The penultimate weekend could see the champions crowned and another relegation spot confirmed, it’s a time for reflection so I’ve picked out each clubs “what I would do different?” moment. A north v west London game starts the weekend at White Hart Lane:
Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford
Spurs “what I would do different”
The football being dished out under Antonio Conte was not the Tottenham way, so surely Daniel Levy will regret not pulling the trigger sooner than he did. The Italian was not going to sign a new contract either so the new coach should have been headhunted and earmarked, what transpired was two interim head coaches and still no man for next season.
Brentford “what I would do different”
Second season syndrome did not affect Brentford and the season has gone as well as any fan would imagine but Mykhailo Mudryk could have been a Bee if they had coughed up a few extra million last summer (the offer was £26m, Shaktar wanted £30m). The Ukrainian has not set the Premier League alight yet but the talent is clear to see, Chelsea & Arsenal both offered £62m + add ons in Jan before he choose Stamford Bridge, double Augusts valuation. Brentford May have missed out on europes next footballing superstar?
Fixture Icons
Prior to meeting for the first time in the league for many a year, these two clubs met in the League Cup semi final in January 2021 with the hosts winning two nil. Brentford showed a great degree of naivety that night which they definitely learnt from once they gained promotion. Josh DaSilva will be hoping he plays Saturday and makes amends for his sending off during the semi, the tackle is like so many that get punished due to VAR these days, freeze frames make incidents look so much worse.
Game Narrative
Life without Ivan Toney started last Sunday for Brentford when he missed the West Ham game with a “minor” injury, his absence will probably be greater away from home as he offers a outlet to protect the ball when under pressure. Both teams will feel they can collect all three points but I do not foresee it being a open game, more likely they will both be very resolute and pragmatic if they go a goal down.
The One to Watch – Clement Lenglet
The defender is yet to score for Spurs, his Xg is 0.9 so he’s due a goal soon and with Toney missing, Brentford will be lacking one of their key men defending set pieces. All three options in attack for the Bees are full of pace so the Frenchman will be tested and will need to maintain his concentration.
Bournemouth v Manchester United
Bournemouth “what I would do different”
The Cherries stumbled upon Gary O’Neil after the early season Scott Parker tirade about the lack of incomings but they dithered for a while before making it permanent and results showed the indecision affected the players. The board should have made a decision earlier, meaning their safety could have been achieved much sooner.
Manchester United “what I would do different”
The January transfer window is a desperate teams month and United chose wrongly in this period when they brought in Weghorst and Sabitzer on loan. Bodies were needed at number nine and midfield but the recruitment department should have been more savvy. Surely promoting from within would have been better, the last time they picked out a striker from the academy when they was down to the bare bones it turned out to be author and political activist Marcus Rashford.
PL Fixture Icons
Junior Stanislas – December 2015 saw these clubs meet for the first time in the Premier League and it was a famous home win for the Cherries (2-1). The former West Ham academy player scored in the second minute direct from a corner kick. He has barely played this season for Bournemouth and with his contract expiring in June it seems very likely he will be leaving the club.
Juan Mata – Defeat the previous season was avenged by Manchester United (1-3) in August 2016, with Mata scoring the opener. The Spaniard spent 11 years playing in England and won trophies domestically and in Europe for both Chelsea and United, surely one of the most underrated imports in the PL era.
Game Narrative
The home side HAVE to start quickly and get underneath Uniteds skin, if they don’t it will be a painful ninety minutes for them! The Red Devils have Champions League qualification in their sights and will look to dominate possession, which they hope will eventually drag Bournemouth out of their defensive shape.
The One to Watch – Antony
Erik ten Hag has kept faith with the Brazilian despite some ropey performances this season, his dribbling cannot be faulted but his end product has to improve if he is to keep the shirt next season. He has under performed on his Xg this season by -2.4 so a goal or two Saturday would put him back on track and show the football public why his manager rates him.
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Fulham“what I would do different”
Before the FA Cup quarter final Fulham were challenging for a European place, then the events at Old Trafford meant they lose Mitrovic, Silva and Willian for a extended period. All three will reflect on the crazy two minutes that day and wish they had acted different, the league campaign could have been even better!
Crystal Palace “what I would do different”
Patrick Vierra had credit in the bank after his debut season at Selhurst Park, which subsequently meant the board kept faith in him after the World Cup break despite poor results and even worse performances. Seeing how Eze and Olise are performing now due to being set free must wrankle with Eagles fans as Roy Hodgson is only a stop gap and the new boss search starts this summer, it could have occurred five months ago.
