Barclays Premier League Gameweek 21: Previews & Predictions

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In what was shaping up to be a gripping and captivating three-horse Premier League title race heading into Christmas is threatening to become a Manchester City romp to a fourth crown in five seasons.

While there is still some way to go before someone is crowned come May, we can’t help but to predict an inevitable outcome with the way the current Premier League table is shaping up heading into Gameweek 21.

Nonetheless, its a new year and with it comes new goals, ambitions and a fresh start for all 20 Premier League clubs. The title race, chase for European football, the battle to finish amongst the elite at the top-half of the table and relegation scrap down the bottom is beginning to take effect which again means we are in for an enthralling second-half of the campaign, and it all starts with the first set of fixtures in this new year.

So without further ado, lets again dive into another batch of exciting Premier League fixtures.

GAMES POSTPONED:

Leicester City P-P Norwich City

Southampton P-P Newcastle United

Arsenal v Manchester City, Saturday 12:30PM

Manchester City will be looking to make it 11 wins in a row when they head to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime to take on a resurgent Arsenal.

The Citizens are currently eight points clear of second-placed Chelsea and can make it 11 points with a win, for a day at least as Chelsea and Liverpool face off seventeen hours later. Arsenal occupy fourth position, four points clear of fifth-placed West Ham and Manchester United in sixth.

Arsenal faced plenty of criticism in the opening months of the 2021-22 campaign, but it has been a positive few weeks for the Gunners, who have won each of their last five matches in all competitions, including four straight Premier League victories over Southampton, West Ham, Leeds United and Norwich City.

Mikel Arteta’s men have scored 14 goals in their last 3 outings, having thumped Sunderland 5-1 in the EFL Cup on December 21 before again hitting 5 against strugglers Norwich City at Carrow Road on Boxing Day.

The Gunners had been due to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league on December 28, but the match had to be postponed due to coronavirus issues in the Wolves camp. Nevertheless, the North London club have still played 19 Premier League matches during the 2021-22 campaign.

A record of 11 wins, two draws and six defeats has brought them 35 points, four points clear of fifth-placed West Ham, but Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will also both believe that they are firmly in the top-four race at this stage of the campaign.

Unfortunately, there will be no Mikel Arteta on the touchline for this fixture, with Guardiola’s former coaching assistant testing positive for coronavirus, and there has allegedly been an outbreak among the staff at the club.

Manchester City, meanwhile, will enter this weekend’s contest off the back of a tight 1-0 win over Brentford in midweek, with Phil Foden scoring on his return to the side, his fifth league goal of the campaign.

The Citizens have now been victorious in each of their last 10 league matches, which has seen them rise to the top of the table, collecting 50 points from their opening 20 matches of the 2021-22 campaign.

Guardiola’s side are eight points off second-placed Chelsea, and nine points off Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who are in third, with both facing off on Sunday evening, so City could be further clear at the summit heading into the next set of fixtures.

The reigning champions will take on Swindon Town in the FA Cup on January 7 before hosting Chelsea in the league on January 15, and there is a danger that they could start to run away at the summit.

Man City have won 11 of their last 12 matches against Arsenal in all competitions, including a 5-0 victory in the reverse match at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season, while they have not lost against the Gunners in the Premier League since December 2015.

FUN FACT: Manchester City have opened the scoring within the opening three minutes in each of their last three league and cup matches at the Emirates Stadium.

LEAGUE FORM:

Arsenal: LLWWWW

Manchester City: WWWWWW

KEY BATTLES: Bukayo Saka v Nathan Ake; Xhaka v De Bruyne

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Arsenal: Ramsdale (GK); White, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette

Man City: Ederson (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Ake; B Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling

SCORE PREDICTION: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City

Watford v Tottenham Hotspur, 3:00PM

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they head to Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon to take on faltering Watford.

Spurs will enter the contest off the back of a 1-1 draw with Southampton on Tuesday, while Watford suffered a disappointing 4-1 home defeat to West Ham United on the same afternoon.

Confidence was at an all-time high at Watford when the Hornets recorded a thumping 4-1 win over Manchester United on November 20, with the result ultimately leading to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking as Red Devils boss.

Since then, they have struggled to build on that win, suffering five straight defeats to Leicester City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Brentford and West Ham United.

Claudio Ranieri will of course be a men sweating at his current position, considering the history and the rate at which the Watford hierarchy decide to make changes when things aren’t going their way on the pitch.

The former Leicester, Roma and Sampdoria boss was brought in to calm the storm at Vicarage Road, but it seems that storm is currently showing no signs of letting up.

The Hornets actually took the lead against West Ham on Tuesday but then conceded four times without reply to suffer a 4-1 home defeat, with the result leaving them in 17th position in the table.

Watford are only two points clear of 18th-placed Burnley, who have two games in hand, while there are only three points separating the Hertfordshire outfit from Norwich City at the bottom of the division.

The home side suffered a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the reverse match earlier this season, but they have not been beaten by Spurs at Vicarage Road since January 2017, a record they will be desperate to put right on Saturday.

Tottenham have shown considerable improvement since Conte’s appointment at the start of November, with the Italian serial winner moving the North London club firmly into top-four contention.

Spurs are unbeaten in their seven league matches under Conte, recording four wins in the process, and a total of 30 points from 17 matches has left them in sixth position in the table, just five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with two games in hand on the Gunners.

The capital outfit suffered a small setback on Tuesday afternoon, though, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Southampton, with Harry Kane cancelling out an opener from James Ward-Prowse.

After Salisu’s sending off, Spurs were expected to go on and win the game, but never looked like troubling Southampton in the second-half with the home side defending comfortably to a well-deserved draw.

Tottenham looked well short of top-four challengers earlier this season under Nuno Espirito Santo, but it has not taken long for Conte to bring a winning formula to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs also have two cup competitions to think about in the early stages of January, taking on Chelsea in a two-legged EFL Cup affair either side of a clash with Morecambe in the FA Cup.

FUN FACT: Harry Kane has hit five goals on New Years Day – a current Premier League record.

LEAGUE FORM:

Watford: WLLLLL

Spurs: WWWDWD

KEY BATTLES: Emmanuel Dennis v Eric Dier; Lucas v Masina

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Watford: Bachmann (GK); Kucka, Sierralta, Cathcart, Masina; Sissoko; Dennis, Pedro, Louza, Sema; King

Tottenham: Lloris (GK); Sanchez, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Winks, Hojbjerg, Reguilon; Son, Kane, Lucas

SCORE PREDICTION: Watford 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Crystal Palace v West Ham United, 5:30PM

West Ham United will be looking to boost their top-four hopes in the Premier League when they head to Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon to take on Crystal Palace.

The Hammers will enter the contest off the back of a 4-1 win at Watford, while Palace recorded a 3-0 victory over basement side Norwich City last time out.

Palace boss Patrick Vieira was again not on the touchline against Norwich on Tuesday, having recently tested positive for coronavirus, but assistant manager Osian Roberts lead the team to a 3-0 victory over the Canaries at Selhurst Park.

Palace have won five, drawn eight and lost six of their 19 Premier League matches this season to collect 23 points, which has left them in 11th spot in the table, only two points behind eighth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Eagles have been impressive at Selhurst Park this season, suffering just one league defeat in front of their own supporters, picking up seven points from their last three home league fixtures.

Palace have only been victorious in two of their last 13 top-flight matches against the Hammers, though, and suffered a 3-2 loss in the corresponding fixture between the two sides last term.

West Ham managed to return to winning ways in impressive fashion on Tuesday afternoon, coming from behind to record a 4-1 victory over relegation-threatened Watford, with the result following back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Southampton, seeing them lose ground in the top-four race.

The win over the Hornets was therefore incredibly important, and they are firmly in the top-four mix at this stage, currently sitting fifth in the table, level on points with Manchester United and four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

The 2021-22 campaign could be a famous season for West Ham, but they have two difficult away Premier League games in January, facing Palace on New Year’s Day before visiting Manchester United later in the month.

The 4-1 success over Watford would have boosted confidence, but Moyes’s side have lost three of their last five away fixtures in the Premier League, picking up just four points in the process. Can they improve that run to maintain their top four chase?

FUN FACT: Michail Antonio has recorded 11 goal involvements in his last 12 London derbies for West Ham (five goals, six assists).

LEAGUE FORM:

Crystal Palace: LLWDLW

West Ham: DWDLLW

KEY BATTLES: Marc Guehi v Michail Antonio; Tyrik Mitchell v Jarrod Bowen

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Crystal Palace: Butland (GK); Ward, Tomkins, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Kouyate, Schlupp; Ayew, Edouard, Zaha

West Ham: Fabianski; (GK) Coufal, Dawson, Diop, Johnson; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Lanzini, Benrahma; Antonio

SCORE PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 2-2 West Ham United

Brentford v Aston Villa, Sunday 2:00PM

Aston Villa will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to the Brentford Community Stadium to face-off against Brentford on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors, who are currently 12th in the table, suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Boxing Day, while Brentford lost 1-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Brentford have won five, drawn five and lost eight of their 18 Premier League matches this season to collect 20 points, which has left them in 14th position in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone, so it has been a successful campaign to date for the newly promoted club.

Thomas Frank’s men took four points from their two games against Leeds United and Watford earlier this month but have lost their last two against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City without finding the back of the net.

Frank’s team picked up a point in a 1-1 draw with Villa in the reverse match earlier this season, while they recorded a 1-0 victory when the two teams last locked horns in Middlesex back in February 2019.

Villa, meanwhile, had been due to take on Leeds United at Elland Road on December 28, but the match was postponed due to coronavirus issues in the home side’s squad.

As a result, Steven Gerrard’s men have not been in action since suffering a 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Boxing Day, and a total of 22 points from 18 matches has left them languishing in 12th place, and Gerrard will certainly be looking to move the club up the table in 2022.

Villa have shown giant strides since Gerrard’s arrival as head coach, winning four of their seven matches, but they have struggled for consistency for much of the campaign and will take on Manchester United in the FA Cup and Premier League respectively in the middle of January.

The visitors have been victorious in two of their last three away league fixtures, beating Crystal Palace and Norwich City, and they are only three points behind eighth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on the same number of matches (18), so a win here could propel them up the table.

Villa have not actually beaten Brentford in the league since February 1947, with the Bees enjoying the better of the previous Championship meetings between the two teams.

FUN FACT: Brentford have suffered five defeats at home this season, with only fellow promoted clubs Norwich and Watford faring worse.

LEAGUE FORM:

Brentford: WLDWLL

Aston Villa: WLWLWL

KEY BATTLES: Ivan Toney v Ezri Konsa; Ollie Watkins v Pontus Jansson

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Brentford: Fernandez (GK); Pinnock, Jansson, Sorensen; Roerslev, Baptiste, Norgaard, Onyeka, Canos; Mbuemo, Toney

Aston Villa: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Hause, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Sanson; Ramsey, Watkins, Ings

SCORE PREDICTION: Brentford 1-2 Aston Villa

Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion, 2:00PM

Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2022 campaigns begin with an afternoon Premier League encounter on Sunday at Goodison Park.

The Toffees have not played since their impressive 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on December 16, and ironically, the Seagulls recorded the same result against Thomas Tuchel’s side in midweek.

To say that 2021 was a mixed bag for Everton would be a true understatement, but the Toffees ultimately ended the year on a relative high note with a point at Stamford Bridge.

With clashes against Burnley and Newcastle United both being called off as outfits up and down the country work around depleted squads, Everton head into 2022 with much work to be done to eventually save Rafael Benitez’s job.

Now 15th in the table with 19 points to their name from a possible 51, Benitez’s bright start to life at Goodison Park has not had the desired effect over the winter, as Everton sit just eight points above Burnley having played a game more.

The Toffees managed to win just one of their last five home Premier League games in 2021, and history is not on their side too, as they have suffered defeat in each of their last four opening top-flight matches of the calendar year.

A tally of 10 goals conceded in their most recent four encounters at Goodison Park does not bode well for the hosts either, and the pressure is weighing heavily on Benitez’s shoulders to turn his side’s fortunes around in the New Year.

Arsenal fans of 2016 are already well aware of Danny Welbeck’s affinity for last-minute goals, something he must have picked up during his time playing under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Chelsea proved to be the Englishman’s next victims as Brighton claimed a point at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

The wins column is still looking particularly bare for Brighton, but four points from a possible six was an ideal way to end a topsy-turvy 2021, and they sit 10th in the table heading into the New Year as a result.

If Brighton end the season in the same position then Graham Potter will certainly be rewarded with some praise, but he knows his side will need to start getting luck and points on the board if that is to be achieved.

A stalemate at Stamford Bridge represented a third consecutive 1-1 draw on the road for Graham Potter’s men – whose most recent win on the road came back in September – and coincidentally, all four of their opening Premier League clashes in a calendar year have ended with the spoils shared.

Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin propelled Everton to a 2-0 win over Brighton at the Amex back in August, and all four of the Seagulls’ Premier League trips to Goodison Park have seen them come away empty-handed.

FUN FACT: Everton are 13 points worse off after 17 games than at the same stage last season.

LEAGUE FORM:

Everton: LLLWLD

Brighton: DDDLWD

KEY BATTLES: Dominic Calvert-Lewin v Dan Burn; Abdoulaye Doucoure v Yves Bissouma

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Everton: Pickford (GK); Coleman, Branthwaite, Keane, Godfrey; Allan, Doucoure, Gomes; Gray, Calvert-Lewin, Gordon

Brighton: Sanchez (GK); Lamptey, Veltman, Burn, Cucurella; Bissouma, Mwepu; Mac Allister, Lallana, March; Maupay

SCORE PREDICTION: Everton 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Leeds United v Burnley, 2:00PM

Seeking to end a dismal run of three straight defeats in their first game of 2022, Leeds United prepare to welcome fellow strugglers to Elland Road on Sunday.

The Whites have seen their recent clashes with Liverpool and Aston Villa postponed due to COVID-19, while Sean Dyche’s men lost 3-1 against Manchester United in midweek.

From the highs of establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League to the lows of a likely relegation dogfight, it has been quite the topsy-turvy year for Leeds United.

Prior to seeing recent games called off, Marcelo Bielsa’s side lost three from three against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal despite it being a tough run of games, and it would taken something special to get points from those top-four outfits.

The Whites prepare to enter 2022 16th in the Premier League table and five points clear of the relegation zone after Burnley’s defeat against Man United, so the highly-experienced Bielsa would choose no better time to weave his old magic and steady the Elland Road ship.

Leeds can take some solace in the fact that their 4-1 loss to Arsenal represents their only defeat in their last six Premier League contests at home, and the hosts have only failed to score in one of their last 11 top-flight games at Elland Road – finding the back of the net in each of their last seven.

Not since the Championship days of the 2014-15 season have Leeds lost four league encounters on the bounce, and given Burnley’s troubles on the road throughout much of 2021, the home crowd can afford to enter the New Year with a cautious sense of optimism for Sunday’s game.

Even amid Man United’s struggles to dominate matches under the tutelage of Ralf Rangnick, attempting to get one over the Red Devils at Old Trafford was a bridge too far for Burnley, who slumped to a 3-1 defeat on Thursday night.

Another fight to retain their top-flight status awaits Burnley in 2022, as Sean Dyche’s side occupy 18th spot in the table, but 17th-placed Watford and upcoming opponents Leeds are within touching distance as the Clarets aim to take advantage of their games in hand.

It is now six games without victory for Burnley in the Premier League, though, and they are one of only two sides in the English top flight – along with Newcastle United – yet to win away from home this term, but a trip to fellow strugglers Leeds could be a prime opportunity to end that barren streak.

Burnley and Leeds played out a 1-1 draw in their clash at Turf Moor earlier in the campaign, but the Whites managed to prevail 1-0 at Elland Road this time last year thanks to a fifth-minute penalty from talisman Patrick Bamford.

FUN FACT: Brazilian wing-wizard Raphinha has been directly involved in 50% of Leeds United’s league goals this season (8 goals, 1 assist).

LEAGUE FORM:

Leeds United: DWDLLL

Burnley: DDDLDL

KEY BATTLES: Patrick Bamford v James Tarkowski; Chris Wood v Diego Llorente

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Leeds: Meslier (GK); Ayling, Koch, Llorente, Firpo; Dallas, Forshaw; Raphinha, Roberts, Harrison; Bamford

Burnley: Hennessey (GK); Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Taylor; Gudmundsson, Cork, Westwood, McNeil; Lennon, Wood

SCORE PREDICTIONS: Leeds United 2-1 Burnley

Chelsea v Liverpool, 4:30PM

Second meets third in an intriguing opening to the calendar year at Stamford Bridge, as title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool prepare for battle in the capital.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, while the Reds were sunk by Leicester City in a 1-0 defeat. at the King Power.

Winter was certainly unforgiving to those in Blue, as a frustrated Thomas Tuchel bemoaned his side’s growing absentee list after Brighton took a point home from Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

The Blues have now fallen eight points behind runaway leaders Manchester City in the rankings, and even though the season has only just reached its midway point, Tuchel claimed that it would be “stupid” to think his depleted side are capable of competing for top-flight glory.

VAR comments aside as well, four of Chelsea’s last five Premier League encounters at Stamford Bridge have now ended 1-1, and failing to keep a single home clean sheet in that run represents quite the downturn from Chelsea’s formerly steadfast defence under the German.

It would be ignorant to write Chelsea out of the title race ahead of the New Year, and they were certainly done a favour by Leicester before the confidence-sapped Reds make the journey South.

Before a ball was kicked at the King Power, all signs pointed towards an away victory especially amongst the star-studded pundits covering the fixture for Amazon Prime. The Reds had enjoyed a six-day recovery period after dumping the Foxes out of the EFL Cup, while Brendan Rodgers was short of options 48 hours after the 6-3 loss to Manchester City.

However, Leicester dug deep to pick up a much needed win in front of their own fans, as Ademola Lookman came off the bench to dent Liverpool’s title aspirations.

Defeat at the King Power marked only Liverpool’s second loss in the 2021-22 season across all competitions, and the third-placed Reds now find themselves nine points adrift of Man City having played a game fewer, and fourth-placed Arsenal are suddenly just six points behind.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will leapfrog the Blues back into the top two with victory in the capital, but they have failed to beat three London sides in Brentford, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur away from home so far this season.

Neither Chelsea nor Liverpool tend to kick off the New Year on a high note either, but recent history is in the Reds’ favour, as they have only lost two of their last 11 Premier League games against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

FUN FACT: Liverpool could lose consecutive away league games for the first time since February 2017, when they were beaten by Hull City and then Leicester City.

LEAGUE FORM:

Chelsea: LWDDWD

Liverpool: WWWWDL

KEY BATTLES: Romelu Lukaku v Virgil Van Dijk; Sadio Mane v Cesar Azpilicueta

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Chelsea: Mendy (GK); Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku

Liverpool: Alisson (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Jota, Mane

SCORE PREDICTION: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool

Barclays Premier League: Boxing Day Previews & Predictions

Ahead of the Boxing Day festive fixtures, the Premier League has postponed Liverpool’s game against Leeds United, the match between Wolves and Watford and Burnley v Everton because of rising coronavirus cases.

All three games were due to be played at and 12:30 and 3:00 GMT respectively but have been called off after requests from Leeds, Watford and Everton.

The Premier League said Leeds, Watford and Everton could not play “due to the number of players with Covid-19, injuries and illness” which leaves seven fixtures still due to be played on, so here’s some previews and predictions on each of those games:

Manchester City vs Leicester City, 3:00PM

Seeking an eighth win in a row, league leaders Manchester City look to extend their gap at the top even further as they host Leicester City on Boxing Day.

While the champions are now favourites to defend their crown after a scintillating streak since early November, their inconsistent visitors arrive at the Etihad Stadium having dramatically lost out in the EFL Cup quarter-finals to Liverpool.

Amid an incredible run which is showing no signs of letting up, Manchester City have not only established a three-point Premier League lead, but also registered 11 goals without reply in their two most recent outings.

After surviving a dubious penalty call to go on and record a 4-0 win over lowly Newcastle United, they posted their third successive clean sheet last weekend, maintaining the best defensive record in the division, having only conceded just nine goals so far.

Four different goalscorers at St James’ Park – plus six names on the scoresheet in the 7-0 victory against a struggling Leeds United a few days earlier – demonstrated the phenomenal wealth of attacking talent available to Pep Guardiola, who has also seen his side qualify for a place in the Champions League’s last 16.

Despite the summer departure of record goalscorer Sergio Aguero to Barcelona and the forthcoming transfer of Ferran Torres to the same destination according to widespread reports, Guardiola insists that no signings are required during the winter window, and the nature of City’s performances support that conclusion.

