Tag: Brighton & Hove Albion

Under-the-Radar Young Talents to Watch at the 2022 World Cup

Under-the-Radar Young Talents to Watch at the 2022 World Cup

After 12 long years of build-up, controversy and debate, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is now just days away as 32 nations take centre stage in rather unexpected territory with the global showpiece taking place right in the middle of the 2022/23 campaign.

Nonetheless, it’s football all the same. Questions around some of the competitions best teams are already emerging. Can Brazil end 20 years of hurt? Will Lionel Messi finally lead Argentina to global glory? What about the Cristiano Ronaldo and his own expected last hurrah with Portugal? Have Gareth Southgate’s England got what it takes to finally go all the way?

All the answers to these various question will begin to take shape in the coming weeks, but as the competition kicks off, it’s important and rather intriguing to find out which burgeoning young footballing stars can emerge on the grandest stage.

Playing well at a World Cup can seriously launch a young footballer’s career into the stratosphere. 

And amongst the 32 participants, there are some flawless wonderkids who possess the abilities and personality to become future world stars.

#AnthonyScouts has got you covered, so here are 13 exciting under-the-radar footballing talents to watch over the coming weeks:

ENZO FERNANDEZ – ARGENTINA

(Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

AGE: 21

CLUB: SL Benfica

POSITION: Centre Midfielder

Argentina has long produced some of the continent’s most established and decorated footballing stars in recent memory, and it’s no surprise to see the South American giants still producing some of the best young and exciting stars for the future.

One player currently turning a whole lot of heads across the continent right now after his recent move from southern half of South America at River Plate, currently being touted as one of the most coveted and exciting young midfielders to emerge from Argentina is Benfica’s Enzo Fernández.

The 21-year-old midfield dynamo has only been in Europe three months, and he’s already making a real splash both in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and the UEFA Champions League, and long may it continue because Enzo Fernandez is certainly on the right path to become one of the most complete midfield weapons of his generation.

Capable of playing in a variety of roles across the midfield either at no.8 (as he was deployed regularly for River Plate), no.6, no.4 and even as a creative and influential no.10, the 21-year-old mixes excellent technical proficiency with tremendous levels of effort, endeavour and application + a highly intelligent tactical understanding to boot.

The £18m-rated midfield dynamo is your perfect archetypal Argentinian midfield player. He is very combative in his midfield duels, protects the space and his backline incredibly well, a wonderful passer of the ball with excellent vision and high levels of accuracy, is very purposeful in his midfield actions and can dribble into dangerous territory or out of it to devastating effect.

If ever there was an archetypal Argentinian midfielder well-versed in battling hard, performing with real technical elegance along with an assuredness and arrogance steeped from the footballing history of such a decorated footballing nation then Fernandez is the perfect embodiment of those characteristics.

For all his good work in deep-lying roles, 2022 has seen Fernández develop into a truly all-round midfielder, adding goals and assists to the less-heralded elements of his game.

So far this season for Benfica, he’s registered three goals and three assists from 22 outings and is already a fully-fledged member of the Argentina senior contingent, so far rewarded with two international caps.

Expect that number to rise over the course of the tournament as the 21-year-old is highly rated by Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni. Fernandez is already on the radar of several elite clubs across Europe, and the World Cup will provide him with the perfect platform to truly showcase his unique and flawless abilities.

MOISES CAICEDO – ECUADOR

AGE: 21

CLUB: Brighton & Hove Albion

POSITION: Centre Midfield

All was not lost for Brighton & Hove Albion when they lost Yves Bissouma to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window. Due to their excellent and sustainable club model, they’d already possessed a young starlet perfectly capable of filling the Malian’s position and much more.

Step forward the Ecuadorian midfield maestro Moises Caicedo.

So far this campaign, the 21-year-old has become one of the success stories of the Barclays Premier League season. It all started when he bossed the park at Old Trafford in the first game of the season in Brighton’s 2-1 win over Manchester United – a further indication of the prodigious talent Brighton have on their hands in the Ecuador international.

A few months on, and we already looking at one of the potential midfield stars of the future. A player blessed with technical quality and excellence, vision, passing acumen, youthful exuberance and dynamism and a consistency level that well belies his tender age.

Caicedo is an integral component to the Brighton midfield, first under the departed Graham Potter who joined Chelsea and is continuing to excel under the fresh stewardship of talented manager Roberto De Zerbi. If you’re looking for a complete young midfielder to feast your eye on, the 21-year-old maestro is your man.

He’s started in all of Brighton’s 14 Premier League games this season, scoring once, averaging 67.8 touches per game, 1.1 key passes, 1.4 interceptions, an astonishing 3.1 tackles and also winning 57% of his ground duels. In fact, in the English top-flight, he ranks ninth in the whole division for progressive passes (65), eighth for through balls (8), and 6th for tackles (43), forming an incredible and well-rounded partnership with Alexis Mac Allister in the Seagulls midfield.

Caicedo is also a crucial midfield outlet for Ecuador too, establishing himself as a high-level performer across 25 appearances for his country over the past two years, swiftly becoming an integral part of the young side coach Gustavo Alfaro will lead to the World Cup after finishing fourth in South American qualifying with results that included draws against Brazil and current Copa America champions Argentina and a 4-2 victory over Uruguay, who came third. The Santo Domingo-born midfielder already possesses the tools, characteristics and mettle needed to perform and excel on the grandest stage.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with his gifted services recently, and his stock and price tag will almost certainly double by the time Ecuador’s World Cup campaign comes to a close.

ILIMAN NDIAYE – SENEGAL

Images/Paul Burrows

AGE: 22

CLUB: Sheffield United

Position: Attacking Midfield/Forward

Senegal will be entering the World Cup this month fresh from their historic African Cup of Nations triumph back in February and arguably one of the most likely African teams to make it to the latter stages. However, those ambitions have taken an unexpected hit with the suspected absence of Sadio Mane who picked up an injury playing for Bayern Munich last week.

