As we approach this weekends action the biggest talking point in football is also headline news across all forms of the media. Whether you agree with Gary Linekers views or not the bigger picture now is how the BBC has dealt with the situation and shown they are in the back pocket of the government. We could also see the end of MOTD as goal access can be obtained immediately after games via the Sky Sports app, we don’t need the show but tune in for the on screen talent.
The South Coast weather will be freezing Saturday lunchtime when BT Sport kicks off the action:
Bournemouth v Liverpool
Last week these clubs had totally contrasting weekends, the Cherries lost agonisingly away to Arsenal while Liverpool destroyed Manchester United at Anfield. It’s more likely Saturday lunchtime that Jurgen Klopps team will reproduce Sundays performance rather than the home side going close to victory. Earlier in the season the initial fixture was nine nil to Liverpool, defensively Bournemouth have improved but it would not be a surprise if goals flow freely again.
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Nathan Ake – At fault for Liverpools first goal, the Dutchman made up for ball watching early in the game with a late winner (4-3) in December 2016. It’s taking him a long time to be fully appreciated by English football observers but this season it’s fair to say he has been Manchester City’s best defender.
Daniel Sturridge – Liverpools first visit to the Vitality Stadium in April 2016 saw them squeeze out a win (1-2). The much travelled Sturridge was the match winner that day, he never fulfilled his potential with injuries a major contributing factor.
Game Narrative
The compact Vitality Stadium has to be used by the home side to their advantage off and on the pitch. The fans can create an atmosphere which will unsettle Liverpool while the players should swamp Salah & Co whenever they are in possession, biting into tackles and pressing constantly. On the flip side the visitors are the masters of turning defence into attack within the blink of a eye, so will feel the size of this pitch will aid them. The kick off last weekend by Bournemouth showed great inventiveness and they need to design more clever set plays like that to gain small margins, not just this week but the rest of the season.
The One to Watch – Cody Gakpo
The former PSV man took his goals so well against United and it feels like he’s finally finding his feet in the Premier League. Clinical finishing is vital for top sides when taking on teams struggling at the foot of the table as they tend to park the bus, Gakpo could be the difference Saturday.
Everton v Brentford
Everton for large periods last Sunday against Forest were the better side but another game went by without a win, time is running out, so the emphasis fixes back on Goodison Park becoming a difference maker. Brentford currently fear no one in the league, they know who they are as a team and will gladly soak up anything thrown at them by the home side till they can strike themselves.
PL Fixture Icons
Last seasons encounter was one of the most manic games of football I have ever seen. Everton had two men sent off and scored an own goal while Brentford arguably should have been down to ten men, the winning goal being scored from the head of diminutive left back Rico Henry. One abiding memory was the proactive substitutions made by Thomas Frank, when chasing the game defenders were replaced by midfielders so the quality of pass from deep was continuous and incessant.
Final score 2-3
Game Narrative
Demari Gray has to start for the home side at centre forward again, he was magnificent last Sunday and his skillset will be one that Ethan Pinnock & Ben Mee will not enjoy taking on. Both Brentford centre backs prefer to take on the more combative type of striker, the nimble, pacy Everton man if given enough of the ball could cause constant issues. For the visitors centring their attacking thoughts on the Toffees left hand side will be a large part of the gameplan. Whether it’s Mykolenko or Godfrey at left back they will feel Mbuemo can succeed one on one. Dwight McNeil lacks top class movement and agility so if he has to drop back to defend constantly then the Bees right side can build their attacks or draw Gray into those zones thus causing more space elsewhere.
The One to Watch – Mikkel Damsgaard
Mainly known in this country for his unreal free kick for Denmark against England during the Euro 2020 semi final he has now started to find his bearings for Brentford. On Monday night versus Fulham he was the man of the match, tenacious off the ball but he caught the eye with his highly progressive passing through the lines. Within cauldron Goodison Park his calmness on the ball could be a difference maker.