City have scored 24 times since they last failed to win in the league, back in late October, and sit top of the Premier League at Christmas for only the third time – on both previous occasions they went on to be eventual champions.

Guardiola’s men also secured their 34th league victory of 2021 by beating Newcastle, setting a new record for the most top-flight wins by any team in a calendar year, so they should have no qualms in dispatching a team currently struggling for consistency.

Having been eliminated from the Europa League earlier in December, when losing 3-2 to group rivals Napoli, more woe followed on Wednesday night, as Leicester missed out on a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals by losing on penalties at Anfield, blowing a comfortable 3-1 lead in the process.

Currently ninth in the Premier League table, the season as a whole has not been going to plan for the East Midlands side, who had won just one of their previous six games before beating Newcastle last time out in the top flight.

Perhaps hoping that a 4-0 win over the Magpies would kickstart an underwhelming campaign, Brendan Rodgers was then hit by the postponement of games against Tottenham and Everton, due to the impact of COVID-19.

Not only must they now pick themselves up after midweek disappointing against this weekend’s formidable opponents, but Leicester City will travel to Manchester knowing that their only away wins this campaign have come against newly promoted teams. They have also lost eight of their last 10 meetings with Manchester City – including a 1-0 defeat earlier this term.

MATCH FACT: Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has been directly involved in a team-high 15 goals in all competitions, scoring 11 and assisting four

LEAGUE FORM:

Manchester City: WWWWWW

Leicester City: DLWDLW

KEY MEN: Joao Cancelo (Man City) & James Maddison (Leicester)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Manchester City: Ederson (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko; Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Sterling, Jesus

Leicester City: Schmeichel (GK); Castagne, Vestergaard, Ndidi, Thomas; Dewsbury-Hall, Tielemans, Soumare; Maddison, Vardy, Barnes

SCORE PREDICTION: Manchester City 3-1 Leicester City

Norwich City vs Arsenal, 3:00PM

Following four straight wins in the league and cup, Arsenal will be aiming to keep their strong top-four chase on track when they visit the Premier League’s bottom side Norwich City on Boxing Day.

Having cruised to their 10th top-flight victory last time out at Leeds, and then serenely progressed to the EFL Cup semi-finals, the Gunners meet a side who have won just twice all season.

Victims of disruption caused by the latest twist in the COVID-19 pandemic, Norwich City have been sidelined since their home defeat to Aston Villa over a week ago, having had their fixture with West Ham United called off due to an unfortunate virus outbreak in the squad.

While opportunities to train together have necessarily been limited, perhaps the break came at a good time for the ailing Canaries, who had just lost three consecutive games without scoring and have failed to win in five.

While they remain just three points adrift of safety, Norwich have played at least one game more than several of their relegation rivals, so must start to accumulate points at a greater rate if they are to achieve the unthinkable come May.

Sitting bottom of the Premier League pile with only 10 points to date, they will be aware that only three teams who started Boxing Day in last place have previously managed to avoid demotion since the competition was inaugurated nearly 30 years ago.

Having also lost 10 of their last 14 top-flight encounters with their next opponents, the Canaries will be up against both form and precedent on Sunday.

After starting the month inauspiciously with back-to-back defeats, Arsenal have seemed galvanised by the disciplinary action taken against their captain by manager Mikel Arteta, going on to score 14 times in four successive wins in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence, a decision that now seems perfectly justified.

Featuring a much-changed side, the Gunners followed up nine points from nine in the Premier League with a 5-1 victory over Sunderland in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, in which cup specialist Eddie Nketiah netted a hat-trick for the North London side.

Eighteen-year-old starlet Charlie Patino also added his name to the scoresheet against the Black Cats, to cap a consummate performance from Arteta’s second string and set up a tantalising semi-final tie with Liverpool next month.

Arteta will be proud of his current crop of wonderkids in Bukayo Saka, the recently inspired Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith-Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale who are proving the perfect tonic in the club’s search of a top-four spot.

Since their recent London derby win over West Ham lifted them into the top four for the first time since October 2020, Arsenal have gone on to post a convincing win over Leeds last weekend before comfortably progressing in the cup.

They will, therefore, be confident of maintaining a Boxing Day record which has seen the club lose just twice in their last 23 games played on December 26.

Indeed, only Liverpool and Manchester City have bettered the Gunners’ points tally over the past six league matches, but they have tended to falter far more often on the road. Ahead of the trip to Carrow Road, Arsenal have lost five of their nine away fixtures in the Premier League, compared to seven wins from nine on at The Emirates.

Undoubtedly, Arteta will expect to improve that record against a struggling side, with three points from such games a requirement if they are to secure a return to the Champions League come the end of the season.

MATCH FACT: Arsenal are in the Premier League top four on Christmas Day for the first time since 2016. They were 15th this time last season.

LEAGUE FORM:

Norwich City: WDDLLL

Arsenal: WLLWWW

KEY MEN: Teemu Pukki (Norwich) & Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Norwich City: Krul (GK); Aarons, Sorensen, Gibson, Williams; Gilmour, Normann, McLean; Dowell, Pukki, Cantwell

Arsenal: Ramsdale (GK); Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette

SCORE PREDICTION: Norwich City 0-3 Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace, 3:00PM

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Crystal Palace to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stadium looking to extend their unbeaten streak to five matches in the Premier League.

While the home side currently occupy seventh position in the standings, Palace are down in 11th spot after just one win from their last six fixtures.

Despite accumulating an impressive 11 points from a possible 15 under Antonio Conte, you could argue they are yet to still hits their stride since the Italian’s appointment.

Nevertheless, that is something which will only lead to optimism among the club’s fanbase as they look to take advantage of their games in hand in a bid to chase down fourth-placed Arsenal.

Star-man Harry Kane finally netted his second Premier League goal of the campaign during last weekend’s enthralling 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and Conte will be delighted at the performances of recent outcasts Dele Alli, Steve Bergwijn and Harry Winks, but it is Lucas Moura who has found another gear under Conte.

The Brazilian has contributed three goals and an assist since the beginning of November, the latest of those strikes coming in the 2-1 win over West Ham United in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, setting up a mouthwatering semi-finals with Conte’s former side and rivals Chelsea.

However, Spurs were fortunate to see out the second half against the Hammers, and Conte will want to see more of a ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch.

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira and his side have endured a few teething issues in recent weeks. Consistency remains an issue, with Palace only winning just once in six outings and failing to keep a clean sheet in each of those fixtures.

Currently sitting nine points above the relegation zone heading into the festive period, Vieira cannot have too many complaints, but there have been numerous suggestions that his team aren’t always playing to its fullest potential, and with key man Wilfried Zaha away at the African Cup of Nations in January, Palace will need to make full use of their games until he meets up with his national side.

The long-serving winger now has five strikes for the season after ending a five-game goal drought versus the Saints last time out. Vieira will be hoping Zaha, Gallagher, Ayew and Edouard will be firing on all cylinders to grab their second win in six games.

MATCH FACT: Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 14 league fixtures on Boxing Day – the longest ongoing run in England’s top four divisions.

LEAGUE FORM:

Tottenham: LDWWWD

Palace: DLLLWD

KEY MEN: Lucas Moura (Spurs) & Conor Gallagher (Palace)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Tottenham: Lloris (GK); Sanchez, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Winks, Hojbjerg, Reguilon; Moura, Kane, Son

Crystal Palace: Guaita (GK); Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Hughes, Kouyate; Ayew, Edouard, Zaha

SCORE PREDICTION: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Crystal Palace

West Ham vs Southampton, 3:00PM

West Ham play host to Southampton on Boxing day potentially requiring all three points to retain their spot in the top five of the Premier League standings.

The visitors are without success in their last six top-flight fixtures, leaving them down in 15th position, ahead of their difficult test at the London Stadium.

With such a packed schedule and several injuries to key players, it was somewhat inevitable that the Hammers would eventually encounter an inconsistent run, despite their impressive campaign so far.

Nevertheless, David Moyes would have expected a far better return of five points from six Premier League games, the solitary win coming at home to Chelsea.

Michail Antonio’s struggling form in front of goal has hurt the Hammers chances in recent weeks, as will his coronavirus-related absence over the Christmas period, and its unclear whether the club will be looking to strengthen in the forward areas come the winter window. But it provides other players an opportunity to show that Moyes should not rely heavily on their star forward.

Jarrod Bowen netted a brilliant goal during Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup, although he has struggled for consistency in the final third, he may still be trusted with playing up-front for West Ham against the Saints.

On a positive note, Moyes was left encouraged by the performance in North London, and it may be enough to lift his players ahead of what will be regarded as must-win game on Sunday.

Up until the start of November, there were signs that Southampton had fully recovered from their slow start by collecting 10 points over a four-match period.

However, just three points have come from the following six fixtures, heaping the pressure on Ralph Hasenhuttl once more, with just three wins being recorded from 17 games this season.

Although just five points separate ninth and 15th, Southampton have not looked like a side who are capable of putting together the kind of results which can quickly move them up towards mid-table.

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja continues to be the bright spark in an underwhelming campaign, the 20-year-old having now scored four times from just 621 minutes of top-flight football.

MATCH FACT: West Ham are fifth, their second-highest PL position at Christmas. Their highest was fourth which they achieved under Sam Allardyce in the 2014/15 campaign.

LEAGUE FORM:

West Ham: LLDWDL

Southampton: LLDDLD

KEY MEN: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) & Armando Broja (Southampton)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

West Ham: Fabainski (GK); Coufal, Dawson, Diop, Johnson; Rice, Soucek; Fornals, Lanzini, Benrahma; Bowen

Southampton: Caballero (GK); Livramento, Salisu, Lyanco, Walker-Peters; Walcott, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Redmond; Broja, Tella

SCORE PREDICTION: West Ham United 1-1 Southampton

Aston Villa vs Chelsea, 5:30PM

Third-placed Chelsea resume their hectic schedule with a Boxing Day fixture at a resurgent Aston Villa, with the Blues now sitting six points adrift of table-toppers Manchester City.

The hosts return to action sitting in 10th position, a consequence of recording 12 points from six matches since Steven Gerrard took charge.

Villa like many others throughout the division, have experienced their coronavirus outbreak , one which Gerrard has described as ongoing ahead of welcoming the European champions to Villa Park.

The cancellation of last weekend’s game versus Burnley has given Villa’s first-team squad a chance to recharge their batteries, but Gerrard will argue that some momentum could have been lost from the enforced break.

Beating old boss Dean Smith and his Norwich side by a 2-0 score-line represented Villa’s fourth win in six under Gerrard, their two defeats coming against the giants of Manchester City and Liverpool, games in which Gerrard’s side more than made their mark.

Although Villa have lost nine of their 17 matches this season, they are within touching distance of the top eight, and Gerrard will feel that there is a window of opportunity to capitalise on the inconsistency of other clubs.

While Ollie Watkins has not hit the heights of last season, the England international has still contributed four goals from his last eight appearances and he’ll be looking to carry on that form against a stuttering Chelsea.

Having been forced to play three games in less than a week with ongoing coronavirus issues, there can be some sympathy with the selection problems which have hindered Thomas Tuchel.

Nevertheless, the Blues have come through a period against Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford without suffering defeat, two draws in the Premier League being followed by a 2-0 triumph in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

Now sitting well adrift of Man City, Tuchel cannot be satisfied with his team’s recent form, but a change in government coronavirus rules should lead to more players returning this weekend.

The biggest plus from the last two games has been consecutive clean sheets, achieved after previously conceding 11 times in six contests.

Tuchel will hope that more goals from open play now follow, but Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat in this corresponding fixture last season as they just about held onto fourth spot in the Premier League on the final day.

MATCH FACT: Villa have amassed 12 points in six matches under head coach Steven Gerrard – two more than in their opening 11 league games under Dean Smith.

LEAGUE FORM:

Aston Villa: WWLWLW

Chelsea: DWLWDD

KEY MEN: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) & Mason Mount (Chelsea)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Aston Villa: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Watkins, Young

Chelsea: Mendy (GK); Chalobah, Silva, Rudgier; James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso; Ziyech, Mount; Pulisic

SCORE PREDICTION: Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Brentford, 8:00PM

Brighton & Hove Albion play host to Brentford on Boxing Day looking to end a 12-match winless streak in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Brentford have collected two victories from their last four outings, leaving the Bees level on points with their hosts in the Premier League standings.

Regardless of whether Brighton are still well above the bottom three, the criticism will continue to arise for Graham Potter as longs as his team fail to end their recent run without a victory.

Eight draws have been recorded from 11 top-flight fixtures, a run which includes stalemates against Arsenal and Liverpool, but frustration is understandable when failing to win several winnable games at the Amex Stadium.

Before the postponement of their trip to Manchester United last weekend, the Seagulls went down 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers without having a shot on target during the second half.

It was the same recurring theme for Potter and his men, playing some good football but just can’t seem to be clinical when it matters most, and that could well mean they face another relegation scrap if they can’t sort out their problems in front of goal.

Nine of their 14 goals have come from Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard, who will argue that they require more help from their teammates rather than being held responsible for contributing to the joint-third worst attacking record in the division.

An argument can be made for Brentford failing to build on their encouraging start to the season with a four-game losing streak occurring between October 16 and November 6.

However, head coach Thomas Frank will instead point to eight points coming from five games, their latest success coming against rivals Watford on December 10.

An argument can be made for Brentford failing to build on their encouraging start to the season with a four-game losing streak occurring between October 16 and November 6.

Sitting nine points ahead of the relegation zone, Frank can only be delighted with his team’s efforts so far, and he will be confident of taking advantage of Brighton’s lack of belief in attack.

While Wednesday’s EFL Cup defeat to Chelsea came as a huge disappointment, the game was Brentford’s first in 12 days, shaking off the cobwebs ahead of a further opportunity to extend the gap ahead of the bottom three.

MATCH FACT: 11 league games without a win on Boxing Day for Brighton – the longest current run in the top four tiers of English football – their most recent against QPR in 2005.

LEAGUE FORM:

Brighton: DLDDDL

Brentford: LDWLDW

KEY MEN: Neal Maupay (Brighton) & Ivan Toney (Brentford)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Brighton: Sanchez (GK); Lamptey, Veltman, Duffy, Cucurella; Gross, Bissouma, Moder; March, Maupay, Trossard

Brentford: Fernandez (GK); Pinnock, Jansson, Sorensen; Canos, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Henry; Toney, Mbeumo

SCORE PREDICTION: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Brentford

Newcastle United vs Manchester United, Monday 8:00PM

Manchester United mark their return to Premier League action following an unfortunate coronavirus outbreak – causing postponements against Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion – on Monday with a trip to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

While the Red Devils have been dealing with a raft of COVID-19 cases, Eddie Howe and his men are seeking to avoid a fourth defeat on the bounce.

There is certainly not much festive joy to be had around St James’ Park at the moment, with Newcastle conceding 11 goals in their three most recent defeats as their survival task becomes harder by the week.

It took all of five minutes for Ruben Dias to open the scoring for Manchester City last time out, and the champions would complete a 4-0 rout through Joao Cancelo, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez as the Magpies fell short once again.

After starting the month in such optimistic fashion with a much-needed first win over Burnley, the harsh reality check for Newcastle sees them remain 19th in the table ahead of the Boxing Day fixtures – level on points with Norwich City having played a game more.

Even 17th-placed Watford – who are three points ahead of the Magpies – have two games in hand as Omicron rages across the country, but the appointment of Howe has not exactly led to the upturn in fortunes that the new owners would have aspired for.

A tally of 41 goals conceded is unsurprisingly the worst defensive record in the 2021-22 top-flight season, and having been breached 79 times this calendar year, Newcastle could set a new unwanted record for most Premier League goals conceded in that period.

On the face of it, three defeats from their last eight Premier League games at St James’ Park is hardly abysmal, but a refreshed Man United under new management will not be prepared to play nice on Monday.

One of several English sides to have seen their winter preparations disrupted amid the surge in coronavirus cases, Man United will be taking to the pitch for the first time since December 11th when they make the journey to Tyneside.

The football has been far from dazzling since then, but a pair of crucial 1-0 wins over Crystal Palace and Norwich City means that the Red Devils occupy sixth spot in the table before Sunday’s games kick off – five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal with two games in hand.

It is now six games unbeaten in all competitions for Man United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit after the game against Watford, and having scored in all of their away league games so far this term, Newcastle’s depleted defence could be in for another rough ride on home soil.

MATCH FACT: The Red Devils have won each of their last four encounters with Newcastle – scoring at least three goals on each occasion – although they are without a clean sheet against the Magpies since January 2019.

LEAGUE FORM:

Newcastle United: LDWLLL

Manchester United: LLDWWW

KEY MEN: Callum Wilson (Newcastle) & Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Newcastle United: Dubravka (GK); Murphy, Lascelles, Schar, Ritchie; Almiron, Longstaff, Willock, Joelinton; Wilson, Saint-Maximin

Manchester United: De Gea (GK); Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes; Ronaldo, Rashford

SCORE PREDICTION: Newcastle United 0-3 Manchester United

Barclays Premier League Matchday 12: Preview & Predictions

After a brief two-week pause of captivating international football, the Premier League finally returns this weekend offering up yet another cracking group of fixtures to feast our eyes on.

So, without further ado, let’s get in amongst the action with some previews and predictions.

Leicester City vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30PM

Chelsea will be looking to increase their three point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table when they travel to Leicester City for Saturday’s early kick-off.

Thomas Tuchel’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley last time out, while Brendan Rodgers’s side also took a point from their meeting with Leeds United before the international break.

This season so far has been one of inconsistency for Leicester City as they currently sit in 12th place in the table, only winning fifteen points from a possible 33. It’s safe to say Rodgers’ men aren’t hitting the same heights as last season, and it is now three games without a win in all competitions.

Intense speculation surrounding a possible switch to replace under-fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United will not help Rodgers and Leicester City’s cause one bit, who have just posted two Premier League wins from eight since the start of September and are without a clean sheet in 10 league games.

Rodgers has also seen his side ship two goals in each of their last three top-flight games at the King Power, and not since the 1997/98 campaign have the club managed to prevail against the starting the gameweek at the league summit.

Having impressively recorded numerous wins across the board in previous weeks, Chelsea being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Sean Dyche’s Burnley came as a big surprise considering the amount of chances the hosts wasted.

Tuchel’s men saw their seven-game winning run in all competitions come to an end just before the international break, but the Blues still hold a healthy three-point lead at the top of the table ahead of Manchester City and a resurgent West Ham United.

Chelsea have won their last three away games in the top-flight without shipping a single goal and have conceded just once on the road during the current campaign, becoming the best defensive unit so far this season.

Leicester City prevailed 2-0 at the King Power in this fixture last term which saw former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard lose his job just days after before that historic FA Cup triumph, but Tuchel’s side claimed a 2-1 win over the Foxes at Stamford Bridge back in May.

MATCH FACT: Chelsea have only lost three of their past 18 Premier League games against Leicester (won 10, drawn five), though one of those was at King Power Stadium last season, a 2-0 defeat in Frank Lampard’s last league game in charge in January.

KEY MEN: Jamie Vardy (Leicester) & Kai Havertz (Chelsea)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Leicester City: Schmeichel (GK); Pereira, Soyuncu, Evans, Castagne; Ndidi, Soumare; Lookman, Maddison, Barnes; Vardy

Chelsea: Mendy (GK); Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell, Hudson-Odoi, Mount; Havertz

SCORE PREDICTION: Leicester City 1-2 Chelsea

Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion, 3:00PM

The Steven Gerrard-era begins at Aston Villa this weekend as the out-of-form hosts welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Villa Park.

Former Rangers boss and Liverpool legend Gerrard replaced Dean Smith at the helm during the international break, with Villa having lost their last five Premier League games.

Brighton’s last outing before the interval saw them draw 1-1 with Newcastle United at the Amex Stadium.

Many of the Villa faithful will have been disappointed to see Dean Smith get the axe from his role earlier this month after the terrific job he’s done leading the club to where they are currently – as a very decent level mid-table club. But those at the top believe he wasn’t the man to take them to the next level after their disappointing run of form as of late.

There will of course be plenty of optimism surrounding Gerrard’s appointment, whose managerial CV already boasts an unprecedented Scottish league title with Rangers, ending Celtic’s nine-year domination, and in terrific and unstoppable fashion.

The Liverpool legend’s return to the Premier League has naturally led to some speculating that his new role is a stepping stone to replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the near future, but Gerrard has correctly stressed that the Villa job is not simply as such, and he undoubtedly still has plenty to prove as takes the reins at Villa Park.