Although the former Liverpool man was still called up to be a part of Aliou Cisse’s talented squad, there’s no guarantee the 30-year-old will feature during the tournament which means the Lions of Teranga will be calling upon a new star to guide them in Mane absence and there’s arguably been no attacking player in Cisse’s squad in as good a form as Sheffield United’s unsung hero Ilman Ndiaye who has undergone a remarkable upward trajectory this campaign.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a productive 2021/22 campaign, breaking through into the first team during a 6-2 victory against Peterborough where he grabbed two goals and an assist to ensure everyone at Bramall Lane was paying attention.

He ended the season with seven goals and two assists as Sheffield United fell to Nottingham Forest in the play-off semi-finals. However, this season he’s reached remarkable new heights emerging as a pivotal figure in Paul Heckingbottom’s Blades side. So far this season, the 22-year-old has registered nine goals and two assists in 21 Championship games.

Ndiaye has enjoyed a rather unique journey throughout his career, born in Rouen, France to Senegalese parents, he started his career at Rouen Sapins FC before moving to Rouen. He then spent four years (2010-14) in the Marseille academy before signing with AS Dakar Sacré-Cœur in Senegal. In 2016, Ndiaye signed with Boreham Wood FC where he would stay until 2019 when Sheffield United came calling.

He would spend six months on loan at Hyde United to gain some first-team experience for the latter half of the 2019/20 season. The following season saw then-temporary manager Paul Heckingbottom grant Ndiaye his debut in a heavy 5-0 loss to Leicester City. The rest has become history, becoming a crucial and influential component in Heckingbottom’s 3-5-2 system at Bramall Lane offering great flexibility, attacking variation and dynamism stemming from his versatility in fulfilling a number of positions in attack and his unique tactical understanding that has immediately made him a cult hero in Sheffield.

Ndiaye has formed a devastating attacking partnership with Bramall Lane regular Olie McBurnie in which the duo have already notched 18 Championship goals between them. If Aliou Cisse can provide Ndiaye with similar conditions to thrive, there’s no reason why the one-capped international can become an instant hero on the biggest international stage for Senegal.

XAVI SIMONS – NETHERLANDS

AGE: 19

CLUB: PSV Eindhoven

POSITION: Attacking Midfielder

If you’re an avid follower of football in Europe and all it’s complexities especially within the young and emerging stars department, then you will be fairly familiar with the name Xavi Simons.

The curly-haired and wiry-eyed Dutchman has been a subject of much internet hype in the past, ever since he was a child, playing in Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy, whilst another Xavi, the legendary Spanish midfielder, was still excelling with the club’s senior team.

Developing as a deep-lying midfielder at Barcelona, the Dutchman took the plunge to join French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 and has not looked back since. He’s only gone and transformed himself into fully burgeoning and decisive creative and attacking outlet, back in his home country Netherlands for PSV Eindhoven, after taking the decision to further enhance his development with more opportunities and exposure in the first team.

Without a single senior international appearance to his name, Simons has still managed to catch the eye of one of football’s most revolutionary coaches in Dutchman and current Netherlands boss Louis Van Gaal, and that is an impressive feat for the incredibly gifted 19-year-old.

To put it simply, Simons deserves the call-up and could almost certainly emerge as one of the world’s hottest footballing properties, if he isn’t already. He’s one of them players that conjures up highlight reels on social media because of his unconventional and unique footballing style. A small, nimble player who loves to get on the ball, even in the most congested of spaces and weave his technical excellence, characteristics he’s crafted at youth level both for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

For PSV, the 19-year-old has been successfully utilised as a ’10’ this season. Though, he’s been tasked in fulfilling a number of roles under the tutelage of footballing legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy, some in central midfield as a ‘free-8’ in a 4-3-3, at times as a false-nine but mostly as a no.10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, styles heavily utilised and mastered by the likes Van Gaal in the past.

10 goals and three assists at the time of writing, in his first year at senior level, just four months into a season is exceptional reading. In fact, the Dutchman is exceeding expectations. He’s outperforming his xG (expected goals) of 5.4 by 4.5 and also outperforming his xA (expected assists) of 2.1. Meaning, Simons isn’t just getting himself into great positions to score and create, he’s exceeding the goals and assists probability expected of him.

The World is simply his oyster, and to perform at one of football’s most prestigious competitions will only aid Simons’ development even further. He is a talent you cannot afford to miss, providing he gets the opportunity during the tournament.

KAORU MITOMA – JAPAN

AGE: 25

CLUB: Brighton & Hove Albion

POSITION: Winger

Yet another Brighton & Hove Albion employee on this list, and that says a lot about the work going on behind the scenes in the south east of England. Mitoma is the oldest on this list, but he’s a talent who simply cannot go through this football carnival unnoticed.

Japan possess some exciting footballing products in their weaponry right now and Mitoma is arguably the most exciting to watch. He’s picked up form for De Zerbi’s Seagulls at just the right too which means he enters this tournament with some renewed momentum and confidence and that can only do Japan – arguably one of the competition’s most picked dark horses – the world of good.

It’s also vital to mention that Japan are in arguably the most exciting group at the World Cup – Group E – where they will be mixing it with the likes of Spain, Germany and Costa Rica, and that can only provide Mitoma with the ample opportunity and platform to announce himself on the world stage.

The 25-year-old scored his first Seagulls goal in a 3-2 win over Wolves last weekend, before netting again four days later as his side dumped Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup.

Signed in August 2021, the winger has had to wait for his opportunity at the Amex after notching an impressive 30 goals and 20 assists in 62 appearances for J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale.

He was immediately shipped out on loan to Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise for the 2021-22 campaign — a club owned by Brighton chairman Tony Bloom.

Eight goals and four assists in Brussels was enough to convince former manager Graham Potter to keep him around the first team squad. Though, opportunities were hard to come by, but since De Zerbi’s appointment after Potter joined Chelsea, Mitoma has impressively emerged from the shadows.

