Tag: Everton

Premier League: Matchday 8 Preview & Predictions

Premier League: Matchday 8 Preview & Predictions

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

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

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

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

Watford vs Liverpool, Saturday 12.30pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

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

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

SCORE PREDICTION: Watford 1-3 Liverpool

Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers, 3:00PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

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

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

SCORE PREDICTION: Aston Villa 1-1 Wolves

Leicester City vs Manchester United, 3:00PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

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

Manchester United: De Gea (GK); Wan Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Matic, Greenwood, Fernandes, Pogba; Ronaldo

SCORE PREDICTION: Leicester City 2-1 Manchester United

Manchester City vs Burnley, 3:00PM

Manchester City will aim to make an immediate return to winning ways in the Premier League when they take on Burnley at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.

The reigning champions played out a pulsating 2-2 draw with Liverpool last time out, while Sean Dyche’s side could only take a point from their clash with Norwich City.

A 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their most recent European battle means that City head into Saturday’s game aiming to avoid a third game without a win in all competitions, but they remain unbeaten at home this season and have kept four Premier League clean sheets in succession at the Etihad, the most recent of which came in a goalless draw with Southampton.

Only leaders Chelsea have also conceded a league-low three goals so far this season, and not since 2010 have City failed to score in successive home matches in the Premier League – a streak which is highly unlikely to end anytime soon as they come up against Sean Dyche’s warriors.

Their result at Carrow Road was certainly not have been the same engrossing spectacle as Liverpool-City, as neither side could find a way through in a 0-0 draw which extended their winless runs in the top flight.

That result did represent Norwich’s first point of the new season, but Burnley will be aware that they have passed up a golden opportunity to put their first win on the board as they struggle to break away from the other relegation candidates.

Burnley travel to the Etihad having lost their last eight in a row against Man City in all competitions – scoring only once in that miserable streak – and each of the last four fixtures at the Etihad between the two clubs has ended 5-0 to the hosts.

MATCH FACT: Manchester City can be the first team in English football to win five straight home matches against an opposition by 5+ goals.

KEY MEN: Phil Foden (City) & Maxwell Cornet (Burnley)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

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

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

SCORE PREDICTION: Manchester City 3-0 Burnley

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

Brighton & Hove Albion come into this game in tremendous form, unbeaten in their last six Premier League games, although their draw against Arsenal before the international break should really have been a win considering the amount of chances they created on the evening.

Graham Potter will be hoping his side do not revert back to last seasons antics, creating chances but not finding the back of the net. Top scorer Neal Maupay already has four Premier League goals to his name in seven appearances

Potter’s men sit sixth in the table, and could find themselves in the Premier League top four come Saturday evening with a win over strugglers Norwich City who are still yet to record their first win so far this campaign.

Their home draw over Burnley ended a run of six straight defeats, but Daniel Farke’s men would be in a real hole if they do not register points on the board in the coming weeks.

MATCH FACT: Brighton have won both their Premier League meetings against Norwich, with Leandro Trossard involved in all three goals

KEY MEN: Teemu Pukki (Norwich) & Neal Maupay (Brighton)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

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

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

SCORE PREDICTION: Norwich 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

Southampton vs Leeds United, 3:00PM

Leeds United will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League when they head to St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon to take on Southampton.

The Whites are currently 16th in the table, having picked up six points from their opening seven matches, while Southampton occupy 17th, two points behind their opponents in this game, and without a single victory to their name so far this campaign.

Southampton’s position of 17th is far from ideal, and their issues in front of goal this season is still a big worry having just score five goals in their seven games. But, there is a lot of football to be played this season, and Hasenhuttl will have been encouraged by certain aspects of his team’s early-season performances.

The Saints have actually lost their last three games against Leeds in all competitions, though, including both Premier League meetings between the two teams last term, and they have not overcome the Whites on home soil since August 2011 in the second tier of English football.

Leeds, meanwhile, finally picked up their first Premier League win of the season before the international break, with Diego Llorente’s first-half effort seeing them record a 1-0 victory over Watford at Elland Road.

Bielsa’s men have won one, drawn three and lost three of their first seven matches of the campaign to collect six points, which has left them in 16th position in the table ahead of the next set of fixtures.

It is not quite the start that Leeds would have had in mind considering their success last term, but they now have a run of winnable matches, facing Southampton, Wolves and Norwich City in their next three.

