The Friday night games are a lot of fun and the West London derby kicks off this round of fixtures live on Sky Sports:

Chelsea v Fulham

It’s only a few weeks since these sides met at Craven Cottage, for long spells it felt like Chelsea would win but ultimately when the best player on the pitch, Joao Felix was sent off, the numbers game meant Fulham gained the win. When the team sheets are handed in Friday night it will be interesting how many new Chelsea signings take to the field, we all hope the British Transfer Record holder Fernandez makes a appearance. Fulham brought in three low key signings to bolster the squad numbers, seemingly they feel content what they have will be enough to stay up.

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Mikael Forrsell – The noughties Finnish starlet grabbed the winner during the inaugural Stamford Bridge meeting back in March 2002, cracking game finishing 3-2. Never given a chance at Chelsea, once he moved on injuries stunted his career.

Barry Hayles – The first man to score for Fulham against Chelsea in the Premier League when they drew one all at Craven Cottage, September 2001. Now 50 years old the former Jamaican international is coaching and still playing for Windsor in the Combined Counties Premier Division North.

Game Narrative

With so many incomings at Chelsea during the January Transfer Window it’s hard to predict their line up but the most significant man on the field for them could be the returning Reece James, arguably the best right wing back in Europe! Ben Chillwell is due to return too, their presence will pin back the Fulham wide players and one way traffic could be the order of the day. Marco Silva will hope the still freshly installed PotterBall tactics and abundance of new faces will cause breakdown in the home sides play to capitalise on.

The One to Watch – Mykhalio Mudryk

Impressive off the bench at Liverpool, surely he will start on his home debut. Like Martinelli at Arsenal the Ukrainians pace, technique and work rate will keep Premier League right backs honest every match, you cannot leave his wing open for him to run into especially this Friday. Fulham’s centre backs are not the fastest and if left exposed it could be a eventful evening.

Everton v Arsenal

Sean Dyche has no time to slowly bed himself into the Everton job, results are needed immediately as they sit second bottom on 15 points. To realistically stay up they need another 20 points minimum which is five or six wins plus a handful of draws. During the first twenty games Everton only achieved three wins and six draws, they have less time to double the total. It’s unlikely any positive results will occur over the next two game weeks, after facing the leaders it’s off to Anfield. Mikael Arteta will be happy with his Deadline Day signing Jorginho, the Italian is proven in the Premier League and possess trophy winning experience.

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Danny Cadamateri – This has been a Premier League fixture for over thirty years but Everton have only won a sixth of the matchups! The first Everton home victory did not occur till November 2000 with youth product Cadamateri scoring the first goal before former Arsenal player Kevin Campbell sealed the win with a comfort second.

Ian Wright – Not many teams in the nineties were able to stop Wright scoring against them, Everton in particular found it very hard, he scored eight times in eleven PL games. It was a shame Wrighty was nearing the end of his Highbury career when they began winning titles, for five years he kept them relevant.

Game Narrative

The home side know they cannot compete with their visitors on multiple levels so they need to play direct to Calvert Lewin when attacking. Iwobi and Onana cover large distances every match but they have to be selective when supporting the forwards this Saturday, Arsenals front four can explode through the thirds in a instant.

The One to Watch – Eddie Nketiah

His form since coming in for the injured Jesus has been sensational, for his whole career to date he has looked a Premier League squad player maybe a starter for bottom half club. Right now he is playing as well as any striker in the top flight, surely he will breach the Power Ranking Top Ten soon? When the next England squad is announced he should receive a call up and this Saturday could see him grab his first hat trick in the best league in the world.

Aston Villa v Leicester City

Considering this was Emery’s first transfer window Aston Villa were relatively quiet regarding incomings and he has shown faith to the players he has, I expect them to go big though in the Summer. Brendan Rodgers on the other hand has been given multiple new toys, which the tired bare in numbers squad needed. Leicester are still winless in five games so the heat is still on the manager for the foreseeable future.

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Dion Dublin – It took till 2001 for Villa to finally win at home in these meetings and the striker/defender/Homes under the Hammer host scored one of the goals that day.

