The relegation dogfight takes centre stage this weekend from the Leagues point of view, six of the bottom nine play each other while Southampton, Leeds and Forest face difficult away days at Arsenal, Fulham and Liverpool respectively. Chelsea have a weekend off as Brighton, Manchester United and Manchester City play in the FA Cup Semi Finals. City take on Sheffield United, it’s hard to see anything but a win for Peps team while the other semi is a coin toss, neutrals will be rooting for Brighton. League action commences on Friday night at the Emirates on Sky Sports, get ready for constant references about Arsenal relinquishing two goal leads:
Arsenal v Southampton
Two games in a row Arsenal have let slip a two goal lead, blame has landed in the direction of the defence and the missing William Saliba. Having the Frenchman of course would help the league leaders but it’s the teams mentality which has caused these draws to occur. Both occasions Arsenal have started the match fast, pressing with passion and passing with purpose. Liverpool and West Ham could not deal with what they was up against. Both times watching the game it felt like the score could be 3, 4 or 5 easily. What happened next was the brakes were engaged and Artetas team looked to control the narrative and see the game out with what they had. By doing so they became passive, flat footed almost and could not react when momentum leaned in the favour of the opposition. If they are to win the league winning every game is necessary now and they need to play on the front foot for the duration of every match. Arsenal cannot fear the consequences, they will control matches by attacking and defending from the front, let Saka and Martinelli play with freedom.
PL Fixture Icons
Andy Linighan – The first Premier League match between these two sides at Highbury in March 1993 was a seven goal thrilller (4-3), with some great finishes from both sets of players, none more so than centre back Linighans goal after 15 minutes. One nil to the Arsenal would not have been a saying in the nineties without defenders like Linighan being at the club, the back four picked itself but squad players like him seamlessly came in when needed and maintained the high standards set by Adams or Bould.
Jim Magilton – Southampton have never beaten Arsenal at Highbury or The Emirates in the Premier League which does not bode well for the current set of players. The first time they drew this encounter was January 1995 (1-1) and Northern Irish pass-master Magilton was the away teams hero.
Game Narrative
Southampton will not be offering much going forward early in the game, it goes without saying the counter attack is their Plan A, B and C. When they do flow forward, tactical fouls by Arsenal need to happen swiftly and as far away from the goal as possible. Aaron Ramsdale is in great form but James Ward-Prowse fears no goalkeeper and he shouldn’t either as his dead ball ability is arguably the best in the league. With City coming up next Wednesday for Arsenal, this game is a statement affair for them, as mentioned above they need to probe and penetrate constantly even if they score early. Run up the scoreboard if they can, other elite teams would and have done over them years to the Saints.
The One to Watch – Leandro Trossard
Since Jesus returned to the starting eleven the Belgian has been the one who’s missed out, it could be advantageous to shoe horn him in on Friday night along with the Brazilian, either Martinelli or Xhaka could miss out to offer another all rounded attacking threat for Southampton to contend with.
Fulham v Leeds Utd
The Khan family own an impressive sporting portfolio which includes Fulham, Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) and All Elite Wrestling (the challengers to WWEs dominance). With AEW hosting a show at Wembley Stadium in August, it got me thinking which Fulham players compare to their wrestling counterparts within the Khan empire:
Bernd Leno – This pick is purely down to looks, Orange Cassidy the International Champion is a dead ringer for the German goalkeeper.
Kenny Tete – Malalkai Black is Dutch like Tete but that’s not the only comparison. Both men are highly athletic but at the same time underrated.
Antonee Robinson – Adam Cole Bay Bay has so much potential and many after this season feel Robinson could earn himself a move to a bigger club.
Tim Ream – Chris Jericho is a veteran wrestler, many consider him the locker team leader, Ream holds that position at Fulham plus they both have blond hair.
Tosin Adarabioyo – Darby Allin is a mysterious man he’s on most shows and aligned himself with living legend Sting, Tosin fits that bill too as he’s played all season but garnered no attention at all.
