We have new leaders in the Premier League due to goal difference, if Arsenal want to persist with their challenge recent fortunes need to be reversed and they kick off the weekend:
Aston Villa v Arsenal
After losing on Wednesday night and only picking up one point from a possible nine, this is Arsenals biggest game of the season. No opponent is easy in the Premier League, Aston Villa led by former Gunner boss Unai Emery will be driven by the Spaniard to extract revenge. It’s fair to say both teams are short of form and confidence so as a spectacle the game could be cagey and tight.
PL Fixture Icons
Dean Saunders – The Welshman scored the only goal during the debut Premier League meeting back in December 1992, since that time Villa have only recorded four other wins at home.
John Hartson – The biggest winning margin for Arsenal at Villa Park was in April 1995 when they won four nil, Ian Wright and John Hartson both scoring braces. Hartson had only joined the club in January that year and would never fully fit in, grabbing a paltry 14 goals in 53 matches.
Game Narrative
Tactically and formation wise Arsenal will not deviate from their usual plan but changes to the line up must occur. Xhaka, Martinelli, Zinchenko and Gabriel are prime candidates to be dropped they are either lacking form or recent performances show signs of tiredness. Injection of new faces will help disrupt Villas game plan and give the away side a element of surprise.
The One to Watch – Jacob Ramsey
We have not seen the best of Ramsey this season compared to the form he showed when first entered the first team picture. The talent of course is there and primed to re-emerge especially within this game as his pace will be matchup hell for the Arsenal midfield.
Brentford v Crystal Palace
Patrick Vierra is currently dealing with his most difficult spell in charge of Crystal Palace, they are not getting blown away in defeat but are trending in the wrong direction. Scoring goals as I’ve wrote about before are proving hard to come by, looking over the squad this will not be rectified anytime soon. With Zaha missing more emphasis lands on Olises shoulders, someone like Ayew or Edouard needs to step up. Brentford on the flip side possess one of the leagues top strikers in Ivan Toney plus in Mbuemo and Wissa able support acts.
Game Narrative
Previous meetings have all finished in draws as both sides are evenly matched across all position groups, the belief though Brentford are showing on the pitch since they beat City in November gives them the advantage this weekend. Nathaniel Clynne is extremely poor at aerial duels (only winning 37.5% this season) so David Rayas kicking will be towards that zone of the field with Ivan Toney lurking nearby, it’s highly likely right wing crosses by the hosts will be over hit to test the former England player.
The One to Watch – Rico Henry
The best left back in the league still is not being shown any respect by the England management, goals and assists leading up to the next squad announcement may be how he can nudge his way in. Last weekend versus Arsenal he missed a guilt edged chance, you can bet if he gets that type of chance this week he will finish it off. His direct matchup with Michael Olise will also be one of the highlights of the afternoon.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham
Fulham’s win last weekend over Forest halted a three game winless streak and pretty much ensured they will be playing in the Premier League next season. It’s a great achievement for the club considering it’s still February. My statement may seem pessimistic due to the fact even prior to last weekend they would have needed to lose every game to be in trouble but you never know in this league. Marco Silva has kept faith with the majority of last champions and the players have trusted the process. Next step for the West London side is to be become like this weekends hosts Brighton. Every season the Seagulls have evolved and now you can envision them challenging for European qualification for years to come.
PL Fixture Icons
Solly March – Currently he is enjoying the best form of his career and is only one of three survivors from the Brighton side who played in the original PL match back in September 2018, the others being Dunk & Gross. The game ended two all with perineal early Premier League hero Glen Murray helping himself to a brace.
Andre Schurrle – Most famously known in England for his spell at Chelsea, he was brought to Craven Cottage on loan but could not help them beat the drop. One of his six goals that season was scored during the first ever meeting between these sides in the top flight. The German retired in 2020, still only 29 citing his love of the game has gone.
Game Narrative
Fulham’s season long narrative has been to maintain water tight in every third of the pitch before striking on the break or via a set piece. Brighton will test those tactics to the maximum with their fluid passing and pace down the flanks. The challenge will be bypassing Joao Palhinha, who’s made the most tackle attempts in the Premier League (98) but also won more than anyone (56).
The One to Watch – Evan Ferguson
The Irishman’s impact has been tremendous since he made his debut, the finishes in front of goal belay his age or experience. It’s amazing he can even play this weekend after the horror challenge by Fabinho on him during the FA Cup meeting. Strong and busy around the penalty area he will fancy his chances shooting at Bernd Leno who’s positioning is always suspect.
Chelsea v Southampton
Surely this is the week when Graham Potters team earn themselves a much needed victory, of course they are struggling to score but the quality of chance against relegation bound Southampton will be greater than any other match since the former Brighton boss took over. The Saints quest for a new manager continues after Jesse Marsch failed to agree a contract, I’m leaning towards them dodging a bullet of similar magnitude to when they appointed Nathan Jones. That mistake has cost them their top flight status and now rather than a short term appointment they need to find the man who will lead them in the Championship.
PL Fixture Icons
Eddie Newton – Over thirty years ago Chelsea snatched a point in the last minute when defensive midfielder Newton scored to cancel out Ian Dowies second minute goal. His playing career fizzled out swiftly once he left his boyhood club but rejoined in 2012 performing numerous back room roles before leaving to take charge of Tranbzonspur.
Chris Marsden – The most emphatic Southampton victory at Stamford Bridge took place on New Years Day 2002. James Beattie scored two, Marian Pahars and Marsden enabling the south coast to win 4-2. It was a career renaissance for Marsden when he joined Southampton in 1999 at thirty years old, long known as a dependable midfielder within the Football League he grabbed his chance at St Mary’s even becoming captain and leading them to the FA Cup final in 2003.
Game Narrative
For those watching on Saturday this will have the feel of a defence v attack training session. I do not envy the travelling fans, their loyalty currently is being tested to the extreme. The gains for this young Southampton team will be experience and if interim boss Ruben Selles does take charge till the end of the season he can implement some key tactical changes to be utilised for the run in.
The One to Watch – Joao Felix
When on the field for Chelsea anything positive attacking wise has flowed through him, this seems like the game when he breaks his goal scoring duck.
Everton v Leeds United
Sean Dyche finally faces a team whom he will expect to beat after facing Arsenal and Liverpool. Admirably he can boast a victory over Arsenal after his first game and be pleased that performances show signs that they can battle to stay up. Under Lampard it was starting to look very grim. Leeds have looked more organised since Marsch left which is not a surprise, their first win post the American is vital to halt this horrific run.
PL Fixture Icons
Michael Bridges – Four all was the score line when these sides met in October 1999, the former Sunderland youth product scored twice, his seasons tally was nineteen. Unfortunately he never scored again for Leeds after his first season, serious injuries held him to ten more games over four years. When thinking of Bridges it’s definitely a what could of been career.
Steve Watson – The utility player had one of his best games ever in Sept 2003 when Everton won four nil and he helped himself to his only professional career hat trick. If he was slightly more mobile he could have played for England as he showed technically he was at home in the top league for over ten years.
Game Narrative
The wide players for each team hold the key in this game, if Sean Dyche is brave and selects Demari Gray he will have a better chance of creating chances, possibly winning the game but keeping faith with Alex Iwobi will stready the ship, make them hard to beat plus help Seamus Coleman deal with Wilfried Gnonto . Gray and Gnonto are electric, impactful players while the other widemen Harrison and McNeil posses dynamite left feet and can make a difference with their delivery. Despite all the pressure surrounding this game a player being brave when in possession has the opportunity to become a hero.
The One to Watch – Wilfried Gnonto
This is a no brainer, the Italian has been the key player for Leeds since the resumption of the league following the World Cup. He is a constant menace for defenders, I would not be surprised if Ben Godfrey plays at right back instead of Coleman as the Englishman possess pace and strength which can compete with the Leeds man.
Nottingham Forest v Manchester City
City performed like the defending champions when beating Arsenal on Wednesday night, Pep selected his strongest line up and those men rose to the occasion. It’s likely a few changes may be made with the Champions League looming next week but incoming players would possibly be Alverez, Foden, Laporte, Lewis and Phillips, such a hard life for City. The raucous home crowd surely will not be able to lift their side to even a point this weekend, damage limitation and no injuries occurred will be the victory coming out of this meeting.