Since being named in a Premier League XI for the first time against Chelsea last month, Mitoma has not looked back. An electric and rampant display by the Seagulls saw them inflict a 4-1 defeat on Potter’s Blues on the Englishman’s return to the South Coast and Mitoma was heavily influential.

After a bursting onto the scene for Brighton, he’s now adding goals and assists to his game, contributing to three goals (2 goals , 1 assist) since the Chelsea win. Also, Kevin De Bruyne (3.8) has created more chances per 90 minutes in the Premier League than the Japan international (2.9), while only Allan Saint-Maximin (4.06) has completed more take-ons than his 2.61, highlighting his swift impact on De Zerbi’s men.

Incredibly fast, agile, technically gifted and tricky on the ball, Mitoma is an unpredictable outlet for both Brighton and Japan, it’s amazing to think that the 25-year-old was still fighting for a place in his university team during the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia. Four years on, he could well emerge as one of Japan’s key protagonists in their exciting journey in Qatar.

YUNUS MUSAH – USMNT

AGE: 19

CLUB: Valencia

POSITION: Midfielder/Winger

You can’t form a list of highly coveted young stars to watch out for at a major international tournament without giving the United States of America recognition for their work in moulding some of football’s most hottest young properties.

Coach Gregg Berhalter certainly has a whole host of them in his squad to choose from, but one young man who will be central to his plans in Yunus Musah – a player who could well have been representing England despite being born in New York. The 19-year-old has already made a number bold decisions that has shaped his footballing career till now.

Leaving the Arsenal youth setup to join La Liga outfit Valencia at the age of 16 was one, opting to represent the USA after playing his youth football with England was another one, and looking at his progress right now, those decisions have proven smart and mature choices for a player still developing and plotting his trade at the top level.

Musah used to line up alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Folarin Balogun before opting to leave for Spain and at the La Liga outfit, they believe they have on their books one of the most complete and well-rounded young midfielders on the continent. Ever since he broke into the first team at 17, Musah has gone on to make 82 appearances for Valencia, registering five goals and also more crucially become an important figure for the country of his birth.

“His technical ability is so good,” former USMNT footballer Stuart Holden said of Musah. “He’s a guy that, under pressure, can get out of tight spaces; he has great balance and movement within that; he’s a guy that can link up play and drive the ball forward with his dibbling.”

Indeed, Musah is a technically gifted footballer, but that’s not all, he combines that with stunning tactical understanding, flexible versatility and levels of application that so many of his peers lack, even at the top level. Blossoming at Valencia, he’s emerged as an effective and energetic midfielder disrupter averaging 1.9 tackles per game, and winning 57% of his ground duels whilst also establishing himself as an influential ball-carrier and a calming presence when the ball is at his feet, owing to his capabilities in also playing out wide.

Amongst midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 365 days, Musah ranks in the 92nd percentile for dribbles completed per 90and in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions from dribbles per 90. If Musah can add goals and assists to his gifted arsenal, there’s no reason why he can’t become one of the best midfielders of his generation. His country will need him at his influential best during the tournament.

JESPER LINDSTROM – DENMARK

AGE: 22

CLUB: Eintracht Frankfurt

POSITION: Attacking Midfielder

Denmark will gracefully be another of the World Cup’s dark horses akin to their tremendous form over the past year, especially at Euro 2020 last June where they shocked the whole continent reaching the semi-finals especially after the near-fatal incident involving Christian Eriksen during the competition’s group stages. Their performances then transformed perceptions around the whole nation, also turning head coach Kasper Hjulmand into a cult hero and national celebrity.

Now, expectations have risen, especially with Eriksen continuing to be at the forefront of their aspirations after his health scare, excelling tremendously at Manchester United. However, Danish eyes thankfully won’t just be pinned on him during the World Cup. Hjulmand now possesses a whole batch of game changers, none quite as exciting as the swiftly emerging, incredibly and uniquely gifted Eintracht Frankfurt magician Jesper Lindstrøm.

The 22-year-old has been a revelation since his move to the Europa League winners back in July 2021 from Danish side Brøndby IF. He registered five goals and four assists during the 2021/22 campaign, emerging as a burgeoning young talent in German football. So far this campaign, he’s elevated himself to a whole new ceiling so far contributing seven goals in all competitions.

What has stood Lindstrøm out from his peers is his incredible versatility. He predominantly operates as a right-winger. However, he has played on either wing, as a centre-forward and as a 10 for Frankfurt throughout his emergence in Germany. He isn’t your typical winger, getting to the byline and crossing, he’s a player well-versed in locating dangerous pockets between the lines and consistently hurting the opposition through stunning movement and intricate passing techniques.

The former Brøndby IF maestro has also forged his reputation on electric dribbling and tidy footwork. He is excellent at beating defenders, using either a tricky touch or a clever use of his body to mesmerize opponents and create space. These moves allow him to create a high number of chances for his teammates, but so do his clever passes.

He’s also a true goal threat, as shown by his six goals in the Bundesliga so far, but also him ranking in the 78th percentile amongst attacking midfielders/wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for xG (expected goals) per 90 (0.39) and 86th percentile for non-penalty goals xG per 90 (0.39) highlighting how effective and potent he’s become in front of goal. Goals win you games, especially in international tournaments, and Lindstrøm should ultimately prove an effective and decisive presence when Denmark need him most.

He’d be a terrific outlet in the Premier League, so don’t be surprised to see him linked with some English top flight clubs, providing he excels in the coming weeks.

YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO – GERMANY

AGE: 17

CLUB: Borussia Dortmund

POSITION: Striker

Timo Werner’s injury at RB Leipzig has proven a cruel and crucial blow for Hansi Flick, especially as the Germany head coach has always been a big fan of the former Chelsea forward, even despite his numerous detractors.

