All of a sudden it feels like we know who will win the title, qualify for Europe, avoid the drop and get relegated, but the Premier League loves throwing in a curve ball. The action starts on BT Sport Saturday lunchtime with another London derby:
Crystal Palace v West Ham United
With both clubs nearing safety they can begin finalising their recruitment plans for the summer and after this seasons poor campaigns they require a great deal of new blood. I have highlighted the key needs for both:
Palace – Both fullbacks are functional but lack pizazz.
The eight role is currently manned by long distance runners who can barely control a football, they need a upgrade, can I hear someone say Conor Gallagher?
Striker goes without saying but they have made those moves in the past and brought in duds. What needs to be addressed internally is whos making the final call on the previous recruits and ensure they are not involved this time.
West Ham – Fabianski has been a great goalkeeper but his kicking leaves a lot to be desired plus he is prone to a few injuries during the season. Bringing in a more progressive, young keeper has to be high on their agenda.
Much like Palace, West Ham’s fullbacks can perform at 6 out of 10 levels but they need something more.
Replacing Declan Rice is impossible but wisely using the funds in that area of the pitch by bringing in two or three promising players would be advantageous.
PL Fixture Icons
Marcus Bent (Palace) Scorer of the second goal.
Over the course of his career he played for fourteen different clubs, 573 games and 113 goals. Always in demand due to his speed and athleticism especially as football reverted to the lone striker role his skillset was ideal.
May 1998 saw these two teams play out a six goal thriller (3-3) at Selhurst Park.
Manny Omoyinmi (West Ham) Scored two goals, one of them in the last minute.
The game against Palace was as good as it got for Omoyinmi, it was the only time he appeared on the scoresheet for West Ham and the rest of his career was spent in the lower leagues.
Game Narrative
Both defences are prone to lapses of concentration especially out wide so both managers will look to concentrate on forcing each other to play inside which will likely make a tepid match to watch. With the ball centrally more often than not it could be a shoot out between Rice & Eze. Both sides have players who can deliver excellent dead balls so this is the most likely route for goals to be scored.
The One to Watch – Michael Olise
Lining up against Aaron Cresswell is a favourable match up for the French youth international even if the supply to him could be limited Saturday, he has the class to make those chances count.
Brentford v Nottingham Forest
David Raya has turned down several contract offers and with his current deal expiring next summer he could be moving on once the season ends. Numerous top six sides have been linked with him but is he good enough?
Undoubtably he is, this season he has shown he can dominate his penalty area and pull off vital saves when needed. Couple those key keeping elements with his amazing kicking skill you have a elite number one. Ederson and Allison will have a new challenger to their crown as best goalie over the next few years in the form of the Spaniard whether he stays in West London or not, if teams want him they shouldn’t over think the fee he will be worth it.
Fixture Icons
These sides have never met in the Premier League at the GTech but did face at the stadium behind closed doors during COVID times in March 2021, the game ending in a draw (1-1). Ivan Toney and Filip Krovinović scored the goals that day but only one of them remains at the protagonists this weekend. The continuity of the clubs is evident in the fact Forest only have three survivors from that day two years ago (Yates, Colback & Taylor, none of them made the pitch) while Brentford have ten!
Game Narrative
Forest have no positive history from away games this season so like many lower half sides coming to the GTech will look to sit deep and counter. The game will come down to how Brentford’s players and fans approach it, if they are positive and aggressive the result will end up being a home victory, any slide in performance could see Steve Cooper steal a win off his hated rivals from the Championship days.
The One to Watch – Ben Mee
Don’t let any Sky or BT Sports pundit convince you otherwise, Mee is the best transfer this season. No fee involved when he arrived from Burnley and undoubtably the best centre back performance wise in the league. Forest struggle with set plays and the Brentford centre back attacks them with full on desire, another goal seems very likely on Saturday.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Brighton stalwart Solly March was the unfortunate man who missed his penalty in the FA Cup Semi Final last Sunday, he has enjoyed the best form of his life this term, now we all want to see how he reacts?
