Thank god the international break is over, the Premier League returns with a few derby matches and numerous players looking to prove a point most noticeably to England manager Gareth Southgate. Saturday lunchtime is where the action begins live on BT Sport:
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
These two sides are evenly matched and this promises to be one of hell of a tussle to commence the weekends action. Mentally both units are as tough as they have ever been, in the past the side who scores first can smash past the other but this game does not have that feel to it! The home side tend to dominate in the win column when these face but I feel this time round it’s a coin toss. The big question for the visitors will be who lines up alongside Harry Kane up front while Arsenal have Zinchenko and Odergaard available. The decisions on those personal could go a long way in tipping the balance one way or another. For example Kieran Tierney is stronger defensively and will relish taking on Richarlison or Kulusevski while Zinchenko offers more going forward. Another factor will be keeping all twenty two players on the pitch, this fixture is infamous for red cards which inevitably decides the winner.
Player to Watch – Emerson Royal
The heavy criticised wingback continues to be picked by his boss and all the time it continues opposing teams will target him as the weak link. Gabriel Martinelli is as good as any left winger this season, if Royal cannot contain the Arsenal mans direct running at goal, defeat in the North London derby will be Spurs fate.
Bournemouth v Brentford
Both sides will view this game as a great opportunity to gather three points and the first goal scored will determine its destination. If Bournemouth obtain the opener they will have something to defend and look to grab another on the break but if it’s Brentford they will go for the jugular as they are relentless when confident. This is the first time these sides face in the Premier League but the last time they played was in the Play Off semis last year with Brentford snatching victory in a classic match. Bournemouth have two former bees in Mepham and Marcondes, both will be gagging to show up their former employers, the Welshman was sent off during the play off defeat while the Dane was released after scoring at Wembley to take Brentford to the top flight. The home sides fullbacks need to play well as the visitors always look to penetrate out wide through Mbuemo, Hickey and Henry. With Lewis Potter injured Damsgaard could start for the first time especially after a lively appearance when they lost to Arsenal.
Player to Watch – Ivan Toney
The joy of being called up to the England squad was dampened by not receiving any game time. The Bees talisman has made it to the Premier League by enduring setbacks all through his career, Saturday is a statement game for Toney. Bournemouth have improved defensively since Scott Parker left but a wounded Brentford after the Arsenal defeat will be looking to bounce back, attack from all angles and Ivan will benefit from the chances made.
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
It will be interesting how Graham Potter has used the last few weeks since Chelsea’s last game to implement any changes, of course it’s difficult with so many players away with their international sides and it will not get any easier with so many fixtures truncated in before the World Cup. History supports the away side in this fixture with Palaces last victory being in 2017. Zaha scored that day and as always he will hold the most threat for the home side, complimentary dangers like Eze and Olise are inconsistent, many rave about them but too often they do not capitalise and deliver. Many people within the media tipped Palace to push on and challenge for European qualification places this season but as of yet it has not clicked for them. Viera is not under pressure right now but if their league place does not improve before the World Cup break it would not surprise me if the trigger is pulled.
Player to Watch – Mason Mount
Fresh from his tremendous strike versus Germany, Mount will look to kick start his league season and cement his place within Graham Potters first eleven. The Selhurst Park crowd will be loud and intimidating as always, smart finishing when a chance is created is vital, Mount is the type of player who has this kind of skillset.
Fulham v Newcastle United
Fulham are missing the outstanding Palhinha within their midfield and this could be the turning point in the game. The protection the Portuguese man supplies with Harrison Read has enabled the Cottagers full backs and front three to thrive in attack plus protected Tim Ream from his deficiencies. Joelinton could be the beneficiary if any holes appear in the midfield. Mitrovic enjoys proving doubters wrong but facing his former side surely offers him more drive, his issue will be his temperament, already a couple of times this term he has been lucky to avoid a red card. The Newcastle back line is frugal and is not the concern, their wide forwards who are approaching full fitness need a statement performance and supply Isak chances to score more goals.
Player to Watch – Kieran Trippier
Fulham are a industrious, tough nut to crack this season and Trippiers set piece delivery if on point will be a game changer. Since the Manchester City draw earlier in the season Newcastle have not kicked on performance wise, the captain needs to lead by example this weekend.
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion
Unlike his predecessor Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi would have had more first teamers available to him over the international break to install his ideologies to his new club. Debuts though do not come any tougher though than a visit to Anfield especially when Liverpool need to crank out wins to commence a title challenge. Too often Brighton compete and nearly win these encounters, the stumbling block being able to finish off the moves they build with a goal. Grob, Trossard and Mac Allistar are impressing this season again they possess the threat for the seagulls. Klopp can pick from a near full strength squad so his issue will be who he plays in his front three, explosive pace will hurt Brighton which favours Nunez, Salah and Dias but Jota when selected never fails to deliver. The rotation in midfield is more difficult for Liverpool as they perform better when Thiago and Fabinho play, the other contenders are not cutting it this year.
Player to Watch – Mohamed Salah
The goals have not flowed so far this season for Salah and it will not be easy against Brighton but the Egyptian has always shown when he’s underestimated that’s when he is at his most dangerous. It’s time for the memes on social media to stop and highlight reels to begin.
