No more breaks for the Premier League, the run in starts this weekend and for the majority of the league it is squeaky bum time. BT Sports lunchtime Saturday slot gives us a game which in years gone by would be played during the marquee Sky Super Sunday show:
Manchester City v Liverpool
This summer will see the second member of Liverpools fabled Premier League winning front three, Firminho leave the club, leaving just Mo Salah left. The big question going forward has to be how long will the Egyptian stay at Anfield? He signed a new contract last year taking him through to June 2025 but he’s turning 31 in July and the club now possess a plethora of young attacking talent in Diaz, Nunez, Gakpo and Jota, all vying for for three forward slots. That’s if the current formation rolls into next season, new blood is needed in defence and midfield so a change in tactics may occur also. Targets like Jude Bellingham, Josko Gvardiol or Manuel Locatelli will not be cheap so cashing in on Salah could be a option. Not many clubs around the world would be able to afford him and even if they can it’s questionable at this stage of his career if he is a viable option. In my mind only one team ticks both criteria, PSG, Messi and Neymar could be leaving this summer so they will have a need for a world class forward and certainly have the finances. It would be a bold move by Jurgen Klopp but if Liverpool are to evolve into a new era saying goodbye to a fan favourite has to be considered.
PL Fixture Icons
Maurizio Gaudino – The German joined City in 1995 on loan and played twenty games, spearheading their drive to avoid relegation. One of his best performance was in April (2-1) he scored the winner and also assisted the first goal.
Michael Owen – All through his eight year spell at Liverpool, Owen was the leading force for the team, for many young football fans who see him on BT Sport they will not realise how much of a star he was. A year after winning the Ballon d’Or in September 2002 he was the match winner by scoring hatrick against City (0-3).
Game Narrative
Back in October Liverpool beat City but even more impressive was the fact they kept a clean sheet that day too. It’s highly unlikely only one goal will be scored this time round, both teams forward players are hitting form and the opposing defences will struggle to contain their counterparts. This will be another game when Pep sets his defence out in a traditional four rather than a three with a inverted right back, leaving gaps for the Liverpool left hand side would be game narrative suicide. As with any matchup between two of the top sides in the league ultimately a moment of brilliance or a mistake will decide the outcome.
The One to Watch – Jack Grealish
After a disappointing international break for England, Grealish will be looking to rediscover the form he has shown in 2023 for City which has made him one of the first names on the team sheet. Taking on Alexander-Arnold is a match up most left hand side players in the league will feel is in their favour and it’s very likely the Liverpool man will be in card trouble early doors due to his England teammates ability to draw cheap fouls.
Bournemouth v Fulham
Fulham were close to beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup Quarter Final then totally lost their heads. Willian did not need to handball Sanchos goal bound effort, that play cost his side a goal via the penalty awarded and a man but from there club captain Mitrovic and manager Silva were petulantly sent off due to their complaints which had no basis, VAR was always going to prove the decision to be correct. The season narrative regarding Fulham has been how well they’ve done, almost like plucky underdogs but that’s masked constant indiscipline. Palihinha was the first player to be banned twice due to bookings collected while only Crystal Palace have gained more bookings than them in the league over the seasons duration. All Premier League officials will now be micro analysing every foul or verbal altercation by a Fulham player, they are public enemy number one with referees. It would not be surprising if they incur a few more red cards before the season ends.
Fixture Icons
This weekend will see the sides meet for the second time at the Vitality in the Premier League but the last time they locked horns at Bournemouth was last April in the Championship with Fulham on the verge of winning the title and the hosts battling for a play off slot. The match finished one all, Dominic Solanke scoring a 98th minute penalty but it was the reaction by Marco Silva to the decision which is very interesting, he was sent to the stands, wow that seems familiar.
Game Narrative
This promises to be a old school type of football match, the home side are scrapping for their Premier League place while the visitors have dug in all season to compete. If Bournemouth are to win this match they will need to defend crosses and set plays a lot better than they have the rest of the season as Fulham fullbacks Tete and Robinson are in the leagues top ten for crosses into the penalty area. If the hosts cannot deal with the barrage of deliveries it will be a frustrating afternoon for them.
The One to Watch – Manor Solomon
Due to injuries the former Shaktar star had to wait for his opportunity to break into the Fulham side but since he’s been given a chance his form has been sensational, clever and dynamic when in possession but lethal when cutting in from the left scoring three identical goals. The space is tight at the Vitality and his close control and ability to swivel with no room could be match winning.