David Lowe – It’s not often games finish four all but the first meeting between these sides at Villa Park in Feb 1995 produced that result. Lowe only played one season in the Premier League but gainfully scored eight goals in twenty nine appearances from the right side of midfield with two of that tally coming in the high scoring draw, the brace achieved in the final ten minutes.

Game Narrative

Both sides contain players who can change matches in a instant and the team who can deliver enough of the ball to them where it counts will win this encounter. Defensively both sides will be swamping the middle of the park to kill off space for the opposition danger man so how the width is used will determine how space can be gained. Leicesters trump card is Harvey Barnes, he is the class wide player in this game.

The One to Watch – James Maddison

Prior to the World Cup Maddison was performing at such a high level but the injury prior to the tournament curtailed any involvement for England in Qatar and for his club since. As mentioned in the game narrative space will be hard to find Saturday but I feel set pieces is where the Leicester man could be rewarded.

Brentford v Southampton

Nathan Jones still has one cup competition to have fun in but the titanic battle to maintain The Saints place in the top flight begins this weekend. Numerous new players have arrived and they need to hit the ground running as this match and the following one at home to Wolves will be viewed by the board as winnable. No one visits the GTech and gets a gimme though and while Southampton have played twice in a week, Brentford are well rested due to being knocked out of both cup competitions early.

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Before these sides met last season their previous league battle was in April 2011 in League One, the Saints coming out winners three nil with Adam Lallana scoring one of them.

Game Narrative

The usual Brentford game script will be followed, plenty of work rate, getting the ball forward swiftly and utilising set plays to the maximum. The visitors will look to hang in there as long as possible and use their set piece ace James Ward Prowse to their advantage. Thomas Franks side will not want to give away cheap fouls near the goal and keep corners conceded to a minimum. That thought process could offer Southampton players more of the ball than normal when they do get a chance to attack.

The One to Watch – Kamaldeen Sulemana

The young Ghanaian comes to England very highly rated, he may not start Saturday but his pace and skill off the bench could see him offer the X Factor needed for a away win.

Brighton & Hove Albion v Bournemouth

Six new players arrived in January at Bournemouth and the majority of them will be involved at the Amex. Gary O’Neil has been supported by the owners and given the best platform to keep them up. Brighton are the form side in England right now so it could be a baptism of fire for the new Cherries.

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Aaron Mooy – Over the years Bournemouth have dominated the win column when these clubs meet, the only victory for Brighton was in Dec 2019. The Australian playmaker nabbed one of the goals that day, it turned out to be his last for the club before he left the following summer for China.

Callum Wilson – During Bournemouth’s initial run in the top flight, Wilson was their goal threat, they struggled when he didn’t play which turned out to be a lot as he has always been hampered by injury. In April 2019 Bournemouth thrashed their hosts five nil with Wilson scoring one and assisting two.

Game Narrative

What’s different about De Zerbis Brighton is they are producing in the games they are expected to win along with the big game scalps. All games start with intensity and this trait will be needed to unsettle this new look Bournemouth. The visitors will surely look to counter attack with purpose when the hosts full backs are out of position especially down their right as Brightons left back Estupinan finds himself far forward constantly. Look out for Neto quick releasing the ball when he gathers in crosses or loose balls.

The One to Watch – Dango Ouattara

This guy is rapid, on his debut he set up a goal using his pace and will be looked at by his team on Saturday to start the majority of attacks, feeding off knockdowns from Kieffer Moore.

Manchester United v Crystal Palace

It’s not often the Red Devils are playing at 3pm on a Saturday, but when they do it always feels like the away side has a prosperous day. Only a few weeks ago Palace stopped the United winning run with a late equaliser so they’ve shown they can cause Ten Hags side problems.

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Denis Irwin – Probably the best right footed left back to perform in the Premier League and it all come about due to injuries in that position so swapped sides as cover and never went back. The Irishman was under lapping long before it became vogue and scored one for the goals in November 1994 when the home side won three nil.

