Quick turnaround after the FA Cup and PL action last weekend, all sides are playing this midweek, only Chelsea had no game. The NFL Draft is taking place this Thursday so it got me thinking who would each Premier League club draft if any player in the league was available. On Saturday evening after Brentford’s draw with Aston Villa I held a mock draft with four of my fellow Bees fans at The Gunnersbury Pub, using the league table as it was after the 3pm games, lowest placed side picking first. Let me introduce to you the selectors and the teams they was picking for, we went in age order with oldest going first, the youth get all the fun normally so I pulled one back for the oldies.

Dave O’Leary – Full time golfer and lifelong Brentford fan

Southampton, West Ham United, Brentford & Tottenham Hotspur

Yours truly Paulsy Hover

Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Fulham & Newcastle United

Aaron O’Leary – Former non league superstar and Britney Spears number one fan

Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton & Hove Albion & Manchester United

Eddie Hover – Abercrombie & Fitch model at the weekend, typical teenager in the week

Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Liverpool & Manchester City

Aidan O’Leary – Ten sport athlete who somehow finds time to watch Brentford every home game

Leeds United, Chelsea, Aston Villa & Arsenal

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the lead up to the draft and before I announced the order it was unanimous among everyone that Erling Haaland would be selected first then Dave lodged his ticket:

Southampton – Kevin De Bruyne

Despite the Saints need for a striker, the rationale from Dave was KDB is the best player in the league.

Nottingham Forest – Erling Haaland

Well if the Norwegian goal machine is available at 2, it’s a no brainer for a Forest team who lack a goalscorer

Everton – Harry Kane

Englands captain was swiftly picked, Everton have Calvert-Lewin back but for how long

Leicester City – Allison

Goalkeeper at four seemed a stretch but since Kasper Schmeichal left the need at Leicester was desperate for a proven stopper

Leeds United – Bernardo Silva

Another shocker but already three City players have been drafted

West Ham United – Darwin Nunez

Selected by Dave as he’s a hybrid of Ings and Antonio

Bournemouth – Mo Salah

With Solanke hitting some form, adding the Egyptian maestro seemed a perfect foil

Wolverhampton Wanderers – Evan Ferguson

Another club who desperately need a number nine and one of the leagues most promising players was picked by Aaron

Crystal Palace – Aleksandar Isak

Since returning from injury the swede has been sensational and is on the radar of young fans like Eddie as a hero in the making

Chelsea – Jesus

Over the last two windows the west London team have bought two for every position bar striker, Aidan sees the Arsenal man as perfect to solve their issues

Brentford – Aleksandar Mitrovic

Pure spite selection from David to weaken Fulham

Fulham – Ivan Toney

Well if the bees are taking Fulham’s number one man then it makes sense they snatch their rivals goal machine

Brighton & Hove Albion – Patrick Bamford

This selection nearly didn’t happen as Aaron had two forwards in mind to replace Ferguson, the clock nearly run out and in a panic said Bamford, instantly regretted it when everyone gasped “what’s wrong with Rashford”

Liverpool – Kieran Trippier

Eddie is not a fan of Alexander-Arnold and felt the Newcastle captain is a similar player but a pure upgrade

Aston Villa – Virgil Van Djik

Mings and Konsa are living on borrowed time at Villa Park, the most talented centre back in the league had to be picked for them

16Tottenham Hotspur – Ben Mee

The leagues bargain of the season would organise the leaky Spurs backline

Newcastle United – Reece James

Having lost their captain, made sense to take the pound for pound best right back in Europe

Manchester United – William Saliba

Varanes replacement in the French team now is going in to replace him at Old Trafford

Manchester City – Martin Odergaard

City have been rinsed in the draft but they still have so many class players but replacing KDB was the mindset with this selection

Arsenal – Julian Alvarez

Jesus has gone so taking City’s back up striker again makes sense

Let me know what you think of the mock draft draft and if you hold one with your mates on the way to a game this week, tell me how you got on?

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Crystal Palace

PL Fixture Icons

Jonny – Wolves first home victory over Palace came about in July 2020 (2-0) with Podence and Jonny scoring. The Spanish fullback has always played well when fit but unfortunately serious knee injuries have plagued his progress at the club.

Luka Milivojevic – Surprisingly these teams meet for the first time at Moulineux in Jan 2019, Palace won (0-2) with two late goals, Serbian Milvojevic grabbed a 95th minute goal via the penalty spot. These days he is a squad player and it feels like his days at Selhurst Park may be numbered.

Game Narrative

Safety for both clubs is close so don’t expect too many risks taken.
Diego Costa v Joachim Andersen is a battle which could see cards being shown.
Most of the ball will be down Palaces right/Wolves left it’s where both teams are strongest in attack

The One to Watch – Ruben Neves

The Portuguese complete midfielder will want to show who is the best player on the pitch when taking on Eze & Olise plus be the match winner to ensure league safety.

Aston Villa v Fulham

PL Fixture Icons

Darius Vassell – The maiden meeting at Villa Park, October 2001 saw the hosts win (2-0) with the opener scored by Vassell and the second from Ian Taylor. Vassell played more like a sprinter/footballer and even earned international recognition with England.