Leeds United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton are on the verge of achieving something amazing this season whether it be qualifying for Europe via the league or winning the FA Cup and if they don’t surely they will be disappointed. It’s all set up to happen they just need to continuing executing their game plan like they did last Saturday versus West Ham. Leeds new manager bounce abruptly ended at Stamford Bridge and now they find themselves trying to beat a foe they’ve never got the better of in the Premier League.
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Pascal Struijk – This is still a formative top flight fixture and so far at Elland Road they have lost one and drew the other last May (1-1). Struijk came off the bench to equalise during added time which enabled his side to climb out of the bottom three.
Neal Maupay – The Frenchman does not like Leeds, numerous times during his spell at Brentford in the championship he was the thorn in their side and came back to haunt Elland Road in January 2021 (0-1). As a Bees fan it saddens me seeing him struggle now at Everton.
Game Narrative
My love affair with the Brighton midfield continues, last weekend I stated the mid park battle with West Ham would be vital and the theme continues. This time around it feels even more of a mismatch, almost men versus boys, I cannot imagine how Adams, Aaronson or McKennie can compete physically with their Brighton counterparts. The home side will know they will not see much of the ball, so will sit patiently and hope they can score from a set piece. Robin Koch is in the leagues top ten for interceptions and clearances, his numbers will grow even more this weekend if Leeds are to have a chance.
The One to Watch – Lewis Dunk
Second in the league for touches of the ball this season, it will not phase him building Brightons attacks in this match. Dunk is the defensive glue for his team but also offers a threat aerially from corners, look out for Solly Marchs in swinging delivery from the right side being lumped around Meslier, Brightons captain will feast on them as the Leeds keeper is weak when catching high balls.
Leicester City v Chelsea
Their will be no welcome home parade for Ben Chillwell on Saturday at the Kingpower Stadium, Foxes fans do not hold him in the highest regard but it’s clear to see Chelsea need him and Reece James to be on the field more as when they do play the team ticks. After three defeats on the trot Leicester are firmly involved in the relegation dog fight. They are without doubt the best team in the mix but it’s time they showed it consistently.
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Emile Heskey – Never a prolific scorer, Heskey had one of his better days in February 1998 when he grabbed a brace (2-0) delivering the first Premier League victory for Leicester. Much maligned player, he was always a great foil for whoever played alongside him, someone has to do the dirty work.
Gianfranco Zola – After suffering defeat in Feb 1998 Chelsea came back with a vengeance later that year (November) smashing the hosts 2-4. Zola provided two of the goals along with Poyet and Flo. Due to Romans billions the Italian is forgotten when all time Chelsea greats are discussed but he should always be in that discussion.
Game Narrative
Confidence is building within the Chelsea ranks thanks to two wins on the bounce, the starting eleven is becoming settled and important players are returning to fitness which helps the new arrivals blood in. Enzo Fernandez will face his toughest battle since joining Chelsea in the form of James Maddison, if he can dominate the England man it will strip any hope the home side have. Too much emphasis is on the Leicester playmaker to perform currently, Harvey Barnes is the other class act for Brendan Rodgers but being out wide limits the impact he can provide.
The One to Watch – Wesley Forfana
Another former Leicester player who will not be welcomed back fondly this weekend could have a impact at both ends of the pitch. He showed against Leeds he can be a threat offensively from corners while his athletic defending will be key in containing any Leicester attacking danger.
Tottenham Hotspur v Nottingham Forest
These two teams meeting brings back memories of the 1991 FA Cup Final, arguably the best one over the last fifty years. The match was exciting and tense but the narrative around it really made it for me. Spurs would love a 2-1 score line this weekend as it will mean they’ve won but also ended the barren spell in front of goal. Away games are the Achilles heel for Steve Coopers team, they need to find a way to transfer their home form when on the road.