Arsenal v Leeds United
Leeds result against Wolves last time out will give the fans hope they can prevent relegation for the second season in a row. If they can avoid the drop though big questions need to be asked within the board regarding what they want to become going forward? Current coach Gracia is a short term appointment and even if fulfils his objective, offering him the job for a longer period surely will lead them into the same predicament next season. The mindset has to be akin to when they hired Bielsa, they need someone with great stature, belief in their ability and can drive the project forward. Following on from that stance recruitment needs to be addressed too as bar Gnonto players brought in have not improved the performances on the pitch.
PL Fixture Icons
Paul Merson – The Magic Man will surely be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame one day, his numbers may not support inclusion but he was one of the stars during the initial few seasons all while battling numerous addictions. Arsenals first home win over Leeds occurred August 1993 (2-1) with Merson scoring the winner.
Philemon Masinga – Sadly no longer with us, the South African died in 2019 after battling cancer. He had a similar physique and playing style to Paulo Wanchope which caused defenders problems but as a striker you are always judged on the regularity you hit the net which he struggled with. Two of his five Leeds goals came in December 1994 against Arsenal (1-3), they are far from classics.
Game Narrative
Chaos will reign supreme when these two teams face off Saturday, it’s very likely this could play out like a basketball match, end to end. Leeds have suppressed their manic way of playing from 100mph to the motorway speed limit which is still faster than most other clubs. Arsenal themselves play at a high tempo but what sets them apart from their visitors is they are well drilled defensively and can maintain control of possession despite the pace being played. Ultimately the quality of finishing will decide this match and this gives the league leaders the edge.
The One to Watch – Jesus
Arsenal have survived without the Brazilian but his return to fitness will surely mean he will resume his role as the teams central striker, when he’s on the pitch he occupies the centre backs around him which offers up even more space for his wide forwards.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Brentford
Tony Bloom and Matthew Benham have created two of the most well run clubs in world football, based not just on their recruitment of players but also hiring forward thinkers within the coaching staff and finding small advantages on the pitch tactically. Others will try and replicate their success but it takes time and that’s not afforded too often in football, fans and owners want results instantly and the fact both Brentford & Brighton came from the Championship shows it didn’t happen overnight. Many of Brightons incomings instantly go out on loan before they are unleashed, development comes from game time not just being a squad member. Understanding the worth of their players keeps them relevant also, when other clubs are stretching themselves financially by ensuring stars stay both clubs move theirs on. Trossard, Cucarella and Maupay for example played significant roles when they last met at The Amex just over a year ago, none of them ply their trade in the south coast anymore and are not missed. It’s extremely likely at least one of these teams will be playing in Europe next season
Fixture Icons
As much as Brighton reinvent themselves constantly two of the current squad played in this fixture when they was in the Championship back in 2015, which was the first at The Amex, those men being Solly March & Lewis Dunk. It’s a credit to them both that not only they’ve evolved into Premier League players but are being considered for England recognition.
Game Narrative
Thomas Frank will likely revert back to his five man defence to build a shield in front of David Raya while Brighton dominate possession. The Bees will thrive on the lack of the ball as that’s when their wins have come this season. Lewis Dunk ranks sixth in the league for progressive carrying distance, Ivan Toney will be charged with keeping the Brighton captain on that front. Evan Fergusons emergence has given his team the ability to finish the multitude of scoring opportunities they create but facing off with two experienced defenders in Ben Mee and Ethan Pinnock will be a challenge he has not faced yet during his rookie season.
The One to Watch – Mathias Jensen
Currently the Dane is involved in everything Brentford does on the field, taking offensive throws, set plays and starts the press when play is in the final third. If he ticks then the rest of the team follow suit and Thomas Frank will be hoping he maintains the form he showed prior to the international break.
Crystal Palace v Leicester City
Roy Hodgson is back in charge at Selhurst Park and it’s hard to see what he will offer differently compared to Patrick Vierra. The Frenchman had made Palace so boring by prioritising defending, time wasting and hoping they could score on the break. These are all tactics Hodgson uses also and why Palace let him leave two years ago. The problem is the squad, they are imbalanced and a product of bad buys or lack of activity addressing shortcomings during the last two windows. If you are a Eagles fan the state of the club from top to bottom has to be worrying, they are sleep walking towards relegation.
PL Fixture Icons
George Ndah- Only ever a squad player during his time at Palace, his speed was a useful weapon off the bench. He came through the ranks and everyone at the club was always waiting for Ndah to kick on and emulate former players like Wright, Bright and Salako. In January 1995 he was the man of the match against Leicester (2-0) assisting the first goal and wrapping up the victory by scoring the second.