Hugo Rodallega- April 2014 saw Fulham steal victory for the first time at Villa Park (1-2), Colombian international Rodallega came off the bench to score the winner. He made his name at Wigan for causing havoc out wide but played more centrally for Fulham, his last season being in the Championship.

Game Narrative

Emery will want his team to bounce back after Saturdays poor display so expect changes and a fast, controlled start from the hosts.
With Martinez injured Fulham will pepper balls into the box from wide even more so than normal.
Fascinating match up between both midfields who are two of the most underrated in the Premier League.

The One to Watch – Harry Wilson

All of a sudden the Welsh youngster has found his scoring boots, three in three is a big ask but with his clean striking ability who knows.

Leeds Utd v Leicester City

PL Fixture Icons

Noel Whelan – October 1994 saw Leeds win (2-1) via goals from Whelan and McAlister. Whelan came through the ranks at Elland Road and it served to be his detriment as he never fully commanded a starting role, eventually leaving for Coventry in 1995, this is where he made his Premier League name.

Steve Walsh – The Leicester captain during the nineties was a defender but also utilised as a striker. He scored the only goal in September 1997 (0-1) which was his clubs first away at Leeds. Walsh jointly holds the red card record in the Football League (13).

Game Narrative

Leeds fans pride themselves on their dedication and passionate support, Tuesday night they have to be the twelfth man.
Harvey Barnes and James Maddison are rated 75% to play, if that equates to playing for a hour that’s a risk worth taking for Dean Smith.
Both goalkeepers are liabilities, expect plenty of long shots and lofted crosses to test them.

The One to Watch – Youri Tielemens

He will be the coolest and calmest midfielder on the field, those traits will be needed among the chaos, also his right foot is capable of thirty yard pile drivers.

Nottingham Forest v Brighton & Hove Albion

Fixture Icons

Wednesday night will see The City Ground host this match as a Premier League fixture. The last time they met in league action was six years ago in the Championship, Brighton ended up gaining promotion but were totally humiliated three nil by Forest with Zach Clough coming off the bench to score two goals. Injuries hampered Brian and Nigel’s namesake and he now plays in Australia for Adelaide. Notable current Premier League stars on the field that day were Matty Cash and Joe Worrall for Forest and as always for Brighton Lewis Dunk and Solly March plus Shane Duffy he is now at Fulham.

Game Narrative

Steve Cooper will be hoping the positive aspects from Saturday can be replicated and Brighton are suffering a semi final hangover.
The team who has the most left in the tank energy wise after the weekends exploits will be the winners, last team standing!
Brightons innovative thinking tactics wise and how Forest combat it will be a interesting matter.

The One to Watch – Kaylor Navas

We are still to see a performance from the Costa Rican which belays his reputation, no better time than now to place the team on his shoulders.

Chelsea v Brentford

Fixture Icons

Last seasons meetings in the Premier League were the first league matches between these clubs since 1947 with Brentford claiming a famous victory at Stamford Bridge (1-4) and losing at the GTech (0-1). Before then they last met in January 2017 in the FA Cup with Chelsea winning (4-0), Willian stealing the show with a sublime virtuoso display.

Game Narrative

Chelsea lack speed in defence and Brentford have two track stars in Schade & Mbuemo, this could see the home side retreat deep so they can counter the away team.
Enzo Fernandes started well at Chelsea but has gone off the boil majorly the last month, this game could make or break the rest of his campaign. Brentford’s midfield will hassle him non stop so if he’s not gobbled up it will be a springboard for his confidence.
Four of the leagues best fullbacks will be on show, the tussles between these men will be a fixture of the league for the next five years minimum.

The One to Watch – Mykhalio Mudryk

By all accounts he was close to joining Brentford last summer, what better opponent to score your first goal against.

West Ham Utd v Liverpool

PL Fixture Icons

Don Hutchinson – Absolute end of season tonking in May 1995 by the home side (3-0), former Red Hutchison grabbing two goals in two minutes. The Scottish international had two spells with West Ham, his first was this period and he fell foul of referees quite often, eleven bookings, one sending off in 39 games.

Ian Rush – April 1994 (1-2) last minute winner from the Welsh hitman, this was the first Premier League Upton Park meeting. Young fans will not understand how good Rush was, he came alive in the box and was the scourge of all top flight clubs.

Game Narrative

Said Benrahma’s width will be key in combating Alexander-Arnolds inside right role, Konate will struggling with the Algerians dribbling so the England international will need to play more conventionally.
Declan Rice v Jordan Henderson is Englands future v Englands past, they play well together internationally so how they compete with each other will be box office.
Vladimir Coufal is a dependable fullback and has to nail down his side of the pitch for the hosts to have a chance.

The One to Watch – Jarrod Bowen

Andrew Robertson has tweaked his way of playing to enable Liverpools change in tactics, therefore his natural, attacking way is stifled. This is how he challenges wide forwards by pinning them back, Bowen thrives when the left back retreats so he could have a profitable evening.