Harrison Read – Eddie Kingston is a brawler with a persona to match, Read only knows one way to play football which involves battling for the ball and continually berating referees.
Joao Palhinha – Samoa Joe is a absolute badass in and out of the ring, his style compares perfectly to Palhinhas midfield mastery of the dark arts.
Andreas Pereira – MJF is the AEW World Champion with a big headed attitude, former Manchester United player Pereira gives off those same cocky vibes.
Willian – Jeff Jarrett is a WWE Hall of Famer and comes from wrestling heritage, the same could be said for Willian in the sense he is from Brazil (the worlds greatest export of players) and his playing career has earned him numerous honours.
Manor Solomon – Bryan Danielson is a pocket rocket brimmed with technical wrestling ability, the same could be said for Israeli international Solomon.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – CM Punk is currently suspended by AEW due to a real life backstage brawl, when he is wrestling all eyes are on him as he’s considered one of the best in the world. Mitrovic has a bad attitude just like Punk but when he just plays his game he is touted as one of the best number nines in the Premier League.
PL Fixture Icons
Martin Djetou – The Ivory Coast born French international defender spend two years on loan at Fulham from 2002-04, scoring his only goal for the club against Leeds in December 2002 (1-0). Funnily enough after his spell at Craven Cottage he went on trial at Elland Road but did not earn a contract.
Raphinha – Leeds first goals at the Cottage in the Premier League did not occur till March 2021 (1-2) which also gave them the victory. Brazilian Raphinha scored the winner and thanks to his form at Leeds subsequently joined Barcelona last summer.
Game Narrative
After phoning it in for a few weeks Fulham found their desire to compete again last weekend against Everton and blew them away with their swift movement when in the attacking third. If they can continue threatening like that versus Leeds it will surely be a massive issue for the Yorkshire side who have forgotten how to defend. Changes will be made by Gracia most likely Cooper coming in to organise the backline but he has proven not to be a top flight level centre back so the defending needs to be worked on from front to back. Gnonto and Summerville out wide if selected would give Leeds the best chance to pin back the adventurous fullbacks Tete and Robinson. The showdown in midfield will be short of technical quality but fun to watch as both units love to commit fully to challenges.
The One to Watch – Jack Harrison
What he lacks in speed or skill is made up by his energy and electric left foot. Utilised a lot lately as a number ten or inverted right midfielder, it would work better in this game if he was the ten so out of possession he can become another midfielder while in attack break from deep joining the centre forward.
Brentford v Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins is the headline maker for Aston Villa but the catalyst for their terrific form under Unai Emery is Jacob Ramsey, long recognised as one of Englands most promising young midfielders he is now starting to perform at the levels required to be considered for Gareth Southgates squad. We all know the England manager has favourites so who is Ramseys competition? Six midfielders were selected for the last two internationals Conor Gallagher, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice, from those names Rice & Phillips play in a holding role which is not Ramseys position. Bellingham plays where Ramsey would thrive but he is one of the first names on the team sheet so will not be dropped for the Villa star. That leaves Gallagher, Henderson and Maddison and on form in the league he is performing at a higher level than all of them but the Liverpool captain possess the credit in the bank, so it’s highly likely he could get the nod over either of the two men left, Maddison or Gallagher.
Fixture Icons
When these sides met in the Championship a few years ago quite the rivalry was built, not just on the pitch but due to Villas continual poaching of Brentford players and coaches. Ezra Konsa and Ollie Watkins are the only players left at Villa from that recruitment period, but both were Bees when these clubs last met before this was a Premier League fixture in February 2019 (1-0). Neal Maupay scored the winner but it’s testament to Villa that Mings and McGinn who played are still at the club while Brentford have no one from that game.