Leeds remarkably won 10 away games in the Premier League last term, meanwhile, and will certainly believe that their free-flowing football can cause Southampton problems once again, but there has also been a lot of space for teams to operate in against the Whites this term, suggesting that this may well be an entertaining contest.

MATCH FACT: Leeds United have 14 PL wins over Southampton including two last season, their most against any a single opponent.

KEY MEN: Adam Armstrong (Saints) & Raphinha (Leeds)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Southampton: McCarthy (GK); Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters; Walcott, Romeu, Diallo, Elyounoussi; Armstrong, Redmond

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

SCORE PREDICTION: Southampton 1-1 Leeds United

Brentford vs Chelsea, 5:30PM

Chelsea will aim to cement their position atop the Premier League rankings but face no easy task in doing so this weekend against a fired-up and an impressive Brentford side in Saturday evening’s London derby.

Thomas Tuchel’s side eased past Southampton before the international break registering a 3-1 win, while the Bees got the better of West Ham United 2-1 at the London Stadium.

Thomas Frank’s men have taken points against Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham, and will be hoping Chelsea will be amongst those prestigious results.

Seeking to establish themselves as Premier League mainstays during the first few weeks of the season, Brentford’s Premier League success story is earning a few more superb chapters, with the Bees following up their pulsating 3-3 draw with Liverpool with a 2-1 win at West Ham before the international break.

Brentford’s stellar start to the season is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, and having taken seven points from their last three games, Thomas Frank’s side have risen to seventh in the table – above the likes of Leicester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The hosts’ only defeat so far this season did come on home soil, though – 1-0 against another surprise package in Brighton & Hove Albion – but having beaten Arsenal and drawn with Liverpool on their own patch, Chelsea can hardly travel across the capital expecting a routine three points.

With Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton all playing out draws in game-week seven, Chelsea’s comfortable 3-1 win over Southampton has seen them surge to the top of the rankings with 16 points taken from a possible 21 so far this term.

Desperate to add a top-flight title to his European crown at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel’s staunch and resolute defence has conceded a joint-low three league goals this term – level with champions Man City – and the German coach has lost just one of his 12 away games in the Premier League since taking over at Chelsea.

Tuchel’s men are strong favourites for the Premier League gong this season after their successful capture and return of Romelu Lukaku, who has three league goals to his name and will be looking to follow that up in the coming weeks.

Not since the 1938-39 season have Brentford prevailed against Chelsea in any competition, with the Blues marching to successive 4-0 FA Cup wins in the 2012-13 and 2016-17 seasons, although the victory in the former season came during a replay after an initial 2-2 draw.

MATCH FACT: Chelsea could be the first team in English football to get seven straight London derby away wins.

KEY MEN: Ivan Toney (Brentford) & Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Brentford: Raya (GK); Zanka, Jansson, Pinnock; Canos, Norgaard, Onyeka, Jensen, Henry; Toney, Mbeumo

Chelsea: Mendy (GK); Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Christensen; James, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku

SCORE PREDICTION: Brentford 1-3 Chelsea

Everton vs West Ham United, Sunday 14:00PM

Everton will be hoping to continue their impressive start to the season under new manager Rafael Benitez when they welcome West Ham United to Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

Heading into this weekend’s fixtures, Everton are fifth in the table, only two points off top spot, while the Irons occupy ninth place and are just three points behind Sunday’s opponents.

Appointing Benitez, who was in charge of Everton’s arch-rivals Liverpool from 2004-2010, was always going to be a risky move by the club’s owners, but it appears to have paid off with the Toffees making a strong start to the campaign.

Players like Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray and Abdoulaye Doucouré have undergone a stark rejuvenation under Benitez’ management, and even without the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Seamus Coleman have they still managed to pick up impressive points especially against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a game which Everton could well have taken three points on another day.

Home form has been key to Everton’s solid start and they boast a 100 per cent record at Goodison Park this season, beating Burnley, Southampton and Norwich, but they have only managed to keep one clean sheet during this run and that should offer hope to West Ham.

The Hammers are unbeaten on their travels across all competitions this term, winning four times and drawing once, and they have failed to score in only one of those matches. David Moyes and his men will be looking to get back to winning ways after disappointing home defeat to Brentford in injury-time.

Benitez has often been seen as a pragmatic manager, creating a solid base to build from and trying to nick games by the odd goal, but his Everton side have found the back of the net 13 times in seven league matches. Only five teams have scored more.