Graham Fenton – The largest away win in this fixture came in April 1998 (0-3), Fenton pulled the strings that day playing as a number ten and assisted Emile Heskey for one of his goals. His promise was never fulfilled and after eight years as a squad player in the Premier League he duly dropped down the divisions.
Game Narrative
Trepidation will be the atmosphere in the stands, sidelines and pitch when these two sides meet on Saturday, defeat will pile further pressure on both clubs so with so many games left to play they may settle for the draw and look to build on that positive. Jean-Phillippe Mateta is one of the strikers at Palace who has flattered to deceive but he is due a goal soon as he is under his Xg, if Roy Hodgson takes on that info from the analytics team at Selhurst Park then he should consider giving him a chance. Last time out against Brentford James Maddison and Harvey Barnes produced a moment of class to snatch a point, till the end of the season that burden will fall on both players to drag Leicester away from the bottom three. It’s hard to see how Palaces backline will be able to prevent being carved open by Maddison.
The One to Watch – Wilfred Zaha
The Palace legend has been so poor this season, if he is leaving this summer then a parting gift to his fans needs to be ensuring their Premier League safety. He holds the key to any positive attacking passage of play so moving him inside to centre forward has to be considered.
Nottingham Forest v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Many football observers were surprised Morgan Gibbs-White was sold by Wolves last summer, it always seemed like he would be integrated as a first teamer once he gained experience from his loans. He came through the ranks and had the club in his blood. The £42 million pound deal was a over pay by Forest but basically said more about how he was viewed at Moulineux rather than being a good price for a 23 year old who has barely played, if they believed in him they would have turned down any offer. He’s fitted in well at the City Ground, cementing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet and when watching highlights always looks electric in possession. When watching a full game though you get past those optics and find he gives the ball away a lot (62.1% pass completion ranks as one of the lowest in his squad), usually trying to force the pass or running into dead ends. Obviously he is not the reason Forest are battling against the drop but if they do go down where does his career go from there? At this stage he would not want to be playing in the Championship and Nottingham would want to recoup as much of the fee they paid out, I cannot see many Premier clubs forking that type of fee for him due to this seasons film, essentially the rest of the league are leaning towards Wolves view of him.
Fixture Icons
This season has seen these two sides meet for the first time in the Premier League, the last time they faced off in a league game at the City Ground was in the Championship, September 2017. Both clubs still have one survivor each from that day, Joe Worrell for Forest and Ruben Neves for Wolves. The match winner that day was Jota (1-2) who helped himself to a brace, I wonder what happened to him?
Game Narrative
Ryan Yates puts himself about within the Forest midfield but he lines up against one of the leagues best number eights in Ruben Neves and if dives into challenges like he normally does a early bath could be looming. The midfield for Wolves is vastly superior compared to the home side and if they can dictate the match tempo like their talent suggests this match will come down to if they can score and is the defence capable of keeping a clean sheet. Forests home form has deserted them lately, Steve Cooper needs to drum up the passion in his players shown earlier this term because the fans will bring it!
The One to Watch – Emmanuel Dennis
When given a start this season the Nigerian has not let down his coach, usually scoring and all round being a nuisance to his marker. Dennis has suffered minute wise due to the vast number of options in the squad plus a few niggling injuries but last time out he scored against Newcastle and should keep his place against Wolves. Surprisingly good in the air for a man his height, he will enjoy taking on Craig Dawson and this match up could be vital result wise.
Chelsea v Aston Villa
No arguments, Chelsea’s Academy is the best in the country, not many settle in for a prosperous career at the Bridge but each professional division in England has many ex blues plying their trade within it. Currently the first team squad has as many youth products earning regular minutes than they ever have but looming is a big FFP shortfall and many of these players could be sacrificed to not only accommodate the financial rules but allow the big money transfers from the last two windows to play more. In my eyes bar Reece James all other academy players are on the block with Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher surely able to draw £50m each in transfer fees. Arsenal, Newcastle, Villa and Tottenham will definitely be shopping at the Stamford Bridge fire sale.
PL Fixture Icons
Michael Ballack – What a absolute bonkers game this was back in December 2007 (4-4). Two Chelsea players (Carvalho & Cole) and one Villa (Knight) were sent off and after leading at half time Gareth Barry had to rescue a point for the visitors during added time. German Legend Ballack thought he had scored the winner in the 88th minute, so often him or Frank Lampard stepped up big with goals from midfield.
Ray Houghton – The first meeting at Stamford Bridge between these sides thirty years ago, Feb 1993, was so different to modern meetings (0-1). Chelsea were struggling financially while Villa were challenging for the title. Houghton was a very tidy footballer but it’s hard to imagine how he could exist these days, stamina wasn’t a problem but pace and size would be in modern football.