PL Fixture Icons
Andrew Cole – So often Cole has popped up as icon for Newcastle or Manchester United but he spent a successful season at Craven Cottage in 2004/5 when he was their top scorer (12 goals). Two of his goals that season came on New Years Day 2005 when they started the year with a bang by beating Palace (3-1).
Jeffrey Schlupp – Crystal Palace opened up the 2018/19 season with a away win over Fulham (0-2), Ghanaian Schlupp had the honour of scoring the opener in the game and of course Palaces for the season. Energy and pace has got him through his top flight career but if the Eagles are to kick on up the table he will find his game time limited.
Game Narrative
Palace have become the entertainers of the division since Roy Hodgson took charge while Fulham do not deviate from their rugged out of possession playing style so this game suggests it will be like a attack versus defence training drill. Palhinha duelling with Eze is the stand out match up in the game while Mitrovic facing off against Guehi & Andersen will very likely see a yellow card or two.
The One to Watch – Tom Cairney
The loyal servant has been gaining game time lately due to the growing injury list at Craven Cottage and has thrived due to the prolonged playing time. He has a great left foot and loves arriving in the box late so Palace need to be aware of his runs when Fulham break forward.
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Liverpool “what I would do different”
Trent Alexandra-Arnold’s change in position has helped transform Liverpools season, they could now qualify for the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp will be kicking himself he maintained his tried and trusted outlook and did not alter the tactics sooner.
Aston Villa “what I would do different”
The same players who under Steven Gerrard were sleepwalking towards the Championship are now aiming to grab a European slot. The loss to Wolves a few weeks ago will hurt thought as it feels like those dropped three points may cost them Europe. The club hired Unai Emery at the right time and let him control every aspect of the first team ASAP, for that they should be commended.
PL Fixture Icons
Steven Gerrard – Three of the midfielders one hundred and twenty goals for his hometown team came in March 2009 (5-0) in victory over the club he would eventually manage. Hopefully the Scouse Superstar sticks to punditry as it was clear coaching wasn’t his forte.
Garry Parker – Known these days as Neil Lennons trusted lieutenant whenever the northern Irishman has a managerial role, but back in the nineties he was a distinguished midfielder for Villa and Leicester. January 1993 saw Villa grab a tight win at Anfield (1-2), Parker scored the equaliser after John Barnes scored the opener.
Game Narrative
The two teams who have tested Liverpool the most lately are Brentford and Tottenham, this Saturday they face a hybrid of both those clubs, Aston Villa are organised in tactics like Brentford but also have players who can perform moments of magic like Spurs. The punches will be struck constantly and the winner will be the one who hits last, I fully expect a late goal in this one.
The One to Watch – Douglas Luiz
The Brazilian international is the total package and if performs like he can against Liverpool then he will be difference/match winner for Villa.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton
Wolves “what I would do different”
Lopetegui brought in Craig Dawson during the January window due to his experience, if the club had not let Conor Coady leave on loan in the summer window that transfer would not have occurred. This highlights one of the first matters the Spaniard addressed on arrival, the need for a organiser at the back. The pre World Cup portion of the season may not have gone loads better but having Coady on staff would have helped rather than hindered.
Everton “what I would do different”
Sean Dyche was available all last summer but the club stayed loyal to Frank Lampard as he “guided” Everton to safety last season. All football observers knew that wasn’t the case, Goodison Park and more specifically the fans dragged the players over the finishing line. It was clear to see Lampard wasn’t the right man and Everton still would have struggled this season had Dyche been in charge all season but their chances of staying up would have increased.
PL Fixture Icons
Carl Cort – Everton led for the majority of the game in May 2004 but after Camara’s equaliser, Cort scored the winner with six minutes to go (1-2). The former Wimbledon striker enjoyed his most prolific scoring spell of his career at Wolves but that was mainly in the Championship. Three of his brothers played professional football most notably his half brother Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – It was a rout April 2011 when Everton recorded their first away victory over Wolves in the PL (0-3). The Russian Renagade scored the third goal, his spell in England was underwhelming but when he made a impact it was via his rocket of a left foot, like his goal in this game.
Game Narrative
Wolves have been churning out one nil wins at home this year so Sean Dyche needs to find a way to prevent that run continuing. It’s very likely this game will be slow and ponderous initially with Everton looking to find the winner during the final third. With survival on the line chaos needs to be suppressed.
The One to Watch – Alex Iwobi
Iwobi leads Everton in SCA (Shot Creating Actions) with 114 and his ball progression from deep will be relied upon Saturday but it maybe advantageous he takes the shot on himself rather than creating for others so to ensure Everton score at Moulineux.
Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
Forest “what I would do different”
When bringing in players last summer the board will now wish they concentrated on quality rather than quantity. The step up to the Premier League is massive at all levels for a club and Steve Cooper never had a chance to bed in his tactics with all the players, the first 10-12 games they looked like strangers.
Arsenal “what I would do different”
Considering where Arsenal were this time last year, finishing this season in the Champions League spots was where they wanted to be and is a success for them! The league campaign went even better than expected, meaning they was title challengers. The regret they will now have is the dropped points against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton, four extra points from those three games would have kept the title pursuit going into the last two games.
PL Fixture Icons
Alf Inge Haaland – Erlings dad is known in this country for his feud with Roy Keane but he enjoyed one of his better days playing in this country in December 1996 when he scored both goals for Forest to ensure victory over Arsenal (2-1).
Alan Smith – The former Arsenal striker can be found commentating on the Sky Sports Liverpool and Manchester United channels aka Sky Sports Premier League these days but back in the day he was on Englands top strikers for Leicester & Arsenal. October 1992 saw the targetman notch the only goal at the City Ground (0-1).
Game Narrative
This match has the biggest contrast of fortune on the line than any other this weekend, Arsenal are trying to delay City’s league victory by a day while Forest battling relegation. The atmosphere will be electric, if any player blinks their opposing number will take advantage that’s for sure. No score line is off the table, with Arsenals injuries mounting anything could happen.
The One to Watch – Jorginho
Since the former Chelsea player came into the side for Tomas Partey he has flourished and shown Arsenal needed a grown up in the room. Forest are bound to give away a penalty due to the way they fly into challenges and Jorginho surely will take on the kick.
West Ham United v Leeds United
West Ham“what I would do different”
If David Moyes is honest with himself surely his lack of Plan B tactical and personnel wise will rankle with him. Investment occurred but many of the players were never fit or just fell short of the leagues standards. The same old men were picked and set out like they have done over the last few years, other PL managers know how to play against the Hammers. If Moyes stays in charge next year he has to improve or he will be out of a job before we get to Christmas.
Leeds United “what I would do different”
A lot like Everton the Leeds board will feel they shouldn’t have kept faith with the manager from last term (Jesse Marsch) as long as they did. The playing style they wanted which was akin to former gaffer Bielsa but he was one of a kind and many other coaches are cheap knockoffs plus the players recruited are simpler not good enough.
PL Fixture Icons
Eyal Berkovic – The Israeli was a fan favourite at Upton Park but his Hammers career came to a end in 1999 after a training ground bust up with John Hartson. It took until March 1998 for a home win in this fixture (3-0) with Berkovic assisting two goals.
Gary Kelly – The winger turned fullback enjoyed playing West Ham at Upton Park, he scored one of the goals in January 1997 (0-2) and assisted Yeboah twice, August 1995.
Game Narrative
Leeds will be super focused and prepared by Sam Allardyce while West Ham will be just recovering from their hangover after Thursday nights triumph. The general consensus is this should be a easy game for a Leeds but the squad players at West Ham have a chance to show David Moyes they are worthy of a start in the Europa Conference Final plus it’s the final home game. It may not have the quality of other games this weekend but drama could be flowing from the first whistle in this one. Hopefully the club bring out Knollsy during halftime so the home support can give The Angel of Alkmaar a hero’s welcome.
The One to Watch – Patrick Bamford
Football creates faces and heels every week, last week Bamford was the heel due to his missed penalty but redemption can be gained if he scores Sunday, he is due a goal as he is 4.6 off his Xg.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Southampton
Brighton “what I would do different”
The Seagulls have done so much right this season but the FA Cup run ended so bitterly and they may now wish they hasn’t progressed as far as they did, focusing on the league instead.
Southampton “what I would do different”
So much has gone wrong at St Mary’s, the talk before the season was that they had doubts about Ralph Hussenhuti and the decision makers must wish they had been more decisive regarding who was taking charge of the first team at that time. Following on from that point who they brought in next, Nathan Jones, was way out of his depth and they wasted three quarters of the season.
PL Fixture Icons
Strangely Brighton have never beaten Southampton at the Amex, Glenn Murray, Pascal Grob and Danny Wellbeck are the only home team scorers .
Pierre-Emile Hojberg – Saints first away victory at Brighton came in March 2019 (0-1) thanks to the Dane’s second half strike.