However, noises around Werner’s injury haven’t lasted for long, the Germans possess a devastating blend of attacking weaponry in their arsenal including a 17-year-old forward who is simply getting better with every passing week.

Without a senior international cap to his name, Youssoufa Moukoko has proven too hot and too good for Flick to ignore, rewarding him with his first senior call up, not for a meager friendly, no, for an international footballing carnival, the World Cup – the grandest stage in football. A platform Moukoko, despite his tender age simply deserves to grace.

Six goals and four assists in all competitions for the 17-year-old makes for incredible reading, especially considering Borussia Dortmund have been struggling for an accomplished presence up front, since Sebastian Haller’s cancer diagnosis. Moukoko has swiftly come in to the fold, and set the whole of the Bundesliga alight.

No player has reached 10 league goals at a younger age than the 17-year-old. More importantly for both Germany and Dortmund, Moukoko has proven himself a rapidly maturing striker who can make things happen all on his own. The forward’s movement of the ball, work rate, ability to play between the lines, decision-making and devastating finishing levels are unlike many we’ve seen especially amongst players as young as he is.

You know you are a decorated footballing nation when you can call upon talents such as Moukoko to stand-in and replace the likes of Timo Werner. Moukoko may just prove the difference maker for Hansi Flick’s side at the World Cup, who knows, maybe the footballing gods have a script especially tailored for the flawless 17-year-old.

DIOGO COSTA – PORTUGAL

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

AGE: 23

CLUB: FC Porto

POSITION: Goalkeeper

Another one of the dark horses at this World Cup, even though they can be considered as one of the competition’s favourites. Portugal do in fact enter this winter showpiece possessing one of the most complete and talented squads. And an area which has undergone a stark change in Fernando Santos’ talented group is in between the sticks.

When you’re imminently chosen to replace Rui Patricio as Portugal’s number one goalkeeper, you know you’re a special talent capable of keeping the whole nation’s destiny in your hands, and that man is FC Porto’s tremendous and decorated young goalkeeper Diogo Costa who is enjoying a sensational campaign and is now being considered one of Europe’s best in between the sticks.

Costa is even now drawing favourable comparisons to Vitor Baia, a predecessor with both Porto and Portugal in the 1990s.

His distance kicking, building from the back and ability to be active against crosses are his standard qualities but it is his penalty record that has truly made the 23-year-old a stand out goalkeeper on the continent. It is why Manchester United reportedly want to make Costa their number one goalkeeper to replace David De Gea for the long term.

Last month Costa became the first goalkeeper since Opta began in the 2002/3 campaign, to save three penalties in a single Champions League season.

Also, the opposition have only scored 15 of the 26 penalties he has faced in his senior career. The average penalty conversion rate is around 76 per cent, but it is only 57 per cent against Costa.

In his seven caps for Portugal, the Porto shot stopper has conceded just three goals. At the age of just 23, Portugal possess a goalkeeper they can rely on for the next 10-15 years, who knows he may be the one that finally hands them a World Cup gong.

MOHAMMED KUDUS – GHANA

AGE: 22

CLUB: Ajax

POSITION: Attacking Midfielder

After a dreadful African Cup of Nations campaign where Ghana were knocked out in the group stages after losing two of their three games and drawing the other, the Black Stars will be hoping they can provide their nation with some pride at the World Cup.

In all fairness head coach Otto Addo has been dealt a tough hand, where they will meet Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay in Group H – one of the more exciting groups in the whole competition. Ghana head into the tournament the least likely to make it out an incredibly difficult group, but this is tournament football. Anything can happen.

In order for the Black Stars to both impress, and possibly cause a World Cup fairytale upset as they did in South Africa 2010, they will certainly need their most talented stars out on the pitch. Something they failed to do back in February at AFCON. One man missing from that competition and is arguably their most in form player in the lead up to the tournament is Ajax’ Mohammed Kudus.

The 22-year-old attacker has enjoyed a sensational start to the 2022/23 campaign, registering 10 goals and 2 assists in all competitions for the Dutch giants. Kudus also has five goals and three assists in his 18 caps, and is a graduate of Ghana’s famous Right To Dream academy.

While Kudus is predominantly an attacking midfielder, he’s featured as a very influential and tactically masterful false-nine in Alfred Schreuder’s Ajax side, taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.5 key passes and completing 1.6 successful dribbles per game.

His ability to drop into dangerous pockets of space, link play but also be a threat in behind opposition defences makes him a unique commodity in the Black Stars setup, and there is an argument to be made that Addo surely has to build his team around the qualities of the 22-year-old maestro. He is their most in-form player heading into the tournament, and is certainly the one to watch alongside Kamaldeen Sulemana.

NICO WILLIAMS – SPAIN

(Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

AGE: 20

CLUB: Athletico Bilbao

POSITION: Winger

While his older brother has chosen to represent Ghana in Qatar, Nico Williams could argue that he could be the one spending the longest time on the World’s most prestigious stage and is the more likely to create history.

And that is not only down to the qualities Luis Enrique possesses in his Spanish armada but also down to the wonderful and exciting footballing gifts that the 20-year-old harnesses.

Williams has enjoyed a stunning season so far at Athletico Bilbao in the Spanish top-flight, registering three goals and three assists in what is his breakthrough campaign as a senior player.

And amongst Enrique’s quality arsenal, Williams possesses a talent that is unlike the rest.

The 20-year-old is certainly one to watch because of his amazing trickery, speed, acceleration, his ability to weave past defenders most especially in 1v1 duels.

Williams so far this season is averaging 1.4 key passes per game, and has created two big chances. He isn’t just a dribble merchant, but a player capable of beating his man and also providing the telling passes, qualities which may prove crucial for Spain as they attempt to breach and disrupt low blocks against their possession-based style.