PL Fixture Icons
Jason Lee – “He’s got a pineapple on his head” was a terrace song in the 90s due to Baddiel & Skinner Fantasy Football show, sketches that both comics regret due its bullying undertone. Lee grabbed a brace when Forest last beat City at the City Ground in September 1995, the targetman was never a prolific scorer but enjoyed a twenty year playing career.
David White – The only City victory in the Premier League at the City ground occurred February 1993 with White snatching the first. One of my favourite players in the early 90s as he could play wide right or down the middle, his skillset would make him a success if he was playing in this era.
Game Narrative
Concentration levels for both teams is key, City whoever they field need to remain calm, believe that they will score and ignore the noise created by the home fans. For Forest it’s remembering the defensive game plan and not going rogue, a win would be nice but drawing is a possibility if the bus is parked.
The One to Watch – Keylor Navas
The Costa Rican goalkeeper can draw on droves of big game experience, so his impact on Saturday will not only be the saves he can produce but pitching in with his captain and manager by leading his teammates.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bournemouth
I feel sorry for anyone watching this game on Saturday, it’s one of the least glamorous fixtures in the league and on current form one of the most lopsided. If Wolves win they could go twelfth in the table and on 26 points, leaving them maybe needing nine points to stay up. Bournemouth on the other hand have to lodge some pressure onto the clubs around them which will include the hosts if they can snatch the points.
PL Fixture Icons
Ivan Cavaleiro – When the Portuguese international joined Wolves when they was in the Championship he was their club record signing, he enjoyed himself in the second tier but found the going tougher in the Premier League. One of his three strikes in the top division was off the bench when Wanderers beat Bournemouth two nil.
Junior Stanislas – Not only does current form go against the Cherries, they have failed to score at Moulineux during their previous Premier League meetings culminating in two defeats. They closest they’ve come to scoring was when Stanislas hit the post in 2018.
Game Narrative
Bournemouth concede the most amount of crosses in the whole league but will not have to worry about that threat against Wolves, they do need to ensure the defence stays compact, the midfield is competitive off the ball and ensure Phillip Billing collects the ball a great deal in the attacking third. It’s not often this season Wolves have entered a match as favourites, seeing how they deal with that expectation is fascinating. With the forward line still not providing goals the emphasis will be on Neves to drive the team to victory.
The One to Watch – Rayan Air-Nouri
If the young left back can succeed at both sides of fullback play on Saturday he will give his team a platform to win the game. He directly faces off against Dango Ouattara, the main Cherries threat so keeping him quiet will frustrate O’Neills side while if he can bomb forward on the overlap his pace will cause issues.
Newcastle United v Liverpool
This is a great choice for the Saturday night game, Newcastle may be one of the most solid defensive units in the league but the talent Liverpool have in attack will surely test the home side. Their was signs on Monday night that Jurgen Klopps side may be finding their mojo but the continual question mark is the defence. The first goal showed that Liverpool can go one end of the pitch to the other in seconds but they also nearly conceded. Eddie Howe will be happy they are not losing but if Champions League qualification is to be achieved they need to produce some wins, scoring three in the last five has to be addressed so victories occur.
PL Fixture Icons
Kevin Nolan – Considering the nineties entertainer team enjoyed some classics at Anfield those performances were not replicated at home. Most wins have been tight at St James Park for the home side, with only two three goal wins. The first in 1993 see Andy Cole score a hat trick and the last in 2010 saw Nolan grab the first.
Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool have won as many games at St James Park as the home side have, ten wins each. The largest margin of victory happened in April 2013, Sturridge scored two, so did Jordan Henderson with Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini pitching in. The home side was not aided by the fact Mathieu Debuchy was sent off.
Game Narrative
Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn hold the key in this game as they are dealing with physical mismatches in the form of Nunez and Salah. Any confidence Liverpool can draw from will come by those men winning their battles, if they don’t this will become a match where the home side can slowly gain momentum. The other key aspect is Nick Pope leads numerous goalkeeping metrics this season so bypassing the defence will not necessarily mean a goal scored.