The bounce back begun well personally with his showing against Forest on Wednesday night despite the teams result. Any football fan will wish him well in forgetting about the kiss of death moment via Weghorst and hope he strives on to push Brighton towards European qualification. His chance for revenge comes during this MatchWeek when the Seagulls take on United during the week, a punt on a goal from him anytime seems a prosperous one.
PL Fixture Icons
Glenn Murray – The only home victory for Brighton occurred in October 2018 (1-0) and was the first meeting of these clubs in the Premier League. Murray was the main goal threat during the Seagulls early days in the top flight and only just been replaced now in the form of Evan Ferguson.
Romain Sais – After the initial defeat at the Amex the next two fixtures ended in draws (2 all and 3 all), the first away win happened December 2021 (0-1). Sais scored just before half time but also hit the woodwork twice in the second period.
Game Narrative
Despite two poor results over the last week Brighton will not deviate from their playing style to ensure a win occurs, so the emphasis will point towards how Wolves combat the hosts. If they press high and stop Mitomo, McAllister and March receiving the ball they will have a chance to earn a point at least. If Wolves cannot execute the plan and sit back too deep it could be troublesome afternoon. I am fascinated by the Neves v McAllister confrontation in midfield, two class acts going at it who surely will be joining bigger clubs in the future.
The One to Watch – Lewis Dunk
Last weekends FA Cup Semi showcased Dunk favourably and surely he will earn a England call up this summer. The home town hero is the quarterback and if Wolves do not prevent him playing from the back it will be a long afternoon for the midlands club.
Bournemouth v Leeds United
Both clubs have been in and around the bottom half of the table all season, you could argue they have players similar in ability, because of that I have selected a combined eleven to see which club would field the majority of players?
Formation 4-4-2
1
Neto
2 5 6 3
Ayling Mepham Senesi Kelly
7 8 4 11
Harrison Lerma Billing Sinisterra
9 10
Solanke Rodrigo
Seven of the team are from Bournemouth, they are the combo champs! Come on Leeds and Bournemouth fans what do you think?
Fixture Icons
This season has seen these clubs meet for the first time in the Premier League. September 2014 was the last time they met in a league game (Championship) at Bournemouth and it was the away side who took away the points via goals from Doukara, Bellusci and Antenucci. Liam Cooper was on the bench for Leeds and Lewis Cook started, now he is a fixture in the Cherries midfield.
Game Narrative
It’s frightening how bad Leeds are defensively, the unit has to improve swiftly if they are going to stay up. They can score goals but the leaks at the back are holding back any positive results. Bournemouth are not a frightening force in attack but they possess functional talents and in front of their own fans Sunday will create a steamy atmosphere. If Bamford is fit look out for the ball to be travelling direct from back to front more often than usual with the wide forwards running past him rather than playing through the lines like they usual venture forward.
The One to Watch – Luis Sinisterra
The Colombian winger is fast becoming this seasons Raphinha, he is the only forward lately contributing with goals and seems to be the attacker who can lead them to safety. Issue with him is fitness, he collects injuries and never seems to finish games. If he makes the field at the weekend I fully expect him to be involved if anything positive occurs.
Fulham v Manchester City
The Premier League is now City’s to lose after beating Arsenal on Wednesday night but can they emulate their neighbours treble in 1999? Before United get a chance to prevent them winning it all Peps side have to get past Real Madrid in the Champions League Semi final. No doubt it’s going to be tough for City taking on the defending champions but as long as injuries do not cripple their options they should have enough to get past Madrid. Haalands physicality as much as his goal getting will decide the tie as Militao and Rudiger can get too physical, I can see a Real player seeing red. The FA Cup is in between the league finishing and Champions League Final so if City are still in Europe it will be the second step where United can stop them. In a one off game they have a chance and I feel they will beat the blue half. End of the day being crowned champions of Europe is what Manchester City want more than anything, it should happen this season.