YOUSSOUF FOFANA – FRANCE

AGE: 23

CLUB: AS Monaco

POSITION: Defensive Midfield

World Cup holders France may well be without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante for this winters tournament, but Didier Deschamps and his side are very much in safe hands in midfield.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are both catching the eye at Real Madrid this season, but it’s another midfield player that could prove crucial to France’s chances and is arguably the younger version of the legend that is Kante, and that man is AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.

The hard-working and swash-buckling 23-year-old formed an effective engine-room duo with Tchouameni at Monaco last term and has shown promising signs in his two international appearances so far that he could be the man to fill the huge gaping void created by Kante’s absence.

Born in Paris, Fofana like so many of his peers broke free from the struggles to make an impression at Paris Saint-Germain, in order to hone his craft and trade elsewhere.

After being released by the national academy at Clairefontaine aged 13, he bounced around clubs both at Red Star FC and JA Drancy before being picked up by RC Strasbourg Alsace in 2017. Le Racing handed him his Ligue 1 Uber Eats debut a year later, in a 1-0 win over FC Metz.

After an impressive season-and-a-half in the Strasbourg first team, Monaco snapped him up in January 2020, signing both Fofana and Tchouaméni from Strasbourg and Girondins de Bordeaux respectively for a combined €35m, and the pair quickly formed one of the most formidable midfield partnerships in France.

Fofana made his international bow against Austria in September, and did not look out of place, expertly breaking up play with such sublime aggression, and assuredness whilst also providing a valuable and influential source in France’s build-up play. The 23-year-old is a midfield freight-train, powerfully built and capable of fulfilling a number of roles in midfield; as a dynamic box-to-box presence as well as a destructive defensive midfielder.

On his France debut, he impressively won 12 out of his 14 duels, showcasing his tremendous qualities to break up opposition attacks, something Kante has forged his reputation on. He’s averaged 0.9 interceptions, and 2.6 tackles per game for Monaco so far this season, but also holds the qualities to provide for his teammates in possession averaging 0.7 key passes and creating two big chances. During the 2021/22 campaign, he provided the fourth most through balls (19) of any player in Ligue 1.

Kante’s absence is a cruel blow for the French, but they needn’t worry as they possess a ready-made replacement in Youssouf Fofana.

ANTONIO SILVA – PORTUGAL

AGE: 19

CLUB: Benfica

POSITION: Centre-Back

Wonderkid defender Antonio Silva has swiftly gone from making his first team debut for Portuguese giants Benfica in August to becoming one of the most sought-after centre-backs on the continent, in just a matter of months.

His deserved call-up to Portugal’s squad is a just reward for his tremendous performances and the maturity and consistency he’s exerted ever since his first professional appearance for Benfica.

Standing at 6’2” (188cm), Silva possesses a searing physical presence especially for his tender age, and he uses it incredibly to his advantage, winning many of his aerial duels and physical battles with strikers.

Perhaps his best attributes, though, are ones tied with most modern day centre-backs.

His anticipation of when to step in and make a challenge or interception is outstanding for a player of his age, and during the early weeks of his first-team career he has regularly snuffed out attacks with well-time interventions.

He is also extremely comfortable when in possession, with his mid-to-long passing ability a real standout part of his game.

Silva has so far featured in 10 of Benfica’s 13 Liga Nos games and in all six of their Champions League group stage already highlighting just how crucial he is to the The Eagles, even though he’s only been apart of the squad for all of just four months.

Picking up an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.45, he’s bagged two league goals, successfully completed 92% of his passes, contributed to five clean sheets, averaging 1.7 interceptions, and 2.0 tackles per game. As mentioned previously, Silva is a dominant presence in the air, winning an astonishing 72% of his aerial duels at a rate 2.3 duels per game.

The 19-year-old who has been linked with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool following a series of matured and dominant performances against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus in this season’s UEFA Champions League, could well force his way into Fernando Santos’ Portugal XI during the tournament, and with Pepe not getting any younger, Seleção have already found his heir apparent in the Benfica academy product.

ZENO DEBAST – BELGIUM

AGE: 19

CLUB: R.S.C Anderlecht

POSITION: Centre-Back

If you’re frequent watchers of the Belgian international team, we can almost predict that you’ve grown tired of constantly seeing the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Dedryck Boyata lining up in Roberto Martinez’ three-man defence.

Isn’t time they finally move on from the so-called Golden Generation? Out with the old and in with the new? Well, if you’ve ever doubted whether Belgium have any heirs in their centre-back pool, then you’re totally wrong.

We’ve got to give an honorable mention to Leicester City’s Wout Faes who has taken to the rigors of Premier League like a duck to water since his move to the King Power from Stade Reims over the summer, and he will certainly become a prominent figure for Belgium, hopefully at this tournament, and certainly beyond.

And there’s another talented and gifted young diamond in the Belgium centre-back talent pool and that’s Anderlecht’s 19-year-old rock Zeno Debast. Highly regarded and a much publicized wonderkid in Belgium, Debast was rewarded for his phenomenal performances for Anderlecht with a dream call-up to the World Cup squad, and there’s no doubt that Debast won’t be around to just fill the quota in Martinez’ 26-man squad.

Born in Halle to a football-mad family, with both his parents playing to a decent level, he joined the Anderlecht academy at the age of six.

A boyhood fan of the Purple and White, Debast was often initially deployed as an attacking midfielder, not least because of his diminutive stature.

It was not until 2019, when Debast, in the midst of a growth spurt, was moved back into defence, and he hasn’t looked back since.

He made his first-team debut for Anderlecht in May 2021, and followed that up with six further appearances over the next 12 months as Vincent Kompany slowly introduced him into the senior ranks.

Incredibly robust, mobile and very adept and progressive on the ball, owing to his past life as a creative midfielder. He possesses a superb range of passing, and can regularly be seen pinging balls across the pitch in a bid to launch Anderlecht attacks.