Game Narrative
Graham Potter seems to have found a line up which is working but it doesn’t involve the wingers brought in during January, it would be advantageous Saturday if he can find a way to alter his line up to pin back Villas fullbacks. Matty Cash is out injured so if Ashley Young starts he will be compromised if Mudryk or Madueke are in his zone due to his aging legs, back when Villa played Leeds Gnonto caused countless issues. Playing with wide forwards will also aid Chelsea’s midfield when trying to pass through the lines. The Everton performance showed that playing narrow with the wingbacks makes it harder to break defences down who are there sitting deep. Ollie Watkins will draw hope he can continue his impressive scoring run after watching how Ellis Simms danced past the Chelsea backline two weeks ago.
The One to Watch – N’golo Kante
Every team in Europe would want the French energiser bunny and his comeback could not be timed better with the Champions League Quarters looming. How the dynamic in midfield will work with Enzo Fernandez is going to be fascinating as the Argentinian has slotted in so well but he will be freed up further to dictate possession with Kante along side him.
West Ham United v Southampton
The bad days for West Ham have far outnumbered the good ones at the London Stadium, the move was meant to springboard the club to the next level so they can compete consistently around the top ten but bar a eighteen month spell they still find themselves languishing around the lower half of the table. The stadium is never sold out with true fans, it is so easy for a “tourist” to obtain tickets and the atmosphere suffers. Back at Upton Park despite the form of the team you could count on a hostile vibe from the stands which would level the playing field. Handing back the stadium is not a option due to the lease so the Hammers board need to utilise their home in a way which benefits the players. Football is so expensive and fans who used to attend are being priced out, if the club could make it that members only can purchase tickets at a highly discounted rate plus ensure food and drink is affordable they would entice lifelong supporters back. Making the club more affordable will be rewarded in the long run, tv money is the revenue driver for Premier League clubs.
PL Fixture Icons
Martin Allen – Mad Dog was a frenetic box to box midfielder with a personality to match his football ability, a mash up of Steven Gerrard and Vinnie Jones. One of his finest games for West Ham was in May 1994 (3-3) when he was involved with two goals, scoring one and assisting another.
Egil Ostenstad – The Norwegian was never a prolific scorer for any of his teams but would usually bag goals in mini hot spells, one of those occasions was April 1998 at Upton Park (2-4) when he scored two goals. Ostenstad preferred to play the role of the foil for his strike partner and the yellow card he got during the meeting 25 years ago typified his need to be involved off the ball as much as in the box.
Game Narrative
If the high profile Hammers Danny Ings, Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta perform at the levels they can produce this should be a victory for the home side but too often this season it’s only Rice who has stepped up with any regularity. The Saints will look to replicate their workmanlike performance at Old Trafford and if that occurs The London Stadium will turn toxic in the stands quickly. Kyle Walker-Peters and Theo Walcott down the Saints right hand side offer the most threat for the visitors, Cresswell is a below average defender and Benrahma suffers from concentration lapses when asked to defend.
The One to Watch – Danny Ings
Being a former Saint it could only be Ings and a goal against his old team seems extremely likely, what they would give for a goalscorer like him right now. The one positive West Ham have over others battling the drop is they possess a man who is a proven finisher.
Newcastle United v Manchester United
The criticism of Marcus Rashford during the international break was scandalous, he was not fit to play football so after such a busy schedule this season took a well deserved mini break. If he hadn’t posted pictures online we wouldn’t of known where he was but at the same time why can’t he show his followers how awesome New York is? Footballers in the past were picked on for being one dimensional, now Fleet Street feel threatened by a 25 year old Manchester United player who is also a author and political activist. With his contract expiring next summer it would not be a surprise if he felt it would be easier to move abroad to PSG, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich where the spotlight would be purely on his performance on the pitch. As a Premier League fan I hope he stays in this country and of course continues to be the throughly top guy he is.
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Darren Peacock – Newcastles (5-0) victory in October 1996 over United still ranks as one of the best Premier League matches ever and is mainly remembered for Phillipe Alberts cheeky chip past Peter Schmeichal. I have selected Darren Peacock though as he nabbed the first goal that day and doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves. He was a pure defender who nearly never made it as a pro, released by Bristol Rovers then after joining Newport they folded. He became Herefords record transfer when he joined Newcastle from QPR due to the sell on fee his former club held.
Paul Scholes – Five years after being embarrassed by Newcastle, Fergies men charged into St James Park in April 2003 and took apart the home side (2-6). The home side scored the first and last goals but in between Manchester United finished off move after move so clinically, epitomised by Paul’s Scholes hat trick.