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Gary Mabbutt – Growing up in the eighties and nineties you was always reminded during spurs commentary that Mabbutt suffered with type 1 diabetes, he wasn’t just a inspiration for anyone with the condition his impact was felt among all football followers, he showed medical limitations do not have to hold you back achieving your dreams. He played for England, won major honours and captained Spurs for eleven years. In December 1992 his late goal meant all three points were earned by Spurs (2-1).
Dean Saunders – When researching this piece I was shocked to see that Saunders played one season for Forest (1996/97), it had totally passed by me. His spell at the City Ground only saw him score five goals, with one them being at White Hart Lane in March 1997 (0-1).
Game Narrative
The stale, defensive style of football currently being performed by Tottenham will not produce success in this match up. Forest will very likely sit deep and want to contain the hosts, one of them needs to throw the first punch and if Spurs are the aggressor they have enough talent to break past the visitors rearguard. Contes squad is not deep but possess a handful of eager beavers dying for first team opportunities, they should be brought in to provide energy, two likely starters are Danjuma and Richarlison instead of Son & Kulusevski, both men are speedy and direct.
The One to Watch – Serge Aurier
The right back slot at Tottenham has been a poisoned chalice for years and Aurier was one of many who failed to succeed there. Undoubtably he will want to play well at his former employers and has a good chance considering the Spurs left hand side is so weak, during their Champions League exit Emerson Royal had to switch flank, he barely succeeds on his natural side.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
In the past you would feel this match for City could be a banana skin at Selhurst Park but on current form it’s hard to make a case for Palace winning or even drawing. They are woeful right now and I cannot see how they are going to turn it round. Vierra is so negative tactically and is blatantly not inspiring his team. The fans will not believe in or turn on him due to this result, it’s the last few months which are defining his tenure.
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Darren Patterson – During his time at Palace he suffered relegation from the Premier League twice, was sent off in the FA Cup Final semi when he was involved in a scuffle with Roy Keane and scored one goal. Like so many Fixture Icons their rare goal was a winner and the northern Irishman’s occurred in April 1995 (2-1).
Use Rosler – Selhurst Park was not a happy hunting ground for City till we entered the new millennium, they only scored one goal in the nineties during the above mentioned game. Cult hero Rosler was the scorer and by far enjoyed his best four years of his career with City, scoring 50 league goals in 152 games. You could argue he has been a better manager than player, most notably kickstarting the Brentford revolution by introducing a more professional mindset to go hand in hand with the moneyball recruitment policy.
Game Narrative
The work rate and energy within the Palace midfield has to be on point Saturday night, if they cannot constantly disrupt possession and prevent passes into the City forwards they will have a heavy defeat to look forward too. For the second week in a row Peps men face a fullback who is a major weak link, this weekend it’s Nathaniel Clynne. Once upon a time he was one of the best English right backs, better than Kyle Walker but due to injuries he’s a shadow of his former self.
The One to Watch – Erling Haaland
Both Palace centre backs prefer a physical matchup but they face the ultimate beast in Haaland. He can match strength with any defender in the world but then has the speed and quality on the ball to pull away from his marker. It wouldn’t surprise me if Andersen or Guehi ends up being sent off for being too feisty in the challenge.
Fulham v Arsenal
One thing Arsenal need to remember Sunday afternoon is if they go two down to Fulham at Craven Cottage the comeback will be a even steeper mountain than last week versus Bournemouth. Marco Silvas team did not play their usual game on Monday night when losing to Brentford, probably the derby atmosphere got to them but more likely the missing Palhinha was the difference. It’s been a while since Arsenal played on a Thursday night so it will be interesting to see how they are affected fitness wise.
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Tomasz Radzinski – Fulham had hosted Arsenal five times before they beat them in November 2006 (2-1) during those initial meetings they’d scored one goal and conceded twelve. A blistering first half saw three goals and the eventual decisive one scored by Canadian Radzinski. Player discipline was a major concern during this match the home side saw four men booked while the visitors had six and Senderos sent off.