Victory on Saturday could provide the perfect tonic for Gerrard as Villa manager, with only two of the club’s previous 12 Premier League managers – John Gregory and Gerard Houllier – winning their first top-flight outing in charge. To join that elusive list, Gerrard must bring an end Villa’s worst run of Premier League form since 2015-16, with Smith having lost his final five games in charge.

Villa have not picked up a point since beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in September, conceding 13 goals in that time and dropping down to 16th place – just points clear of the relegation places. Only the bottom two of Newcastle and Norwich have conceded more goals than Villa this season, whilst Norwich are the only team to have lost more than Villa’s seven defeats from 11 games.

The gap to Saturday’s opponents is seven points, however, Brighton’s relatively lofty league position of seventh belies a slight dip in form. The Seagulls’ last Premier League win was actually longer ago than Villa’s, failing to win any of their six league outings since beating Leicester City in September.

However, Graham Potter’s men have still managed to pick up points in that time, losing just one of those games – against Manchester City – and holding the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal to draws in that time.

A 1-1 draw with Newcastle before the international interval was a more disappointing result for Graham Potter, although they will still be more content with their current standing after 11 games, sitting level on points with Manchester United and just five points off the top four.

Chelsea and Lverpool are the only teams to have been beaten fewer times than Brighton so far this season, while those two giants and Manchester City are also the only teams to have conceded fewer goals than the Seagulls, which is very impressive reading.

Brighton are also one of three teams – along with Chelsea and West Ham – to avoid defeat away from home so far, so Saturday’s trip will not be too much of a stumbling block as they aim to put a dampner on Gerrard’s start as Villa Head Coach. Their last visit to Villa Park saw them pick up their first ever win there in a 2-1 triumph.

Villa are winless in their last three meetings with Brighton. However, last year’s corresponding fixture was also the only time Brighton have tasted victory over Villa in their last 12 attempts, and they will need to be particularly wary this time around with the hosts experiencing a new manager bounce.

MATCH FACT: Brighton’s Leandro Trossard is looking to score in three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time.

KEY MEN: Danny Ings (Villa) & Leandro Trossard (Brighton)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Aston Villa: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Buendia, McGinn, Ramsey; Bailey, Ings, Watkins

Brighton & Hove Albion: Steele (GK); Veltman, Dunk, Duffy, Cucurella; Bissouma, Lallana; Lamptey, Trossard, March; Maupay

SCORE PREDICTION: Aston Villa 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Burnley vs Crystal Palace, 3:00PM

Patrick Vieira’s high-flying Crystal Palace will be bidding to make it three Premier League victories in a row when they travel to Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon to take on Burnley.

The Eagles overcame Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last two fixtures to rise into 10th in the table, while Burnley currently sit 18th, picking up just eight points from 11 games.

Burnley will certainly not be pleased with their position in the table, picking up just eight points so far this season, leaving them three points ahead of basement side Norwich, but the club will be encouraged by their recent performances and results.

Since losing to Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad mid-October, the Clarets have collected five points from three matches, drawing 2-2 with Southampton before winning 3-1 at home to Brentford on October 30.

Sean Dyche’s side entered the international break off the back of a much needed 1-1 draw away to table-topping Chelsea, meanwhile, with Matej Vydra netting a 79th-minute leveller at Stamford Bridge.

Burnley have back-to-back home games against Palace and Tottenham Hotspur to end November, and they are only four points behind 14th-placed Brentford at this stage, meaning that a couple positive results could catapult them up the league table heading into the intense festive period.

The Clarets have actually won their last three Premier League games against Crystal Palace, including a 1-0 victory in the corresponding match last season.

Palace, as mentioned, won 2-0 away to Man City at the end of October before entering the international break off the back of a 2-0 home success over Wolves, which made it six league games unbeaten.

The Eagles have not been beaten in England’s top-flight since the 3-0 loss to Liverpool in the middle of September, although four of their last six outings have ended in draws. Though, Vieira’s men are on upward trajectory under his new stewardship.

Only Chelsea and Liverpool have lost fewer games than Palace this term, with Vieira’s men winning three, drawing six and losing two of their first 11 games so far this campaign.

The capital side are only two points off sixth-placed Manchester United which is a credit to Vieira and his staff, with the Frenchman making a positive impression since taking charge over the summer.

Palace will now be eyeing their fourth league victory of the campaign on Saturday, and they have actually won on two of their last three top-flight visits to Burnley, including a 2-0 success in November 2019.

MATCH FACT: Burnley have won their last three matches against Palace, without conceding, their best such run in the Premier League

KEY MEN: Maxwell Cornet (Burnley) & Conor Gallagher (Palace)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Burnley: Pope (GK); Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Gudmundsson, Brownhill, Cork, McNeil; Cornet, Wood

Crystal Palace: Guaita (GK); Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Kouyate, McArthur; Zaha, Benteke, Edouard

SCORE PREDICTION: Burnley 1-2 Crystal Palace

Newcastle vs Brentford, 3:00PM

The only team without a win this season so far, Newcastle United prepare for battle with newly-promoted Brentford at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon in the first game of the Eddie Howe era.

The Magpies rescued a point against Brighton & Hove Albion in a 1-1 draw last time out, while the Bees became the first victims of Norwich City in a disappointing 2-1 defeat.

After being frustrated in their managerial pursuit of serial Europa League winner Unai Emery, Newcastle moved to appoint former Bournemouth coach Eddie Howe as their new leader, with the 43-year-old in attendance alongside Amanda Staveley to witness the Magpies and the Seagulls do battle on the South Coast.

Norwich’s win over Brentford means that Newcastle are now the only team in the division yet to record a victory this season, and the 19th-placed Magpies are now level with Norwich and five clear of safety before the first game of a new era.

Howe needs no reminding of the pressure he is under to deliver a positive result this weekend, with Newcastle taking just two points from their five league games at home this term and conceding a whopping 13 goals at St James’ Park already – the worst such defensive record in the top flight.

Having seen their fast start to life in the Premier League turn into a nightmare few weeks, Brentford now hold the unwanted honour of being basement side Norwich City’s first victims of the new season following a 2-1 defeat on their own turf.

On the ground where both Arsenal and Liverpool both failed to produce the goods, Norwich went into the half-time break 2-0 up thanks to goals from Mathias Normann and Teemu Pukki, and Rico Henry’s second-half tap-in could not inspire a comeback for the Bees.

That victory was not enough to save Daniel Farke from the axe at Norwich, but Thomas Frank remains in the Brentford hotseat and will desperately seek to reverse his side’s fortunes this weekend, with the Bees suddenly slipping to 14th in the table.

Brentford have suffered four defeats on the bounce in the Premier League, but only one of those losses has come on the road, and not since their League Two days in the 2007-08 season have they sunk to five consecutive losses in domestic action.

However, Burnley and Norwich were both without a win in the new season before coming up trumps against Brentford, so Newcastle fans have every right to dream of a perfect start to life under Howe this weekend.

Newcastle prevailed in both of their encounters with Brentford during the 2016-17 Championship season, but the Bees knocked the Magpies out of the EFL Cup in the quarter-finals last term thanks to Josh Dasilva’s winner.

MATCH FACT: If Ivan Toney scores it will be the 50th PL goal by a former Newcastle player against the Magpies.

KEY MEN: Callum Wilson (Newcastle) & Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Newcastle United: Dubravka (GK); Manquillo, Clark, Lascelles, Ritchie; Almiron, Hayden, Shelvey, Fraser; Wilson, Saint-Maximin

Brentford: Fernandez (GK); Goode, Pinnock, Jansson; Canos, Janelt, Norgaard, Onyeka, Henry; Toney, Mbeumo

SCORE PREDICTION: Newcastle 2-2 Brentford

Norwich City vs Southampton, 3:00PM

Dean Smith will start life in the Norwich City dugout with a home battle against Southampton on Saturday, with the Canaries looking to make it back-to-back Premier League victories.

Norwich City still sit bottom of the table despite recording their first win over Brentford before the international break, while Southampton occupy 13th position, picking up 14 points from their opening 11 games.

Daniel Farke’s reward for leading Norwich to their first win of the season was an unfortunate sack, with the German relieved of his duties just hours after the 2-1 success over Brentford away from home.

Dean Smith, who was dismissed by Aston Villa on November 7, has taken charge at Carrow Road, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal, and the 50-year-old will be determined to get off the best possible start this weekend, as he looks to steady a sinking ship just as he was tasked with upon his arrival at Aston Villa three years ago.

The Canaries have not been able to secure back-to-back seasons of top-flight football since 2012/13 and 2013/14, having dropped straight back into the Championship following their last two promotions, and Smith will have a huge task in avoiding such a repeat this time around.

Norwich have lost their last three matches against Southampton in all competitions but did beat the Saints 1-0 at Carrow Road during the 2015/16 PL campaign.

Southampton, meanwhile, enter this weekend off the back of a 10 win over Aston Villa on November 5 which led to Dean Smith’s sacking two days later, with Adam Armstrong’s third-minute effort proving to be the difference between the two sides.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have picked up 10 points from their last four league outings against Leeds United, Burnley, Watford and Aston Villa to rise into 13th spot in the table.

The Saints are only actually three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United and will be determined to put another victory on the board ahead of a tough trip to Liverpool in their final game of November.

Southampton, who finished 15th in the league last term, have also lost just two of their last 15 matches against the Canaries in all competitions, recording seven victories in the process.

MATCH FACT: Southampton can secure a fourth successive Premier League win over Norwich for the first time.

KEY MEN: Teemu Pukki (Norwich) & Adam Armstrong (Saints)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Norwich: Krul (GK); Aarons, Omobamidele, Gibson, Williams; Normann, Gilmour; Cantwell, Lees-Melou, Rashica; Pukki

Southampton: McCarthy (GK); Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters; Elyounoussi, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Redmond; A Armstrong, Adams

SCORE PREDICTION: Norwich 1-2 Southampton

Watford vs Manchester United, 3:00PM

Manchester United will be bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they travel to Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon to face Watford.

The Red Devils suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City before the international break, while Watford, who are just outside the relegation zone in England’s top flight, lost 1-0 at Arsenal in their last contest.

Watford have won three, drawn one and lost seven of their 11 Premier League matches this season to collect 10 points, which has left them in 17th position in the table, two points clear of 18th-placed Burnley, and it would not be a surprise to see the club in and around the bottom three for much of the campaign.

The Hornets will enter Saturday’s contest off the back of successive 1-0 defeats to Southampton and Arsenal, but new head coach Claudio Ranieri managed to lead the team to a stunning 5-2 success at Everton in his second match at the helm on October 23.

Watford actually started their 2021-22 Premier League campaign with a 3-2 home success over Aston Villa, but they have picked up just one point from their last four league fixtures at Vicarage Road, losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool and Southampton during a worrying run.

Ranieri’s side are now facing four difficult matches in quick succession, hosting Man United, Chelsea and Manchester City, in addition to visiting Leicester City before the end of the month.

The Hornets will certainly not be panicking, though, as there is still a lot of football to be played this season, and they ran out 2-0 winners when Man United last visited Vicarage Road in the league in December 2019.

Man United, meanwhile, suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Man City in their last match on November 6; the result increased the pressure on head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the Norwegian has kept his job and will lead the team into Saturday’s contest at Vicarage Road.

The Red Devils are actually top of their Champions League group ahead of next week’s key clash away to Villarreal, but they have lost three of their last four in the Premier League and won just one of their last six to drop down the table into sixth position five points from fourth placed Liverpool.

The 20-time English champions are entering a huge period in the league, taking on Chelsea and Arsenal in their two matches after this one, but they can take confidence from their impressive performance away to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of October, recording a 3-0 victory over the North London club.

Man United might have seen their long unbeaten away run in the league end at Leicester on October 16, but they have won three of their last four on the road in England’s top flight and will be fired up to bounce back from their derby defeat in Hertfordshire this weekend.

MATCH FACT: Manchester United have won 12 of their 14 PL matches v Watford, inflicting the Hornets’ most defeats against a single club.

KEY MEN: Ismaila Sarr (Watford) & Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Watford: Foster (GK); Femenia, Cathcart, N’Koulou, Rose; Sarr, Cleverley, Sissoko, Dennis; Pedro; King

Manchester United: De Gea (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo

SCORE PREDICTION: Watford 0-2 Manchester United

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United, 3:00PM

West Ham United will be looking to continue their impressive start to the campaign when they head to Molineux on Saturday afternoon to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The high-flying Hammers currently sit third in the table, three points behind leaders Chelsea, while Wolves occupy eight position, just a point behind sixth-placed Manchester United.

Wolves struggled for results in the early stages of the campaign, losing four of their first five Premier League matches despite playing decent football, which brought some early pressure on new head coach Bruno Lage.

The West Midlands club have been victorious in four of their last six in the league, though, suffering just one defeat in the process, seeing them rise to eighth just a point behind the inconsistent Manchester United ahead of the next set of games.

Wolves had been on a five-game unbeaten run between September 26 and November 6 but entered the international break off the back of a 2-0 loss at Crystal Palace, which just halted their impressive progress under former Benfica coach Bruno Lage.

Lage’s team will be feeling much better about themselves following a tough start to the season, though, and will be looking to return to winning ways against West Ham, having lost their last two matches against the London club, including a 3-2 defeat at Molineux back in April.

West Ham, meanwhile, have won seven, drawn two and lost two of their 11 league matches this season to collect 23 points, which has left them third in the table, level on points with second-placed Man City and just three points behind leaders Chelsea.

The Hammers recorded a 3-2 victory over Liverpool before the international break, which made it seven matches unbeaten in all competitions, with the capital outfit also advancing to the knockout round of the Europa League with two matches to spare, in addition to booking their spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

West Ham have two difficult away league matches to end the month, following this contest with a clash against Man City, while David Moyes’s team will also welcome Chelsea at the start of December.

The London club finished sixth in the table last season, just two points outside of the Champions League positions, and they certainly have the look of a top-four side at this moment in time.

West Ham, as mentioned, will be eyeing a third straight win over Wolves, but they did suffer four consecutive defeats to the West Midlands outfit between September 2018 and June 2020.

MATCH FACTS: West Ham can secure a second consecutive away league win at Wolves for the first time in 100 years.

KEY MEN: Raul Jimenez (Wolves) & Pablo Fornals (West Ham)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Wolves: Sa (GK); Kilman, Coady, Saiss; Semedo, Neves, Moutinho, Ait-Nouri; Podence, Jimenez, Hee-Chan

West Ham: Fabianski (GK); Johnson, Zouma, Dawson, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals; Antonio

SCORE PREDICTION: Wolves 1-2 West Ham United

Liverpool vs Arsenal, Saturday 5:30PM

Arguably the standout fixture of the gameweek will take place on Saturday evening when Liverpool welcome a rejuvenated Arsenal to Anfield.

Just one place and two points seperate the two sides in the table, with Liverpool sitting fourth and Arsenal fifth after 11 games of the campaign.

At the end of August, one would have been given long odds for Arsenal having the chance to leapfrog Liverpool in the table when the two sides met in gameweek 12.

At that stage, the Gunners sat rock-bottom having lost all three of their games, conceding nine times without registering once themselves in the process, while Liverpool had taken seven points from a possible nine and conceded only once.

Fast forward a number of weeks and the Premier League picture has changed significantly; for Liverpool, that is largely down to a two-game winless streak before the international break, including their first defeat of the season last time out against West Ham United.

The defeat to the Hammers ended their 20-game unbeaten streak in the top-flight, and a 25-game undefeated run across all competitions stretching back to April.

The 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion which preceded the West Ham defeat was also a major blow as Jurgen Klopp’s side threw away a two-goal lead, with those two results leaving the Reds now four points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

The Merseysiders do now have three home games in a row before the short trip to Goodison Park for the derby on December 1, which will come as welcome news for a team unbeaten in their last 13 games at Anfield, including nine in the Premier League.

Klopp’s men have dropped points from winning positions in their last two such matches, though – consecutive 2-2 draws with Man City and Brighton – while they have only won two of their five home league games so far this season, drawing the other three.

That should Arsenal with some much needed confidence heading into Saturday’s intriguing encounter.

Liverpool’s defeat at West Ham means that the Gunners now boast the longest current unbeaten run in the Premier League, taking 20 points from the 24 on offer since those three defeats to start the season.

The eight-game run makes for Arsenal’s longest undefeated streak since December 2018, while in all competitions that record improves to eight wins and two draws from their last 10.

Arsenal have kept seven clean sheets in that time too, including three in a row before the break, and in their last 10 games combined they have conceded fewer goals than they did in their 5-0 drubbing at Manchester City before then.

All of that has catapulted Arsenal right back into the top-four race, and despite still only having a goal difference of 0 – 20 worse than Saturday’s opponents – a victory at the weekend would be enough to lift them into the Champions League places for the first time since October 2020.

The main concern for the Gunners this weekend may well be their record against Liverpool in recent seasons; Liverpool have lost just one of their 11 Premier League meetings with Arsenal since Klopp took charge, winning seven of those.

Most of those wins have been convincing too, particularly at Anfield where Liverpool have won five on the bounce against Arsenal, scoring at least three times in all of those matches.

You have to go back to September 1981 to January 1988 for the last time Liverpool had a longer winning run at home to Arsenal in the top flight, with the styles of both teams playing into Klopp’s hands far more often than they have Arsenal’s in recent years.

That said, Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in six of their last nine top-flight away games, including three in a row, and another on Saturday would be their best run since May 2005.

Certainly, the test on Saturday evening will show how far Arsenal have come under Mikel Arteta.

MATCH FACT: Mohamed Salah has been involved in nine goals in a many Premier League games against Arsenal (7 goals, 2 assists).

KEY MEN: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) & Emile Smith-Rowe (Arsenal)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Liverpool: Alisson (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane

Arsenal: Ramsdale (GK); Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Saka, Thomas, Lokonga, Smith Rowe; Lacazette; Aubameyang

SCORE PREDICTION: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal

Manchester City vs Everton, Sunday 2:00PM

Manchester City will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League when they welcome Rafael Benitez’ faltering Everton side to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.

The Citizens entered the international break off the back of a 2-0 victory at Manchester United, while Everton picked up a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur in their last top-flight contest.

Guardiola’s men have not had it all their own way so far this season, already losing two of their 11 matches, including a shock 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on home soil, but they were excellent and dominant in a two-goal victory against Man United in the Manchester derby.

The result moved the Citizens into second position in the table, just three points behind leaders Chelsea, and they have a huge end to November, facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next week before welcoming high-flying West Ham United in the league on November 28.

Man City were surprisingly knocked out of the EFL Cup by West Ham in the round of 16 but are on course to reach the last-16 stage of the Champions League, sitting top of Group A with nine points.

Pep Guardiola’s side have actually won their last seven Premier League games against Everton, scoring 21 times in the process, including a 5-0 victory in the corresponding match last season.

Southampton and Palace have both prevented Man City from winning at the Etihad Stadium in the league this term, though, and Everton were impressive on their last visit to Manchester, claiming a point against Man United at the start of October.

The Toffees made an impressive start to the 2021-22 Premier League season, winning four of their first six matches, suffering just one defeat in the process, with new head coach Rafael Benitez enjoying a fine start.

However, fast forward a couple months, they are without a league win in five games, suffering three defeats in the process, including a shock 5-2 home loss to Watford towards the end of October.

A record of four wins, three draws and four defeats has brought the Merseyside giants 15 points, which has left them in 11th position, just two points behind sixth-placed Man United.

The Toffees have not even managed to claim a point against Man City since August 2017, while they have not beaten the Citizens away from home in the league for almost 11 years – a record they’ll be hoping to put right this Sunday.

Benitez will certainly have a tactical plan in mind for this contest, though, and there is no question that the Merseyside club have the players to harm Man City, who struggled against Palace at the Etihad Stadium last time out.

MATCH FACT: Among teams who have never won the Premier League title themselves, Everton have won more Premier League matches against the reigning champions than anyone else (14). They also won their last such match, winning 2-0 at rivals Liverpool in February last season.

KEY MEN: Phil Foden (Manchester City) & Richarlison (Everton)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Manchester City: Ederson (GK); Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Bernardo, Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling

Everton: Pickford (GK); Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Digne; Townsend, Allan, Delph, Iwobi; Gray; Richarlison

SCORE PREDICTION: Manchester City 3-1 Everton

Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United, Sunday 16:30PM

The Antonio Conte era gets well under way on Sunday afternoon as the Italian tastes his first Premier League home game as Spurs boss, welcoming Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Both teams come into this off the back of draws before the international break. Conte’s first game saw his battle out a 0-0 draw against Everton at Goodison Park while Leeds United played out a stalemate with Leicester City at Elland Road.

Conte’s first league game in the Spurs dugout was at Goodison Park on November 7, and it was a relatively solid start for the Italian, with the capital club claiming a point in a goalless draw with Everton.