Manchester City v Arsenal

PL Fixture Icons

Joey Barton – Englands bad boy scored a penalty in August 2006 (1-0) which gave City their first victory at home against Arsenal. Barton’s infamous anger issues have translated even to America where he was the subject one week in the Crime in Sports podcast.

#099 – Lesson Never Learned – The Punchiness of Joey Barton | Crime in Sports

Mark Flatts – Assisted Paul Merson for his goal (0-1) in January 1993. The trainee product was at Highbury for six years (16 games)before dropping right out of the league into the amateur ranks.

Game Narrative

The visitors need to be disciplined, it’s a trait they have shown all season till lately, this has to be rediscovered Wednesday night.
Look out for Arteta sitting Odergaard on Rodri, the Spaniard is the stopper but ball releaser for his attacking teammates, stop him from playing you go a long way to harming the champions.
Pep will lay out numerous traps for Aaron Ramsdale after Friday nights poor display against Southampton. The England backup goalie looked lost for long periods and City will feel he can be got at.

The One to Watch – Thomas Partey

Over the last month Partey has been a shadow of the destroyer we know he can be. Away to City is a perfect day to bounce back form wise.

Everton v Newcastle Utd

PL Fixture Icons

Daniel Amokachi – The Nigerian was a lot of fun in the nineties for Everton, he had the strength, speed and skill to win a game on his own but rarely showed those traits together. One of his better days was in April 1995 when he scored both goals (2-0) against Newcastle.

Paul Kitson – Kitson had a sustained top flight career but in the form of a squad player rather than starter. He looked the part from the neck up as a striker but averaged a goal every four games. One of his ten goals for Newcastle was the third goal in October 1995 (1-3).

Game Narrative

Newcastle thrive off their home support but have shown in their last two away games they can be rattled when the majority are against them, this sets the scene for another memorable Goodison night.
Like Tottenham, Everton’s defence is not very mobile so look out for Newcastle attempting to pull them out of position.
Set pieces will be like chess matches and will come down to who is physically stronger as much as who has the better deliveries.

The One to Watch – Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Sean Dyche just wants one goal from his elite striker as he can mastermind a clean sheet at the other end.

Southampton v Bournemouth

PL Fixture Icons

Graziono Pelle – While at Southampton the Italian earned international honours and deservedly so as at Feyenoord and the Saints he was on fire in front of goal plus a terrific targetman. He followed the dollar in 2016 when he joined the Chinese Super League, becoming the seventh highest paid footballer in the world. During the first meeting in the top flight between these south coast clubs in Nov 2015 (2-0) he scored the second goal.

Nathan Ake – The Dutchman notched the opener in September 2019 (1-3), this was the first Bournemouth win at St Mary’s.

Game Narrative

This is must win for Southampton, look out for the kitchen sink being thrown at their south coast rivals.
Crosses into the box are the Cherries Achilles heal and facing James Ward-Prowse will be giving them nightmares already.
Romain Perraud struggled with Bakory Saka last Friday, he faces a similar type of player on Thursday in the form of Dango Ouattara and Gary O’Neill will look to expose the Frenchman constantly.

The One to Watch – Carlos Alvaraz

Majestic during the first half against Arsenal, his range of passing and pressing was the reason Southampton were winning. A full game contribution is needed this time around.

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

PL Fixture Icons

Sol Campbell – When Sol joined Arsenal from Tottenham it shook English football and arguably he is referred to as a former Gunner rather than Spurs player. As captain he sealed a fabulous first half in January 1996 with the third goal before halftime (4-1).

Juan Sebastian Veron – Three down at half time, United went supernova in the second half in September 2001 and won the game (3-5). Veron was considered one of the best players in the world when he arrived at Old Trafford, the reputation did not translate into world class performances.

Game Narrative

United will want to progress the ball at lightning speed through the lines so they can attack the backline of Spurs constantly.
Ryan Mason surely will instruct Harry Kane to play off the shoulder of the United defence rather than coming deep, his presence will keep Lindeloff & Shaw honest.
Both goalkeepers are two of the most well known in World football but arguably are their teams weak links, the one which makes the least errors will be on the winning team Thursday night.

The One to Watch – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

A England call up must be close, the best one on one defender in the country is becoming a good attacking force too. His running with the ball looks out of control but it’s effective and could be the X-Factor needed if the away side to take maximum points home.

Premier League Player Power Rankings

No movement in the rankings as most of the players were in FA Cup action but Odergaards display against Southampton on Friday night bodes well if he is to regain the top spot over the coming weeks:

Erling Haaland non mover
Martin Odergaard non mover
Marcus Rashford non mover
Harry Kane non mover
Kaoru Mitomo non mover
Jack Grealish non mover
Solly March non mover
Bakary Saka non mover
Ivan Toney non mover
Mo Salah non mover

When watching matches this weekend remember Micah Richards once said “There were times while I was injured at Villa when I felt like a ghost”. This is the time of the year when those forgotten footballers are facing the prospect they will be released from their contract and may never play the game again. Wages are so high so players will not play for less and if the hunger is gone, money is in the bank then why carry on playing?