He is also a confident dribbler, and more often than not finds himself carrying the ball over the halfway line and even into the final third when given space to drive forward by the opposition. Debast is also incredibly skillful too. Standing at 6’2 (189cm), he is adept in the air and has shown enough in his short career to suggest that he is not shy of a tackle either.

Having learned under Kompany at Anderlecht, it is perhaps fitting that Debast has been tipped to become the next great Belgian defender, and he certainly has that in his locker. The future is in fact bright in the Belgium defence.

JEWISON BENNETTE – COSTA RICA

AGE: 18

CLUB: Sunderland

POSITION: Winger

The youngest player to ever represent Costa Rica having made his international debut in August 2021, Bennette has already earned himself some European recognition after his move to Sky Bet Championship side Sunderland over the summer.

The 18-year-old will be looking to announce himself on the world stage for Costa Rica, and he’ll be given the perfect World Cup platform to do just that with his country placed in the same group as Spain, Germany and Japan.

Bennette has made an encouraging start to his Sunderland career in the Championship and his form heading into the tournament has been promising too. He provided the assist for Joel Campbell to score the goal that sealed their place in Qatar during their play-off win over New Zealand, before bagging the first international goals of his career with a brace against South Korea in September.

Bennette is certainly one of the most promising teenagers to watch at the tournament.

Barclays Premier League Gameweek 21: Previews & Predictions

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.

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 promoted club.

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

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

Assessing Aston Villa’s resurgence: new manager bounce or Gerrard masterstroke?

Assessing Aston Villa’s resurgence: new manager bounce or Gerrard masterstroke?

Aston Villa’s rather controversial decision to sack Dean Smith after five straight Premier League defeats is looking more justified and inspired by the day.

After all the former Brentford, and now current Norwich City boss built at Villa Park, it would have been perfectly understandable for certain sections of the Villa faithful to be insipid about the decision to relieve Smith of his duties considering how far he brought such a prestigious club.

But, nowadays we live in a results business. There’s others who could argue the writing was always on the wall for Dean Smith, after much of the excitement, optimism and hope at Villa grew stale and the general feeling, it was time for an inevitable change.

Soon after the sacking though, the reports of Steven Gerrard – Liverpool’s club legend – taking over was met with much anticipation and approval considering all he had achieved in Scotland at Rangers.

Two games into Gerrard’s tenure and the new man at the helm has tasted successive victories. It’s still very early days but it seems as though Aston Villa are back on the rise.

During Smith’s latter days, Villa had been disorganized, lacking inspiration, almost motionless and forgotten how to win. However, much of that has changed in such a short space of time.

After two games under Steven Gerrard, they’ve been more resilient, tougher to beat, resurgent, forming a new and aggressive way of approaching matches.

So, what can we put it all down to? Is it that expected new manager bounce or has it been Gerrard’s managerial and coaching excellence. On the surface, it seems a mixture of the two.

In training under the new regime, there’s reportedly been an increased emphasis on building up play through the central areas, with the attacking trio remaining compact, sturdy and linking up with each other with enthusiasm and efficiency.

This was put into action in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and so it proved effective.

Not only have Villa turned around their woeful form by making a change at the top, but they’ve also started to positively overhaul the playing style in just a matter of weeks. It seems as though Gerrard has reverted back to basics especially defensively as a unit.

That’s what worked last term where they stayed compact as a unit, every facet of the starting XI working together to close down open spaces, defending as one mixed and meshed with the added brilliance of former star man Jack Grealish, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn.

If those same foundations were proved in the hard-fought win over Brighton at Villa Park, then the follow up success over Patrick Vieira’s exciting Palace team was clearly more down to careful, intentional and considered planning.

According to reports week one under the new management involved staggered training sessions, individual talks, group meetings and taking in an under-23 game – the supposed definition of going back to simplicity and the basics. Some sessions were reportedly switched to the afternoon as Gerrard blitzed through other tasks in the mornings.

Week two involved more tailor-made and intentional work: extensive planning around a much narrower shape that would thwart Crystal Palace’s threat and stop opponents playing through central areas with ease.

Plus, it involved building blocks for a longer-term project to finally transform Aston Villa into a team that seeks to dominate much of the match territory through prolonged periods of possession.

Steven Gerrard has been looking to get his instructions and messages across to the players rather swiftly, even through the distraction of the international break. A schedule was reportedly devised for those who traveled with their respective countries and for those who stayed behind.

Also, club discipline and sets of rules increased especially in punctuality and player conduct. Within the canteen, items including desserts, table sauces and sausages were removed as closer attention turned to diet and nutrition.

It was made pretty clear that the form that had occured before the new regime would be put on the back burner, out of players minds and a chance to start their season again. Players have been reminded of their qualities and that they were much better than recent results and their disappointing standing in the league table had suggested.

The plan before the season started, with some exciting new additions in the transfer window was that the club were planning to take that next step and challenge for the Europa League places this coming campaign, and after an inspired start especially their tremendous win over Manchester United at Old Trafford much of that optimism was showing until results and form depleted rather rapidly.

Under Gerrard though, players have responded well. One man who has quickly caught the eye is former Manchester United player Ashley Young.

His drive, determination and experience has stood out amongst the adversity. So too did his running statistics and work-rate, which still stack up favourably — even as the one of the oldest players in the team. That he made a telling impact off the bench in the 2-0 win over Brighton also highlighted his value to the team.

Young set up Matt Targett’s opener against Crystal Palace, producing a superb display as one of the attacking three alongside Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins. He has assisted more goals in the Premier League for Villa than any other player.

How Villa lined up against Crystal Palace

Players like Ollie Watkins have also responded well to Gerrard’s management, showcasing his fierce desire to improve especially in front of goal, and that desire to get better was highlighted through his expert and sumptuous finish against Brighton in Gerrard’s first game. That Watkins scored the first goal of the new era was fitting as a result of his style which Gerrard is very expectant of.