Game Narrative
Since these sides met at the end of February in the Carabeo Cup Final Aleksandar Issak has rose to prominence for Newcastle and his head to head with Lisandro Martinez will produce fireworks. Miguel Almirons injury is a massive blow for the hosts as with him playing they could restrict Luke Shaws movement forward. For Manchester United Jadon Sancho should be deployed over Antony on the right hand side, as poor a left back Dan Burn is he will be able to dominate the Brazilian while the cage skills of Sancho will give him nightmares. David de Gea will be tested constantly by Kieran Trippier via set pieces, the Spaniard is a great shot stopper but has a ricket in him every few matches.
The One to Watch – Fred
With Casemiro suspended his countryman will likely take his place and his differing skillset could be what creates the difference in this match. The energy, quick passing and driving runs from midfield by Fred will offer issues to the home midfield who can only counter him with Bruno Guimaraes who is great in possession but struggles when tracking back.
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
It’s laughable to consider that Everton find themselves battling relegation again this season and breached FFP rules, this highlights how badly the club is run behind the scenes. COVID may prove to be their saviour due to add backs allowed in their accounts but question marks have hoovered for a year now as Leeds & Burnley intially wrote to the league. If they are not guilty this time the same investigations will occur next year if they stay up, these problems do not disappear instantly. Points deduction is one of the penalties if found guilty but due to appeals this would not apply until next term which will aid them with their current battle. Spending caps is another penalty but that seems a joke as they will need to implement that policy to stay within the rules going forward anyway.
PL Fixture Icons
Joesph Yobo – The defenders took over in April 2004 for Everton (3-1) with David Unsworth, Yobo and Gary Naysmith all scoring. Nigerian Yobo was a absolute animal when tackling, his strength and speed enabled him to snap into challenges others would not try, the problem though was timing, slightly out and you are looking at a yellow card.
Ramon Vega – The former Swiss international has been in the news lately for taking offence to Antonio Contes comments regarding Tottenhams loser culture and back in November 1997 he was on the scoresheet for Spurs (0-2). Since the Premier Leagues inception the lilywhites have dominated Everton, the win column is 29-9 in their favour and even have double the wins at Goodison Park (10-5).
Game Narrative
With Conte gone the shackles offensively will be loosened but they will not be deviating completely from recent tactics as the Italians longtime assistant is in charge till the end of the season, his philosophy surely mirrors his pal. Harry Kane was imperious for England during the international break, if that forms continues against Everton the home crowd will be quietened fast. Alex Iwobi taking on Ivan Perisic will not be result decisive but whoever grabs the upper hand will enjoy plenty of final third possession to enhance their teams chances.
The One to Watch – Richarlison
Another high profile player this weekend faces a former side and I cannot resist selecting him as the one to watch. It will be interesting to see how he is welcomed back by the Goodison Park faithful, without him last season they would have gone down.
Midweek Fixtures
This is a terrific set of midweek fixtures, so much is on the line in every one of them at both ends of the table.
Bournemouth v Brighton & Hove Albion
This is the second home game on the trot for the Cherries, if they do not take maximum points Saturday this becomes the biggest game of their season.
Leeds United v Nottingham Forest
The big question is can Forest produce on the road, home form has deserted them lately.
Leicester City v Aston Villa
James Maddison v Ollie Watkins
Chelsea v Liverpool
One or both may not qualify for the Champions League next season.
Manchester United v Brentford
The Old Trafford faithful will be seeking revenge for the heavy defeat at the G Tech in August.
West Ham United v Newcastle United
Both clubs have suffered shock Premier League relegations over the last twenty years, one has put those days behind them the other is in major danger again.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
The last set of fixtures showcased the players from the bottom half of the table therefore no movement in the Top Ten. The top five in my eyes are the ones who are seriously battling it out for the top spot but their is still time for players like De Bruyne, Casemiro, Shaw, Maddison and Trippier to break back into the top ten:
- Martin Odergaard non mover
- Erling Haaland non mover
- Marcus Rashford non mover
- Bakary Saka non mover
- Harry Kane non mover
- Bruno Fernandes non mover
- Ben Mee non mover
- Kaoru Mitomo non mover
- Ivan Toney non mover
- Solly March non mover
When watching matches this weekend remember Arsene Wenger once said “Nobody has enough talent to live on talent alone. Even when you have talent, a life without work goes nowhere”. We enter a period of the season where many think Manchester City will beat out Arsenal to the title and clubs like West Ham or Leicester City are too good to go down, work ethic from now till May will decide their fate.