PL Fixture Icons
Luis Boa Morte – Steed Malbranque grabbed the goals November 2005 (2-1) but the current Fulham assistant coach Boa Morte caused havoc all game with his pace and provided the assists.
Nicolas Anelka – Even before the mega money arrived at City and they could purchase world class strikers in their prime like Aguero, Haaland or Ballotelli top class talents like Anelka or Fowler donned the blue shirt. The French striker was the difference back in December 2002 scoring the only goal at Loftus Road (0-1).
Game Narrative
Fulham do not mind being out of possession, their success this year has been due to what they do with it when they have the ball by making it count. City of course should win but if the home sides midfield can scrap continually and limit the space between the lines to prevent ball players like Silva, Grealish & Mahrez run with the ball this so called guaranteed three points for Peps team could become questionable.
The One to Watch – Kevin De Bruyne
Over the last month KDB has stepped up his game two or three notches. With pressure games coming every three days till the end of May this upturn is further proof he is one of the worlds best players, performing when his team needs him most.
Manchester Utd v Aston Villa
Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa’s season, the fans realistically are dreaming of European football next season and hope they can challenge for honours over the next few years under his leadership. The first Premier League season (92/93) saw these two clubs battle it out for the title and at one point the midlands team held the upper hand. United ended up winning by ten points but only due to the fact Villa lost the last three games, agonisingly handing the title over without a fight. Ron Atkinsons team was ageing and the club has never sustained a challenge since. It will take a lot for them to reach those heights again during this current climate but competing, making games difficult for top six sides and crashing the party are on the horizon.
PL Fixture Icons
Wayne Rooney – Three times the Red Devils have walloped Villa four nil in the Premier League era, the last time being in April 2012. Rooney scored two goals with Welbeck and Nani also chipping in.
Gabriel Agbonlahor – December 2009 (0-1) marked the first away victory for Villa, the all important goal coming from their England international. His entire career was spent at Villa Park bar a couple of loan spells when he was progressing through the ranks. These days he is known for outlandish opinions on football, aired on Talksport, the home of clickbait.
Game Narrative
The core value Emery has brought to Aston Villa is resolute defending, it’s not just the back four but the entire team plays for the badge, making them difficult to break down let alone beat. That mentality will be needed at Old Trafford on Sunday as Rashford & co will be peppering them constantly. The lack of pace out wide for Villa will be picked on by ten Hag but on the flip side the visitors will look to play centrally, creating space with their quick interchanges. The winner of this chess match within a larger one will hold the key to victory.
The One to Watch – Ollie Watkins
With Uniteds first choice centre backs missing, Watkins will view this match as a great occasion to score for the first time at Old Trafford. He will try to be picked up by Lindelof rather than Shaw who has the mobility and speed to keep up with him.
Newcastle United v Southampton
Southamptons eleven year run in the Premier League is nearing its end, six points from safety with five to go does not bode well. James Ward-Prowse has done everything he can to keep the club in the division and should hold his head up high, the decision makers at the Saints have let the fans and their captain down due to some of the players brought in and coaches hired. The England squad member will be in demand but the stumbling block will be the fee, he is 29 in November and has three years left on his contract. You can see Southampton wanting £35million+ which will put a lot of clubs off considering if you are Arsenal or Newcastle, will want talent who have played in the Champions League, which he hasn’t sniffed at. To lower the fee including a few players in the deal is a option and both the before mentioned teams have squad players who will not be needed next season. As much as it’s about the buyer, Ward-Prowse has to be happy with the move, he has played his entire career at St Mary’s so making sure he fits the scheme of a new team and his family are happy, will be deal breakers. Without a doubt his transfer will be interesting to observe even though it’s not a headline maker like the looming Kane, Mount, Messi or Osimhen deals.
PL Fixture Icons
Alan Shearer – The former Saint manhandled his old club in September 1998, scoring two goals (4-0) in the first half, one from the spot. Many people forget Shearer started his career in the south coast, but those of us who do felt when he joined Blackburn for £3.6million it had the potential to be a bust, we was wrong BIG time.