Patrick Van Arnholt – Palaces first Old Trafford victory occurred in August 2019 and the Dutchman scored a injury time winner. Van Arnholt always struggled defending, prone to clumsy challenges when out of position but his quality on the ball was never in doubt.

Game Narrative

With pace centrally a major concern for Palace, the low block will be in full effect as they will not want to allow Rashford, Antony or Martial space behind them. Vierras side will pass up possession for long periods daring United to find the key to unlock them. When you have Zaha and Olise playing for you, confidence will come knowing they can take advantage of counter attacks.

The One to Watch – Bruno Fernandes

Now Christian Eriksen is going to be missing for a few months even more of the technical midfield possession will land on the Portuguese internationals lap. In fairness he thrives on being involved in everything and summed up why he struggled when Ronaldo came back to the club, it can’t be a coincidence how well he’s played since his countryman left.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool

These two sides met twice in January due to their FA Cup 3rd round match going to a replay, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his side comes out on top again as their league season has been a nightmare. So many players are lacking in confidence which is affecting form but it also seems apparent that some who were key are now ending their Liverpool life cycle. Lopetegui is still finding his way but has won two of his five games and if that form continues till the end of the season it may be enough to stay up.

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Kenny Miller – The Scottish marksman was the hero when they first met at Moulineux nearly twenty years ago, notching a last minute equaliser. He was a man always in demand during his career playing for loads of teams in England, Scotland and abroad. What he lacked in build up play was surpassed when he was in front of goal, averaging a goal every three games over the course of his career.

Fernando Torres – Twice Liverpool have won three nil at Moulineux, the first time it happened Torres scored two goals. In his prime their was no doubt he was one of the best strikers in the world, a lot like Michael Owen when the injuries mounted their short yard speed vanished and subsequently the goals. Watching the tail end of his career was painful but defenders always had to respect him, you let your guard down and he may punish you.

Game Narrative

Both midfields are riddled with elegant players, this is not where the game will be won but those lucky to watch live in the stadium will see some awesome phonebox skills. The quality in attack for Liverpool should see them grab the points, at the moment goals are not flowing but they have options and someone should find the net. Same cannot be said for Wolves who do not have many options and for a few years now struggled to find the net, the midfield bears the weight normally.

The One to Watch – Adama Troare

The Spanish speedster is like marmite but you cannot doubt on his day no defender in the world can stop him, those days are very rare! By being on the pitch though he will alter Andrew Robertsons way of playing, Liverpools defence are as nervy as any in the league and the Scotsman will not want to leave his pals undermanned.

Newcastle United v West Ham United

It’s mad to think just over a year ago Newcastle were trying to preserve their top flight future, now they flying high and in a cup final. The Saudi cash of course helps but the way they are being built in a methodical manner makes many fans around the country jealous, they have a plan. The same cannot be said for West Ham who recently lost two of their young talents leave for the toon. We barely see academy players make the first team and the approach has a day by day feel.

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Andrew Cole – Newcastle won the first four meetings back in the mid nineties, Cole was the difference maker, he scored three goals and assisted five. During his career the medals were gained at Old Trafford but at St James Park was where as a individual he flourished.

Keith Rowland – The Northern Irish left back only scored one goal for West Ham and it helped the Hammers earn a draw at St James Park in November 1996, the first point gained in this fixture.

Game Narrative

Lapses in concentration defensively has blighted West Ham for nearly a year now and taking on the methodical Newcastle at home is match up hell. Declan Rice as always holds the Hammers midfield together but he needs his partners whether it be Soucek, Paqueta or Downes to step up as the hosts blend workers like Longstaff with the guile of Guimaraes, over the course of a game they wear you down.

The One to Watch – Jarrod Bowen

The goals are starting to flow once again but it’s the head to head with Dan Burn which could be fruitful for Bowen and his team in general. Newcastles left back relies on his wide midfielder to double up on his direct opponent, this will give Coufal a chance to cross the ball from deep, his favoured move.

