Only eight games this weekend due to the Carabeo Cup Final, Brentford and Brighton enjoying a free week. Six matches will be played Saturday but the MatchWeek gets underway on Friday night:
Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Both teams were involved in smash and grab games last weekend, Fulham coming out victors away to Brighton when being totally outplayed while Wolves at home were stunned in defeat to Bournemouth. The Craven Cottage faithful are dreaming of European football next season but in all honesty they are outperforming there Xg and sooner rather than later results will bite back. March is not kind to Lopetegui’s team as they face Liverpool, Spurs and Newcastle before taking on Leeds United. With five points separating them and bottom Southampton, this weekend is a six pointer for Wolves.
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Mousa Dembele – The football in world general never fully appreciated Dembele but those who played on the same field as him or watched live know how majestic he was. Back in 2010 the Belgian took charge of this fixture scoring two goals to see his team win 2-1.
Adama Toure – Wolves do not fare too well at Craven Cottage, it wasn’t until 2021 they grabbed their first victory at this iconic stadium. The pacy Spaniard was the lone marksman hitting the net during injury time.
Game Narrative
Friday night games on Sky tend to be quite exciting so as a neutral this is the fact we will hang our hat on! The reality is this surely will be cagey due to Fulham’s mindset and Wolves precarious league position. As usual Rueben Neves will be involved in everything positive for Wolves, he ranks 4th in the league for passes into the final third, it’s a shame those balls are not played into himself. Joao Palhinha stands in his way, this Portuguese Men of War showdown should be result decisive and exciting to watch.
The One to Watch – Antonee Robinson
The majority of Fulham’s goals come from work in and around the right side of the field but the dirty work stems from the left hand side, with Robinson topping his teams stats in crosses into the penalty area and progressive ball carries.
Everton v Aston Villa
Villas defeat to Arsenal last weekend was fair over the course of the match but it will sting more than the Man City and Leicester City losses which preceded it as they was in the lead. To general football fans Unai Emery will seem to be losing his way but they did not recruit in January and his plan is to cultivate the players already at Villa Park. Sean Dyche is unbeaten at home since taking charge, could this be the second season on the trot that Fortress Goodison plays a part in their survival?
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Mo Johnston – In 1989 it was a big deal when Johnston joined Rangers from Nantes, before his spell in France he played for Celtic! By going to Ibrox he become only the second player since the Second World War to play for both clubs and first catholic since the First World War. In two years Mo only scored ten goals for Everton, one of them being a winner between these historic clubs in August 1992.
Guy Whittingham – Phenomenal goal machine for Portsmouth, the man known as “Corporal Punishment” at Fratton Park never really settled in the Premier League for Villa or Sheffield Wednesday. He was the match winner in August 1993 with the lone goal at Goodison Park.
Game Narrative
Everton will need to take the game to Villa considering their relegation fight and this could suit Aston Villa especially as Ollie Watkins loves being the lone striker using his electric all round game. The home sides forward line and away teams defence are both very poor, one of them is going to benefit from the others deficiencies.
The One to Watch – Demarai Gray
Plainly not rated by his new manager, Gray has only seen 29 minutes of action since Dyche arrived. Everton’s current approach is defend first, attack later with both goals in wins coming from defenders. Soon they will need a forward to produce some magic and the former Leicester man has that in his locker. He sits sixth in the league for ball carries into the penalty area (35) and that skill should be utilised against Villa as Konsa and defiantly Mings are prone to diving into tackles when left one on one.
Leeds United v Southampton
Javi Gracia comes across as a very uninspiring appointment at Elland Road, surely not the man they wanted or see as the long term successor to Jesse Marsch considering the other candidates courted and the contract given to the Spaniard. When promoted Leeds under Bielsa seemed to know what they were, they are heading down a road now where they making decisions with the short term in mind, that is dangerous route. Despite Chelsea’s result woes under Graham Potter, Southamptons win at Stamford Bridge last weekend still ranks as one of the shocks of the season.
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Lee Chapman – The Patrick Bamford of his day, Chapman was like marmite during the course of career. Fondly remembered at Leeds as he was key component within the Division One league winning team prior to the Premier League formation.
David Hirst – More known by nineties football fans for his spell at Sheffield Wednesday, his spell at Hillsborough ended due to mounting injuries, Southampton paid a club record fee for him but they purchased damaged goods and he retired from football three years after joining. One of his nine Saints goals came at Leeds during a one nil victory.
Game Narrative
Tactics are important of course but heart and desire will win this six pointer on Saturday. From current examples Southampton have shown those traits but with the new manager bounce and home crowd, Leeds should have the edge. The workmanlike midfield of Leeds need to contain James Ward-Prowse but make sure they do not concede free kicks in the final third. Gnonto versus Walker-Peters is a box office showdown among all the mediocrity both play with.