Captain Tyrone Mings was also reminded of his qualities and leadership when Gerrard first came in, and he’s already looked every inch the player Aston Villa rely on so heavily to lead them. John McGinn, with his “bubbly and infectious” character, but workhorse mentality and doggedness on the pitch has managed to maintain his rapid performance levels.

Another player who has increased his levels considerably looking every bit a Premier League player is Marvelous Nakamba. The midfielder showed glimpses of his combative qualities under Dean Smith but never enjoyed a sustained run in the team with Douglas Luiz and John McGinn Smith’s most trusted lieutenants in the middle of the park.

Against Palace, Nakamba put in a stunning showing in defensive midfield, and gained a number of plaudits for his performance. He won possession 10 times and broke up play in a way that provided the more forward thinking players the foundations to thrive in attack. “His performance for the team was massive,” Gerrard said post-match.

These are starting to feel like happy times again at Villa Park. And, if Gerrard and his staff can get Villa so organised and difficult to beat in just two weeks, then how good can they be in future when his plans and tactics are fully implemented?

Villa were certainly not attractive on the eye against Brighton but yet they found a way to win and if they are to challenge for those European places then winning when they don’t necessarily deserve it will have to be a common theme, though down at Palace, there was much more to appreciate.

It was in fact a tactical masterclass by Gerrard who outmaneuvered and outthought his former Premier League rival Patrick Vieira. Villa managed to reduce the gaps between defence, midfield and attack to stay tight and compact, not allowing the likes of Michael Olise, Wilf Zaha and Conor Gallagher the room or freedom to operate in.

Gerrard used the 4-3-2-1 formation to great effect at Rangers and has already been drilling his Villa side into a similar system. Off the ball, it’s all about dictating the game and protecting the middle of the pitch, and that’s what they did against Palace, springing traps in the wide areas trying to get their opponents to play through the middle then stifling their progress. 

For example:

The wide players cut inside to play more like No 10s and the full-backs occasionally offer width in attack. With Olise, Eze and Zaha all looking to roam into half-spaces and create, Villa immediately closed down the areas they seeked to operate in, halting much of their attacking play.

Going forward, Gerrard has been specifically intentional working on particular patterns of play providing his team with an identity and a way of playing, forming a strong basis for the future. They largely consisted of building through central areas with McGinn and Jacob Ramsey supporting Young, Watkins and Leon Bailey in attack.

Rather than staying wide acting as proper wingers, both the players behind Watkins will at times alternate in dropping in those deep areas to pick up the ball and either drive with the ball or link with full-backs and fellow onrushing midfielders as shown in the image below:

Matty Cash and Matt Targett going forward under Gerrard’s tutelage will be tasked with more attacking responsibility as the weeks go by, offering width to allow the wide no.10s such as Bailey, Young, Buendia or El Ghazi to freely operate in the half-spaces just like Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo, Ianis Hagi performed for Gerrard during his time at the Ibrox.

Don’t be surprised to find either of those players in Aston Villa colours during 2022.

It was instances such as this that culminated in Villa’s second goal at Selhurst Park, a wonderful strike from McGinn on the edge of the area that sealed the win and sparked more wild scenes amongst Gerrard’s coaching staff.

Indeed Gerrard isn’t getting too carried away with his instant impact and progress at the helm. There are tough tests to come, not least a home game against Manchester City on Wednesday, but its clear that the former Rangers coach is laying the foundations for a bright future at Aston Villa.

Yes, the Villa players have been rejuvenated, a by-product of a new manager arriving but their recent form is also a product of Gerrard’s new rules and implementations on the training pitch and across the whole club.

This seems like a new Aston Villa. One which Dean Smith had a big hand in forming and shaping, but its now time for a new man to carry on those efforts and lead the club into a new exciting era.

The first two wins is a perfect picture of the kind of team Gerrard wants to build at Villa Park, and the swift seeds he has planted in his few weeks in charge are already bearing fruit.

Steven Gerrard must be given much credit for Villa’s current rejuvenation.

Barclays Premier League Matchday 12: Preview & Predictions

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.

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

Barclays Premier League: Game-week 10 Previews and Predictions

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.

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.

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.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

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

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

Crystal Palace vs Leicester City: Match Preview

Crystal Palace vs Leicester City: Match Preview

KICK OFF: Sunday 3rd October 2021, 14:00PM

MATCH PREVIEW:

Two sides who have struggled for some consistency so far this season as Crystal Palace host Leicester City at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Eagles have taken six points from their opening six games, while Leicester City have accumulated a point more from the same amount of fixtures.

Brendan Rodgers’ men have won just two of their six league games this term, most recently losing to Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion prior to drawing 2-2 with Burnley last time out.

The Foxes have also been out of character in Europe, picking up on a point from their opening two UEFA Europa League group games against Napoli and Legia Warsaw, they fell 1-0 away to the latter in midweek.

A win on Sunday will be crucial and much needed for Leicester City in order to boost morale heading into the upcoming international break.

However, Leicester City have won just one of their last five away league games against Crystal Palace and Sunday afternoon’s fixture will certainly prove a difficult test for Brendan Rodgers and his floundering team.

The Eagles are are also unbeaten in their last four games under Patrick Vieira, beating Tottenham Hotpsur either side of draws to Brentford and Brighton.

Palace were made to rue their missed chances at Selhurst against neighbours Brighton, that draw with will very much feel like two points dropped, as they conceded to a brilliant 95th-minute strike from Neal Maupay.

It had indeed been a mixed start for Patrick Vieira at his new club, but he can certainly take much more positives than negatives in his opening six Premier League games as Palace boss.

A win over Leicester City could well give Vieira and his men the impetus and confidence they need to progress even further in their development.

The good news for Palace is that Leicester have lost each of their last three away games against London clubs, most recently going down 4-1 to West Ham United last month.