Southampton v Everton
Like the Bournemouth v Brentford game this is another where both sides will see this as a great chance to collect three points. It’s whether both sides can actually score, Calvert Lewin may be back but his fitness will be pre season esq and bar him top level strikers are not on display so the goal threats will come from the midfield or set pieces. This match has the last on MOTD feel to it as it will be very cagey affair till one side score, if they do. It’s better for both managers after the game to state it’s two points dropped than discuss why they lost. Southampton are rebuilding and can be excused if they struggle at times with so many youngsters playing for them, Everton on the other hand are just trying to be competitive. It’s twenty years since the first match up between these clubs took place at St Mary’s and the away side won one nil, it’s debatable who will win but that score line seems most likely.
Player to Watch – Anthony Gordon
The summer Chelsea target is the main goal threat for Everton but he arguably faces his toughest opponent this season in Kyle Walker Peters. Southamptons best player can match Gordon for pace and trickery but the space in behind fullbacks is a favourite zone for Everton to attack and it will be no different this weekend, this is where Anthony has scored a couple already this season and Saturday could be another occasion.
West Ham United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sky when selecting this fixture would not have expected it being 17th v 18th, this is the reality though and it’s hard to see either club improving their fortunes any time soon. Both have been woeful and are devoid of ideas during the pivotal moments in games. This is more shocking for West Ham who have invested attacking wise to complement England players Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen. The space in midfield will be non existent so if their is to be a winner it will be the team which can thrust the ball forward the quickest. I expect the two Czechs on display in Coufal and Soucek to enjoy the attrition of this game the most, they are unsung stars in the Premier League but face two of the main Wolves strengths in Neves and Neto. Bruno Lage looks lost this season, if his side loses Saturday night he may not make it make to Moulineux.
Player to Watch – Jarrod Bowen
Like Ivan Toney, Bowen holds disappoint from non activity during the international break, facing a porous Wolves defence is as good a bounce back game that you can get. This is a great chance to bag a couple of goals and delivery a much needed win for West Ham. Alt Nouri is a lively left back but he struggles with inverted runs from the wing which is one of Bowens strengths.
Manchester City v Manchester United
United enter the Etihad with so much confidence but this is their toughest test this season and grabbing bragging rights for the fans is going to be a tough task. The performance needs to be on par with the Liverpool and Arsenal matches which therefore requires Marcus Rashford to be fit and firing. His return to form is the major catalyst as he stretches the pitch with his pace, has scored decisive goals and allows the team to reset defensively rather than facing constant onslaughts. You can never tell what the City line up will be due to the strength in depth they possess but the dominance in possession is a guarantee. Cancelo will face a difficult afternoon when lining against Antony but this is one of many intriguing battles, when the substitutes are introduced and who they are could be a clincher for either team. This has the feel of past games when they were legit title games and the world will be watching keenly.
Player to Watch – Raphael Varane
Stifling Haaland is the key battle in this game and this responsibility falls on the former Real Madrid player. Varane has faced all of the worlds top strikers and all that know how will be relied on by the Red Devil faithful. His match will be easier if his teammates can prevent the service into the gigantic Norwegian but that’s as likely as a conservative general election win.
Leeds United v Aston Villa
Neither side will be settling for a draw at Elland Road, Leeds have not won in three and Villa want to build on a impressive two game run prior to the international break. It promises to be a very entertaining match and the home fans always provide the atmosphere especially as they feel they owe Villa one after the three nil defeat last term. What Leeds lack in quality they make up with effort, that constant drive will cause issues for Gerrards troops in midfield. Tyrone Mings has played his way back into the team but cannot allow himself to be drawn out of position on Sunday, any gap between him and Digne will be a avenue to attack, Sinisterra and Aaronson enjoy attacking from the right whether it be wide or inverted.
Player to Watch – Philippe Coutinho
Since the Brazilians move has become permanent his form and influence has been non existent. He is the one man on the field who can see a game at a different speed to everyone else and that’s required when facing the full octane pace of Leeds.
Leicester City v Nottingham Forest
The weekend ends with a midlands derby and despite the distance the hatred between the clubs support is on a par with any inner city rivalry in England. Many of the players may not understand the significance before the match but will feel it once the game kicks off. The Kingpower stadium has never hosted this game in the top flight and it’s 24 years since Leicester was the home side, winning 3-1 at Filbert Street with legends Matt Elliott, Steve Guppy and Emile Heskey on the scoresheet. Modern day all stars James Maddison, Jamie Vardy and Johnny Evans need to deliver on Monday. Forest on the other hand cannot rely on any player currently to take the game to Leicester, the only reliable threat is a Brennan Johnson but it’s a large burden for him to carry on his young shoulders. A major success for the away side surely is a clean sheet and hoping they can steal a goal at some point.
Player to Watch – Jamie Vardy
I picked out Harvey Barnes for Leicesters last game as a man to stand out and carry his side to a win, it did not happen but he showed glimmers of hope along with James Maddison. In this rivalry game though it’s come the time for one of the remaining league winners left Jamie Vardy to score the goals and save his club one more time. His best years are behind him but in the one off game he can cause any defender problems and Forests backline have shown they are struggling.
This may be the last weekend when all teams can boast as strong a line up as possible, the games will be coming thick and fast now, rotation and injuries will be key factors going forward.