West Ham are one of them, netting 14 times, but they have also looked fragile in defence and are one of 11 teams already in double figures for goals conceded.

An entertaining and intriguing affair is expected at Goodison Park this Sunday.

MATCH FACT: Everton can win their opening four league matches at Goodison Park for the first time since 1978.

KEY MEN: Andros Townsend (Everton) & Michail Antonio (West Ham)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

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

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

SCORE PREDICTION: Everton 2-2 West Ham United

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur, 4:30PM

Newcastle are set to usher in a new era against Tottenham with this match set to be the first under their respective new owners, however the club remains in the bottom three and without a win in their seven league games so far. Steve Bruce’s immediate future at St James’ Park is currently up in the air, with his sacking a matter of when not if.

If Newcastle fail to pick up three points against Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, you’d expect Bruce to be out of the manager’s hotseat Monday morning. One positive for Bruce, has been the performances of his players though, they have indeed battled hard but without gaining wins. Their defeat to Wolves came only through the brilliance of Raul Jimenez and Hwang Hee-Chan, but its those small margins that is proving Steve Bruce’s undoing right now, and you could argue the Manchester United legend and former captain is lucky to be still in a job.

Looking at their personnel, it’s easy to see why – Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron provide real dynamism in forward areas. Without Callum Wilson, the club have struggled to score consistently to beat teams, whilst still getting goals on the borad

However, defensively, they have struggled, conceding 16 goals in seven matches, which represents the joint-worst record in the division along with bottom club Norwich City.

Tottenham, however come into this game off the back of a much needed, crucial three points against Aston Villa with goals coming Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and a Matt Target own goal. Star man Harry Kane is still without a league so far this season, and Nuno Espirito Santo will need his striker firing on all cylinders if they are to challenge for the top four places once again.

Spurs do have an excellent recent record against the Magpies, losing only one of their last eight Premier League contests. They were last beaten at St James’ Park in 2016, losing 5-1 on the final day of the campaign. It’s been a happy hunting ground since then, and its a game Tottenham will be expected to get all three points in.

MATCH FACT: Spurs have lost just one of their last eight league games against Newcastle, (W5, D2)

KEY MEN: Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle) & Harry Kane (Tottenham)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

Newcastle: Darlow (GK); Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie; Longstaff; Almiron, Hendrick, Hayden, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton

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

SCORE PREDICTION: Newcastle United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Monday 8:00PM

Monday night football marks the return of Arsenal legend and former captain Patrick Vieira to North London as he takes his new and improved Crystal Palace side to the Emirates as Arsenal take on Crystal Palace.

Arsenal could only manage a draw away at Brighton last time out but the way the Seagulls have played in comparison to the Gunners, suggests that it was a decent point for Arteta’s men. They have indeed undergone an upturn in form and performances in recent weeks, and you can argue the international break came at the wrong time for Mikel Arteta and his team.

Despite their improvement the Gunners still have an unhealthy goal difference of -5 and need to add more goals to their game. Arteta’s men are unbeaten in four Premier League games, their last defeat coming in the 5-0 drubbing at Manchester City. The Gunners may well be expected to grab the three points in this game, though they are coming up against resurgent Crystal Palace who have proven very tough to beat under Patrick Vieira so far this campaign.

Before the international break, Crystal Palace claimed a 2-2 draw at home to Leicester and will have been happy with a point having come from two goals down. Olise and Schlupp scored the second-half goals that brought the Eagles back onto level terms and Vieira will have been happy to see his players fight back against such a good team.

His side have been performing brilliantly and resolutely without getting wins on the board with their only victory coming against Tottenham mid-September. The Eagles currently sit in 14th place four points off the drop zone, and will need to be turning good performances into wins, starting at the Emirates against Patrick Vieira’s former side.

MATCH FACT: Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is the only Arsenal player to score on more than one occasion so far this season.

KEY MEN: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) & Wilfried Zaha (Palace)

LIKELY LINE-UPS:

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

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

SCORE PREDICTION: Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace

Leon Bailey fires brief warning shot to the Premier League

Leon Bailey fires brief warning shot to the Premier League

As cameos go, it was a pretty thrilling one.

With Aston Villa lacking the required decisiveness in the final third, seeming short of ideas against Everton at Villa Park, coach Dean Smith decided it was the perfect time to throw on their new signing Leon Bailey in the 61st minute, and change the game he did.

The Jamaican international immediately curled in a dangerous free kick, a few minutes later Matty Cash bombed down the right flank to score his first Villa goal.