Matthew Le Tissier – Mr Southampton so often in the nineties was the only reason they won matches and January 1994 was one of those occasions (1-2) with the winner scored in the 83rd minute. Along with Thierry Henry probably has the best highlight reel ever in the Premier League.
Game Narrative
Newcastle have scored seventeen goals in the last five games, only one of the fixtures being at home which was last Sundays demolition of Spurs. Apart from Manchester City, Eddie Howes team are the one to avoid currently, it’s very hard to argue a case for Southampton. The best option for Ruben Selles is for his team to attack the match from the outset like Arsenal away last Friday night.
The One to Watch – Romeo Lavia
Before the questionable negative substitutions last weekend, Lavia was controlling possession for Southampton at the base of the midfield, he will need to perform at that level again. His face off with Bruno Guimaraes will be a enjoyable tussle.
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Appointing a new manager is controlling all thoughts at White Hart Lane but from there they need to seriously address the midfield position. Bentancur who is currently injured should be the only man retained next season, the rest are simply not good enough to propel the club to the levels they want to achieve. Hojbjerg for example has one speed in everything he does which slows the ball movement and is meant to be a ball winner but barely succeeds at it. Of course a lot of the Tottenham squad needs refreshing but if you install a competitive midfield you can build around it as the engine room dominates how you can defend and attack.
PL Fixture Icons
Mark Walters – One of my favourite players in the eighties and nineties, whether he was at Villa, Rangers or Liverpool. As pure a dribbler you would find in England at that time, many fullbacks would finish a match tied up in knots. May 1993 saw Walter score one and assist two (6-2).
Luka Modric – Tottenham have only won twice during the Premier League era at Anfield, the last time was May 2011 (0-2) with the goals scored by two of Europe’s best in the last fifteen years, Rafael van der Vaart and Luka Modric. Croat Modric scored the second goal from the spot and twelve years later is still one of the best players on the pitch whenever he plays for Madrid.
Game Narrative
Ryan Mason installed some pride into Tottenham during the second half on Thursday versus United but he will need his team to dig a lot deeper to grab anything from this game. So far this season we have seen there rivals Arsenal let a lead slip at Anfield, City lose there and United destroyed. Liverpool at home are a beast, the tempo will be rapid and whoever is selected up front has a point to prove so they ensure a starter. Preventing Trent Alexander-Arnold dictating play goes without saying but it’s hard to pick out who at Spurs could “do a job” on him, it could come down to Harry Kane coming deep and occupying those passing zones Trent finds.
The One to Watch – Mo Salah
Lenglet and Perisic have to communicate constantly Sunday, making sure their are no gaps down their left side, if that doesn’t occur Salah will have a field day. Liverpool have a lot of danger men but the Egyptian still is the key man for Jurgen Klopp.
Leicester City v Everton
Like the Bournemouth v Leeds preview I have selected a combined eleven as both teams have been struggling all season in the bottom half and it’s interesting to see who has the better players.
Formation 4-4-2
1
Pickford
2 5 6 3
Coleman Faes Soyuncu Kristensen
7 8 4 11
Iwobi Onana Maddison Barnes
9 10
Iheanacho Calvert-Lewin
Six of the team are from Leicester City, they are the combo champs, just! Come on Leicester and Everton fans what do you think?
PL Fixture Icons
Andy King – May 2016 saw the largest home victory in this fixture and the day they lifted the league trophy, Jamie Vardy scored two and Andy King one (3-1). When in League One and Championship King was one of the first names on the team sheet but once they entered the Premier League his role was more squad player. Despite being born in England he has played over fifty times for Wales.
Andy Hinchcliffe – Sky sports commentator Hinchcliffe was a decent footballer in the nineties, mainly known for his accuracy from set pieces. November 1996 he scored at Filbert Street (1-2) after some quick thinking following a free kick given for a back pass.
Game Narrative
I cannot remember a Monday Night Football match between two relegation rivals this late in the season, the scene is set for untold drama, tactics will go out the window ultimately. Both teams need to draw off the situation rather than be passive, hoping for the best usually requires time and it’s running out. As always set plays will be Everton’s best hope to score goals while Leicester will look to their star men Barnes, Maddison and Tielemens to control possession, the issue they will find is Sean Dyches midfield are full of warriors who thrive off disrupting play. This game has the feel of one producing a unlikely hero like a Souttar or dare I say it Maupay.
The One to Watch – Jamie Vardy
It took a while but the Foxes Living Legend scored his second goal of the season Tuesday night against Leeds and looks right up for putting the team on his shoulders one more time so they beat the drop.
Arsenal v Chelsea
Cesc Fabregas played for both clubs with a spell at Barcelona in between. He won more honours with Chelsea but is more fondly remembered for his spell in North London where he was the main man. Quite a few footballers have played for both London clubs, if you was debating who is the best it’s between the Spaniard and Ashley Cole, who for a few years was the best left back in the world. Due to Coles departure from Arsenal many Gooners would probably pick Fabregas. Due to his in depth punditry many expect him to become a manager once he hangs up his boots, it would not surprise me if he works for one of his former clubs.
PL Fixture Icons
Theo Walcott – The Christmas matchup in 2010 saw Arsenal gain revenge after losing the year before at the Emirates, since Roman Abromahovic had taken over the win column was dominated by the West Londoners. Theo Walcott scored the last goal (3-1) after winning the ball in midfield and assisted Fabregas for his goal.
Didier Drogba – Ivorian Drogba was a one man wrecking crew during his Chelsea career, he loved being the lone striker as football flowed into the 4-2-3-1 formation as he could deal with the attention from both centre backs he faced. November 2009 saw Chelsea dominate the home side and win the game with ease (0-3).
Game Narrative
Confidence is so low at both clubs currently with Arsenal probably feeling more confident this can be a stepping stone back to winning ways. The north London club play like a team and Brentford showed Wednesday night the unit can defeat the talented individuals of Chelsea. Mikel Arteta will be scheming to find a way to get the ball to Bakayo Saka more than recent games, if this can occur it will prevent Ben Chillwell bombing on like he wants to. Pressuring Aaron Ramsdale kicking will be a key tactic implemented by Frank Lampard so look out for the forwards selected to all be pacy and agile, this is not a game for Havertz.
The One to Watch – N’golo Kante
Graham Potter would have loved to have Kante available during his spell in charge, the Frenchman still plays like two men and his energy will be vital in disrupting Arsenals attempts to play from the back.
MIDWEEK MAYHEM
We have three bonus matches during this MatchWeek:
Liverpool v Fulham
Liverpool used to swoop in and collect Southampton players but over the last few years it’s been Fulham with Harvey Barnes and Fabio Carvalho making Anfield their home. From the current squad I could see Palhinha joining Jurgen Klopps squad.
Manchester City v West Ham United
Both these clubs could end the season with a European trophy but with relegation still a cloud hoovering over the Hammers (depending on Saturdays result) they may well rotate for this game and look for points elsewhere.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester Utd
The FA Cup Semi Final rematch will be very lively affair at the Amex, revenge will be sought by the Seagulls and it’s hard to not believe it will happen.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
It’s finally happened, Kevin de Bruyne has broken the top ten, for long spells this season he has shown moments of brilliance but not dominated matches, this has all changed over the last month:
- Erling Haaland non mover
- Martin Odergaard non mover
- Marcus Rashford non mover
- Harry Kane non mover
- Kaoru Mitomo non mover
- Jack Grealish non mover
- Mo Salah up three
- Kevin de Bruyne new entry
- Solly March down two
- Bakary Saka down two
When watching matches this weekend remember Bobby Gould once said “Alessandro del Piero reminds me of Robert Rosario when I had him at Coventry”, football is all about opinions and our favourite player may be the next persons least but those conversations make being a fan so fun. Have fun this weekend, with many clubs playing three times in seven days we could see some wild games due to fatigue.