The One to Watch – Gavin Bazunu
Brought to St Mary’s from Manchester City based on his potential, in time he has all the traits to become one of the leagues best goalkeepers but right now Southampton need him to just be fundamentally solid like he was last Saturday at Stamford Bridge. Elland Road is one of the most intimidating stadiums in Europe, this is a massive test for the Irishman.
Leicester City v Arsenal
Both teams faced contrasting fortunes last weekend, Arsenal got back on the winning train while Leicester lost comprehensively after a undefeated stretch. The title race slipped back into Mikael Artetas favour due to City drawing with Forest and his side can go five points clear with the champs not playing till 5.30 Saturday. Historically Arsenal have dominated victories at Filbert Street or the Kingpower Stadium but as we’ve witnessed this season the form book or reputation counts for nothing.
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Riyad Mahrez – The Algerian features so often when you reflect on positive results from Leicesters recent history, the meeting between these two in May 2018 was over by the time Mahrez finished in his trademark manner.
Dennis Bergkamp – Back before social media you could not keep updated with match occurrences unless you was listening to the radio. In 1998 I was on holiday and had to watch MOTD blind, what I was treated too was one of the greatest hat tricks ever and the disbelief how this encounter ended three all.
Game Narrative
The manner of Aston Villa’s second goal will be scrutinised by Leicester and they will feel they can also expose Arsenals passive pressing if similar moments happen Saturday. The reason it happened was due to the absence of Thomas Partey, we have not witnessed that type of mode of play when he’s on the field. If the Ghanaian is playing this weekend Leicesters chance to win diminishes as he allows his forward thinking teammates to flourish. The battle between Harvey Barnes and Ben White may not be a match winning tussle for either team Saturday but will be a titanic head to head in this league for years to come, akin to Ginola v Dixon back in the day.
The One to Watch – Tete
Highly impressive since joining Leicester, his successful take on percentage sits at 66.7%, ranking him eighth in the league. With Zinchenko tending to float from left back to centre midfield the Brazilian could find a clear path to drive towards Arsenals centre backs. This will only occur though if Leicester can gain enough possession in midfield.
West Ham United v Nottingham Forest
The London Stadium has witnessed so many sporting achievements, unfortunately for West Ham they have mainly been during the 2012 Olympics. David Moyes has enabled them to punch above their weight for a few seasons now, the basis of their rise was out grafting opponents and being clinical when required. Those traits have dispersed lately, they are a soft touch and are slowly slipping towards the Championship. If they are to stay up they have to beat Forest, who will not be push overs even though they have been much maligned for their transfer activity.
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Michael Hughes – Industrious, wide midfielder with a lethal left foot, the northern Irishman had a prosperous career with numerous clubs. During his first loan spell at West Ham he grabbed the second goal when his team won 3-1 at Upton Park.
Kevin Campbell – Forest have only won this fixture away from home once and this occurred on New Years Day 1997 when the former Arsenal striker was the solitary scorer.
Game Narrative
The home side need to control their emotions on Saturday, the fans will be restless and the visitors will see their best chance to win coming on the break. West Ham have to be patient and believe they will score at some point. Declan Rice as always will be the key man for them, not just winning the ball but with his distribution, it’s impressive that he ranks second in the league for passes into the final third, showing he is always probing and driving his team forward. Keeping all eleven players on the field will be a major factor, Ryan Yates for example has committed the fourth most fouls in the league while Jarrod Bowen is fifth in fouls drawn.
The One to Watch – Emerson
Defensively the Italian has always been suspect but his powerful, driving runs from deep coupled with his sweet left foot creates a great option in attack. His matchup with Serge Aurier could be game changing on so many levels, either one could be shown a red card or be involved with a goal.
Bournemouth v Manchester City
The Cherries confidence from winning away at Wolves will now be turned into trepidation as they face Peps All Star team. They have never beaten City in the Premier League and despite the away side playing during the week in the Champions League and possibly being fatigued it feels highly unlikely the run will be halted. The glimmer of hope will come in the fact City could not finish the multitude of chances at Forest last weekend and ended up drawing.
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Charlie Daniels – Only two Bournemouth players have scored at the Vitality against City with Daniel’s being the first in August 2017. Combative defender who was very comfortable on the ball, he rose through the divisions with the Cherries and never looked out of place in the top flight despite his lack of speed. Once he left Bournemouth in 2020 his professional career came to end within two years.
Aleksandar Kolorov – One of the initial influx at the Etihad due to the UAE investment fund, the Serbian never fully cemented a first team place but not many do due to the squad depth at City. Could always be counted on when selected as he could fulfil numerous different roles. Walloped a absolute cracker in 2016 during injury time when his side won 4-0, the following year he left for Roma.
Game Narrative
For the hosts keeping the score line nil nil as long as possible will be the only game plan as you cannot pick what danger man to contain when facing Manchester City, they are littered. Singling out one player will not prevent how Peps side play, others will follow the process and enjoy the space created. When Bournemouth do have possession they will rely on Marcus Tavernier to create a spark, he is very productive with his ball carrying take ons, those moments will enable rest-bite for the defence and maybe a goal scoring chance.
