According to Sky the Premier League took a break last weekend after a busy festive break, no it was FA Cup weekend which they do not have the rights for so to them it does not exist. To emphasise they have their football back the first action takes place on Friday night:
Aston Villa v Leeds United
Both sets of fans feel their club deserve to be higher in the league due to their history but football is decided on the pitch and ultimately their league positions are justified this term. Villa now have a manager stacked with top class experience and if the next few transfer windows go well they could match the expectations set by owners and supporters. The same cannot be said for Jesse Marsch, full of ra ra and not much substance his tenure could be ending imminently. Leeds have not progressed since he took over, relegation may well be avoided due to the fact three other teams are so much worse than they are (not something to brag about), similar to last season. Sunderland showed if that way of life continues for too long you will eventually falter.
PL Fixture Icons
Dwight Yorke – The Trinidadian legend scored two goals when Villa beat Leeds for the first time back in Feb 96 and grabbed two more in victories before he left for Manchester United.
Ian Harte – This wasn’t a Premier League fixture for sixteen years but one of the last Leeds victories was in 2003 and the Irish fullback grabbed the first when they won 3-1.
Game Narrative
Leeds will execute their usual high tempo game plan but should look to follow how Stevenage grabbed the victory last weekend in the FA Cup at Villa. The League Two side competed with gusto within the attacking third but never lost sight they needed to be compact and resolute. These are traits United have not shown under Jesse Marsch and Villa will capitalise on the gaps left by their tactless visitors.
The One to Watch – Douglas Luiz
The Brazilian plays better when under pressure in possession and the Leeds midfield will look to swamp him. If Luiz can keep the ball moving he will have a fruitful evening plus his in swinging corners should cause Meslier nightmares, the French keeper is erratic and prone to brain freezes.
Manchester United v Manchester City
The ten Hag era started very slowly but by the time these sides met in October the old Red Devil swagger began to emerge, unfortunately for United their neighbours were not in the mood to indulge them, the score line was embarrassing! The feeling within Old Trafford will be they can get one over their rivals who’ve stumbled result wise lately but Peps troops cannot be taken lightly. City are entering a tough run of matches but after the Southampton cup defeat they may favour playing fellow elite sides.
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Mark Hughes – He was a major factor during the initial matches in the PL, finding himself scoring, assisting or being booked. Grabbed the decisive second goal when United won the inaugural battle. Famously managed City too when the billions arrived.
Robbie Fowler – Will always be thought of as a Liverpool player but during his City career he found himself twice on the scoresheet in victories over their old rivals.
Game Narrative
Casemiro has to have a great game for the hosts, they will not see the ball for long periods, his break up ability and anchoring of the midfield will set the tone if on point. He will not be battling any one opponent as City can bypass players in a flash, his skill in not being booked for numerous fouls will be priceless as it will break up the match flow.
The One to Watch – Marcus Rashford
Maybe the most inform striker in the league will need to be patient but when he does receive the ball it has to count. Kyle Walker will look to perform like he did when facing off with Mbappe during the World Cup when battling his England teammate. Pace is a issue within the City defence, Rashford will look to expose that weakness.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool
Brighton should have won the reverse fixture in October but it’s fair to say their brand of football suits playing away and their last two home games have ended in defeat. Goals will be scored Saturday and the last shot of the game could end up being the match winner. Brighton have scored thirteen while conceding ten in the last five matches while Liverpool are eleven goals for and seven against!
PL Fixture Icons
Steven Alzate – Still a Brighton player but currently on loan at Standard Leige, he holds the distinction of scoring the goal when the Seagulls beat Liverpool for the first time in 2021.
Mo Salah – This is still a young fixture in the top flight but the Egyptian has seven goals already.
Game Narrative
The midfield battle will always be vital in winning football matches but the game has transpired over the last ten years towards the importance in fullbacks setting the territory tone. Both of these sides heavily rely on their wide defenders but Liverpool have two of the best in the league going forward and if they can dominate victory will be within touching distance.
The One to Watch – Robert Sanchez
When facing a forward line up including Salah, Nunez, Gakpo and Firminho your goalie has to at his best, David Raya showed that last time out against Liverpool but it’s the use of the ball from hand or foot which is priceless. Sanchez is one of the best distributing keepers in the league and if he can be quick and accurate Brighton will be able to launch overloading attacks.
Everton v Southampton
As we stand right now this really feels like a Championship fixture next season with neither manager being in charge of these clubs. I really felt like Lampard was building something at Everton earlier in the season, unfortunately the tactical ineptitude shown at Derby and Chelsea has reared its head again. Nathan Jones on the other hand just simply seems out of his depth in the Premier League, two wins in a week via cup competitions keeps the fans off his back for now but league victories need to start occurring.
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Gary Speed – The largest score line between these sides was 7-1 in Nov 1996 and Speed grabbed himself a hat trick from midfield, amazing feat by a legendary man.