Game Narrative
Brighton are trying to navigate their fixture pile up by rotating the squad but will have viewed this game as one to play the strongest team while Southampton are looking to play youngsters Sunday due to their relegation. This all points towards a drubbing for the home side if the Seagulls can perform like last weekend against Arsenal, they pressed like demons and utilised the ball so well in possession.
The One to Watch – Moises Caicedo
One of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League is now showing he is potentially the best right back too. The advanced right player for Brighton can gamble and stay forward while leaving Caicedo on a island as he can handle it, this then creates overloads in attack for the Seagulls.
Manchester City v Chelsea
Manchester City “what I would do different”
When you are on the verge of winning the treble it’s hard to pinpoint what you would do different but Pep will surely wish he managed the season prior to the World Cup a lot better, thus meaning this run in wasn’t so precarious in the form of must wins every three days.
Chelsea “what I would do different”
Appointing Graham Potter was a nice concept, well respected coach who’s teams play a eye catching brand of football but taking charge of a super club like Chelsea requires a certain type of leader and the Englishman was not the right man. Todd Boehly has now hired Mauricio Pochettino, he should have been hired in the first place.
PL Fixture Icons
Sergio Aguero – The biggest home win occurred February 2019 when City won six nil courtesy of Agueros hat trick, two from Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan.
Mick Harford – The Luton Town legend was the hardest striker in English football during the eighties and nineties, his sole season with Chelsea finished with him being top scorer. He scored the only goal in September 1992 (0-1) which was the first PL meeting between these clubs.
Game Narrative
Two years ago these clubs faced off in the Champions League Final, one is back in the showcase game while the other will not be taking part in the competition next season. The jeopardy is all in City’s favour Sunday, win and they clinch the title, it’s hard to make a case for Chelsea bar the fact they do possess quality players who could punish City if they take control of the ball enough.
The One to Watch – Felix
It’s hard to name a City player as Pep is sure to rotate his team after Wednesday nights heroics but Felix is one of the few Chelsea players who could get into the champions elect side and for that reason could be the joker in the pack Sunday.
Newcastle United v Leicester City
Newcastle “what I would do different”
Around January and February the squad was stretched and poor results followed, Eddie Howe will reflect on the fact they should have invested more during the transfer window to bolster the playing staff. Left back, goalkeeper and centre midfield would have been the prime areas.
Leicester City“what I would do different”
The fans were calling for Brendan Rodgers to be sacked from September but the club hierarchy kept faith till April following other sides around by seeking the new manager bounce, they may now feel the Irishman should have kept the job as his replacement Dean Smith has visibly made them worse.
PL Fixture Icons
Philippe Albert – The Belgian centre back joined Newcastle in 1994 after a impressive World Cup for Belgium, turning down Italian clubs as he did not want to play Sundays. December 1994 saw him score two goals (3-1) to enable a win over Leicester.
Robbie Savage – During his playing days Savage was known for his crazy tackles or spats he got involved in but was a better player than many fans gave him credit for. The Welshman scored the second goal in April 2000 (0-2) as the foxes won away at St James Park for the first time.
Game Narrative
By Monday night Leicester will know what they need to do against Newcastle, they will hope it’s not a win as St James Park is as hard a place to go and win than any other stadium this season. If three points is required their best hope is building a wall in front of their goal (literally) and scoring on the break.
The One to Watch – James Maddison
All the talk is Maddison will be joining Newcastle this summer whether Leicester stay up or not, the best audition for him will be single-handedly winning the game for the Foxes showing the home support what he can do week in week out next term. Averaging 5.10 SCA per game this season, the away fans will hope at least half of that total results in goals Monday night.
The two midweek matches will be heavily influenced by the weekends results, certain permutations could mean both are dead rubbers but it’s highly likely the United game will be a win and in situation regarding the Champions League qualification.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City
Manchester United v Chelsea
Premier League Player Power Rankings
The top ten is locked in with two more matchweeks to go, no player can make a large enough impact to penetrate it now. One change from last week is Ivan Toney dropping out, if he had played last Sunday before his ban he would have kept his place but Moises Caicedo sneaks in at the end, testament to his consistency and ability to play several positions:
- Martin Odergaard non mover
- Erling Haaland non mover
- Harry Kane non mover
- Mo Salah up one
- Marcus Rashford down one
- Kaoru Mitomo up one
- Jack Grealish down one
- Bakary Saka up one
- Kevin de Bruyne down one
- Moises Caicedo new entry
Fast X comes out this weekend, have fun if you go to the cinema to watch it but when watching matches this weekend remember Dominic Toretto once said “Ask any racer. Any real racer. It don’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winnings winning.” That mindset applies to football this time of the year, style and panache goes out the window, it’s all about the W!