Game Narrative
The big question mark for the home side is what formation will they go with to combat their ultra confident visitors. It’s very likely Thomas Frank will go with a back five to limit the space behind and in the channels, which is where Ollie Watkins will be most dangerous. Another way to disrupt Aston Villa is by enraging their midfielders Douglas Luiz and John McGinn, both are known for badly timed tackles, if the hosts can get under their skin and make them react negatively rather than enjoy the ball it could disjoint the tempo Emery’s side have shown.
The One to Watch – Ollie Watkins
The former Brentford player is playing his best football of his career and all eyes will be on him due to playing against his old team. Still loved by the West London club fans, they are dreading facing him Saturday, you will not hear boos more likely groans of fear every time he touches the ball.
Crystal Palace v Everton
Wilfred Zahas time at Crystal Palace is coming to a end and due to his injury it’s very unlikely he will get a chance for a farewell performance in front of his fans. Over the last few years Tottenham and Arsenal have been linked with mega money transfers and surely will consider approaching him this summer due to no fee being involved. The Ivorian has been linked with Cristiano Ronaldos Saudi team Al Nassr so one major factor to consider is how does he view the last few years of his career, does he want loads of money or a footballing challenge like playing in the Champions League. If he wants the elite competition while staying in England then it would only be Arsenal or Newcastle if interested as possible designations, City and United surely would not want him due to the talent they already have. Around Europe any of the Italian CL qualifiers would have him as they love a bargain, French and German clubs less possible due to the high wages and in Spain maybe Barcelona as their recruitment is scatter gun.
PL Fixture Icons
Andy Preece – Palace beat Everton on their return to the top flight in October 1994 (1-0) with target man Preece scoring the only goal, he only hit four for the Eagles and they all came in a one week spell, this winner, another versus Leicester and two against Coventry.
Matt Jackson – Massively underrated, Jackson could play right back or centre back and if he was playing these days would be regarded a lot higher. Fondly remembered during Everton’s FA Cup winning campaign in 1995, scoring the winner in the Fourth Round, one in the semi final and assisting the winner in the final versus Manchester United. The Toffees won the first Selhurst Park meeting in January 1993 (0-2) with Jackson scoring the opener.
Game Narrative
Safety is pretty much guaranteed for Palace after winning three in a row and in front of their fans they will want to turn the screw on Everton’s chances for survival. Sean Dyche will want to see better defending this weekend compared to the Fulham defeat last Saturday, his immobile defenders could not deal with the movement shown by Dan James and co, the worrying element is what Eze and Olise have been doing lately, any grain of that form will rip the visitors apart. James Garner showed glimpses that he belongs in the Premier League in the last game and his ability to pick out passes under duress will be vital at Selhurst Park. Tyrick Mitchell is a shadow of the player who received a England call up last summer and will be targeted, the emphasis by Everton will be drawing him out of position so Gray, McNeil or Iwobi can create chances from their right side.
The One to Watch – Neal Maupay
Sooner or later the Frenchman is going to score a goal, every commentator and analyst mentions the barren run when he plays, he is due the last laugh! Maupay loves tussling with centre defenders and will find a willing dance partner in Joachim Andersen, one or both will find themself in the referees book.
Leicester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Even though the Foxes are in 19th position, one win and other sides around them losing will see them climb to 16th. Only a few weeks ago nine teams were in the relegation dogfight but now it seems three from six. A good burst of results can propel a team out of the drama swiftly and Leicester enter their prospective period on Saturday against Wolves, as they also face Leeds and Everton after that point. Failure to collect a minimum seven points from that trio of fixtures will leave them in big trouble as from there they face Fulham, Liverpool and Newcastle before a final game showdown with West Ham. This Saturday is D Day for Dean Smiths team and winning is the only option.
PL Fixture Icons
James Maddison – A own goal by Matt Doherty and Maddison’s strike, his first for the club, delivered all three points for Leicester in August 2018, their first home victory in the Premier League over Wolves. The playmaker will be a major protagonist this weekend too.
Wolves have never scored at the King Power Stadium, drawing twice nil nil in 2004 and 2019.