The One to Watch – Julian Alverez
For the majority of clubs in Europe the World Cup winner would be a week in week out starter but at Manchester City he is the backup to Haaland. This could be a weekend when he starts the match and if he does his energetic running will keep the Bournemouth defenders honest constantly. Adam Smith has collected eight yellow cards this season so targeting him should be fruitful.
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Liverpool were well and truly humbled on Tuesday night by Real Madrid, how they react Saturday evening at Selhurst Park could determine if they can challenge for a top four slot. From now till May they have to unify as a unit, play each game on its own merit and earn results. Looking around their dressing room thinking we have Salah, VVD and Allison we should win is not enough, teams around them do not respect reputations. Crystal Palace nearly won away at Brentford but once again they could not manage the game till the final whistle, their constant time wasting cost them in the end.
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Chris Armstrong – Tall, strong, skilful and fast I have no doubt Armstrong would have been successful playing in this era as he would have thrived in a lone striker role. In March 1993 his goal earned a point for Palace at Selhurst Park but in August 1994 it was a consolation when they lost 6-1.
Steve McManaman – During the above mentioned 6-1 Liverpool win at Selhurst Park, McManaman helped himself to two goals. One of the first British footballers to utilise the Bosman Rulling, the scouse lad enjoyed a trophy laden spell at Real Madrid.
Game Narrative
Team selection is key, Palace need their best players on the pitch to cause Liverpool issues. The constant pattern of trying to contain games is not aiding Vierras side, faith in his skill players and taking on a match on the front foot has to be explored. It’s plain to see Jurgen Klopps defence is vulnerable and a player like Eze can cause disruption playing in the number ten role. For Liverpool they need to set up in a manner which empowers men like Nunez, Salah and Gakpo rather than restricting them. If that means Alexander-Arnold or Fabinho are dropped than so be it, the unit is stronger defending from the front rather than worrying and thus covering weak links.
The One to Watch – Jeffrey Schlupp
Not the most skilful player at his club, let alone the league, what he does offer is non stop running and tackling. He will be expected Saturday night to support his fullbacks when out of possession but if the Liverpool midfield remains passive when they do not have the ball he could enjoy some space when arriving into the penalty area.
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
The London derbies keep on coming and this is another historically feisty endeavour. Antonio Conte may not be at White Hart Lane Sunday but from his sick bed the best medicine he could receive is a victory over his former employers. Both sides this season are so unpredictable, any result will not be a surprise and with so many highly rated players on the pitch it should be a good spectacle.
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Aaron Lennon – Till 2006 Chelsea held the edge at White Hart Lane but the tide was turned in November that year and Spurs have never looked back. Lennon was the match winner after Michael Dawson cancelled out Claude Makeles opener.
Tore Andre Flo – Winning 6-1 away from home is a feat at any level of football but even more poignant when you beat a hated rival. Norwegian Flo was the hat trick hero, this display summed up his career as on his day was unplayable but way too often the game passed him by!
Game Narrative
Styles firmly differ in this encounter, Chelsea follow PotterBall to the letter, technically proficient and able to maintain possession for long periods. Spurs on the other hand are spoilers first, forward thinking second, which is the Conte Calling Card. This could be the weekend when Chelsea select their renowned Premier League striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to capitalise on the creativity they produce. If he is not on the field you feel another barren day could occur and the winner being Spurs as they do have a goal machine in the form of England captain Harry Kane.
The One to Watch – Reece James
Despite all the arrivals the most important player at Stamford Bridge is the homegrown superstar, James. When on the field he holds down the right side of defence and when joins the attack can punish opposition with his passing, crossing or shooting.
The midweek matches see Arsenal play their game in hand on Manchester City at home to Everton while Liverpool take on Wolves for the fourth time in six weeks. Implications of these results affect both ends of the table, March will be kicked off in lively fashion. Team selections for Arsenal and Liverpool will be ruled by the volume of games currently but they cannot take their Wednesday night foes lightly despite their league position. Injuries from the weekends fixtures will of course play a part for all four teams but most notably Jesus could make his return from injury.
Arsenal v Everton
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Anders Limpar
Dave Watson
Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
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Sami Hyypia
Stephen Ward
Premier League Player Power Rankings
Martin Odegaards second half display against Aston Villa was enough to see him rise back up the standings. His next aim will be breaking the top five, Kieran Trippier being the one who lately has seen a dip in for and most at threat by players around him:
- Marcus Rashford non mover
- Bruno Fernandes non mover
- Harry Kane non mover
- Kieran Trippier non mover
- Erling Haaland non mover
- Martin Odegaard up 2
- Luke Shaw non mover
- Kaoru Mitomo down 2
- Bakary Saka non mover
- Ben Mee non mover
When watching matches this weekend remember Sergio Ramos once said “if you don’t live, breathe, football, then you’re not a true football player. You just wear a jersey”. Luckily for English football fans our players never just wear the jersey they smash it out the park every game.