PREMIER LEAGUE FORM (last six games):

Crystal Palace: LDDWLD

Leicester City: DLDWLD

MATCH FACTS:

  • Leicester City are unbeaten in all four Premier League matches against Crystal Palace under Brendan Rodgers (W3, D1). The Foxes had lost the four previous league meetings under Claude Puel.
  • However, the Foxes have won just one of their past five away matches at Selhurst Park.
  • Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their three home league games this season, conceding just one goal at Selhurst Park.
  • They could avoid defeat in their opening four home fixtures for just the second time in 25 seasons.
  • Leicester City have won only five of their past 15 league fixtures, including two of six this season.
  • The Foxes can equal their longest Premier League winless run of four matches under manager Brendan Rodgers, set in February 2020.
  • They have kept one clean sheet in 12 league games.

TEAM NEWS:

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira will select from an unchanged squad.

Former Leicester player Jeffrey Schlupp returned from a hamstring injury as a substitute against Brighton on Monday night.

Odsonne Edouard and Luka Milivojevic were brought into the side as the Eagles’ only two changes for the Brighton match, but Vieira has still yet to find his preferred XI.

Leicester City

Leicester City pair Jonny Evans and Wilfred Ndidi are both unavailable to face the Eagles.

Evans has been struggling with illness and a foot problem, while Ndidi is set to be missing for several weeks because of a hamstring injury.

Leicester can at least call upon striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who was unable to enter Poland for Thursday’s Europa League game due to a problem with his travel documents.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

Crystal Palace:

Leicester City:

SCORE PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 1-2 Leicester City

Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion: Match Preview

Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion: Match Preview

KICK OFF: Monday 27th September 2021, 8PM

PREVIEW:

Selhurst Park plays host to Patrick Vieira’s first M23 derby on Monday evening as Crystal Palace and Brighton lock horns, concluding the latest round of Premier League fixtures.

Graham Potter’s impressive Brighton unit could end the day top of the Barclays Premier League table if they come away with the three points in South London, and Vieira and his men will want to put that ambition to the sword as Palace aim to redeem their fortunes after losing 3-0 to Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

After their thrilling 3-0 triumph over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur, the Eagles were quickly brought crashing back down to earth at Anfield, where Liverpool notched up a trio of unanswered goals to temporarily halt Vieira’s momentum.

Palace were starting to build up a head of steam with four points from their London derbies against Tottenham and West Ham United before their humbling at Anfield, and a total of five points from their opening five fixtures sees them occupy 15th place in the Premier League standings before they kick off against rivals Brighton.

However, Vieira’s side have managed to navigate their first two home games unbeaten without conceding a goal, and following their early EFL Cup exit at the hands of Watford, the Eagles – unlike most of their top-flight counterparts – have no midweek fatigue to contend with.

Not since the days of the Ian Holloway have Palace kept three clean sheets in their first three home league games of a domestic season, and that mettle will be extremely tested against Graham Potter’s inspired outfit.

For much of last season, Brighton may not have always garnered the results their performances deserved, but the Seagulls are currently in dreamland after a superb start to the campaign, with 12 points from their opening five games this season.

After claiming a hugely impressive 2-1 win over Leicester City in their last Premier League battle, the Seagulls swooped to sink Swansea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening, as Aaron Connolly’s double sealed his side’s progress into the fourth round.

Only Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool have taken more points than Brighton so far this term – but they could overtake all those clubs including Manchester City providing they beat their M23 derby rivals – but their tally of seven goals scored is by far the fewest in the top six.

Nevertheless, Brighton have only conceded four goals at the other end of the pitch and have plenty of reasons to be optimistic ahead of the first M23 derby of the season, especially seeing as they have a 100% success rate on the road this term with wins over Burnley, Brentford and Cardiff City.

The Seagulls head to the capital winless in four against Palace, though, with Roy Hodgson’s side claiming a 2-1 win during the last meeting at the Amex in February, but the last two meetings between the sides at Selhurst Park have finished 1-1.

With both sides much improved since their last meeting, this game could well be the most enthralling M23 derby in a long while.

PREMIER LEAGUE FORM:

Crystal Palace: LDDWL

Brighton & Hove Albion: WWLWW

TEAM NEWS:

Crystal Palace:

Patrick Vieira has confirmed that Jeffrey Schlupp will be in contention to feature in Monday night’s game, but long-term absentees Nathan Ferguson and Eberechi Eze are still out continuing their road to recovering.

Odsonne Edouard’s quickfire double against Spurs did not earn him a start over Christian Benteke at Anfield, but the former Celtic man will certainly hope to feature from the off here after Benteke’s current poor form.

Fellow new signing Michael Olise has performed some impressive cameos from the bench but is unlikely to feature from the start.

Brighton & Hove Albion:

Brighton, meanwhile, are sweating over the fitness of star midfielder Yves Bissouma and new recruit Enock Mwepu, with the former though to have a stronger chance of featuring from the first whistle.

Alexis Mac Allister should also be okay to feature after a back scare, while Tariq Lamptey got 45 minutes under his belt against Swansea in midweek, but Adam Webster is out until after the international break.

Connolly has put himself into contention for a start with his game-winning brace against Swansea, but neither Neal Maupay nor Leandro Trossard are expected to concede their places after impressive individual performances so far this campaign.

MATCH FACTS:

  • Crystal Palace are unbeaten in the four most recent league meetings (W2, D2), though both victories in this run have come away from home.
  • Brighton have won just one of their previous seven away fixtures against Crystal Palace but they are unbeaten in their last three games at Selhurst Park.
  • Palace’s only victory in their past 12 Premier League matches on a Monday was February’s 2-1 win against Brighton (D3, L8).
  • Brighton could win their opening three away matches in a top-flight season for the first time.
  • Last season it took Brighton 21 matches to record four league wins.
  • Wilfried Zaha has scored seven goals against Brighton, the joint highest figure of his career against any side.
  • Zaha has scored four goals in his last four appearances against the Seagulls at Selhurst Park.

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Crystal Palace:

Brighton & Hove Albion:

SCORE PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion