Due to the Kings Coronation this weekend kick off times have been altered in the Premier League and I thought the preview should have a Royal Family vibe. For each team I will be proclaiming there King Charles (top Premier League player of all time), Prince William (current player who is heir to the throne) and Prince Harry (the one time favourite who left under a cloud):
Bournemouth v Chelsea
Bournemouth
The King – Calum Wilson
When you think of the Cherries initial top flight stint, Wilson was the face of the franchise and the man who scored the goals (41 in four seasons blighted by injuries).
Prince William – Phillip Billing
Signed as a defensive midfielder from Huddersfield during the clubs last Premier League stay, due to the relegation to the Championship he found himself playing as a eight or which resulted in eighteen goals in two season. This season he has scored seven and become the most well known Cherrie.
Prince Harry – Ryan Fraser
The dinky winger could have been the King but downed tools during his final season in the South Coast and left for free to Newcastle. His struggles at St James Park will be enjoyed by every Bournemoth fan.
Chelsea
The King – John Terry
The captain of Chelsea’s most successful honours haul just edges out Zola, Drogba and Lampard.
Prince William – Reece James
Despite all the large transfer fees at Stamford Bridge the English right back, rightly so is one of the first names on the team sheet because he’s elite
Prince Harry – Arjen Robben
Not many players left Chelsea during the noughties period and succeeded in their new home, Robben hit supernova levels at Real Madrid & Bayern Munich.
PL Fixture Icons
Joshua King – Bournemouth had not won any of the first three home meetings against Chelsea, they made up for it big time in January 2019 when they won four nil. King scored two goals and assisted another, like Callum Wilson the Norwegian was synonymous with the Cherries early Premier League successes.
Eden Hazard – It was a walloping for the home side in April 2016 when Chelsea visited Bournemouth for the first time in the Premier League (1-4). It’s such a shame to see how the Belgians career has plummeted since he joined Real Madrid, of course injuries have been a factor but even when fit he is barely introduced from the bench.
Game Narrative
Chelsea’s form is awful and despite Bournemouths recent positive results, Frank Lampards team will see this as a great chance to gain three points. The issue is how will Lampard set the team out on Saturday, it’s obvious tactically he is inept and struggles to read match situations when selecting personnel. On the flip side Gary O’Neill will also view the game as a opportunity to gain a famous victory over a club who’ve spent so much. What most clubs have done against Chelsea is respect the talented individuals they have but play their own game tactically as that organised structure affects them, I fully expect Bournemouth to take that approach.
The One to Watch – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard run himself into the ground on Tuesday night against Arsenal, if he can draw that effort from his teammates on Saturday they may have a chance. It would be fitting if a stalwart like him influences the game with a goal or assist.
Manchester City v Leeds United
Manchester City
The King – Sergio Aguero
So many PL legends to choose from but I had to go for the man who grabbed the late winner that earned them their first league championship.
Prince William – Kevin de Bruyne
It’s a fair argument he is already the King but with this exercise I have tried to avoid naming current players. To stand out among so many great players is a feat in itself.
Prince Harry – Joey Barton
When Barton first started playing for the first team he had the fans on-side due to his promising performances but soon the love was lost as stories of off field misdemeanours came to light like blunting a cigarette out in an academy players face emerged. When playing for QPR at the Etihad he nearly caused a riot.
Leeds United
The King – Lucas Radebe
Any man who is Nelson Mandelas hero surely is Leeds PL King.
Prince William – Wilfried Gnonto
In all seriousness it’s difficult to see any of the current Leeds squad becoming King, there are some talented individuals but they will surely not be at Elland Road long enough to earn top status. The Italian could well be on the move this summer regardless of the league Leeds are in.
Prince Harry – Eric Cantona
It’s over thirty years since Cantona left Leeds for Manchester United but the way, destination and success he achieved still leaves Elland Road fuming.
PL Fixture Icons
Mike Sharon – The inaugural Premier League season was Sherons best for the club he came through the ranks at with eleven goals in 38 games, November 1992 against Leeds (4-0) epitomised the form he showed over the campaign as he scored one and assisted two.
Eirik Bakke – Lee Bowyer and Robbie Keane (twice) scored in the final ten minutes in January 2001 (0-4) but it was the Norwegian Bakke who grabbed the opener when the match was at its tightest. Continual knee issues blighted his career at Elland Road but early on it seemed like he could be star.
Game Narrative
Big Sam is in charge of Leeds and we all know how he will make them play during his four game spell in charge, defensive minded while progressing (lumping) the ball forward very quickly. He has no time to bed in result wise, points on the board is a requirement ASAP. Manchester City have shown they can grind out wins and will not fear Leeds “new” playing style. If the home side score rapidly then it’s game over, Leeds have proven time and again they struggle to stay competitive for ninety minutes even when it’s all square let alone going down early.
The One to Watch – Bernardo Silva
Clever, astute City players will be the kryptonite to Leeds playing style Saturday and with Silva playing out wide he will be attacking one of the weak links for the visitors.
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur
The King – Teddy Sheringham
He may not have scored the volume of goals Harry Kane has but during both his spells at White Hart Lane, Sheringham was the main attacking threat.
Prince William – Harry Kane
Like with KDB at City you could easier say Kane is the king now due to his record breaking goal record.
Prince Harry – Sol Campbell
Leaving Spurs for Arsenal is a MASSIVE NO NO, to do it while captain and on a Bosman free is just unforgivable.
Crystal Palace
The King – Andrew Johnson
He only played in the Premier League for one season with Palace, the rest of his spell was in the Championship but many players over the last thirty years at Selhurst Park since the inception of the league have encountered the same issue. His goal record was amazing and he even enjoyed England honours while playing in the second tier.
Prince William – Wilfried Zaha
The most impactful Crystal Palace player in the last ten years will become the king when he leaves this summer.
Prince Harry – Glenn Murray
He scored plenty of goals for Palace but his links to Brighton previously and then subsequently rejoining them to lead the Seafulls to the top flight, leaves a sour taste for everyone at Selhurst Park.
PL Fixture Icons
Jermain Defoe – It was January 2014 when Spurs first beat Palace (2-0) at White Hart Lane with Defoe scoring the second, Christian Eriksen grabbing the opener. I was really impressed with his recent MOTD appearance, he definitely has a future working in the media.
Neil Shipperley – Palaces first away victory over Spurs came about in November 1997 (0-1) with the big target man scoring the all important goal. His best spell at Selhurst Park was his second as he captained and scored in the Play Off Final 2004.
Game Narrative
Both defences are going to struggle Saturday facing the other sides forwards, this result will be determined by which unit can remain resolute for the longest or sustained periods. It should be a fun match to watch due to recent score lines these clubs have been involved in but Tottenham have the greater need for the win, the home supports attitude will play a big part in the players mindset.
The One to Watch – Harry Kane
The England Captain will be the only man on the pitch who is a natural goal-poaching striker and surely will be the difference between the teams.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa
Wolverhampton Wanderers
The King – Conor Coady
Technically still a Wolves player as he is on loan at Everton but all noise from Moulineux suggests he is not wanted anymore. Previous Premier League runs consisted of mashed up squads combining past it pros, lower level PL players and some promising youth but this time around they have been led by Coady, he even earned England honours.
Prince William – Ruben Neves
It’s amazing he has been at Moulineux since the Championship days, this top notch midfielder deserves to be playing in the Champions League and once that move occurs this summer he will also become the King.
Prince Harry – Henri Camara
The 2003/04 Wolves Player of the Year was loved by the fans till relegation set in and when it became time to report back for preseason he refused, trying to push through a move to Celtic. He stated many times he didn’t want to lower himself playing in the Championship, if you want to engineer a move Camara’s tactics are not advisable and fans detest him till this day!
Aston Villa
The King – Dwight Yorke
For fans watching Villa in the nineties, Yorke developed in front of our eyes, by the time he left for United he was one of the best strikers in the league.
Prince William – Jacob Ramsey
With the future looking bright at Villa it becomes apparent with every game the team will be built around Ramsey. His path seems to lead towards England and Champions League appearances which if they achieved in claret and blue will make him King.
Prince Harry – Joleon Lescott
Joining your boyhood club should be a great moment in your career, former England international Lescott played his part in it being a nightmare back in 2015. Bad performances, awkward social media posts and the clubs relegation ensured its a annus horribius!
PL Fixture Icons
Raul Jimenez – Wanderers have only recorded two home victories in this fixture, November 2019 and April 2022. Jimenez scored the winner in 2019 (2-1) and it’s becoming clear the Mexicans days at Moulineux are numbered, the head injury has decimated his career but the main thing he is still alive.
Juan Pablo Angel – March 2014 saw the Colombian score two goals during Villas first PL visit to Wolves (0-4). After a slow start form wise to his time in England he eventually adapted and rewarded the patience shown by the club with goals a plenty. These days high value signings are not afforded time and shipped on after one season.
Game Narrative
Only two teams didn’t score last weekend and they face off in this match, Villas fate was due to the level of opponent while Wolves were just plain poor. If they defend like last weekend the visitors will have a field day like Brighton. It’s very likely Lopetegui will park the bus and dish out a very negative home display hoping they can score by counterattacking.
The One to Watch – Jose Sa
Not all the goals last weekend was Sa’s fault but conceding six will really knock your confidence so if he can bounce back, dominate his box it will filter through the rest of the team.
Liverpool v Brentford
Liverpool
The King – Steven Gerrard
Fowler and Owen were considered but Stevie G single-handedly at times led Liverpool to not just victories but trophies during his tenure at the club.
Prince William – Mo Salah
It will be difficult for Salah to eclipse Gerrard as King but at the same time it will take a lot for any player to emulate the Egyptians impact at Anfield.
Prince Harry – El Hadji Diouf
Signed just as the World Cup started in 2002 his subsequent performances at the tournament generated expectations that he could never fulfil at Liverpool. In the end it wasn’t just actions on the pitch which created disdain with the fans, generally a bad egg overall.
Brentford
The King – Ivan Toney
His goals led Brentford to promotion and he never missed a beat in the Premier League. This season has seen him called up to the England squad, the first Bee in 84 years.
Prince William – Ben Mee
The fans love him due to his passionate playing style and being a nice guy, he is sure to win a few player of the year honours at the club awards this month.
Prince Harry – Christian Eriksen
Little old Brentford signing a world class player was a big deal, the fans loved him and really hoped he would stay. What happened was a feeling of being used as he rode off into the sunset to Old Trafford, in August he was given a villians welcome by the supporters.
Fixture Icons
Before these clubs met in the Premier League due to Brentford’s promotion they had not played a league game since May 1947. Four cup meetings in 1974, 1983 (twice) & 1989 saw the reds win each time. The recent record is one win each and a draw, a player for each club has scored twice over the three games, Yoane Wissa (Brentford) and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain (Liverpool) which is mad considering how few appearances he has made over the years due to injuries.
Game Narrative
Liverpool will look to start fast like last Sundays game against Spurs, blow Brentford away before half time and then see the game out. The problem they will find is Brentford will play five at the back, are well organised, game plan as well as any team and possess the attacking speed to cause the home sides defence issues. Drawing out Brentford’s centre backs from the low block so they can attack space behind them will be Jurgen Klopps main tactic.
The One to Watch – Bryan Mbuemo
With the potential change in formation, Mbuemo will play down the middle with Toney and should cause havoc for VVD and Konate.
Newcastle United v Arsenal
Newcastle United
The King – Alan Shearer
It could only be one man, his scoring records in the league overall will be overtaken by Kane but it’s hard to see any future player in black and white coming close.
Prince William – Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazilian has seamlessly slotted in at St James Park and so popular with the supporters but if he was to ever become King he would need to lead the club to multiple league titles while being the vital cog in that team.
Prince Harry – Andy Cole
“Cole, Cole, Andy, Andy Cole he gets the ball and scores a goal, Andy, Andy Cole” was the cheer in the Gallowgate during the early nineties, the former Arsenal player could do no wrong. Then he left for Manchester United and his relationship with Newcastle was never the same again.
Arsenal
The King – Dennis Bergkamp
Theirry Henry jumped off the screen and you was impressed but Bergkamp had to be seen live, then you was a believer. A natural footballer, his speed was in his brain.
Prince William – Bakayo Saka
Star Boy is on the road to becoming the most influential player to perform at The Emirates ever.
Prince Harry – Ashley Cole
One of their own swiftly fell out with the club over wages and become a multi time league and FA Cup with Chelsea.
PL Fixture Icons
It’s twelve years (Feb 2011) since the all time classic between these clubs took place at St James Park, four nil down at half time the home side roared back in the second period to draw. The sending off of Arsenals Abou Diaby after 50 minutes helped aid the comeback, so did the two penalties, it could be debate pd neither would be given these days due to VAR. The equaliser was scored by now deceased Cheick Tiote, he was a fan favourite before the goal but he etched himself into Newcastle folklore with a unstoppable left foot shot.
Game Narrative
Mikel Arteta will not want this game to be controlled by the hosts and become a street fight because in front of their own fans Eddie Howes team can go supernova on any opponent right now, even Manchester City. Maintaining composure and sticking to their tactics is key for Arsenal, long periods will be difficult but the players need to stay vibrant and hungry under the duress. Kieran Trippiers set pieces and Aleksandar Isaks channel runs will be Newcastles main route to scoring while for Arsenal they need Bakayo Saka to rediscover his form as taking on Dan Burn is a massive mismatch.
The One to Watch – Granit Xhaka
The Newcastle midfield is stacked full of energy and speed, Xhaka needs to stay calm, be careful with his challenges and capitalise on the gaps they leave when flowing forward by progressing the ball fast into Jesus so the Arsenal wingers can drive behind Newcastles defenders.
West Ham United v Manchester United
West Ham United
The King – Paulo di Canio
West Ham have hosted many top players, usually at the start of the career before they kicked on inevitably at other clubs. Di Canio joined them aged 31 and enjoyed a renaissance, he loved the fact they took a chance on him after his lengthy ban for pushing a referee and wanted to repay the management and fans every match. He did that in droves and was always the man who could win them a game single handed.
Prince William – Declan Rice
It’s very likely he will be leaving this summer but his farewell could involve a Europa Conference triumph and if that occurs a new King will be crowned.
Prince Harry – Frank Lampard
In a way whatever Lampard did on the pitch was never good enough for West Ham fans, his promotion to the first team was blighted by accusations it was due to his uncle (Harry Redknapp) and dad being the manager and coach respectively. When they left he did too and to one of their hated rivals, Chelsea which instantly puts you on the naughty step. Becoming a legend at Stamford Bridge rubs salt into the wound.
Manchester United
The King – Ryan Giggs
The Welshman has to be the King, during the clubs domination of the first twenty years of the Premier League he was the one constant.
Prince William – Marcus Rashford
It’s great to finally see the team being built around this generational talent, for too long he was considered a complimentary piece to the imported superstars but now he is the main man. To challenge Giggs he will need to win a few league titles and become the clubs all time top scorer.
Prince Harry – Carlos Tevez
The fans adored his never say die forward play then he showed unhappiness and jumped ship to City, the love died instantly! Helping the blue half become the dominant force we now know made it even worse.
PL Fixture Icons
BT Sport will be hoping for a recreation Sunday night of the 3-5 score line in March 2002, at halftime it was 2 all but the Red Devils punished the hosts in the second half. David Beckham was the star of the show with two goals and a assist. Upton Park was being redeveloped at the time and the temporary dugouts are just a bunch of chairs like you get in a dining room.
Game Narrative
Michail Antonio gave Manchester Citys defenders a torrid night on Wednesday and his one man battering ram style will be vital if West Ham have a chance on Sunday. Uniteds defence is suspect down the middle and that’s being kind. Shaw and Wan-Bissaka do not let much pass them out wide so David Moyes will send his team out to play primarily down the middle and more often than not long bypassing the midfield.
The One to Watch – Casemiro
The Brazilian will have a huge part to play if his team wins, he will be needed to shield the defence, control possession when they have the ball, impact the match aerially whether it be defending or attacking set pieces and dominate Declan Rice when they duel.
Fulham v Leicester City
Fulham
The King – Clint Dempsey
Fulham’s top scorer in the Premier League ever played attacking midfield but the club drew the best out of him as a player. I love these type of alignments as they are magical and even though the player is good, it’s unexplainable why they perform so well at one place.
Prince William – Aleksandar Mitrovic
Bar the goals another reason Fulham fans love the Serb so much is due to the fact every other fan base dislike him so much.
Prince Harry – Harvey Elliott
One of the most talented youngsters in England gives off the vibes he will come back and haunt Fulham fans for years to come especially as his departure at sixteen was orchestrated by him.
Leicester City
The King – N’golo Kante
Steve Walsh, Neil Lennon and Muzzy Izzet came to mind but Kante surely is the king, he was integral member of the Premier League winning team and since has won the World Cup with France.
Prince William – Jamie Vardy
The one remaining player from the league winners has been a magnificent servant and will overtake Kante as King once he leaves/retires.
Prince Harry – Riyad Mahrez
The Algerian offered the X Factor to the champion winning Leicester side but engineered his move by generating bad blood so his legacy will always be tainted with Foxes fans.
PL Fixture Icons
Luis Boa Morte – The current Fulham coach pops up as a icon again due to the fact the West Londoners have only ever won once at home against Leicester (2-0) in October 2003 and that was at Loftus Road!
James Justin – These clubs have barely faced off but Leicesters first victory at Craven Cottage occurred in February 2021 (0-2) with full back Justin scoring the second.
Game Narrative
Considering two of Leicesters last three games were at home against relegation rivals they surely would have hoped for more than five points. Fulham are as hard a opponent as you can get, so Leicester need to relax and trust the fact their players are superior to the home sides.
The One to Watch – Carlos Vinicius
The Brazilian has become the key man in Mitrovics absence and his strength and swivel when shooting will cause the Leicester backline problems.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton
Brighton & Hove Albion
The King – Glenn Murray
Before the world wide recruitment drive took place a workhorse striker became the most important man in Brighton history, leading them to promotion and scoring the goals which kept them away from relegation.
Prince William – Lewis Dunk
Dunk is a gem and someone all of English football should be proud of, he progressed from the depths of League 1 to become a top flight superstar.
Prince Harry – Leandro Trossard
Falling out with Roberto De Zerbi led Trossard to the exit door and a relationship he will never recover from with the fans.
Everton
The King – Duncan Ferguson
He never wanted to join Newcastle and when he returned it led to more memorable moments plus a lengthy stint coaching at Goodison Park.
Prince William – Seamus Coleman
In his prime one of the best right backs in the Premier League but now the moral compass within the squad. If you watched Monday nights game against Leicester you will know what the club means to the Irishman.
Prince Harry – Nick Barmby
Like so many who fall under this title his standing with the fans altered the minute he seeked a transfer to one of his teams rivals, in this case Liverpool.
PL Fixture Icons
Anthony Knockaert- The Eden Hazard clone was one of the key players when Brighton were promoted to the Premier League and he continued that form during their first season in the top flight which culminated in him scoring the first goal in this fixture, October 2017 (1-1).
Demarai Gray – August 2021 saw the Toffees win for the first time at Brighton (0-2) with Gray and Calvert-Lewin on the scoresheet.
Game Narrative
Time is running out for Everton in their quest for survival and taking on Brighton is not the sort of matchup they would want to take on. Sean Dyche will look to suck out the good vibes at the Amex following Thursdays victory over United, in order for this to happen a great deal of gamesmanship will occur.
The One to Watch – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Brightons attacking intent derives from their centre backs so the Everton striker will need to disrupt them constantly while also holding the key in the form of goal threat.
Nottingham Forest v Southampton
Nottingham Forest
The King – Stuart Pearce
Physco epitomised Forest in the nineties, brought to the club by Brian Clough he then cultivated a new dawn after their relegation in 1993.
Prince William – Brennan Johnson
The Welshman’s legacy at the City Ground will be decided in the next month, if they stay up he will also remain at Forest and surely become their best Premier League player ever, but if they go down he will leave and just become another ex player.
Prince Harry – Pierre Van Hojidoink
The Dutchman believed his own hype and when engineering a move from Forest he went on strike, as a football fan that’s unforgivable.
Southampton
The King – Matt le Tissier
The Guernsey born player only ever played for Southampton in the top flight, possesses a highlight reel of goals any player would die for and was called “Le God”, that’s all you need to know!
Prince William – James Ward-Prowse
The pending relegation of Southampton will mean Ward-Prowse leaves the club and with that any hope he will overtake Le Tissier as King.
Prince Harry – Dejan Lovren
One of many Southampton players who left St Mary’s for Liverpool but he is the one who draws the most anger from the fan base. The Croat knew he was punching above his weight by going to Anfield so forced the move through.
PL Fixture Icons
Bryan Roy – The Dutchman’s role at Forest in the nineties switched from winger to central striker as a foil to Stan Collymore and many times he scored vital goals including two against Southampton in March 1995 (3-0).
Micky Adams – The fullback was very much a defend first, go forward second but in November 1992 set up the first goal and scored the winner (1-2). Football fans from this century will remember him more for being a manager.
Game Narrative
If you enjoy watching football with the handbrake on then this will be your type of game. Fear will be oozing all around the City Ground and it’s inevitable that the game will be decided by a mistake rather than a moment of brilliance.
The One to Watch – Theo Walcott
The veteran forward has enjoyed a renaissance this season and has shown his pace is still relevant within a Premier League setting.
Premier League Player Power Rankings
The top ten seems to be set now and it will also be very hard for any player to dislodge Haaland from the top spot, his achievement in becoming the leagues single season top scorer is miraculous considering the volume of games he has played compared to the previous holders Shearer and Cole who played in 42 game seasons:
- 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 non mover
- Kevin de Bruyne non mover
- Solly March non mover
- Bakary Saka non mover
When watching matches this weekend remember King Charles once said “I find myself born into this particular position. I’m determined to make the most of it. And to do whatever I can to help. And I hope I leave things behind a little better than I found them”. That quote leads me to the numerous interim managers in the Premier League right now and question if any of them will leave the clubs at the end of the season in a better shape than they found them?