Game Narrative
Wolves victory over Brentford last Saturday meant they are now seven points clear from 18th place and with a busy three game week looming they will make the home side try to penetrate them, a draw is good for Lopetegui’s team. It’s going to be a very tense occasion and the calmest player on the pitch will be the match winner, its a mystery who it will be as so often over the years in six pointers the least expected person delivers. Players like Maddison, Neves, or Barnes come to my mind due to ability but the difference maker could well be a Dawson or Souttar type by defending like a demon and notching from a corner or deep wide free kick. This will not be a classic game but along with the Palace v Everton match it will be the most viewed result, it could help define the next six matchweeks.
The One to Watch – Kelechi Iheanacho
The Nigerian tends to score in patches and considering he was on the scoresheet versus Manchester City a week ago, Leicester will hope he is embarking on another profitable run. His ability to play off defenders shoulders will cause the Wolves backline issues, they are slowest unit in the league.
Liverpool v Nottingham Forest
Nine men have played for both clubs since 1992 and I have ranked them in ability rather than accolades earned for either badge:
- Stan Collymore
- Neco Williams
- Nick Barmby
- Nigel Clough
- Daniel Ayala
- Paul Konchesky
- Jack Hobbs
- Jack Robinson
- Lee Peltier
PL Fixture Icons
Michael Owen – Only a few weeks ago Owen was the fixture icon, I try not to repeat players but his influence on the game when these sides last met at Anfield in October 1998 could not be ignored. Only a few months after he announced himself to the world at France98 the wonder kid scored four goals (5-1).
Ian Woan – Nottingham Forest have never won and only drew once at Anfield in the Premier League, the first goals scored by Forest at Anfield were in defeat (4-2), January 1996, with Woan assisting the first for Steve Stone and grabbing the second. Coming from the Wirral he would have enjoyed the small impact on the game despite the defeat.
Game Narrative
As per every game this season the narrative for Forest has to be keeping it tight at the back and lethal in front of the goal. Unfortunately they have proven consistently all season they struggle with both fundamental aspects, one of the few times it occurred was at home to Liverpool in October but lightening surely isn’t going to strike twice. Liverpool are embarking on a run they hope will catapult them into a European place and will take no mercy on the struggling Forest, players like Salah, Nunez and Diaz want goals, loads of them!
The One to Watch – Curtis Jones
The academy product has started the last three games and it seems likely he will keep his place till the seasons end, probably for Klopp to decide if he has a long term future at Anfield. Has definitely played well and notably popped up with great effect in the final third with vital passes, this could be the week when he scores one for himself.
Bournemouth v West Ham Utd
If West Ham move on this summer from David Moyes, the new manager/head coach needs to have a youthful exuberance and surely one of the candidates has to be ex Hammer, current Cherries boss Gary O’Neill. The job he has done is amazing, tactically and motivational wise he’s led one of the poorest squads to the brink of safety. The one concern would be his public demeanour, I’m not saying the Hammers fans want a entertainer but O’Neill comes across very straight faced and lacking personality, to invigorate the fan base they will want a good interviewee, a man who inspires them with words and actions along with organisation with the team.
PL Fixture Icons
Joshua King – Before joining Fernabache last summer King had played for six English clubs (Preston NE, Hull City, Blackburn Rovers, Bournemouth, Everton & Watford) and undoubtedly his best spell was at Bournemouth. He is selected as the Cherries Fixture Icon not just for one game but his performances over four matches at the Vitality where he scored five goals including a hatrick in March 2017 (3-2).
Dimitri Payet – This was a tough one to decide as when these clubs met for the first time at the Vitality, January 2016 (1-3) the heroes for the Hammers were Payet (goal & assist) and Valencia (two goals). I had to go for the Frenchman as his free kick was marginally better than Valencia’s plus he was the creative spark all game, much like his entire spell for West Ham before his head was turned.