Jose Antonio Reyes – Over the course of four months Reyes scored twice against Fulham, the winner at Loftus Road in May 2004 (0-1) and one at Craven Cottage (0-3) September 2004. The Spaniard tragically died in 2019 in a automobile accident, he was only 35 and still a active player with Extremadura.
Game Narrative
Mitrovic has been very subdued the last few months and his teammates need him to get back to his bully boy best if they are to beat Arsenal. It’s plain to see Saliba struggles with opponents who are strong in the air but if the Serbian talisman is not on it then the numerous crosses hit towards the penalty area will result in giving the ball away cheaply. Manor Solomon reminds me of Eden Hazard and he is potential threat to whoever plays at right back for Arsenal, the stumbling block though is will the space be there for him to attack freely. For the visitors Martin Odergaard will look to exploit the Palhinha size hole by providing plenty of passes to Saka who faces a favourable duel with Robinson.
The One to Watch – Bernd Leno
The former Arsenal goalkeeper is one of the most progressive passers distance wise in the league and he will need to hit those long bombs constantly Sunday to bypass the high pressing Arsenal. Of course he will have a point to prove to his former employers too.
Manchester United v Southampton
Once again Erik ten Hag dealt with a embarrassing loss perfectly, this time the squad did not endure a long run on their day off but the starting eleven from Sunday was made to face Betis on Thursday in front of the Old Trafford faithful. The Spaniards had their moments but generally they was very weak and seemed more like a sparring partner rather than a viable foe. This is a free hit for Southampton, relegation will not be decided on this game but James Ward Prowse could equal David Beckhams free kick scoring record where the England great played the majority of his career.
PL Fixture Icons
Roy Keane – When these two clubs lined up in February 1999, Southampton made United scrap all the way and all three goals came in the final fifteen minutes (2-1). Three months later Old Trafford was celebrating winning the treble. Keane was key that season, never more so than in the Champions League semi win at Juventus, he got booked which meant he would miss the final but he didn’t feel sorry for himself and was inspirational.
Dusan Tadic – Southampton have only won twice at Old Trafford, the first time being January 2015 (0-1) with Tadic being the hero. His success at Ajax since leaving the south coast shows he was a better player than the Premier League ever witnessed. Being part of a elite collective is easier than being the focal point at a struggling team.
Game Narrative
Southampton all of a sudden are showing team spirit and become hard to break down, this mindset will not alter on Sunday at Old Trafford. The big question is can they survive ninety minutes on the back foot? United will look to move the ball quickly in order to drag Saints players out of position, this will require the wide players maintaining their width and diagonal passes hit with purpose rather than Hollywood floaters. What they cannot afford is players like Antony postering too long when in possession.
The One to Watch – Marcus Rashford
When Rashford runs with the ball he is direct and only sees the goal, that type of purposeful movement is vital when taking on a lesser opponent. Not often this season he has blanked in the league like the Liverpool game, he will expect to score Sunday afternoon.
West Ham United v Aston Villa
After a mini losing streak Aston Villa have found a formula that works which emphasises the coaching by Emery is taking shape. They’ve not conceded in the last two games and scored three goals, efficient and calculating football. By the time this match kicks off West Ham could be in the bottom three and if this is the case the London Stadium could be a toxic cesspit.
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Marlon Harewood – The former Forest youth product was unstoppable on his day but those occasions were rare. In September 2005 against Villa he scored a hat trick (4-0), his only one for the Hammers. Two years later he would end up joining Villa but only played 29 times in three years. I feel if he’d been given more support by his managers they would have extracted more from his talent.
Savo Milosevic – Two goals and a assist from the Serb ensured Villas first away win over West Ham in November 1995 (1-4). When he first joined Villa the buzz was not just his goal scoring exploits for Partizan but the reports he wore a bandanna when playing, which turned out to be fake bar a few marketing moments.