It is now three league games without a victory for Tottenham Hotspur, though, having lost their last two matches under Nuno Espirito Santo – away to West Ham United and at home to Manchester United.

A record of five wins, one draw and five defeats this season has seen Spurs collect 16 points to sit ninth in the table, but they are only one point behind sixth-placed Man United and certainly have a run of winnable games ahead.

Burnley, Brentford and Norwich City are their next three ahead of a difficult trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on December 12, then Conte’s men face tough tests against take on Leicester and Liverpool before returning to action on Boxing Day at home to revitalised Crystal Palace.

Conte has a huge job on his hands to revolutionize the North London giants after Nuno Espirito Santo’s struggles, but a victory over Leeds on Sunday would be a strong step in the right direction for the Italian, who certainly knows what it takes to build a winning team.

One test of his will be getting Harry Kane back to scoring ways in the Premier League, with only a single goal to his name so far this season. He did end the international break with seven goals to his name for his country which will boost his confidence heading into Sunday’s encounter with Leeds.

Leeds, meanwhile, have found it difficult to really get going in the opening months of the 2021-22 campaign, with a total of 11 points from 11 matches leaving them down in 15th position in the table.

The Whites have only managed to win two league games this term, which is the fourth-worst record in the division behind Newcastle United (zero), Burnley (one) and Norwich (one).

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have only lost one of their last five matches in England’s top flight, though, and will bring a three-game unbeaten run into this contest, drawing with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester, in addition to beating Norwich, since a 1-0 loss at Southampton on October 16.

Leeds recorded a 3-1 win over Spurs when the two teams last locked horns back in May, but the Whites have lost on each of their last four Premier League trips to Tottenham and have not beaten the capital giants away from home in England’s top flight since February 2001.

One man who will be key to Leeds’ short-term ambitions on Sunday will be Brazilian magician Raphinha who has scored almost half their goals (5) this season so far.

Sunday’s clash will actually see two of the lowest scorers in the Premier League lock horns, with Bielsa’s side netting just 11 times this term, while Tottenham have managed just nine, which is the second-worst record in the division behind basement side Norwich (five).

MATCH FACT: It has now been 226 minutes since Tottenham Hotspur last had a shot on target in the Premier League.

KEY MEN: Harry Kane (Spurs) & Raphinha (Leeds United)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Tottenham: Lloris (GK); Sanchez, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Hojbjerg, Ndombele, Reguilon; Son, Kane, Lucas

Leeds United: Meslier (GK); Dallas, Llorente, Cooper, Firpo; Phillips, Forshaw; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison; James

SCORE PREDICTION: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Leeds United

Emile Smith-Rowe: The come of age baller with the Midas touch

Finally, we are seeing Emile Smith-Rowe given the opportunity his tremendous and unique abilities demanded, and he, his club and manager are duly reaping the rewards.

Mikel Arteta has got be given credit for providing him the platform, moulding and fine-tuning the youngster’s game, allowing him the freedom and room to express himself.

Smith-Rowe’s game over during the calendar year has massively improved, not only in his goal output – which we’ll come too soon – but his intelligence and understanding of where to be, where to operate effectively within the final third as Arsenal’s main source of creativity has come on leaps and bounds.

ESR is now almost the complete attacking midfield package, with more maturing and refining to come which in actual fact is quite frightening.

If you can remember during last summer when many were calling for Mikel Arteta to recruit an elite-level number-10, one who can provide Arsenal with the invention and imagination in the final third.

They went on and bought Martin Ødegaard permanently after his successful loan spell at the Emirates last season, with Emile Smith-Rowe was attracting much interest elsewhere as Aston Villa placed a £25million pound bid for his services.

You’ve got to wonder what might have been had Arsenal decided to sell the youngster, but they dared not to, and Smith-Rowe is showing the Arsenal fanbase that he is indeed the man to drive Arteta’s ever-improving squad to the next level. The 21-year-old has been so good that Ødegaard can barely get an opportunity in the Arsenal XI.

10 games unbeaten in all competitions now for Arsenal after their recent Premier League win over Watford before the November international break, and it was ESR’s moment of brilliance – albeit controversially – that broke the deadlock and rewarded them their third win a row, and third win in their last 5 games in the top-flight.

This sumptuous and uniquely gifted performer has arguably been the mastermind behind Arsenal’s recent renaissance. With his sweeping finish against Watford at the Emirates Stadium, ESR bagged his fifth goal in eight appearances, matching and beating his total for the whole of last season, just only couple months into the current campaign.

Emile Smith Rowe’s game by numbers vs. Watford:

96% pass accuracy
43 touches
5 crosses
3 ball recoveries
2 shots
1 tackle
1 shot on target
1 goal

The match winner. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/9hqpmKI06s
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 7, 2021

It was only right Gareth Southgate called him up to the England squad as a result, despite only getting in because of injuries to Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and James Ward-Prowse. However, Smith-Rowe’s form has been damn-near impossible to ignore. This is a player on top of his game and his goal contributions so far this campaign only tell half the story.

The academy graduate was challenged to contribute more goals by Mikel Arteta during his breakthrough campaign, a season where he hardly got a look in because of Martin Ødegaard’s increasing influence in Arsenal’s attack. But now, a few months on and Arsenal are a much better unit, a more free-flowing and exciting attacking side with Smith-Rowe at the heart of it, and that is a testament to the 21 year-old’s stunning development in such a short space of time.

Four goals and two assists in the Premier League so far, giving him the highest combined G+A total amongst the Arsenal camp so far this season, a tremendous stat for him to chew on. Smith-Rowe has been instrumental, embracing the responsibility of taking on the coveted no.10 shirt after signing a new contract in July.

Emile Smith Rowe has now been directly involved (goals + assists) in six goals in the Premier League since the start of September, more than any other English player.

6 goals – Smith Rowe
5 goals – Vardy
4 goals – Mount, Foden, Townsend, R James, Gallagher, Bowen

[Sky] #afc pic.twitter.com/srAnRkYkyd
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) November 7, 2021

Together with Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney, new impressive recruits Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale, he has come to symbolize and represent this exciting and progressive chapter that Mikel Arteta is overseeing at the Emirates.

Smith-Rowe’s development which has accelerated this term is a result of all his hard work, application, maturity and meticulous attention to detail when working on his own game behind the scenes.

The regularly acclaimed “Croydon De Bruyne” has superbly grown into one of the most accomplished attacking midfielders in the Premier League.

Against Watford, the 21-year-old recorded 43 touches, finished with a pass success rate of 96%, delivered six crosses, made three ball recoveries, and registered two shots. His goal also meant that he is now one of four Arsenal players to have scored in three straight PL games before their 22nd birthday, after former players Nicolas Anelka, Jose Antonio Reyes and Cesc Fabregas – not a bad list to be amongst.

Towards the end of last season, Emile Smith-Rowe sat down with management and the people close to him to see how he can further enhance his game in the final third. It was highlighted that others in his position, such as Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes, typically average between two to three shots per 90 minutes.

Smith-Rowe, by contrast, was only recording 0.8 shots per 90. However, there has been an intentional and concerted effort to change those numbers. He has heavily focused on his ability to get into the opposition box more, attempting to develop a better understanding of when to shoot rather than pass, and that was highlighted in his goal against Watford.

His improvement in those areas has been nothing short excellent. In 11 appearances so far in the Premier League, ESR has already taken more shots than he did in 20 outings last season. Crucially, they have come from much better positions, giving a greater chance of finding the back of the net. That is not down to luck, its down to Smith-Rowe’s willingness to learn, to improve and his determination to execute his attempts.

With the help of Arteta and his staff, Smith-Rowe has improved the timing of his runs and developed a knack of ghosting into the opposition box untracked by defenders.

Those unique qualities are highlighted in his recent goals against Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, all of which were dispatched fist time from the centre of the 18-yard-box as seen in the image above. Much of this, is a result of the increasing freedom and room to express himself that has been handed to Smith-Rowe, and he is repaying that faith with fantastic aplomb.

Last season, he averaged 0.12 goals, 0.81 shots, 0.37 shots on target, 2.86 touches in the opposition box and 0.62 dribbles per 90 minutes.

This season those numbers have dramatically increased, he’s averaging 0.33 goals, 1.5 shots, 1.0 shots on target, 3.13 touches in the opposition box and 1.8 dribbles per 90 minutes. ESR is more well-rounded in his approach, much more meticulous and composed as well as becoming so devastatingly effective, seasoned creators like Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne would be mightily impressed.

Also, his influence around the final third is shining through also, and hopefully providing he stays fit and healthy for much of this campaign, these numbers will only increase even further. Per 90 minutes, he is averaging 1.41 key passes, 1.92 final third passes and 1.41 passes into the opposition box. To cap it off, Smith-Rowe averages 2.73 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, already an improvement of his 2.69 average for the whole of last campaign.

If that doesn’t highlight his improvement in the final third, then what will?

The youngster may be seeing less of the ball this season, his touches per 90 dropping from 57.9 last season to 49.2 in the new campaign, but he is certainly doing more with it. There is an increased emphasis on his effectiveness on games. Where once he was more inclined to simply pass the ball to a teammate, now he’s more brave and courageous in carrying the ball forward and driving his team up the pitch.

Seriously, it is a phenomenal sight to behold.

Smith-Rowe’s dribbling numbers have rapidly increased even more than his shots on goal. He is averaging 2.1 successful take-ons per90 minutes which is nearly four times higher than it was last season and puts him at a similar level to dribble-kings Grealish, Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling. He records the 7th best progressive carries per 90 (7.27) and is also improving on his carries into the final third with an average of 3.33 compared to 1.81 last season.

It’s these sort of numbers that show Emile Smith-Rowe is getting better as a footballer and performer. Every time he gets the ball in those dangerous areas, Arsenal fans immediately rise up to their feet. The Emirates’ new number 10 is a showstopper, arguably the main event of an impressively growing unit under Arteta.

What’s scary is, ESR can only get better which means Arsenal will only get better and that spells good news for the Gunners faithful despite their struggles in the first few weeks of the season. The 21-year-old is influential in every phase of his game, even in his defending. He averages 3.84 successful pressures per90, meaning he is contributing to Arsenal’s pressing game with such efficient and effective energy. He doesn’t shy away from the doing the dirty work from the front, 1.62 tackles + interceptions to show for his efforts.

Smith-Rowe’s recent progress is down to a number of factors but he has certainly benefitted from an uninterrupted pre-season – a luxury he did not have in preparation for the previous two campaigns. He’s always been dedicated in terms of his approach and application but in recent months he has reaped the rewards of paying closer attention to his nutrition in order to become the complete athlete.

You can see that in his performances on the pitch, his concentration, his energy, game-intelligence and influence when Arsenal need him most. It’s no wonder why he’s received such stark praise from his manager and pundits alike. Smith-Rowe is certainly amongst the most promising young performers in the country and these past few months have proved just that.

He is indeed the come-of-age young baller with the Midas touch.

Barclays Premier League: Game-week 10 Previews and Predictions

Another weekend of Barclays Premier League action means another week of previews and predictions as this exciting new season starts to take shape heading in to game-week 10.

So, lets take a peak at Saturday & Sunday’s fixtures:

Leicester City vs Arsenal, Saturday 12:30PM

Things are beginning to head in the right direction for both Leicester City and Arsenal, who prepare for battle in Saturday’s Premier League lunchtime kickoff at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes overcame a tough Brentford winning 2-1 at the Brentford Community Stadium while Mikel Arteta’s side impressively brushed aside Aston Villa 3-1 at the Emirates.

The approval ratings are starting to increase for Brendan Rodgers and Leicester City again after a challenging start to the 2021/22 campaign, as they became the latest side to come through a testing 90 minutes at the Brentford Community Stadium last weekend.

Leicester City’s fourth win on the spin in all competitions came in Wednesday’s EFL Cup encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion – although they had to rely on their penalty prowess to progress to the next round after a 2-2 draw – but Rodger’s men are finally starting to find their feet again.

Now unbeaten in four Premier League games – taking eight points from a possible 12 in that hot streak – Leicester find themselves ninth in the table after nine matches, above this weekend’s visitors Arsenal albeit only on goal difference.

The Foxes have also scored at least two goals per game during their four-match unbeaten league run including their rampant 4-2 win over Manchester United at the King Power, but with Rodgers’s side also failing to keep a clean sheet in the league since the opening day of the season, Arsenal’s attackers will be licking their lips at taking advantage.

Mikel Arteta’s are on the upward trajectory also, arguably making this game the most intriguing encounter of the weekend. The 3-1 win over Aston Villa will have given Mikel Arteta reasons to be optimistic about his young side, putting in one of their most impressive showings this season with goals from Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the exciting Emile Smith-Rowe.

The Gunners’ route to the EFL Cup quarter-finals was more straightforward than that of Leicester’s winning 2-0 at home to a struggling Leeds United side, with super sub Calum Chambers and former Whites loanee Eddie Nketiah both netting in the second 45 minutes to chalk up Arsenal’s sixth win in eight across all tournaments.

Arteta’s side navigated the month of September unbeaten in the top-flight and will be looking to repeat that trick as October comes to a close. A tally of 14 points from the last 18 has seen them rise to 10th in the Premier League table, but can only boast a single goal away from home so far this season.

However, Arsenal have emerged victorious from their last two trips to the King Power – winning 3-1 in this Premier League fixture last term – but Leicester have claimed four top-flight wins of their own against the Gunners since 2018.

MATCH FACT: Leicester have won four of their past seven Premier League games against Arsenal, following a 22-match winless run.

KEY MEN: Youri Tielemans (Leicester) & Emile Smith-Rowe (Arsenal)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Leicester City: Schmeichel (GK); Evans, Vestergaard, Soyuncu; Pereira, Soumare, Tielemans, Castagne; Maddison; Vardy Iheanacho

Arsenal: Ramsdale (GK); Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Lokonga; Saka, Smith-Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette

SCORE PREDICTION: Leicester City 2-2 Arsenal

Burnley vs Brentford, 3:00PM

Brentford’s stellar start to their maiden Premier League campaign will continue when they travel to Turf Moor to face off against Burney, with both clubs meeting for the first time since August 2015.

Sean Dyche’s men are still in search of their first win of the campaign, after a thrilling 2-2 draw against Southampton last weekend. Brentford narrowly lost to Leicester City 2-1, but could go 11 points clear of this weekend’s opponents with a win.

Coming from behind to take a point against Southampton last time out was undoubtedly one of Burnley’s most impressive performances and results so far this campaign, despite still waiting for their first league win.

Maxwell Cornet’s double gave Burnley only their fourth point so far and only their second on the road.

Whilst the Clarets may have avoided their sixth defeat of the season, their wait for a victory has now stretched to nine matches, with Sean Dyche’s side currently in the midst of the longest winless run across the top four tiers of English football.

Failing to score in seven of their previous 12 games, finding the back of the net had been the issue for Burnley prior to Saturday’s draw, yet it was their defensive frailties that cost them at St Mary’s. It is certainly something Dyche will be disappointed by, as his defence has been his saving grace in the Premier League ever since he started managing amongst the elite.

Having registered just two clean sheets in the last 12 matches across all competitions, keeping an in-form Brentford attack quiet could prove a difficult task for Burnley’s floundering defence.

Unlike Burnley, Brentford have had no issues putting the ball in the back of the net, netting in six of their nine Premier League encounters so far.

Such was Brentford’s impressive start to the campaign, they had maintained a position in the top half of the table since opening day, only dropping out for the first time after last weekend’s defeat at home to Leicester City.

Thomas Frank will be keen to see his side continue to defy the odds of history when they travel to Turf Moor on Saturday, as they are winless in matches away to the Lancashire club since December 1996.

A first win of any kind against Burnley in the 21st century will be the target for Thomas Frank’s men, as they look to pile even more misery on a seemingly relegation-destined Clarets side.

MATCH FACT: The Bees have won just one of their last 12 away matches against Burnley, a 2-1 victory in December 1996 (D5, L6).

KEY MEN: Maxwell Cornet (Burnley) & Ivan Toney (Brentford)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Burnley: Pope (GK); Lowton, Collins, Tarkowski, Taylor; McNeil, Westwood, Cork, Cornet; Rodriguez, Wood

Brentford: Fernandez (GK); Jorgensen, Jansson, Ajer; Canos, Onyeka, Norgaard, Jensen, Henry; Toney, Mbuemo

SCORE PREDICTION: Burnley 1-1 Brentford

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion, 3:00PM

Fresh from their historic thumping of old rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, Liverpool go again hosting Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

While Jurgen Klopp’s machine were running riot at the Theatre of Dreams, the Seagulls unluckily got beat 4-1 on their own turf by champions Manchester City.

Liverpool were scintilating, stunning, clinical and ruthless against Manchester United, laying an old giant to sleep. Much of that was down to the free-scoring Mohamed Salah who is simply on fire right now and showcasing why he is currently the best footballer on the planet.

A much-changed Liverpool side struggled to score for an hour against Preston North End in Wednesday’s EFL Cup clash before Takumi Minamino’s outstretched leg helped his side break the deadlock, while a cheeky Divock Origi scorpion kick put the tie to bed as Liverpool advanced to the quarter-finals.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are in such thrilling form and are seeking to stretch their unbeaten Premier League run to 20 matches this weekend, talk about title favourites.

The Reds are showcasing why they cannot be counted out again this season, made all the more concerning for their rivals that they are the only side still unbeaten and are looking to stay that way.

Liverpool remain second in the table – one point behind leaders Chelsea – and Klopp’s side have scored at least two goals in 13 of their last 14 top-flight encounters during that remarkable run.

All in all, Liverpool’s stunning rate of scoring at least two goals per game has now stretched to 11 successive matches in all competitions, but only eight of their 27 league strikes this term have come at Anfield, where Brighton have pleasant memories of last season’s battle.

Brighton’s resilience in the early stages of the campaign have been superb to watch, but the results have taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks for Graham Potter’s side, as Man City ran riot at the Amex last weekend. They also lost on penalties to Leicester City in the EFL Cup in midweek, despite battling to a 2-2 draw.

However, the Seagulls can take solace in the fact that their unbeaten away run in the 2021-22 Premier League is still intact – taking eight points from their four road fixtures so far – and they have only conceded twice on the road in that solid streak.

A Steven Alzate winner saw Brighton march to a memorable 1-0 win at Anfield in the Premier League last term, and they also held the Reds to a 1-1 draw at the Amex last November in a game that was remembered more for Klopp’s post-match rant at BT Sport’s Des Kelly.

MATCH FACT: The Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah has scored in a club-record 10 consecutive games in all competitions.

KEY MEN: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) & Adam Lallana (Brighton)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Liverpool: Alisson (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Firmino, Mane

Brighton & Hove Albion: Sanchez (GK); Dunk, Duffy, Webster; Lamptey, Lallana, Bissouma, Moder, Cucurella; Trossard, Maupay

SCORE PREDICTION: Liverpool 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace, 3:00PM

Manchester City will seek to bounce back from their EFL Cup heartbreak against West Ham when they welcome Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium.

The Champions currently occupy 3rd spot in the table after nine games, while draw specialists are languishing down in 15th following four successive stalemates.

Manchester City were at there thrilling best especially in the first-half against Brighton last weekend.

Phil Foden bagged a brace while Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez also found the back of the net at the Amex Stadium, with Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty proving to be little more than a consolation for the home side.

However, Foden went from hero zero as City’s quest of an unprecedented fifth EFL Cup crown in succession came to an end in midweek, with the England starlet failing to convert from 12 yards as West Ham United advanced to the quarter-finals.

Pep Guardiola certainly has bigger fish to fry than the EFL Cup, though, as third-placed City seek to keep the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea, who are one and two points ahead of them in the top three of the table respectively.

Now unbeaten in eight Premier League games since their opening day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, City’s tally of 12 goals on home soil is the second-best in the league behind Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea (16), and they are the only team in the division yet to concede on home soil so far this term.

Crystal Palace were not involved in midweek EFL Cup action following their August defeat at the hands of Watford, which has given Patrick Vieira ample time to figure out a way to end his side’s run of stalemates in the Premier League.

After sharing the spolis with Brighton, Leicester City and Arsenal, the Palace faithful harboured hopes of a much needed win when Christian Benteke put them ahead against Newcastle United, but some piece of individual brilliance from Callum Wilson halted their ambitions.

Palace’s failure to convert one point into three has bewildered them in the past few weeks, and Vieira’s side currently sit 15th in the Premier League as a result but are five points clear of the dotted line, despite claiming just one win so far this season.

Finding the back of the net is not the problem for Vieira’s crop – who have scored in six of their last seven Premier League games – but failure to shut up shop at the other end has seen them concede 10 goals away from home already this season – not a good record for them with Manchester City lying in wait.