The One to Watch – Alexander Isak
Injuries have robbed the Swede of any prolonged run of games, form or goals. With Calum Wilson possibly missing out this is the time for Isak to start making a impact at St James Park, the timing would be amazing considering the goal drought lately and the Carabeo Cup Final next weekend.
Manchester United v Leicester City
The United title hopes seems slightly far fetched considering they do not play Arsenal or City again and need to make up five points, where can that deficiency be clawed back? They also face a improving Leicester team who will thrive on sitting deep and counterattacking at Old Trafford. The new signings by City during January have freshened up the team, the focus going forward is making sure they become key players rather than short term gains.
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Nicky Butt – Goals wasn’t what Butt was known for but he helped himself to a brace during the last fifteen minutes when Alex Fergusons team won 3-1 in November 1996.
Caglar Soyuncu & Luke Thomas- Leicester have only won twice at Old Trafford in the Premier League, the first time in 2008 when Tony Cottee scored and two years ago, both goal scorers are still at the club and the victory ensured Manchester City won the league title.
Game Narrative
Danny Ward has struggled replacing Kasper Schmeichal, he doesn’t possess the aura the Dane had and is always prone to a gaff. When shooting at goal from any angle United will feel it’s a good chance. Another key element of the game will be how the home side contain two of Leicesters key performers, Harvey Barnes and James Maddison. United can field Wan Bisaka and Casemiro, who can match up or better the Leicester men.
The One to Watch – Youri Tielemens
Possession for the away side will be minimal for long spells so when they gain the ball especially in the midfield area the Belgian will be key. He also loves a goal of the month contender when he does score and Leicester may need one of those scores to hit Uniteds net.
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
These sets of fans and players truly embrace London Derbies whether it be this head to head or when they play their counterparts, the rivalry, passion and hatred really does shine through. Spurs will be without boss Antonio Conte due to his post operation recovery, his absence will not be as significant than the injured Bentancur in the long term. David Moyes team comes into this match with slightly better league form, lately they have become harder to beat like they’ve shown over the previous few seasons.
PL Fixture Icons
Jurgen Klinsmann – The World Cup winner made a huge impact when the sides met in October 1994, scoring a goal, assisting another and even earning himself a booking. The Spurs team that season was a lot of fun and Jurgen led them like the superstar he was, at the time he was one of the most recognisable footballers in the world.
Ravel Morrison – The 2013/14 season was when it seemed the former Manchester United prodigy would live up to the hype and promise. He never kicked on and instead found himself jumping club to club, currently he is playing in the MLS for DC United.
Game Narrative
I was glowing in my praise last week regarding Tottenhams defence then they produced a turkey of a display against Leicester, as good as the Foxes were Spurs lost all sense of positioning. To me it backed up the fact you can play a five man defence but if the components are weak they can be penetrated. The midweek Champions League display was a improvement but if they produce anything near to last weekend Jarrod Bowen and Siad Benrahma will have a field day. Due to the atmosphere Saturday whichever team can impose their way of playing first will likely end up winning.
The One to Watch – Dejan Kulusevski
Son and Kane are the headline acts in attack but Kulusevski since he joined has firmly installed himself as the third wheel. Goals do not flow like his partners but the creativity and ball carrying keeps opposition defenders busy which allows room for the other two.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
Manchester United now monopolise the top two, the form of both players is why the team are third in the league. We have a new entry at ten, Ben Mee is playing the best football of career and rightly considered the best centre back in the division:
- Marcus Rashford non mover
- Bruno Fernandes up 1
- Harry Kane down 1
- Kieran Trippier non mover
- Erling Haaland up 3
- Kaoru Mitomo non mover
- Luke Shaw down 2
- Martin Odegaard down 1
- Bakary Saka non mover
- Ben Mee new entry
When watching football this weekend remember Dennis Bergkamp once said “behind every kick of the ball there has to be a thought”, you may not agree with that thought but every footballer performing is doing their best.