Game Narrative
The success of the last few years under David Moyes has been built from the back, being defensively resolute they would allow the forwards to shine in the second half. The only time this season they showed that ability was when beating Forest two weeks ago. Villa possess similar attacking players to those West Ham faced that day but this battle is different due to the upgrade within the supporting cast. If John McGinn can tease Declan Rice into a street fight, Watkins, Luiz and Buendia should find plenty of space to exploit, they top the team in SCA (shot creating actions) and GCA (goal creating actions). I have praised the Hammers midfield numerous times within my previews but currently bar Rice those players are dining off previous reputations. If the home side are to win it’s time men like Soucek and Paqueta stepped up.
The One to Watch – Emiliano Buendia
I am not a fan of the Argentinian but when you watch goals scored by Villa he is either assisting or the man with the pass before the vital one. As mentioned above if his midfield partners can win their battle he will have a field day taking on the home sides defence.
Newcastle United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
It’s nearly two months since Newcastle last won in the league (15th Jan v Fulham) and we now entering the realm where we have to question Eddie Howes future. He deserves to take the project on to the next level but he has to show with the current crop of players how this will look. His success has been built on defence but the handbrake needs to be taken off and trust the attacking talent at his disposal. Their is no doubt cash will be flashed this summer at St James Park. One outgoing could be Callum Wilson and Wolves should definitely target him if he’s allowed to leave.
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Lee Bowyer – The first goalscorer in this fixture at St James Park in May 2004 (1-1) would have never been at Newcastle if the financial crisis at Leeds never occurred. He will always be remembered by the toon for his onfield fight with teammate Kieron Dyer in 2005.
Matt Doherty – Before he joined Spurs, Doherty was considered one of the best right backs in the league and one of his finest performances was at St James Park in December 2018 (1-2) when he snatched a injury time winner. His embarrassing release in January by Tottenham was softened by the chance to join Atletico Madrid.
Game Narrative
Lopetegui will set his team up to defend deep and annoy the home side, look out for how many minutes the ball is in play. If they can quieten the St James Park crowd they will feel a goal on the break is more than achievable, Podence and Troare are rapid when breaking. The emphasis for Newcastle is to attack but remain positive when doing so even if the goals don’t flow. Neves v Guimaraes should be a elegant battle, both men deserve to be performing in the Champions League. Strangely enough it could be the Wolves man sooner than his opponent Sunday as a move away from Moulineux beckons.
The One to Watch – Joelinton
He should have scored last weekend against Manchester City and it would have played on his mind all week, it’s time to make amends to his manager, teammates and supporters. The Brazilian has only scored twice this season and is down on his Xg (3.4) but it’s not just goals where he can impact proceedings Sunday. His powerful drives from midfield are like rugby great Jonah Lomu, once he gets moving it’s hard to stop him and Wolves do not have a DM to stop him in his tracks.
Midweek Fixtures
FPL fans are licking their lips for this mini double game week as in form sides Brighton and Brighton take on relegation threatened Palace and Southampton respectively. Players like Estupinan, March, Mitomo, MacAlllister, Toney, Jensen, Mbuemo and Henry will have supporters all over the country egging them on to deliver fantasy points. The shame once again for football fans is neither midweek game will be on tv while the rest of the world watches.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
Norway did not qualify for the World Cup but they have two players within the top three in my power rankings, one of them being a new number one, Martin Odergaard. The big fallers this week are Harry Kane due to another blank week and Bruno Fernandes for his pathetic display at Anfield, surely he will lose his captaincy soon:
- Martin Odergaard up 3
- Marcus Rashford down 1
- Erling Haaland up 2
- Bakary Saka up 3
- Harry Kane down 3
- Bruno Fernandes down 3
- Ben Mee up 3
- Kieran Trippier down 2
- Kaoru Mitomo non mover
- Luke Shaw down 2
When watching matches this weekend remember Bobby Robson once said “Anything from 1-0 to 2-0 would be a nice result”, unfortunately many Premier League clubs struggle at both ends of the pitch and cannot achieve results like that in their favour, it shows how priceless a good spine to a team is!