Palace did prevail at the Etihad as recently as December 2018 – thanks in no small part to Andros Townsend’s thunderbolt – but City won both fixtures in the 2020-21 season by an aggregate score of 6-0, including a 4-0 success on home soil.

MATCH FACTS: This is City boss Pep Guardiola’s 200th Premier League game in charge. He has won 146 of 199, more than any other PL manager to reach that milestone.

KEY MEN: Phil Foden (Man City) & Christian Benteke (Palace)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Man City: Ederson (GK); Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Jesus, Foden, Grealish

Crystal Palace: Guaita (GK); Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; McArthur, Milivojevic, Gallagher; Edouard, Benteke, Zaha

SCORE PREDICTION: Man City 3-1 Crystal Palace

Newcastle United vs Chelsea, 3:00PM

Chelsea will aim to cement their position at the top of the league table when they to travel to St James’ Park.

Thomas Tuchel’s men butchered league strugglers Norwich scoring seven goals in a demolition job last weekend, while Newcastle started life after Steve Bruce with a draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The inevitable sacking of Steve Bruce well and truly marked the new owners’ arrival at Newcastle United last week, but with the Magpies as yet unable to send shockwaves in the transfer market, results on the pitch have still been underwhelming.

Under the temporary charge of Graeme Jones as rumours swirl over former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca’s supposed imminent appointment, Newcastle remain one of three sides without a win in the Premier League this season and remain 19th in the fledgling standings as a result.

Eleven goals scored may represent the highest tally out of the bottom five sides, but Newcastle fans will be desperate to see a greater sense of defensive discipline under Bruce’s successor, as their side have already conceded a joint-high 10 league goals on home soil this term.

The Magpies did overcome Chelsea at home as recently as January 2020, but the Blues eased to a pair of 2-0 victories over Newcastle last term and will aim to follow Tottenham’s lead in spoiling the party in the North East this weekend.

Any perceived opinions of Chelsea being a more reserved side under Thomas Tuchel were firmly put to bed following recent results, with the Blues marching to a resounding 7-0 win over basement side Norwich in front of their own fans last weekend.

But their performance against Southampton in the EFL Cup was a far cry from their thrashing of the Canaries. Tuchel’s side triumphed on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

However, that last-16 success represented Chelsea’s fifth win on the bounce in all tournaments as they continue to lead the pack at the top of the Premier League rankings, one point above Liverpool and two clear of Manchester City after nine matches.

The Blues have also taken 10 points from 12 on offer away from home so far this term and have conceded just once on the road in the top flight – the best record in the top flight – but there is a new sense of optimism around St James’ Park right now which they will need to be wary of.

MATCH FACT: Newcastle have recorded just two home PL clean sheets since the start of last season, fewer than any other club that has been in the top flight for both those campaigns.

KEY MEN: Callum Wilson (Newcastle) & Mason Mount (Chelsea)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Newcastle United: Darlow (GK); Krafth, Lascelles, Clark; Manquillo, Hayden, Willock, Almiron, Ritchie; Wilson, Saint-Maximin

Chelsea: Mendy (GK); Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Silva; James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Chilwell; Mount, Hudson-Odoi; Havertz

SCORE PREDICTION: Newcastle United 1-2 Chelsea

Watford vs Southampton, 3:00PM

Watford will be looking to make it back-to-back Premier League victories when they continue their 2021/22 campaign at home to Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

The Hornets, who sit 14th, recorded an emphatic 5-2 win over Everton at Goodison Park last weekend, while 16th-placed Southampton played out a 2-2 draw with Burnley in their last league outing.

Claudio Ranieri’s first match in charge of Watford suggested that it could be a long and difficult season, with the Hornets losing 5-0 at home to Liverpool, but the Italian managed to lead his side to a 5-2 win over Everton at Goodison Park last weekend to boost confidence and the euphoria at Vicarage Road.

Watford have a baptism of fire of PL fixtures coming up, taking on Arsenal, Manchester United, Leicester City, Chelsea and Manchester City in five straight fixtures after this weekend’s clash with Southampton, which means a win will be paramount.

A record of three wins, one draw and five defeats from nine matches has seen the Hornets collect 10 points, which has left them in 14th spot in the table, six points above the relegation zone which actually represents a decent campaign so far.

Watford have not won at Vicarage Road since the opening weekend of the season, though, collecting just one point from their last three home league fixtures against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle and Liverpool.

Southampton, meanwhile, will enter this weekend’s contest off the back of a penalty-shootout defeat to Chelsea in the last-16 stage of the EFL Cup on Tuesday; the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge before the hosts triumphed 4-3 on spot kicks.

Ralph Hasenhuttl will have been pleased with his side’s performance despite the defeat, and the Saints have also picked up four points from their last two Premier League matches, recording a 1-0 win over Leeds United on before playing out a 2-2 draw with Burnley last weekend.

Hasenhuttl’s team have won one, drawn five and lost three of their nine league games this season to collect eight points, which has left them down in 16th position in the table, two points behind their opponents here.

The Saints have a strong recent record against Watford and have not actually lost to the Hornets since a Premier League clash at St Mary’s towards the start of the 2017-18 campaign.

MATCH FACT: Southampton have dropped 64 points from winning positions since Ralph Hasenhuttl took charge, that is more than any other Premier League side.

KEY MEN: Joshua King (Watford) & Nathan Redmond (Saints)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Watford: Foster (GK); Ngakia, Troost-Ekong, Cathcart, Masina; Sarr, Kucka, Sissoko, Tufan, Hernandez; King

Southampton: McCarthy (GK); Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Perraud; S Armstrong, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Djenepo; Redmond, Adams

SCORE PREDICTION: Watford 2-1 Southampton

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United, 5:30PM

Manchester United will be bidding to bounce back from their humiliating home defeat to Liverpool when they travel to North London in Saturday’s late kick-off, taking on Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils suffered a 5-0 home loss to their bitter rivals in the Premier League last Sunday, while Spurs were also beaten earlier that afternoon, going down 1-0 at the home of West Ham United.

Tottenham suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Vitesse and West Ham in the Europa Conference League and Premier League respectively, but they were able to return to winning ways on Wednesday, recording a 1-0 victory over Burnley to advance to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.

It has been a weird and inconsistent start to the season for the North London outfit, who have won five and lost four of their nine league games to collect 15 points, which has left them in sixth position, two points from fourth-placed West Ham United and one spot and indeed one position above their opponents on Saturday.

Spurs have only won one of their last five Premier League games against Man United, meanwhile, and the capital outfit suffered a 3-1 defeat in the corresponding contest between the two teams last season.

Man United, meanwhile, were blown away at home by Liverpool last weekend, with Mohamed Salah scoring three times in a five-goal victory for the Reds, piling the pressure on head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the Norwegian will lead the team against Spurs after being backed again by the United hierarchy.

Whether Solskjaer keeps the job on a long-term basis remains to be seen, but there is no question that there is immense pressure on the 48-year-old, who will be demanding a response from his players on Saturday after his “darkest day” in charge.

The Red Devils sit top of their Champions League group despite three underwhelming performances in Europe this term, but they have now lost three of their last four league matches – collecting just a single point in the process – which has seen them drop down to seventh position in the table.

The 20-time English champions have collected just 14 points from their nine matches and are now eight points behind division leaders Chelsea, while they have conceded 15 times, with only Leeds United, Watford, Newcastle United and Norwich City shipping more after nine games of the 2021-22 Premier League season – a damning statistic for Solskjaer and his men.

Man United lost their long unbeaten away league record against Leicester, but they have enjoyed themselves against Tottenham in the past, winning 36 of their previous 58 Premier League games, suffering just 10 defeats in the process.

MATCH FACT: Spurs have won just six of their 29 home matches against United in the Premier League (D9, L14).

KEY MEN: Harry Kane (Spurs) & Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris (GK); Emerson, Romero, Dier, Reguilon; Skipp, Hojbjerg; Lucas, Ndombele, Son; Kane

Manchester United: De Gea (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Greenwood

SCORE PREDICTION: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester United

Norwich City vs Leeds United, Sunday 2:00PM

Norwich City’s long search of a first victory of the campaign will continue on Sunday afternoon when they host fellow strugglers Leeds United at Carrow Road.

The Canaries are rock bottom of the table, having picked up just two points from their opening nine matches, while Leeds sit 17th with just seven points to show from their first nine games of the campaign.

Too strong for the Championship but not good enough for the Premier League is a pretty accurate argument that continues to be put to Norwich, and it is difficult to argue against it considering what has occurred in the opening months of the season so far.

The Canaries have not been able to secure back-to-back seasons of top-flight football since 2012-13 and 2013-14, having dropped straight back into the Championship following their last two promotions, and it is difficult to imagine them breaking that pattern this term unless something drastic changes.

Norwich have been abject in all phases of their game this season, losing their opening six matches of the new season before picking up two points in back-to-back draws with Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Daniel Farke’s side were brought crashing back down to earth last weekend, though, as they suffered a 7-0 defeat at Chelsea, and there is simply no downplaying the importance of the clash with Leeds considering that both sides have found it difficult to perform in the opening months of the campaign.

Leeds, meanwhile, will enter Sunday’s contest off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the last-16 stage of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.

The Whites played out a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League last weekend, meanwhile, with the result moving them onto seven points, which is only good enough for 17th at this stage.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were so impressive on their return to the top flight last season, ultimately finishing ninth, and it would be fair to say that there were high hopes surrounding the team ahead of the new campaign, but they have struggled to get going in the opening months suffering from what they call “second season syndrome”.

A record of one win, four draws and four defeats has left them at the wrong end of the table, and finding the back of the net has been a problem this term, with the Whites netting just eight times in nine matches; only Burnley (seven) and Norwich (two) have a worse record at this stage.

Leeds have lost just one of their last five away league games against Norwich, though, and recorded a 3-0 victory over the Canaries when the pair last locked horns at Carrow Road in August 2018.

MATCH FACT: Norwich have actually won four of their last six Premier League meetings with Leeds, suffering just one defeat in the process.

KEY MEN: Teemu Pukki (Norwich City) & Raphinha (Leeds)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Norwich City: Krul (GK); Kabak, Hanley, Omobamidele; Aarons, Gilmour, Lees-Melou, Williams; Dowell, Pukki, Rashica

Leeds United: Meslier (GK); Shackleton, Llorente, Cooper, Firpo; Raphinha, Phillips, Klich, Harrison; James; Rodrigo

SCORE PREDICTION: Norwich City 1-2 Leeds United

Aston Villa vs West Ham United, 4:30PM

West Ham United will be looking to continue their impressive progress under David Moyes, aiming to make it three wins a row when they travel to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon to take on an out-of-form Aston Villa side.

The Hammers are currently fourth in the table, having picked up 17 points from a possible 27, while Villa sit down in 13th, with Dean Smith’s side collecting 10 points from their first nine fixtures.

Villa might have lost Jack Grealish over the summer, but an exciting transfer window for the club saw them bring in the likes of Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings; as a result, expectations were high at the start of the season, but it has not quite been the start that the supporters would have expected.

Smith’s side ended September with back-to-back league wins over Everton and Manchester United, but they have now lost their last three in England’s top flight to Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal, conceding eight times in the process.

A record of three wins, one draw and five defeats has left them down in 13th position in the table on 10 points, and they will now be looking to bounce back against a West Ham side that are unbeaten in this fixture since May 2015, with the Hammers also winning both league meetings last term.

The home side have a very tough December on paper, taking on Manchester City, Liverpool, Leicester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, so the club’s supporters will be hoping that November will be a much better month.

West Ham, on the other hand, have been excellent this season, with the London club impressively competing on three fronts in the Premier League, EFL Cup and Europa League.

The Hammers managed to progress to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night by beating the holders Man City on penalties, while they have won all three of their Europa League group-stage fixtures this term to sit top of Group H with nine points.

In the Premier League, meanwhile, David Moyes‘s side have won five, drawn two and lost two of their nine matches to collect 17 points, which has left them in fourth spot in the table, just five points off leaders Chelsea.

West Ham have won their last four games in all competitions, including their last two in the league, recording back-to-back 1-0 victories over Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, and the club will have to be taken seriously as top-four challengers this season if their strong form continues in the coming weeks.

MATCH FACT: The Hammers can triumph in three consecutive league fixtures against Villa for the first time since 1967.

KEY MEN: Danny Ings (Villa) & Michail Antonio (West Ham)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Aston Villa: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Ramsey, Luiz, McGinn; Bailey, Ings, Watkins

West Ham: Fabianski (GK); Johnson, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals; Antonio

SCORE PREDICTION: Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham United

Barclays Premier League: Matchday 9 Previews & Predictions

Another exciting weekend of Premier League action is upon us.

Some intriguing encounters to fasten our eyes on especially the north-west rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool on Sunday afternoon as Jurgen Klopp’s men look to continue their impressive start to the season at Old Trafford, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men – off the back of an impressive comeback in midweek in their UEFA Champions League group tie against Atalanta – look to return to winning ways after picking up just 1 point from their last 3 league games.

Arsenal entertain Aston Villa at the Emirate, the weekend’s first Premier League fixture taking place Friday evening, a tie which could well provide some twist and turns.

Managerless Newcastle United kick-off their post-Steve Bruce era under their new Saudi owners away to Crystal Palace in South London, while Brighton & Hove Albion who currently sit in fourth place in the league table host title-hopefuls Manchester City at the Amex stadium on Saturday tea-time. There’s also an exciting London derby to look forward to as Tottenham Hotspur travel to London Stadium to play David Moyes’ steadily progressing West Ham side.

So, without further ado, lets dive into the action with some previews and predictions:

Arsenal vs Aston Villa, Friday 8:00PM

Arsenal will aim to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to six matches when they welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

The Gunners left it late to rescue a point against Crystal Palace on Monday night, while Villa were stunned by a thrilling late Wolverhampton Wanderers comeback in the West Midlands derby at Villa Park.

Patrick Vieira’s return to North London was so nearly a joyous and successful occasion for the former Arsenal captain on Monday, as his Crystal Palace side impressively dominated proceedings at the Emirates and struck through Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s opener.

However, Alexandre Lacazette spared Arsenal’s blushes in injury-time, putting an inspiring cameo leading Arsenal’s charge to rescue point in front of their own fans.

While the Gunners have now gone unbeaten in five Premier League games and six across all competitions, the same old questions were asked once again following Monday’s stalemate, which has left Arteta’s side 12th in the rankings after eight matches.

Despite Arsenal’s late efforts, questions are still being asked as to whether Arteta is able to lead this talented group of players forward, and their performance against Palace did not silence any of those doubters. Arsenal have lost just one of their last six Premier League games at the Emirates, though – taking seven points from the last nine on offer at home – but they have suffered back-to-back defeats in their two most recent Friday fixtures without scoring a single goal.

They come up against another tough side in Dean Smith’s Villa who will be looking to right their wrongs after they fell victim to a late Wolves surge, allowing their rivals to come back from two goals down to 3-2 in front of the Villa faithful.

The joy of thrashing Everton and getting one over Manchester United at Old Trafford has since dissipated for Villa, who find themselves one point and one place below Arsenal in the table ahead of Friday’s encounter after winning just two of their last six in the competition.

Smith’s side have also lost three of their four top-flight away matches since the season kicked off and are yet to produce the results that their significant summer of spending may well have promised, but Arsenal fans will need no reminding what happened the last time that Villa paid a visit to the Emirates.

An Ollie Watkins and Jack Grealish-inspired Villa stormed to a superb 3-0 win in the capital back in November 2020, while a 1-0 triumph at Villa Park in February also represented their third win and clean sheet on the bounce against Arsenal after a previous run of seven consecutive defeats.

MATCH FACT: Aston Villa have won three successive Premier League games against Arsenal, as many as they had in their previous 36 attempts. It’s 59 years since Villa last earned four straight league victories in this fixture.

KEY MEN: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) & John McGinn (Aston Villa)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Arsenal: Ramsdale (GK); Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Odegaard, Partey, Smith Rowe; Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang

Aston Villa: Martinez (GK); Konsa, Mings, Hause; Cash, Luiz, Buendia, McGinn, Targett; Watkins, Ings

SCORE PREDICTION: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa

Chelsea vs Norwich City, Saturday 12:30PM

Top meets bottom in Saturday’s Premier League battle at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea and Norwich City prepare to lock horns on the English capital.

The Blues marched to a hard-thought 1-0 win over Brentford in gameweek eight, while Norwich claimed their second point of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion. Daniel Farke’s men are yet to taste victory in their eight games so far this campaign.

Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea team went through the most testing of games this season when they travelled to the Brentford Community Stadium to face off against Thomas Frank’s impressive English top-flight newcomers.

It was Ben Chilwell’s sweet strike which may have won the game, but they had goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to thank as he put in one of the most impressive goalkeeping performances in recent Premier League memory, keeping yet another clean sheet for his team. Tuchel’s men have only conceded three goals this term so far, the joint best in the division.

The Blues followed that up with a dominant Champions League performance versus Malmo, as Jorginho netted two penalties alongside goals from Kai Havertz and Andreas Christensen in a 4-0 win. Though, Chelsea come into this fixture with worrying injuries picked up by both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

While Chelsea do not sit atop the pile in their Champions League group, they do lead the way in the Premier League with 19 points taken from a possible 24 and also in the knowledge that at least one of Manchester United or Liverpool will drop points on Sunday.

Sixteen goals scored – at an average of two per game – is not the most prolific record in the top flight, but a mere three conceded at the other end of the pitch typifies the new-found defensive resilience under Tuchel, whose side have also amassed nine goals at home in the league so far this term.

While Norwich’s wait for an elusive first win of the new Premier League season continues, the Canaries have posted two respectable results in recent weeks, playing out back-to-back goalless draws with Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion

Last weekend’s stalemate with the Seagulls certainly caught the eye given Brighton’s stellar start to the new season, but even though back-to-back clean sheets can certainly be seen as a positive, that has done little to help their standing in the table.

If they are to better their positioning from their previous Premier League season, then they need to start picking up wins and quickly.

Indeed, two points taken from a possible 24 represents the worst tally so far as Norwich remain rooted to the bottom of the table – four points adrift of safety – while they have also chalked up a mere two goals during their dreadful start to life back in the big time.

The Canaries have now gone four league games without a goal since Teemu Pukki’s effort against Watford, and they are yet to find the back of the net away from home this term, while their last top-flight win on the road came all the way back in November 2019.

It has been 27 years since the Blues lost to the Canaries in any competition – a streak which is highly unlikely to end here.

MATCH FACT: Chelsea have won 10 of their last 12 Premier League games against Norwich (drawn two), last losing against the Canaries in the competition back in December 1994 (3-0).

KEY MEN: Kai Havertz (Chelsea) & Teemu Pukki (Norwich)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Chelsea: Mendy (GK); Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Chilwell; Ziyech, Mount; Havertz

Norwich City: Krul (GK); Hanley, Kabak, Gibson; Aarons, Lees-Melou, McLean, Normann, Giannoulis; Pukki, Sargent

SCORE PREDICTION: Chelsea 3-0 Norwich

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United, 3:00PM

Newcastle United will endeavour to begin the post-Steve Bruce era in perfect fashion when they travel to Crystal Palace for Saturday’s Premier League clash.

The Magpies’ first clash under new ownership ended in a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, while Patrick Vieira’s Eagles were forced to settle for a point against Arsenal.

Despite being dominated for the opening 15 minutes against Arsenal and falling behind to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s opener, Crystal Palace seemed destined to march to a deserved win at the Emirates as Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard turned the tie on its head.

Vieira’s men played some superb stuff for much of the game but couldn’t build on their lead, but instead forced back by Arsenal’s late onslaught for an equaliser. It was the same story in the draw against rivals Brighton at Selhurst Park, and one in which Vieira will be enforcing his team must cut out if they are are to fulfil their potential under his tutelage.

The Eagles have now drawn their last three in the Premier League and occupy 14th spot in the table as a result, but if they can continue to produce performances anywhere near as impressive as they did at the Emirates, the Selhurst Park faithful have a bright future to look forward to under Vieira.

However, one win from eight Premier League games in the 2021-22 season is a slightly worrying statistic – with five of those encounters ending with the spoils shared – and they have now conceded eight goals in their last four top-flight matches.

On a more positive note, the return of fans to Selhurst Park has certainly benefitted the Eagles, who are one of three English top-flight teams yet to lose a league game at home this season – taking six points from a possible 12 on home soil so far.

As for Newcastle, Steve Bruce was widely expected to depart St James’ Park before being granted the honour of taking charge of his 1,000th match, but the 60-year-old remained at the helm to witness his side fall to a dampening 3-2 defeat against Spurs on what should have been a joyous occasion in the North East.

However, amid reports of player bust-ups and those in the squad growing increasingly frustrated with Bruce’s tactics, the three-time Premier League winner was relieved of his duties earlier this week as Newcastle’s new owners begin their radical overhaul.

Paulo Fonseca is rumoured to be the Magpies’ leading candidate to take the reins, but Graeme Jones will oversee the trip to Selhurst Park as Newcastle desperately aim to secure their first win of the 2021-22 league season at the ninth attempt.

Only Norwich City have accrued fewer points than 19th-placed Newcastle’s three so far, while 19 goals shipped also represents the worst defensive record in the top flight, and the Magpies are unsurprisingly still seeking their first clean sheet of the season.

Newcastle did manage to secure a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park in this fixture last term – just their second win from six against the Eagles – but Palace prevailed 2-1 at St James’ Park in the most recent fixture back in February.

MATCH FACT: Crystal Palace can go unbeaten in their first five home matches of a PL season for the first time.

KEY MEN: Odsonne Edouard (Palace) & Callum Wilson (Newcastle)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Crystal Palace: Guaita (GK); Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Milivojevic, McArthur; Edouard, Benteke, Zaha

Newcastle United: Darlow (GK); Manquillo, Lascelles, Clark, Ritchie; Saint-Maximin, Willock, Hayden, Almiron, Joelinton; Wilson

SCORE PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 2-1 Newcastle United

Everton vs Watford, 3:00PM

Watford will aim to avoid a second consecutive thrashing at the hands of a Merseyside outfit when they do battle with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

Claudio Ranieri’s side went down 5-0 to Liverpool last weekend, while the Toffees suffered a dampening defeat of their own to West Ham United on home soil.

As injuries begin to take their toll on Everton, Rafael Benitez’s strong start to life back on Merseyside has taken quite the hit in recent weeks, with West Ham coming up trumps by a 1-0 scoreline in last weekend’s clash between the two European hopefuls.

With Abdoulaye Doucoure out for a period of time and Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffering a setback in his recovery from injury, Benitez will have to continue to do without key performers for yet another weekend.

Everton slipped to just their second defeat of the league season, but it is now just one win in four for Benitez’s side in the top flight.

That underwhelming run of form has seen Everton’s European aspirations take quite the early hit, as they now sit eighth in the table but are one of three teams level on 14 points with West Ham and an under-performing Manchester United side.

Defeat to West Ham prevented Everton from claiming a fifth Premier League win on the bounce on home soil, while last season’s torrid fortunes at home means it is now eight league defeats at Goodison Park in 2021, leaving the Toffees at risk of recording their worst-ever Premier League record at home in a calendar year.

Five of Everton’s last eight home meetings with newly-promoted sides in the top-flight have ended in defeat – another worrying statistic for the club – but Watford will still be reliving their previous humiliation at the hands of the other half of the Merseyside duo.

From Mohamed Salah’s peach of an assist and world-class finish to Roberto Firmino’s hat-trick, there was no shortage of joy for Liverpool at Vicarage Road, but it was truly a baptism of fire for Claudio Ranieri upon his return to the Premier League.

Watford’s worrying haul of one point from their last three Premier League games has seen them drop to 16th in the table after eight matches, and the sense of pessimism around Vicarage Road is certainly growing.

Victory at Carrow Road represents the only positive aspect of Watford’s top-flight away journeys so far this term – losing their other three on the road without scoring a single goal – and not since December 2018 have the Hornets claimed an away win against a top-half side.

Watford have suffered three consecutive defeats in their last three clashes with Everton in all competitions, and the Toffees have never lost a Premier League fixture at Goodison Park to their upcoming visitors – posting six wins and two draws from eight games in that hot streak.

MATCH FACT: Everton have never lost a home game to Watford in any competition (13 wins, two draws) – it’s the most they’ve ever faced a side at home without defeat in their history.

KEY MEN: Demarai Gray (Everton) & Ismaila Sarr (Watford)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Everton: Pickford (GK); Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Townsend, Allan, Davies, Gordon; Gray, Rondon

Watford: Foster (GK); Ngakia, Troost-Ekong, Cathcart, Rose; Kucka, Sissoko; Sarr, Cleverley, Dennis; Hernandez

SCORE PREDICTION: Everton 2-0 Watford

Leeds United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers, 3:00PM

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be looking to back up their memorable comeback victory over Aston Villa last time out when they travel to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.

The visitors trailed by two goals heading into the final 10 minutes last weekend but somehow recovered to take all three points, and they may just consider themselves favourites against a Leeds side showing very worrying signs of second season syndrome.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are probably the best recent example of a promoted team successfully backing up an impressive first season in the top flight, and that is something Leeds are eager to emulate this season.

The style and flair with which Leeds played last season meant that not many tipped them to struggle this year, but the early signs in 2021-22 have been ominous for Marcelo Bielsa’s men. The Whites’ energy and enthusiasm on the pitch remains the same, but without the wins on the board to back it up.

Leeds have only won one of their opening eight games of the campaign, scoring seven goals and picking up just six points in that time – a tally which leaves them hovering one place above the relegation zone heading into matchweek nine. It is their worst start to a league season in 33 years, while seven goals in eight games is a sharp decline from the 12 they plundered in the final four games of last season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men are certainly undergoing a difficult patch and even their goals have dried up too. They have have only managed to score more than once in a game on two occasions from their 10 matches across all competitions so far in 2021-22, and both of those games came in August.

It’s not just at the attacking end where Leeds have struggled so far; only the bottom two – Newcastle United and Norwich City – have conceded more than the 15 the Whites have conceded, while they have faced more shots on target than any other Premier League side in 2021-22.

This will indeed be pleasing reading for Bruno Lage’s rejuvenated Wolves side who are beginning to find their feet in front of goal once again, scoring six times in their last three league games having managed only two in their opening five – one of which was an own goal.

Wolves looked down and out when Aston Villa went 2-0 up last weekend, but they discovered a new found belief and firepower as they came back to win 3-2 within just 15 minutes. It was certainly all the more sweet against their Midlands rivals.

Bruno Lage’s side have overcome a slow start to win four of their last five Premier League games, and another victory this weekend would see them pick up maximum points in four consecutive top-flight outings for the first time since January 1972.

Fifteen points after nearly a quarter of the season would make for a good start to life at Molineux for Lage, whose side are also looking to win four Premier League away games on the bounce.

Only Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham United have picked up more points on their travels than Wolves so far this season, whereas Leeds have only managed four points and four goals from their four outings at Elland Road.

Wolves also have an impressive record in this particular fixture, winning their last three league trips to Elland Road without conceding a goal, and beating Leeds five times in a row home and away.

MATCH FACT: Leeds have lost each of their past five league games against Wolves, scoring just one goal in the process. They have only had six longer such losing runs against an opponent, most recently against Derby County between 2006 and 2013 (nine in a row).

KEY MEN: Raul Jimenez (Wolves) & Raphinha (Leeds United)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Leeds United: Meslier (GK); Llorente, Struijk, Cooper; Klich, Shackleton, Dallas; Raphinha, Roberts, Harrison; Rodrigo

Wolves: Sa (GK); Kilman, Coady, Saiss; Semedo, Neves, Moutinho, Marcal; Traore, Jimenez, Hwang

SCORE PREDICTION: Leeds United 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Southampton vs Burnley, 3:00PM

Two teams with just one win between them go head to head at St Mary’s on Saturday as Southampton entertain Burnley.

The hosts picked up their first victory of the campaign at the expense of Leeds United last weekend, whereas Burnley only have three draws to show from their opening eight games.

Southampton’s triumph over Leeds last Saturday would have been a significant weight off the shoulders of Ralph Hasenhuttl, but they know they will need to follow that up this weekend against strugglers Burnley.

It has not been an easy start to the season for the Saints, with six of their eight games so far coming against teams that finished in the top half in 2020-21, and a home tie against an out-of-form Burnley side represents their easiest test on paper yet.

The win over Leeds also made it two clean sheets in their last three league outings at home – having not managed to keep any in their previous 11, and their defensive record is now the best of any team in the bottom half.

It is at the other end where they have struggled most, though, scoring just six goals all season – only Burnley and Norwich City have found the back of the net on fewer occasions.

Sean Dyche will be looking to get off the mark this weekend, at Southampton’s expense with their primary objective once again will be to remain in the division. However, like Southampton, they too have had a difficult run of fixtures.

Six of their eight outings have come against teams that finished in the top half last term, including away games against both Liverpool and Manchester City already – a factor which has contributed to their joint league-low tally of just one away point so far.

A 2-0 defeat to the champions last time out was by no means disgraceful – and comfortably a better scoreline than they have suffered in that fixture during recent years – but it does leave them in the relegation zone with only three points to their name so far. They did have their opportunities against Guardiola’s men, but couldn’t locate their clinical edge.

Draws against Leeds and Leicester City were respectable, but a stalemate at home to relegation favourites Norwich, who incidentally are the only team to have scored fewer than Burnley in the league this season, will be seen as two points dropped.

Sean Dyche’s side are now on the longest current winless run in the top four tiers of English football, stretching back 11 games, although there are signs that a first triumph could be just around the corner.

All five of Burnley’s goals this season have given them the lead in matches, but they have thrown that lead away on each occasion, dropping 10 points from winning positions already this term – a joint-high in the league alongside Newcastle United.

MATCH FACT: Burnley have won two of their last four league visits to St Mary’s, as many as in their previous 25.

KEY MEN: Nathan Redmond (Saints) & Dwight McNeil (Burnley)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Southampton: McCarthy (GK); Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Perraud; Elyounoussi, Romeu, Diallo, S Armstrong; Redmond, Broja

Burnley: Pope (GK); Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Taylor; Cornet, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Barnes, Wood

SCORE PREDICTION: Southampton 1-1 Burnley

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester City, 3:00PM

Third meets fourth in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, as Brighton & Hove Albion play host to Manchester City on the South Coast.

The Seagulls were held to a goalless stalemate by basement side Norwich City last time out, while the champions coasted to a comprehensive 2-0 triumph over Burnley at the Etihad.

While it may be too premature to determine whether Brighton’s fast start to the season is slowly petering out, the Seagulls’ dominance has turned to draws in recent weeks, the latest of which came against bottom-of-the-table Norwich City.

Despite bossing the ball with 65% possession and firing seven shots on target, there was no way through for Graham Potter’s men at Carrow Road, with that result representing their third one-pointer in a row following previous stalemates with Crystal Palace and Arsenal.

However, with 11 points from the last 15 on offer under their belts during a five-game unbeaten league run, the high-flying Seagulls remain in the top four of the rankings, although they are now only above Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference.

It has been a fine start to the campaign from Potter’s men, and a pleasing sign of their progression under the highly-rated former Swansea boss.

Brighton may have only chalked up eight goals at the correct end of the pitch so far – the fewest out of any side in the top half – but only Chelsea and City have shipped fewer than their five at the other end, as Potter’s well-coached side finally produce the results that their performances have so often warranted.

The Seagulls have also suffered just one defeat in their last nine Premier League battles on home soil, but with a league-high 22 yellow cards already this term, indiscipline could prove fatal against the rampant champions.

Continuing their surge in the league following the international break, Man City barely needed to get out of second gear to sink Burnley at the Etihad last time out, with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne both making the net ripple on home soil in gameweek eight.

Pep Guardiola’s side were expected to face a much sterner test against Club Brugge in the Champions League, but the Belgian champions’ resilience was broken in a storming 5-1 win for City.

On the pitch, Man City have certainly consigned their opening-day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur to history – taking 17 points from the last 21 on offer in the division – and they now occupy third spot in the rankings behind Liverpool and leaders Chelsea.

With only three goals conceded – all of which have come on the road – City’s defensive record is unsurprisingly the joint-best alongside Chelsea, although the travelling party will need no reminding of what happened during their most recent trip to the Amex.

Brighton marched to a remarkable 3-2 win on the South Coast after recovering from going two goals behind back in May, although City have won the other seven Premier League meetings between the two teams and have never failed to score more than twice at the Amex in that time.

This will indeed be a stern test for Guardiola’s men, don’t be surprised to see Graham Potter spoil City’s day once again.

MATCH FACT: City have never lost back-to-back league meetings with Brighton, overall losing just four of their 22 previous such games against the Seagulls (won 14, drawn four, lost four).

KEY MEN: Neal Maupay (Brighton) & Kevin De Bruyne (City)

LIKELY LINE-UP:

Brighton: Sanchez (GK); Dunk, Duffy, Burn; Veltman, Gross, Bissouma, Lallana, Cucurella; Maupay, Trossard

Manchester City: Ederson (GK); Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Sterling, Foden, Grealish

SCORE PREDICTION: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-3 Manchester City

Brentford vs Leicester City, Sunday 2:00PM

Thomas Frank’s impressive Brentford side play host Brendan Rodgers’ recently resurgent Leicester City at the Brentford Community Stadium. The Bees unbelievably unlucky in their close defeat to Chelsea last weekend, with Edouard Mendy in the form of his life to stop Brentford not only claiming a draw, but a well deserved win in all fairness.

Leicester come into this fixture purring, after a fine display against Manchester United last weekend, ending their 29-game unbeaten away Premier League run in a 4-2 win at the King Power.

The Foxes also grabbed all three points in their Europa League group tie against Spartak Moscow in what was a thrilling 4-3 encounter, with Patson Daka – scorer of the fourth against Manchester United – netting all four goals in what was a poacher’s masterclass from the Zambian.

The most pleasing aspect of the two performances was the ruthlessness of Patson Daka, who has gone from failing to find the back of the net to scoring five times in 113 minutes.

With Rodgers naturally considering the possibility of playing the Zambian in tandem with Jamie Vardy, opposite number Thomas Frank will be wary of the new-found threat offered by the visitors.

The Bees will take a lot of positives from their defeat to Chelsea, a game in which they dominated, and really should not have lost. Brentford currently sit in ninth in the Premier League table on twelve points and could find themselves in the top six providing they beat Brendan Rodgers’ men on Sunday afternoon. It represents an unbelievable start to the campaign for the newly promoted side, taking 12 points from a possible 24.

They’ve only conceded seven goals so far this campaign, the best of any of the promoted sides and are building a daring reputation on their home turf as the team to beat. However, Brentford are without a home victory in the league since the opening day, while Ivan Toney remains with just one goal from open play this season.

After going four league games without a win before they entertained Manchester United, The Foxes have been in dire straits, performing below expectations and only registering just six points from a possible 21. However, their impressive win over stuttering Manchester United will have done their confidence the world of good, especially coming back from behind to win the game.

One source of worry for Brendan Rodgers, will of course be his floundering defence. The Foxes have conceded 14 goals so far this season and have just the single clean sheet to their name this season. It will provide a promising incentive for Brentford as they go in search of another scalp against one of the top teams in the Premier League.

MATCH FACT: Brentford can take Leicester City’s winless run in London to five Premier League matches (D1, L3).

KEY MEN: Ivan Toney (Brentford) & Jamie Vardy (Leicester)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Brentford: Raya (GK); Jorgensen, Jansson, Pinnock; Canos, Onyeka, Janelt, Nørgaard, Henry; Mbeumo, Toney

Leicester City: Schmeichel (GK); Evans, Vestergaard, Soyuncu; Pereira, Tielemans, Soumare, Castagne; Maddison, Daka, Vardy

SCORE PREDICTION: Brentford 2-2 Leicester City

West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur, 2:00PM

West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur head into Sunday’s London derby with just one point separating the clubs in the Premier League standings.

Despite indifferent starts, the teams sit in seventh and fifth place respectively, one victory away from potentially moving into the top four.

While West Ham have performed at a consistently-high level for over 12 months, some of their supporters will still feel in dreamland given the vast improvements made under David Moyes.

Despite having such a small pool of players to choose from, the former Manchester United and Everton boss is making tremendous use of the options available to him.

Nevertheless, the Hammers head into their latest London derby on a steeper upward trajectory than the likes of Arsenal and their next opponents, and there is widespread belief that there is still more to come.

West Ham have, so far, made light work of their opponents in the Europa League, extending their run to three successive victories in seeing off Genk on Thursday night.

However, it is away wins such as the one at Everton last weekend which highlight their resoluteness, Moyes’s men now having 10 points from four away fixtures, which makes for superb reading.

Heading into Sunday’s fixture, Moyes will recognise that West Ham can carry on their superb progress under his tutelage with another win another against their fierce rivals.

From Nuno Espirito Santo’s perspective, he will be in two minds whether this fixture has come at the right time given the backlash after the Vitesse game.

Nuno, with some justification, rested the 11 players who edged out Newcastle United last weekend, but a second-string side were not at the races as they succumbed to a 1-0 reverse.

With Spurs still sitting in fifth position in the table with 15 points from eight games, there is potential for any criticism to subside with a win at the London Stadium.

That said, a fourth league defeat in nine would inevitably see Nuno come under further fire from the Tottenham fans ahead of next weekend’s crucial home clash with Manchester United.

MATCH FACT: West Ham can go three league matches unbeaten against Spurs for the first time since May 2008.

KEY MEN: Declan Rice (West Ham) & Harry Kane (Spurs)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

West Ham: Fabianski (GK); Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals, Antonio

Tottenham: Lloris (GK); Emerson, Romero, Dier, Reguillon; Hojbjerg, Skipp; Moura, Ndombele, Son; Kane

SCORE PREDICTION: West Ham United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United vs Liverpool, 4:30PM

Two of the Premier League’s giants collide in a clash of the titans at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, as Manchester United host Liverpool in what is certainly the tie of the weekend.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have been stuttering of late, dropping down to sixth in the table and leaving his immediate future uncertain despite signing a new contract to remain at the helm. Jurgen Klopp’s men however, are in tremendous form, they remain the only unbeaten side in the league and are just a point adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Champions League nights and Cristiano Ronaldo. There is hardly a better combination in football. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner literally rose head and shoulders above the rest to save United’s bacon in a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Atalanta BC in midweek.

However, as memorable as their night at Old Trafford was, United’s journey to the King Power last weekend to face Leicester City was anything but, leaving their decent start to the season in quite some peril, its now two defeats in three outings for Manchester United.

The pressure continues to pile on the shoulders of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is said to retain the faith of the Red Devils board for the time being, but such struggles after welcoming Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane to the club have left more questions needing to be answered.

With only one point from the last nine on offer in the Premier League, sixth-placed United are five points adrift of leaders Chelsea and could very well drop further down the rankings depending on what transpires before the Reds pay a visit to the Theatre of Dreams.

Not since October 2019 have Man United gone four games without a win in the top flight, but the Red Devils only have two victories to boast from their last seven top-flight encounters at Old Trafford, where Liverpool will aim to condemn them to a 10th home clash without a clean sheet in the Premier League.

First Manchester City, then Watford, then Atletico Madrid’s defence were powerless to stop Mohamed Salah with the ball glued to his feet, as the Egyptian king continued to stake his claim as the best player in the world with yet another stunning solo effort at the Wanda Metropolitano – although James Milner’s deft touch was a significant help in finding the back of the net.

Before running out 3-2 winners in the Spanish capital, Liverpool gave Claudio Ranieri a harsh welcome back to life in the Premier League with a five-star performance against Watford, as Roberto Firmino took home the match ball while Sadio Mane also grabbed a goal at Vicarage Road.

Still unbeaten in all competitions since the season commenced, second-placed Liverpool are one point behind leaders Chelsea at the time of writing and are the only team in the top flight without a single defeat to show from their opening eight matches.

Liverpool’s 18-game unbeaten league run is currently the longest in the top four English divisions, and their thrilling 4-2 success at Old Trafford last term represented their sixth Premier League game without defeat against United.

Who will come out on top come Sunday evening?

MATCH FACT: Only Wayne Rooney (6) has more Premier League goals for Manchester United against Liverpool than Marcus Rashford (4).

KEY MEN: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) & Mohammed Salah (Liverpool)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Man Utd: De Gea (GK); Wan Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford, Ronaldo

Liverpool: Alisson (GK); Trent AA, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mane

SCORE PREDICTION: Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool

Christopher Nkunku, RB Leipzig’s shining light

If RB Leipzig can take any solace from their quite below-par start to the season under new boss Jesse Marsch, its the form of their supremely gifted talismanic French midfielder Christopher Nkunku.

The 23-year-old was terribly unlucky that is tremendous hat-trick against Manchester City in their UEFA Champions League group stage curtain raiser came at a disastrous cost as Leipzig were cut to shreds at the other end as City triumphed 6-3 at the Etihad.

While much of the headlines on the night will have been about their shambolic defending against Grealish and co. Christopher Nkunku’s stock rose considerably providing hope for Leipzig in an otherwise dour evening in Manchester.

The 23-year-old took his goals superbly, despite all three of them drawing Leipzig back into the game whilst City ran riot, but all three goals were a true reflection of the remarkable growth he is showing under Jesse Marsch so far this season.

The former Red Bull Salzburg coach has already stated his admiration and joy at working with the Frenchman, “Christopher has no weaknesses. He’s young and still want a lot more. Working with him is a lot of fun as he’s really intelligent and has a lot of potential.”

Indeed, Nkunku is an incredibly intelligent player and that isn’t just reflected in his goals – he’s got 7 goals and 2 assists in eight games at the time of writing – it’s the way he’s setting about scoring them. Getting himself into the right positions to take his chances but also provide the whole team with the onus to go and express themselves in attack.

Against Hertha Berlin at the weekend, Nkunku scored two beautiful goals – a dink over the keeper and a finely taken free-kick right into the top corner – and provided two assists in Leipzig’s 6-0 rout over a very poor Hertha BSC side to become the hallmark of Leipzig’s instant rejuvenation.

In their second Champions League group stage game against Belgian outfit Club Brugge – in yet another European defeat for Jesse Marsch and his side – he bagged his fourth goal in the competition latching onto a through ball to put Leipzig ahead in a 2-1 defeat.

It’s important to note that Nkunku has always provided the admirable and telling consistency in his game that makes him such a uniquely gifted performer for Leipzig. It’s only now, his performances are reaping its rewards.

Last season, he registered the highest combined non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and expected assists (xA) for attacking midfielders/wingers domestically (0.73 per game). How does that rank amongst his peers? Very high in fact. Over the course of the past year, he ranks in the 96th percentile in Europe’s top five leagues and international club competition for the same category (0.64 per game).

NpxG and xA are combined with “shot creation actions”, meaning “the two offensive actions directly leading to a shot, such as passes, dribbles and drawing fouls”, highlighting involvement in Leipzig’s attacks. Once again, his overall contribution was only bettered by a handful of the world’s top midfielders/forwards, including Neymar and Lionel Messi.

However, due to poor finishing by himself and his teammates meant that his extraordinarily positive influence on the team’s attacking output was getting somewhat overlooked because he wasn’t registering the goals and assists that is expected from attacking midfielders.

His Bundesliga npxG of 0.37 and xA of 0.36 per 90 only produced six goals and six assists from 28 games. In fact, his underlying numbers suggest Nkunku should really have notched around 10 goals and 10 assists last season. His end product appeared above-average rather than excellent, unlike his debut campaign where he hit five goals and 13 assists.

Also, his positional versatility proved his undoing under former boss Julian Nagelsmann last year. He was seen as a very useful utility player rather than the technically gifted up-and-coming star he should have been perceived as.

Nkunku performed in a variety roles mostly as one of two narrow attacking midfielders behind a striker or false nine which hampered his understanding of his role and value in the team and also the opportunity to work efficiently and effectively with his fellow attackers such as the equally gifted Dani Olmo.

In Jesse Marsch’s 4-2-3-1 system, by contrast, he’s been utilised as more of a winger.

When Marsch changed his set-up in response to his team’s run of poor results ahead of the Hertha BSC game and reverted to Nagelsmann’s 3-4-3 system, Nkunku was back in the right-sided No 10 role but crucially given licence to make roam and make deeper runs as his abilities warrant.

From there, he’s able to provide his strongest assets: his pace, off-the-ball movement and superb understanding of space in between the opponent’s defence and midfield. Against Hertha, Nkunku clocked an outstanding 35.5 kilometres per hour during the game.

Defensively, Nkunku is just as quick off the mark and without the ball. 8.69 pressures in the final third put him in the 99th percentile in the top five leagues for players in his positions.

The midfielder is so dangerously creative too. Once he gets the ball in the final third, its incredibly hard to stop him expressing himself. He’s always on the move, always willing to receive the ball in the most difficult areas in the half-space but more important he is very competent and consistent in attempting the extraordinary eye-of-the-needle through balls. He’s averaged an incredible 5.27 shot creating actions, 2.41 key passes, 2.22 passes into the final third whilst also averaging the same amount of passes into the 18-yard-box per90 minutes. Again, he is so vital to Jesse Marsch’s team.

Christopher Nkunku is one of the most underrated players in Europe right now. Probably because he already played for a big club and isn't really considered a new kid on the block, but there are very few 23-year-olds with his combination of intelligence and efficiency.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) September 26, 2021

He is indeed a uniquely gifted performer.

Now, we are finally starting to see Nkunku reap his rewards. He’s always worked hard as the above stats show, he’s always been a willing player both in attack and defence but he hasn’t had the numbers to show for it.

🇫🇷 Christopher Nkunku (23) and @RBLeipzig starting to pep up after a 6-0 win vs. Hertha.

His season so far:

☑️ 8 starts
⚽️ 6 goals
🅰️ 2 assists
🔥 Goal involvement every 82 min pic.twitter.com/2XHCtHW51A
— Football Wonderkids (@fbwonderkids) September 25, 2021

At Leipzig, they’re not surprised at his extraordinary start to the season.

After returning from the summer break with more muscle having worked with a personal trainer on his stability and speed, putting in extra shifts on the training ground in his ball-work, Marsch and his coaching staff were expecting him to be one of the key performers in this campaign and Nkunku has repaid their faith so far.

He is one of the first names on the team-sheet this season, after finding his spot limited under Naglesmann last year.

Born in Lagny-sur-Marne, the same Paris suburb that produced Paul Pogba, Nkunku cut a rather slight if confident figure among fellow Clairefontaine academy students Marcus Thuram (now at Borussia Monchengladbach), Allan Saint-Maximin (now at Newcastle United) and Amine Harit (now at Marseille).

As was often the case of young stars playing in Paris, opportunities were limited for players from the PSG academy. If you need any examples, just ask players like Odsonne Edouard, Tanguy Nianzou, Boubakary Soumaré or Timothy Weah, the list is endless.

Nkunku understood that he needed to find regular game time hence his move to Leipzig in 2019. A club well placed to provide him with the development and learning his game deserved.

Shortly before leaving Paris, Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat had attempted to bring in the player on loan in the 2018-19 winter transfer window but PSG didn’t approve. He was sold to RB for €13 million and made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League in his first season.

“It was the club I needed,” Nkunku explained at the time. “I’ve rediscovered the pleasure of playing. I feel that I’m blossoming on the pitch, that I’m a bit more liberated. The more time goes on, the better I am. Now I can say that it is better to leave your comfort zone to grow taller.”

The 23-year-old has grown considerably since then, his game has matured and his intelligence and understanding of the tactically has soared through the roof, and its a testament to his hard-work and willingness to learn and improve. Nkunku is only going to get better and that’s a scary sight for Leipzig’s opponents this season.

His existing contract runs until 2024 but just like Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita, Timo Werner and Marcel Sabitzer before him, he’ll almost certainly become too good a player to stick around at Leipzig for much longer.

The club will have to enjoy him while they can, because Christopher Nkunku is on to much bigger things in the near future.

Premier League: Matchday 8 Preview & Predictions

After a brief two-week pause of international, the Premier League finally returns this weekend offering up yet another cracking group of fixtures to feast our eyes on.

Title contenders Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool will look to strengthen each of the cases for Premier League supremacy as they return to action while fourth-placed Manchester United are looking to return back to winning ways as they head to currently inconsistent Leicester City at the King Power, arguably the weekend’s most intriguing encounter.

Another tasty encounter will be played at the Brentford Community Stadium as newcomers Brentford face another giant test taking on Thomas Tuchel’s European champions Chelsea after their impressive showings against Liverpool and West Ham picking up four points from those two games. Can Thomas Frank’s men write another exciting chapter in their new Premier League adventure?

So, let’s dive in with some predictions and previews for this weekend’s fixtures.

Watford vs Liverpool, Saturday 12.30pm

Claudio Ranieri prepares for a baptism of fire in his first game back in the Premier League, with his Watford side welcoming a rampant Liverpool to Vicarage Road on Saturday lunchtime.

The Hornets lost 1-0 to Leeds United during Xisco Munoz’s last game in charge, while Jurgen Klopp’s men played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester City at Anfield.

After Watford’s trigger-happy board relieved Xisco of his duties – a decision that received mixed responses given their respectable start to life back in the Premier League – the Hornets wasted no time in bringing back revered title-winner Ranieri following the end of his Sampdoria spell.

The Italian returns a much improved coach according to sources close to him, after a successful two-year spell at Italian outfit Sampdoria finishing 9th and 15th respectively, steadying a rocky ship. Ranieri takes the reins with Watford lying 15th in the table with seven points taken from a possible 21, and there is a comfortable four-point gap separating them from the relegation zone at this early stage.

His first match? Against Jurgen Klopp’s unstoppable force that is Liverpool, who alongside Bournemouth in the Sky Bet Championship remain the only the team unbeaten in England’s top four divisions.

Klopp must also factor in the midweek Champions League battle with Atletico Madrid as he prepares to navigate another unrelenting fixture schedule, but his side are now unbeaten in 19 competitive fixtures across all tournaments and have scored three goals in each of their last four Premier League games away from home.

However, the Reds will need no reminding how an Ismaila Sarr-inspired Watford stormed to an emphatic 3-0 success in February 2020 to end their 18-game winning run, and with Ranieri boasting four wins from five home league games against Liverpool, the Vicarage Road faithful have every right to dream of a memorable start to the Italian’s reign.

MATCH FACT: Mohammed Salah who has eight goals in six appearances vs Watford, has scored in seven straight matches for Liverpool.

KEY MEN: Mohammed Salah (Liverpool) & Ismaïla Sarr (Watford)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Watford: Foster (GK); Ngakia, Troost-Ekong, Cathcart, Rose; Sissoko, Kucka; Sarr, Tufan, Sema; Dennis

Liverpool: Kelleher (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van-Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane

SCORE PREDICTION: Watford 1-3 Liverpool

Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers, 3:00PM

Villa Park plays host to a highly-anticipated West Midlands derby on Saturday lunchtime, as Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers lock horns in the Premier League.

Dean Smith’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur just before the international break, while Wolves marched to a 2-1 win over Newcastle United.

There was little time for Smith and co to bask in the jubilation of beating Manchester United on their own turf last month, as Aston Villa were brought crashing back down to earth with a 2-1 defeat to an out-of-sorts Tottenham Hotspur before the international break.

All three of their league defeats have come away from home, with Smith’s side taking seven points from their first three fixtures at Villa Park this term and notching up six goals in that hot streak.

Villa have also shipped just one goal in front of their own fans this season so far and will hope to see the defeat to Tottenham prove to be just a minor blip in their quest for Europe, but their upcoming opponents are starting to find their feet under Bruno Lage.

Filling Nuno Espirito Santo’s shoes at Molineux was going to be a tough task for whoever took the reins, but after a shaky start to life in the West Midlands especially in front of goal, Lage appears to be working his magic to good effect given his side’s recent run of results.

After a heart-warming goal for Raul Jimenez saw Wolves overcome Southampton 1-0 last month, the Molineux outfit made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 triumphed over Newcastle United, as Jimenez turned provider for a pair of Hwang Hee-chan strikes.

With the RB Leipzig loanee leading the charge alongside reinvigorated talisman Jimenez, Wolves have won three of their last four Premier League games to rise to 12th in the rankings and will temporarily leapfrog their upcoming opponents into the top half with all three points here.

MATCH FACT: Wolves have lost just one of their last seven visits to Villa Park (W2, D4)

KEY MEN: John McGinn (Villa) & Raul Jimenez (Wolves)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Aston Villa: Steer (GK); Cash, Konsa, Tuanzebe, Mings, Targett; Buendia, McGinn, Nakamba; Watkins, Ings

Wolves: Sa (GK); Kilman, Coady, Saiss; Semedo, Neves, Moutinho, Marcal; Traore, Jimenez, Hwang

SCORE PREDICTION: Aston Villa 1-1 Wolves

Leicester City vs Manchester United, 3:00PM

Arguably the most intriguing tie of the weekend, with two teams struggling for consistency in results and performances. Manchester United may of course be in a better position in the table than their opponents heading into their Saturday afternoon kick-off, but the feeling around the club doesn’t reflect their positioning with much of their performances in recent weeks leaving a lot to be desired.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men face a tough few weeks ahead with significant league encounters coming up against the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham as well as crucial UEFA Champions League group stage ties against Serie A outfit Atalanta. These games could indeed be crucial to how United aim to go about their season, amongst the title hopefuls or as unfortunate cast offs.

Recent injuries could indeed derail Solskjaer’s progress too with both Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane out for the next few weeks. Defeat against Aston Villa and the disappointing draw to Everton – both at Old Trafford – have left fans questioning Solskjaer’s pedigree once again, and an impressive win over Rodgers’ stuttering Leicester side could be the catalyst they need heading into a fiery period.

Leicester City on the other hand, have started off the campaign in disappointing fashion, currently lying in 13th place on eight points, six behind their opponents and performing well below expectations.

In fact, Brendan Rodgers’ men have not tasted a Premier League win since late-August, their 2-1 win at Carrow Road. Both teams are in desperate need of the three points, a win for Leicester City could also be their own catalyst to kick on and improve. This game is indeed a perfect six-pointer.

MATCH FACT: Leicester City can record back-to-back Premier League victories over Manchester United for the first time

KEY MEN: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) & Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Leicester City: Schmeichel (GK); Castagne, Soyuncu, Evans, Bertrand; Lookman, Soumare, Tielemans, Barnes; Iheanacho, Vardy

Manchester United: De Gea (GK); Wan Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Matic, Greenwood, Fernandes, Pogba; Ronaldo

SCORE PREDICTION: Leicester City 2-1 Manchester United

Manchester City vs Burnley, 3:00PM

Manchester City will aim to make an immediate return to winning ways in the Premier League when they take on Burnley at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.

The reigning champions played out a pulsating 2-2 draw with Liverpool last time out, while Sean Dyche’s side could only take a point from their clash with Norwich City.

A 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their most recent European battle means that City head into Saturday’s game aiming to avoid a third game without a win in all competitions, but they remain unbeaten at home this season and have kept four Premier League clean sheets in succession at the Etihad, the most recent of which came in a goalless draw with Southampton.

Only leaders Chelsea have also conceded a league-low three goals so far this season, and not since 2010 have City failed to score in successive home matches in the Premier League – a streak which is highly unlikely to end anytime soon as they come up against Sean Dyche’s warriors.

Their result at Carrow Road was certainly not have been the same engrossing spectacle as Liverpool-City, as neither side could find a way through in a 0-0 draw which extended their winless runs in the top flight.

That result did represent Norwich’s first point of the new season, but Burnley will be aware that they have passed up a golden opportunity to put their first win on the board as they struggle to break away from the other relegation candidates.

Burnley travel to the Etihad having lost their last eight in a row against Man City in all competitions – scoring only once in that miserable streak – and each of the last four fixtures at the Etihad between the two clubs has ended 5-0 to the hosts.

MATCH FACT: Manchester City can be the first team in English football to win five straight home matches against an opposition by 5+ goals.

KEY MEN: Phil Foden (City) & Maxwell Cornet (Burnley)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Manchester City: Steffen (GK); Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Foden; Silva, Jesus, Grealish

Burnley: Pope (GK); Lowton, Collins, Tarkowski, Taylor; Cornet, Brownhill, Westwood, McNeil; Wood, Vydra

SCORE PREDICTION: Manchester City 3-0 Burnley

Norwich City vs Brighton & Hove Albion, 3:00PM

Brighton & Hove Albion come into this game in tremendous form, unbeaten in their last six Premier League games, although their draw against Arsenal before the international break should really have been a win considering the amount of chances they created on the evening.

Graham Potter will be hoping his side do not revert back to last seasons antics, creating chances but not finding the back of the net. Top scorer Neal Maupay already has four Premier League goals to his name in seven appearances

Potter’s men sit sixth in the table, and could find themselves in the Premier League top four come Saturday evening with a win over strugglers Norwich City who are still yet to record their first win so far this campaign.

Their home draw over Burnley ended a run of six straight defeats, but Daniel Farke’s men would be in a real hole if they do not register points on the board in the coming weeks.

MATCH FACT: Brighton have won both their Premier League meetings against Norwich, with Leandro Trossard involved in all three goals

KEY MEN: Teemu Pukki (Norwich) & Neal Maupay (Brighton)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Norwich: Krul (GK); Kabak, Hanley, Gibson; Aarons, Lees-Melou, Normann, McLean, Giannoulis; Pukki, Sargent

Brighton: Sanchez (GK); Duffy, Dunk, Burn; Veltman, Gross, Lallana, Bissouma, Cucurella; Trossard, Maupay

SCORE PREDICTION: Norwich 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

Southampton vs Leeds United, 3:00PM

Leeds United will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League when they head to St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon to take on Southampton.

The Whites are currently 16th in the table, having picked up six points from their opening seven matches, while Southampton occupy 17th, two points behind their opponents in this game, and without a single victory to their name so far this campaign.

Southampton’s position of 17th is far from ideal, and their issues in front of goal this season is still a big worry having just score five goals in their seven games. But, there is a lot of football to be played this season, and Hasenhuttl will have been encouraged by certain aspects of his team’s early-season performances.

The Saints have actually lost their last three games against Leeds in all competitions, though, including both Premier League meetings between the two teams last term, and they have not overcome the Whites on home soil since August 2011 in the second tier of English football.

Leeds, meanwhile, finally picked up their first Premier League win of the season before the international break, with Diego Llorente’s first-half effort seeing them record a 1-0 victory over Watford at Elland Road.

Bielsa’s men have won one, drawn three and lost three of their first seven matches of the campaign to collect six points, which has left them in 16th position in the table ahead of the next set of fixtures.

It is not quite the start that Leeds would have had in mind considering their success last term, but they now have a run of winnable matches, facing Southampton, Wolves and Norwich City in their next three.

Leeds remarkably won 10 away games in the Premier League last term, meanwhile, and will certainly believe that their free-flowing football can cause Southampton problems once again, but there has also been a lot of space for teams to operate in against the Whites this term, suggesting that this may well be an entertaining contest.

MATCH FACT: Leeds United have 14 PL wins over Southampton including two last season, their most against any a single opponent.

KEY MEN: Adam Armstrong (Saints) & Raphinha (Leeds)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Southampton: McCarthy (GK); Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters; Walcott, Romeu, Diallo, Elyounoussi; Armstrong, Redmond

Leeds United: Meslier (GK); Shackleton, Llorente, Cooper, Firpo; Phillips; James, Dallas, Klich, Harrison; Rodrigo

SCORE PREDICTION: Southampton 1-1 Leeds United

Brentford vs Chelsea, 5:30PM

Chelsea will aim to cement their position atop the Premier League rankings but face no easy task in doing so this weekend against a fired-up and an impressive Brentford side in Saturday evening’s London derby.

Thomas Tuchel’s side eased past Southampton before the international break registering a 3-1 win, while the Bees got the better of West Ham United 2-1 at the London Stadium.

Thomas Frank’s men have taken points against Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham, and will be hoping Chelsea will be amongst those prestigious results.

Seeking to establish themselves as Premier League mainstays during the first few weeks of the season, Brentford’s Premier League success story is earning a few more superb chapters, with the Bees following up their pulsating 3-3 draw with Liverpool with a 2-1 win at West Ham before the international break.

Brentford’s stellar start to the season is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, and having taken seven points from their last three games, Thomas Frank’s side have risen to seventh in the table – above the likes of Leicester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The hosts’ only defeat so far this season did come on home soil, though – 1-0 against another surprise package in Brighton & Hove Albion – but having beaten Arsenal and drawn with Liverpool on their own patch, Chelsea can hardly travel across the capital expecting a routine three points.

With Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton all playing out draws in game-week seven, Chelsea’s comfortable 3-1 win over Southampton has seen them surge to the top of the rankings with 16 points taken from a possible 21 so far this term.

Desperate to add a top-flight title to his European crown at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel’s staunch and resolute defence has conceded a joint-low three league goals this term – level with champions Man City – and the German coach has lost just one of his 12 away games in the Premier League since taking over at Chelsea.

Tuchel’s men are strong favourites for the Premier League gong this season after their successful capture and return of Romelu Lukaku, who has three league goals to his name and will be looking to follow that up in the coming weeks.

Not since the 1938-39 season have Brentford prevailed against Chelsea in any competition, with the Blues marching to successive 4-0 FA Cup wins in the 2012-13 and 2016-17 seasons, although the victory in the former season came during a replay after an initial 2-2 draw.

MATCH FACT: Chelsea could be the first team in English football to get seven straight London derby away wins.

KEY MEN: Ivan Toney (Brentford) & Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Brentford: Raya (GK); Zanka, Jansson, Pinnock; Canos, Norgaard, Onyeka, Jensen, Henry; Toney, Mbeumo

Chelsea: Mendy (GK); Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Christensen; James, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku

SCORE PREDICTION: Brentford 1-3 Chelsea

Everton vs West Ham United, Sunday 14:00PM

Everton will be hoping to continue their impressive start to the season under new manager Rafael Benitez when they welcome West Ham United to Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

Heading into this weekend’s fixtures, Everton are fifth in the table, only two points off top spot, while the Irons occupy ninth place and are just three points behind Sunday’s opponents.

Appointing Benitez, who was in charge of Everton’s arch-rivals Liverpool from 2004-2010, was always going to be a risky move by the club’s owners, but it appears to have paid off with the Toffees making a strong start to the campaign.

Players like Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray and Abdoulaye Doucouré have undergone a stark rejuvenation under Benitez’ management, and even without the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Seamus Coleman have they still managed to pick up impressive points especially against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a game which Everton could well have taken three points on another day.

Home form has been key to Everton’s solid start and they boast a 100 per cent record at Goodison Park this season, beating Burnley, Southampton and Norwich, but they have only managed to keep one clean sheet during this run and that should offer hope to West Ham.

The Hammers are unbeaten on their travels across all competitions this term, winning four times and drawing once, and they have failed to score in only one of those matches. David Moyes and his men will be looking to get back to winning ways after disappointing home defeat to Brentford in injury-time.

Benitez has often been seen as a pragmatic manager, creating a solid base to build from and trying to nick games by the odd goal, but his Everton side have found the back of the net 13 times in seven league matches. Only five teams have scored more.

West Ham are one of them, netting 14 times, but they have also looked fragile in defence and are one of 11 teams already in double figures for goals conceded.

An entertaining and intriguing affair is expected at Goodison Park this Sunday.

MATCH FACT: Everton can win their opening four league matches at Goodison Park for the first time since 1978.

KEY MEN: Andros Townsend (Everton) & Michail Antonio (West Ham)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Everton: Pickford (GK); Godfrey, Mina, Keane, Digne; Townsend, Doucoure, Allan, Gordon; Gray, Rondon

West Ham: Fabianski (GK); Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Fornals, Benrahma; Antonio

SCORE PREDICTION: Everton 2-2 West Ham United

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur, 4:30PM

Newcastle are set to usher in a new era against Tottenham with this match set to be the first under their respective new owners, however the club remains in the bottom three and without a win in their seven league games so far. Steve Bruce’s immediate future at St James’ Park is currently up in the air, with his sacking a matter of when not if.

If Newcastle fail to pick up three points against Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, you’d expect Bruce to be out of the manager’s hotseat Monday morning. One positive for Bruce, has been the performances of his players though, they have indeed battled hard but without gaining wins. Their defeat to Wolves came only through the brilliance of Raul Jimenez and Hwang Hee-Chan, but its those small margins that is proving Steve Bruce’s undoing right now, and you could argue the Manchester United legend and former captain is lucky to be still in a job.

Looking at their personnel, it’s easy to see why – Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron provide real dynamism in forward areas. Without Callum Wilson, the club have struggled to score consistently to beat teams, whilst still getting goals on the borad

However, defensively, they have struggled, conceding 16 goals in seven matches, which represents the joint-worst record in the division along with bottom club Norwich City.

Tottenham, however come into this game off the back of a much needed, crucial three points against Aston Villa with goals coming Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and a Matt Target own goal. Star man Harry Kane is still without a league so far this season, and Nuno Espirito Santo will need his striker firing on all cylinders if they are to challenge for the top four places once again.

Spurs do have an excellent recent record against the Magpies, losing only one of their last eight Premier League contests. They were last beaten at St James’ Park in 2016, losing 5-1 on the final day of the campaign. It’s been a happy hunting ground since then, and its a game Tottenham will be expected to get all three points in.

MATCH FACT: Spurs have lost just one of their last eight league games against Newcastle, (W5, D2)

KEY MEN: Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle) & Harry Kane (Tottenham)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Newcastle: Darlow (GK); Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie; Longstaff; Almiron, Hendrick, Hayden, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris (GK), Emerson, Rodon, Dier, Reguillon; Hojbjerg, Skipp; Lucas, Ndombele, Son; Kane

SCORE PREDICTION: Newcastle United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Monday 8:00PM

Monday night football marks the return of Arsenal legend and former captain Patrick Vieira to North London as he takes his new and improved Crystal Palace side to the Emirates as Arsenal take on Crystal Palace.

Arsenal could only manage a draw away at Brighton last time out but the way the Seagulls have played in comparison to the Gunners, suggests that it was a decent point for Arteta’s men. They have indeed undergone an upturn in form and performances in recent weeks, and you can argue the international break came at the wrong time for Mikel Arteta and his team.

Despite their improvement the Gunners still have an unhealthy goal difference of -5 and need to add more goals to their game. Arteta’s men are unbeaten in four Premier League games, their last defeat coming in the 5-0 drubbing at Manchester City. The Gunners may well be expected to grab the three points in this game, though they are coming up against resurgent Crystal Palace who have proven very tough to beat under Patrick Vieira so far this campaign.

Before the international break, Crystal Palace claimed a 2-2 draw at home to Leicester and will have been happy with a point having come from two goals down. Olise and Schlupp scored the second-half goals that brought the Eagles back onto level terms and Vieira will have been happy to see his players fight back against such a good team.

His side have been performing brilliantly and resolutely without getting wins on the board with their only victory coming against Tottenham mid-September. The Eagles currently sit in 14th place four points off the drop zone, and will need to be turning good performances into wins, starting at the Emirates against Patrick Vieira’s former side.

MATCH FACT: Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is the only Arsenal player to score on more than one occasion so far this season.

KEY MEN: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) & Wilfried Zaha (Palace)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Arsenal: Ramsdale (GK); Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Lokonga, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Smith-Rowe; Aubameyang

Crystal Palace: Guaita (GK); Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; McArthur, Milivojevic, Gallagher; Olise, Edouard, Zaha

SCORE PREDICTION: Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace

5 creative midfielders Arsenal MUST consider to address final third issues

The new Premier League season kicks off this weekend, and Arsenal still haven’t addressed their pressing need of acquiring an elite attacking midfielder armed in providing them with the creative abilities to take their game under Mikel Arteta to the next level.

Their pre-season friendly defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur was a game which showed a lot of promise, especially the new signings Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga who both put in dominant and assured performances as they continue the acclimatization into their new surroundings.

However, it was a game which looked all to familiar for Arsenal’s supporters, a lot of nice intricate passing around the final third without some real penetration to complement it. Emile Smith-Rowe has been a lovely sight for Arsenal fans, and a welcome one too. A very talented and fresh addition straight from the academy, but he cannot be relied upon to drive Arsenal into that brand new era, its too much responsibility and weight on his shoulders.

Both he and Bukayo Saka need help in those areas.

How the Gunners need the qualities of Mesut Ozil (in his prime), Cesc Fabregas or even Santi Cazorla again, players who were blessed in creating the unthinkable.

You hand them the ball in those dangerous areas, and its as if time stands still. That’s what Mikel Arteta needs right now, its what Arsenal need in order to challenge for those top four places again, or to go even further.

Arsenal are arguably in the same position Manchester United were before January 2020, lacking that incision and precision in the final third before they went out and ferociously addressed that burning desire, signing Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon. Since then, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s fortunes as Manchester United boss has dramatically changed – they’re on the upward curve.

Mikel Arteta needs to go out do the same, regardless of the potential risk and cost. Leicester City’s James Maddison is reportedly a top target, however Brendan Rodgers is in no pressure to sell and it would take in the regions of £70m to prize him away from the King Power.

Since James Maddison made his Premier League debut, only Kevin De Bruyne has created more chances in the competition:

🥇 De Bruyne [252]
🥈 Maddison [230]
🥉 Alexander-Arnold [212]

In very good company. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/yp7hcAZ86v
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 4, 2021

It is a costly risk, one which could very much address Arsenal’s pressing need. Maddison is indeed one of the Premier League’s most reliable creators, especially in those final third areas, as shown above. But, Leicester City are unlikely to sell one of their most prized assets, especially so close to the start of the new season, and without a readied replacement.

Alternatives will need to be considered at the Emirates, quality ones too. So here’s a few cheaper, more attainable and arguably more acquired tastes that could blend in with Arsenal’s game perfectly:

Daichi Kamada, Eintracht Frankfurt

Arguably the best performing Asian footballer in Europe over the past year. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Japanese magician Daichi Kamada is a stunning footballer, an efficient workhorse and a creative maestro.

Have a look at Frankfurt’s attacks and you’ll see how pivotal Kamada is, he is at the centre of almost everything.

His movement, the positions he picks up, the space he occupies and the passes he delivers is simply sublime and a testament to his extraordinary understanding and nous when it comes to creating chances for his teammates.

The Japanese international may be something of an unknown quantity to some Arsenal supporters, but he’s a player who currently deserves some rich acclaim and attention right now.

5 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season, as Frankfurt narrowly missed out on an unprecedented Champions League place on the last day of the season. However, it was a stunning campaign for the club and for Kamada personally, and the Japanese is sure to be on a number of top club’s list of targets this summer.

Mikel Arteta would do exceptionally well to consider targeting the source of Frankfurt’s goals.

Daichi Kamada moment of magic and brilliance vs Hertha Berlin was a joy to watch. Andre Silva gave a finish worthy of the move. Happy 25th birthday to the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder. pic.twitter.com/1Is6jqjVdb
— . (@ElijahKyama) August 5, 2021

Kamada is one of those players who manages to be technically impressive without being flamboyant. Carries the ball neatly, with some sumptuous little touches and swift shifts in direction, and he exploits passing angles and lanes in the attacking third in a way that’s so clever, intricate but unusual.

He’s a unique player, and another one who deserves to test himself at the highest level. 2.90 final third passes, 1.8 key passes and an astonishing 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90 highlights his incredible efficiency and effectiveness in the final third. Kamada has so much to offer, not only in his skill, tenaciousness and technical qualities but in his application and willingness to learn and improve.

Lorenzo Pellegrini, AS Roma

Yet another uniquely gifted midfielder who surprisingly still graces the Stadio Olimpico.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is a Champions League-quality midfielder, who deserves to be playing at the highest level for one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. It’s a shocking surprise that no top club in Europe has managed to trigger his relatively low release clause which stands at around €30million.

Lorenzo Pellegrini would represent an outstanding acquisition for Mikel Arteta simply because of his devastating abilities in the final third. Pellegrini is a creative magician, a technically savvy orchestrator.

The 25-year old would be Arsenal’s very own ‘Bruno Fernandes-type signing’. A player who will fit in swiftly and seamlessly without no bedding-in period, without no teething issues because he is simply that intelligent, classy and decisive.

Traditionally an attacking midfielder, Lorenzo Pellegrini holds all the tools necessary to play anywhere across the midfield. As a deep-lying no.6, a roaming no. 8 and a play-making, creative no.10.

In Paulo Fonseca’s system, he played the attacking midfield role, as a no.10 in their 4-2-3-1 shape or 3-4-2-1, operating just behind Edin Dzeko.

This role allowed him to become the team’s main source of creativity and a hub in which every attacking player can link with. While teams in the current age, have their main creative hubs in the deep-lying positions in front of the defence, Roma’s orchestrator is Lorenzo Pellegrini at no.10.

As well as possessing the qualities to perform in a traditional no.10 role, he’s a more unorthodox attacking midfielder, regularly drifting into the wide areas or half-spaces. It keeps defensive midfielders and the back-line guessing, also causing a state of disruption and panic in their defensive shape.

Arsenal regularly deploy the 4-2-3-1 shape, in which Pellegrini could easily slot in behind the lone frontman. It could well mean Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returns to the role up-front, simply because of Pellegrini’s superb ability to pick the unthinkable eye-of-the-needle passes.

The Italian would have been another key figure for European Champions Italy this summer had he not picked up an injury just before the tournament got underway, but he’s a player many cannot ignore.

2.18 key passes, 3.98 final third passes, 4.36 progressive passes and 1.42 passes into the 18-yard box per 90 just highlights Pellegrini’s astonishing abilities to dissect opposition defences at will. A no-brainer acquisition for Arsenal.

Houssem Aouar, Lyon

How Houssem Aouar is not on Arsenal’s list of priorities to fill that no.10 position is simply baffling, even to the Arsenal faithful. It may well be in part because of his latest disciplinary issues at Lyon, however, it is clear the player desires a new challenge elsewhere and Lyon are indeed resigned to losing him in the the near future.

It is an opportunity Arsenal cannot afford to pass up on. Houssem Aouar is a player blessed with such extraordinary technical qualities.

A meticulous ball-player, harnessing the uniqueness of when to hold on to the ball, and when to release it. His amazing sense of gravity and close control means its difficult for his markers to have an understanding of where he’s going or when to dispossess him.

Mikel Arteta craves a player who goes about performing risks in the final third, or taking people on to create space for himself and his forwards. Aouar possesses those unique qualities. He averaged 7.00 progressive carries and 2.47 carries into the final third last season, better than all of Arsenal’s attacking options.

The midfielder also holds such fantastic spatial awareness and capacity to switch directions in an instant. If he finds there’s nowhere to go when dribbling, he’ll instantly change direction with a swift drop of the shoulder and such crisp close control.

Whenever, the ball is at Aouar’s feet, his teammates know something special is about to happen especially within the attacking third. Per 90 last season, he averaged 6 passes into the final third meaning he plays risky passes with such considerable regularity. Stats serving as a true indication as to his incredible expertise in creating chances, further shown through his 5.10 shot-creating actions per90 too.

The 23-year-old only recorded three assists in Ligue 1 last year which is very surprising considering his invention and imagination in the final third, but he’s importance and influence in those areas for Lyon were very stark.

As soon as he picks up the ball, he already has a picture of what he’s going to do, whether to dribble past opponents, or dissect an eye of the needle pass to his forwards. No matter the amount of opponents around him, Aouar holds the balance, silky footwork and quickness of thought required to conjure up magic despite being under pressure.

His ball-carrying capabilities could prove vital to Arsenal’s system, allowing them to get out of trouble but most importantly in creating opportunities and openings in the final third.

Houssem Aouar is also a meticulous and imaginative number 8, and if 4-3-3 really is Arteta’s preferred formation then the French international will potentially fit in seamlessly.

Marcel Sabitzer, RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig’s new coach Jesse Marsch admitted that midfield dynamo Marcel Sabitzer’s future will lie away from Leipzig in the near future, and considering the price the Austrian is currently valued at, Arsenal would do very very well in recruiting his services.

The 26-year-old is available for a cut-price deal at just €18million, an extraordinary bargain, and whoever captures him could well be rewarded with the ‘smartest buy of the summer’ gong.

Marcel Sabitzer is a wonderful midfield performer, but a very orthodox one. To the eye, he’s your regular midfielder who is energetic, technically very good and has a good eye for the pass, but what stands him out so well is that he performs such roles with great application, professionalism and a real cutting edge that even the best teams on the continent would kill for.

He’s very versatile, capable of playing at no.10. at no.8, as a no.6 or even as a left-winger. Sabitzer is so good to watch. No matter where you put him on the pitch, he’ll give you his best.

Capable of cutting defences with such unerring vigour and precision, also capable of running at defences, linking well with his teammates and also holds the unique qualities of picking out the top-corner from all of about 35-yards. He is a jack-of-all-trades type player, and its no wonder new Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is so desperate to reunite with him, after possessing his qualities for Leipzig.

Not only will be brilliant for Bayern Munich, who also desperately need his services but he’d be brilliant for Mikel Arteta. He’s very cheap, attainable and arguably a better player than James Maddison – more consistent in fact. The midfielder averaged 5.38 passes into the final third per90 despite playing in a variety of positions under Nagelsmann, but that owes to his tremendous technical acumen in creating chances no matter where he is on the pitch. Sabitzer also averaged 2.13 passes into the 18-yard box and an outstanding 7.07 progressive passes per 90.

He is not afraid in conjuring up the most outrageous, if you need any evidence, just check out his extraordinary assist for Austria at the Euros, setting up Stefan Lainer with a ridiculous long-raking pass.

This Marcel Sabitzer pass and Stefan Lainer finish is WORLD CLASS. pic.twitter.com/RubNfAHR7U
— VERSUS (@vsrsus) June 13, 2021

It’s that sort of audaciousness in the final third that Arsenal so desperately crave.

Carlos Soler, Valencia

Mikel Arteta will almost certainly be silly if he doesn’t try and recruit a player who is his splitting image on the pitch; Valencia’s Carlos Soler.

Valencia’s creative orchestrator has been due a big move for a long while and Soler is a player ready for the big leagues.

The club are in a bit of a free-fall right now both on the pitch and off it, and are reportedly willing to listen to offers for some of their big names at cut-price deals.

If that is indeed the case, Arsenal should roll the dice and prioritize the signing of Carlos Soler. A tremendously consistent performer, even if his club isn’t registering the points they need.

It’s clear Soler deserves a club who matches his qualities and ambitions. He’s simply too good a player to not be performing on the biggest stages in Europe, whether that is Europa League or the UEFA Champions League.

Despite Valencia’s struggles last season, Soler still managed an astonishing 11 goals and 8 assists in La Liga highlighting his significance to the team, but also his extraordinary abilities.

A wonderfully gifted midfielder who always gives his all in every match he’s involved in. Soler is incredibly versatile too, capable of playing at no.10, no.8 on the flanks and a deep-lying orchestrator, he’d offer so much variation and tactical flexibility when needed.

Soler is as creative as all of the names on this list, providing eight assists last year. He is simply a superb player to watch, and has been on Arsenal’s radar before. He outperformed his expected goals and expected assists, as well as providing 0.26 assists per 90 minutes which means he is one of Europe’s most consistent creators. 1.45 key passes and 5.20 final third passes only highlights his efficiency and nous in those dangerous areas.

Where Valencia would be without Carlos Soler is a matter for another day, but it is about time he moves on from the Mestalla and embarks on a new challenge elsewhere.

Arsenal could certainly prove the most telling environment for him to thrive in.

Arsenal v Manchester City, Saturday 12:30PM

Watford v Tottenham Hotspur, 3:00PM

Crystal Palace v West Ham United, 5:30PM

Brentford v Aston Villa, Sunday 2:00PM

Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion, 2:00PM

Leeds United v Burnley, 2:00PM

Chelsea v Liverpool, 4:30PM

Manchester City vs Leicester City, 3:00PM

Norwich City vs Arsenal, 3:00PM

Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace, 3:00PM

West Ham vs Southampton, 3:00PM

Aston Villa vs Chelsea, 5:30PM

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Brentford, 8:00PM

Newcastle United vs Manchester United, Monday 8:00PM

Leicester City vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30PM

Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion, 3:00PM

Burnley vs Crystal Palace, 3:00PM

Newcastle vs Brentford, 3:00PM

Norwich City vs Southampton, 3:00PM

Watford vs Manchester United, 3:00PM

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United, 3:00PM

Liverpool vs Arsenal, Saturday 5:30PM

Manchester City vs Everton, Sunday 2:00PM

Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United, Sunday 16:30PM

Leicester City vs Arsenal, Saturday 12:30PM

Burnley vs Brentford, 3:00PM

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion, 3:00PM

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace, 3:00PM

Newcastle United vs Chelsea, 3:00PM

Watford vs Southampton, 3:00PM

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United, 5:30PM

Norwich City vs Leeds United, Sunday 2:00PM

Aston Villa vs West Ham United, 4:30PM

Arsenal vs Aston Villa, Friday 8:00PM

Chelsea vs Norwich City, Saturday 12:30PM

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United, 3:00PM

Everton vs Watford, 3:00PM

Leeds United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers, 3:00PM

Southampton vs Burnley, 3:00PM

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester City, 3:00PM

Brentford vs Leicester City, Sunday 2:00PM

West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur, 2:00PM

Manchester United vs Liverpool, 4:30PM

Watford vs Liverpool, Saturday 12.30pm

Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers, 3:00PM

Leicester City vs Manchester United, 3:00PM

Manchester City vs Burnley, 3:00PM

Norwich City vs Brighton & Hove Albion, 3:00PM

Southampton vs Leeds United, 3:00PM

Brentford vs Chelsea, 5:30PM

Everton vs West Ham United, Sunday 14:00PM

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur, 4:30PM

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Monday 8:00PM

Daichi Kamada, Eintracht Frankfurt

Lorenzo Pellegrini, AS Roma

Houssem Aouar, Lyon

Marcel Sabitzer, RB Leipzig

Carlos Soler, Valencia

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