Nottingham Forest v Leeds United

This has all the makings of being the game of the weekend, two frenetic teams led by men who could well come to blows on the sidelines, they just can’t keep their mouths shut. Forest continued to spend in January but the players joining in this window will compliment the squad a lot more than the summer buys, experienced professionals have arrived like Navas, Wood and Shelvey. All of Leeds recruits blend into their setup but my doubt is do they offer any more than the men already there? Georgino Ritter broke the Elland Road transfer record but his previous goal record does not support the fee.

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Bryan Roy – It was a major shock when the Dutchman joined Forest in 1994 but arguably he played his best football ever there, his partnership with Stan Collymore usually being the difference. March 1995 saw the largest City Ground score line between these clubs and Roy scored two that day, a year later he scored the winner, without a doubt he was a thorn in Leeds side.

Rod Wallace – The City ground is not a happy place for Leeds United and only four players have scored there with Danny’s little brother being one of them along with Carlton Palmer, Brian Deane and Gunnar Halle.

Game Narrative

Tactics will be forgotten when both sets of players enter the field Sunday, Leeds play like headless chickens every week while Forest at home draw from the crowd and inevitably perform from the heart rather than their head. It feels certain we will see a red card and the team who can keep the most players on the pitch will be the victor.

The One to Watch – Morgan Gibbs White

Among all the crash, bang wallop during Forest home games this season the former England youth World Cup winner has shown he can create time on the ball, that skill is vital when facing the hardest pressing team in the league.

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

With Arsenal playing first this weekend, City could well be eight points behind Spurs biggest rivals. The home fans will not want to do any favours for their North London rivals but beating the defending champions will ensure they stay in the top four hunt. Harry Kane still needs a goal to better Jimmy Greaves Tottenham record and the setting is perfect for it to occur on Sunday, live on tv, at White Hart Lane and playing one of the Worlds best teams.

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Steve Sedgley – Reliable and versatile professional, the sort of guy who always scored seven out of ten performance ratings whether he played in defence or midfield. He scored a rare goal in August 1993 when Tottenham won one nil. The North London lad now runs a construction firm called COYS Construction.

Joey Barton – Before the billionaire owners arrived at Manchester City they never enjoyed their day out at White Hart Lane but one of the good ones was in April 2003 when the scouse bad boy and David Sommeill grabbed the goals in a two nil win.

Game Narrative

Spurs will be looking to replicate the performance at the Etihad last month but hope as they are playing at home this time their crowd can drag them to victory rather than lose a lead. With Joao Cancelo gone, Rico Lewis’s run in the side will surely continue but when out of possession he is clearly the weak link. Tottenham will hope he starts Sunday rather than Kyle Walker as Sons speed and strength is easily nullified by the England man while the local lad can be bullied leading to numerous rash challenges, along with Rodri he commits the most fouls for the Champs.

The One to Watch – Kevin De Bruyne

It’s about time the pound for pound best player in the Premier League starts rediscovering his form, the defeats this season for City have coincided with his poor performances. Hugo Lloris is not good enough these days and KDB will defiantly look to test the Frenchman from all sorts of angles near the box.

We have a midweek match which is not on TV, the highlights will surely be must see.

Manchester United v Leeds United

The players may not understand the importance of this fixture but the supporters will show them within seconds when arriving at the ground, this is the War of the Roses, Lancashire v Yorkshire!

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Steve Bruce – Before Bruce was a much travelled manager he was the heartbeat of the Manchester United defence who always was a threat from set pieces. During the first Premier League encounter at Old Trafford 31 years ago he helped himself to a goal, with The Red Devils winning two nil.

Mark Viduka – Leeds do not win at Old Trafford and barely even score, only eight times they have hit the net, the Australian has netted two of them.

Game Narrative

This could end up being like a basketball match, which falls into Uniteds hands as their superpower is in attack.

The One to Watch – Wout Weghorst

With all the disruption being caused by his teammates, the giant Dutchman could end up feasting on the second balls inside the penalty area.

Premier League Player Power Rankings

Three of the top five have not moved and that includes the number one Player Marcus Rashford, all three new entries are at the bottom end of the top ten. The sample size is great now and these men will take some budging going forward: