the defence, this all emanates from the Dutchman looking a shadow of himself. When he oozes confidence that empowers everyone in a red shirt.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
With the World Cup looming the top ten has lost three key England men in Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden but the man at the top has not changed, can he produce another sparkling performance this weekend to maintain his position for the last rankings next week?
- Miguel Almiron non mover
- Kevin De Bruyne up 1
- Bruno Guimaraes up 2
- Erling Haaland down 2
- Granit Xhaka up 2
- Jesus down 2
- Joao Cancelo new entry
- Callum Wilson new entry
- Harvey Barnes non mover
- Alisson new entry
The games are equally spread over two days with Sunday probably being the best set of fixtures but with struggling sides dominating the 3pm Saturday kick offs can they steal the spotlight? Enjoy your football wherever you are.