Kevin Davies – Southamptons second goalscorer when they won for the first time at Goodison Park in Nov 1997, the other scorer being Mr Southampton Matt Le Tissier.
Game Narrative
Set pieces are both clubs best chances to score in this dogfight, neither have produced enough in open play and seeing as both sets of players will be fearful of the occasion the ball will be a hot potato. Southampton’s win over City on Wednesday was a free hit and playing like that with so much on the line at Goodison Park is not likely.
The One to Watch – Stuart Armstrong
The former Celtic man has a ability to be in the right place when bursting from midfield and can strike a ball as well as anyone in the league, he is defiantly a lower tier Frank Lampard.
Nottingham Forest v Leicester City
This fixture is hidden among the must win plethora of matches this weekend but the implications in defeat for either club are season defining. A win for Forest will see them halfway towards the magical 40 point target and be able to pull away from two of their rivals as four of them are playing each other, but defeat will see them firmly in the dogfight again. Leicester are on the same amount of points as Forest, so the above applies to them on one level but the bigger outcome in defeat will surely be Brendan Rodgers losing his job.
PL Fixture Icons
Stan Collymore – Scored the only goal when these clubs met for the first time at this level back in August 1994 and grabbed another in the return game later that season.
Matt Elliott – 23 years was the gap between meetings and Leicesters trouncing of their midland rivals was only second time they came out on top. Elliott was one of the goal scorers when they won in 1998, despite playing at centre back he was always among the goals during that golden period for the Foxes.
Game Narrative
This is classic competitiveness (Forest) versus technicality (Leicester) match up, the first twenty minutes will define who the winners are. The away side via Tielemens will look to control possession, frustrate Forest and quieten the home support. If this is not achieved the endeavour by Steve Coopers men will wear down Leicester.
The One to Watch – Brennan Johnson
Leicesters fullbacks are prone to be caught ball watching and the speedy Welshman’s direct style will be key for his side. As I’ve mentioned Forests possession will be low but they launch forward rapidly when playing at home, Johnson is the usual target for all the out balls.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United
The second bottom four clash this weekend feels more like a temporary situation, both sides can turn around their seasons and pull away from the precarious position they are in! Wolves had been woeful prior to the World Cup but Lopetegui seems to be getting through to his team, it’s just unearthing a goalscorer to finish the probing around the box which is needed. West Ham on the other hand are blessed with three or four men who are proven top class scorers, their issues have been blending a team performance to win games.
PL Fixture Icons
Matthew Jarvis – The injury plagued, speedy winger never fulfilled his potential but he scored two in two in 2010, earning his side four points.
Mark Noble – Scored the first goal in this fixtures Premier League history in 2009, you would think after his retirement last year he was the last man standing. In actual fact two Wolves players are still playing, Wayne Hennessy and Michael Mancienne.
Game Narrative
If Antonio starts for West Ham he will be able to occupy both Wolves centre backs therefore allowing Bowen and Benrahma to receive the ball inside the box more than they have done when Scamacca starts. Space will be at a premium due to the strict lines both sides operate.
The One to Watch – Lucas Paqueta
The Brazilian is slowly finding his feet within West Ham and the league in general, his direct match up with Neves is as classy a midfield battle you will find outside the top six clubs. The flicks and turns are pretty to look at but affecting games within the attacking third will make him a fan favourite.
Brentford v Bournemouth
The Cherries have not scored since beating Everton prior to the World Cup break and they go into this game knowing the hosts will score, it’s a massive uphill task considering when the fixtures were announced they would view this one as a good chance to gain at least a point. Brentford love the televised evening fixtures and will draw off the crowds support plus Ivan Toney is back in contention. Massive shout out to my friends son Aidan O’Leary who is mascot for the Bees, hope it’s a great birthday for him.
PL Fixture Icons
This is only the second time these teams have met in this league so it’s hard to pick a icon, therefore I’ve selected a couple of guys who shone when they met in the Play Off Semi Finals two years ago.
Marcus Forss – Now at Middlesbrough, the young Finn will long live in Brentford folklore for his decisive third goal in the second leg.
Arnaut Danjuma – Over the two legs the Dutchman was the class act and very unlucky to be on the losing team, it was no surprise he was going to step up in class with ease.
Game Narrative
Bournemouth will not be expansive at all, they would take a point now if offered. Attacks on the counter and set pieces are where they hope to score, the emphasis is on Brentford to break down the visitors. For the neutral watching on tv a early goal will be advantageous otherwise this will be like a training session, attack v defence.
The One to Watch – Kevin Schade
The new January signing will not start but if the match is all square as time hits sixty minutes his X factor will surely be called upon. Premier League scouts will not have picked up on his traits yet which could open up play either for him or his teammates. If victory is in the home sides hands then it could be a fun cameo to showcase observers.
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Despite Palaces patchy form and performances this season they enter this match with a great opportunity to beat Chelsea who are riddled with injuries and so low in confidence. Graham Potter is the right man for Chelsea, this whole experience right now will make him and the club stronger in the long run. Positives going forward is the emergence of players like Hall and Chukwuemeka who are showing up quite a few of the experienced heads within the squad. Patrick Viera seems to be coasting through the season without any question marks over his future, how the board views his leadership could be proven during this transfer window. They need reinforcements especially at striker, if the owners support him they will invest.
PL Fixture Icons
Gianluca Vialli – For young football fans in the nineties, the Italian was one of our Sunday afternoon superstars on channel four. When he joined Chelsea it felt like our league was becoming one of the best. He only played Palace once in the league but he grabbed two goals in a 6-2 win in 1998.
Bakery Sako – The Mali international scored the opener when Palace won for the first time at Stamford Bridge in August 2015, current player Joel Ward netted the winner.
Game Narrative
Zaha and Olise will be the targets for Palace whenever they gain control of the ball, Chelsea’s Spanish fullbacks are the weak links. Eze is the man to distribute the ball wide but Kovacic will be handed the duty to nullify him. The hosts on the other hand will follow the PotterBall template and hope for once they can finish the numerous chances created.
The One to Watch – Kai Havertz
Joao Felix looked really good before his sending off on Thursday night v Fulham and linked well with Havertz who is still the main man for Chelsea. He will thrive on the over physical defending by Guehi & Andersen. The German will be able to draw out his markers from their comfort zone with his movement but if he collects the ball with his back to goal around the 18 yard box he can roll them with ease. The end result being fouls won or shots on goal.
Newcastle United v Fulham
The Mitrovic St James Park homecoming game promises not to be all about him once the match starts. Takeaway the defeat in the FA Cup last weekend, this incarnation of Newcastle United are the real deal and the rest of league know it. Fulham have been very consistent and dogged this season, much like the hosts, but they lack squad depth which will be tested by playing three games in a week. It’s fair to say they are riding their luck at the moment, I have a feeling it may come crashing down on Sunday.
PL Fixture Icons
Craig Bellamy – One of the angriest Premier League footballers of all time was on the scoresheet when Newcastle beat for Fulham for the first time along with cult hero Nobby Salano.
Steed Malbranque – Fulham’s largest win at St James Park was in November 2004 when they won 4-1, the French wizard grabbed two of the goals.
Game Narrative
Eddie Howe and Marco Silva concentrate on defending first, once that stability during a game is set they look to punish the other side. This sets up for a cagey match with individual magic being the decisive factor, the home side have the advantage with players like Almiron, Saint Maximin, Joelinton and Wilson.
The One to Watch – Kieran Trippier
Crosses from the Fulham right with Mitrovic attacking the back post is one of the visitors favoured modes of attack, even without the Serb against Chelsea they used that move for the winner from Vinicius. This means Trippier has to make sure defending is his first priority Sunday. With his threat from set pieces always on the table it could be “All about Kieran” rather than Aleksandar.
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
All the griping by Antonio Conte will be forgotten by Spurs fans if he can deliver the win over their rivals who’ve always struggled at White Hart Lane. Mentally though this seasons Arsenal are a different beast and possibly could thrive in this pressure cooker. This is the perfect match to wrap up the weekends action as goals, cards and controversy should be delivered by the bucketful.
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Paul Allen – 61 times they’ve met in the Premier League and the opening bragging rights went to Spurs via Allen’s first half goal. His ability was not always appreciated when he played but would have been successful these days in a number eight role.
Robert Pires – The star man when these two met in 2004, sharing nine goals with the Frenchman grabbing a eightieth minute winner. The Arsenal side he played in was stacked with class but he was one of the leading stars.
Game Narrative
Last time out at the Emirates Tottenham could not play their way out of their half which caused constant pressure on their defence. Mikael Arteta will look to follow a similar script with the main focus being isolating and subsequently double teaming Hojberg which will cause one of the back three to break their shape when assisting the Dane. Spurs will as always look for Harry Kane to create or score from scraps.
The One to Watch – Harry Kane
As mentioned the England captain is the home sides game plan but that’s not the reason he is the one to watch, I’ve picked him as he could break Jimmy Greaves scoring record and not only is that a massive feat but achieving it against Arsenal would be ICONIC.
Midweek Round Up
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Both fixtures will be a lot of fun even without the fallout from the weekends matches. Selhurst Park will be electric while the Etihad hosts two teams trying to apply pressure onto the other clubs in the top five.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
It’s been too long since my last rankings and a lot has changed within the top ten as three rounds of matches have taken place, we have a new number one who is one of the five new entries:
- Marcus Rashford new entry
- Harry Kane new entry
- Erling Haaland up 3
- Luke Shaw new entry
- Miguel Almiron down 4
- Granit Xhaka down 1
- Kieran Trippier new entry
- Bruno Guimaraes down 4
- Casemiro new entry
- Kevin De Bruyne down 8
With the NFL Playoffs commencing this weekend six times will find their season end due to one result. Premier league sides will not face that jeopardy this weekend but our fixture list promises as much drama as stateside.