Game Narrative
Michail Antonio was back to his bustling best last Sunday against Arsenal and if West Ham are going to pick up some points in this fixture he needs to produce a similar display. When on it the Jamaican demands attention from all the centre backs he faces and subsequently creates space for Bowen or Benrahma to progress with the ball into. The compactness of the stadium at Bournemouth makes the pitch seem smaller than others and progression in attack swifter. Phillip Billing versus Declan Rice is the must see battle in this game and the victor will probably be on the winning team.
The One to Watch – Kurt Zouma
A big performance is needed at both ends of the pitch on Sunday from the Frenchman, at the back he will need to contain the red hot Solanke while from set pieces in the attacking third he will be the main target of the deliveries.
Newcastle Utd v Tottenham Hotspur
The recruitment drives for both clubs this summer will be plentiful as they look to improve, reinvigorate and push on next season but the targets will depend on the European competitions they are taking part in, if at all. Spurs seem most likely to fall out of the qualifying spots for any of the continental competitions as Brighton, Villa and Liverpool are hot on their heels. If this happens the new players they bring in should be youthful as part of a semi tear down of the personal. Newcastle on the other hand will engage in phase two of their transformation, the first part saw them bring in solid top flight players to see off last seasons relegation threat and youth for the future with the only indulging purchases being Isak & Guimaraes. This summer the cheque book will be out and they will be targeting world class players at left back (Theo Hernandez or Nuno Mendes) and centre midfield (Frenkie de Jong, Rodrigo De Paul or Jude Bellingham). The two year futures of both clubs will be defined this summer.
PL Fixture Icons
Robert Lee – Christmas 1996 was not very cheerful for Tottenham as they visited St James Park and was spanked (7-1) with Lee from midfield scoring two and assisting another two. The former Charlton winger epitomised Newcastle in the nineties and was the glue among all the big name signings. Both his sons are professional footballers, Elliot is one of the stars at Hollywood Wrexham.
Teddy Sheringham – NFL quarterback Tom Brady retired in January aged 45, his longevity was due to his skillset being his brain, I would compare Sheringham to the American as he was still playing in the Premier League at 40 years old and this was down to his smartness as a striker, he never relied on pace or power. The first Premier League meeting at St James Park, August 1993 saw the visitors win (0-1) and Teddy was the match winner.
Game Narrative
Even before last weekend Tottenham would not have feared Newcastles defence as their one strength is in attack due to the presence of Kane and Son. The defeat to Villa was coming for Eddie Howes side as they had been riding their luck before that, issue for Spurs will be Newcastle have had a week to learn from defeat and game plan for this fixture with a do right attitude. What Newcastle will do Sunday is start fast, pile on pressure high up the pitch and negate Spurs in their efforts to progress the ball towards their forwards. As always the St James Park crowd will play their part and you have to question if Spurs have the balls to succeed there.
The One to Watch – Joelinton
It’s hard to contain the Brazilian once he receives the ball due to his strength and skill, he ranks ninth in the league for take ons, which is impressive even more so due to the fact he’s the only man on the leaderboard who plays centrally. Hojberg undoubtably will look to take out Joelinton early doors but it’s very likely he will bounce off the Newcastle man and only energise him to punish the visitors.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
The two Norwegian superstars have swapped places at the top of the rankings, Odegaard has not played badly it’s just Haaland is cranking up the form. Ollie Watkins is not from the top ten and one more goal getting weekend could see him break the ten. Mo Salah has broken in, taking the place of Ben Mee who has looked tired lately and performances have shown:
- Erling Haaland up one
- Martin Odergaard down one
- Marcus Rashford non mover
- Harry Kane non mover
- Kaoru Mitomo non mover
- Jack Grealish up three
- Solly March up one
- Bakary Saka down two
- Ivan Toney down two
- Mo Salah new entry
When watching matches this weekend remember Frank Lampard once said “Goals never come easy. No one gives you goals” and this is why as fans whether we are in the stadium or at home watching matches celebrate when the ball hits the net like we have been given the winning lottery numbers.