Soon after, Bailey’s set-piece qualities were evident once again, utilizing that wand of a left-boot to swing in a peach of a cross from a corner which forced Everton left-back Lucas Digne to head into his own net; you simply do not defend those crosses as the French defender found out

Six minutes later, Danny Ings played a devastating cross-field pass in front of Bailey and the Jamaican headed the ball ahead of himself while charging into the penalty area.

For his next touch, he rifled the ball into the roof of the net in front of a delirious Holte End to make it 3-0. It was a finish truly reminiscent of his time at Bayer Leverkusen where he registered 46 Bundesliga goal involvements during his five year spell in Germany.

Ten minutes later he was forced off with a thigh strain apparently picked up from kicking the ball hard for his first goal in English football. 

Bailey became only the second Villa player to be subbed on, score, and then be subbed off in a Premier League match, after Julian Joachim against Derby County in September 2000.

The 24-year-old was only on the field for 21 minutes, yet he provided the crucial impact Villa needed. If those 20-odd minutes were any indicator for how his Villa career would look like in the next few years, then Aston Villa really do have a stunning player on their hands.

Bailey joined the club this summer at the peak of Jack Grealish’s transfer saga, which perhaps meant his arrival was not met with the excitement it deserved. But make no mistake, this is one of the most exciting signings at Villa Park for a long time.

If you were indeed to throw a spanner in the works, then Leon Bailey is just as good as Jack Grealish. The fact that Aston Villa secured his signature for a fee of only just £30million is an absolute snip, because the forward on another day may well have been valued double that figure, so in actual fact its a superb bit of business from Dean Smith.

The club’s strategy in recent years have been nothing short of excellent often involved buying up some of the best players in the Championship, like Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash, Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia. Sometimes they have sought out players unhappy at clubs further up the English football pyramid, like Emi Martinez from Arsenal or Tyrone Mings at Bournemouth during Villa’s time in the second tier.

Image via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Rather less successfully, the club have shopped in Europe’s lesser leagues such as the signings of Mbwana Samatta and Wesley from Belgian sides.

However, Leon Bailey is a totally different proposition, arguably the most prestigious signing of the lot.

A player with bags of European experience, playing at the top level and Christian Purslow could have been forgiven for jumping for joy when the Jamaican forward chose Villa Park rather than a more elite-level club playing Champions League football, because to put it simply Leon Bailey is indeed a Champions League level footballer.

For donkey-years, the Jamaican international has been linked with a whole host of top level clubs in Europe, and much of that has been down to his superb form for Bayer Leverkusen.

Deployed as a winger, Bailey scored 15 goals in 40 games last season, claiming 11 assists. He was indeed amongst the most accomplished wingers in European football last term, but as a result of Grealish’s move to Manchester City, Villa fans weren’t as excited and optimistic about Bailey’s arrival as they should have been.

Make no mistakes about it, Leon Bailey can play. He’s a devastating winger, a real problem for opposing defences, not just because of his speed and drive but his scintilating trickery, swift change of movement and unbelievable ball-carrying skills.

Last season, Villa were often overly reliant on Grealish and looked severely weakened in his absence. The club are looking this season to keep the ball better, to progress the ball much quicker into the final third areas and most importantly convert most of their chances and with Leon Bailey, Villa now hold the qualities to kill three birds with one stone. 

In fact not only do they have Bailey to address those glaring weaknesses but Dean Smith now holds bags of quality at his disposal including Emiliano Buendia, and Danny Ings.

The Villa coach aims to qualify for European football come May and those three players alone possess the ability to both replace Grealish’s influence and creativity in the final third but more importantly, fire this ever-progressive football club to the next phase of their proud development.

Bailey has so often divided opinion in Germany because of his lack of consistency or attitude but despite all his issues, he still managed to contribute considerably to Bayer Leverkusen’s gradual improvements in recent seasons. When he is on-song he is indeed unstoppable as Everton defender Ben Godfrey found out on Saturday despite Bailey only having just 11 touches during his 21 minutes on the pitch.

Certainly, the absence of Jack Grealish will still be felt around the Aston Villa faithful but possessing the qualities of players like Leon Bailey means the fans will indeed begin to heal once the Jamaican starts firing on all cylinders. His performance against Everton was only a pretty brief stint, but its a promising and a very pleasing evidence for Dean Smith and the whole club that they can now be allowed the freedom and room to progress and move forward post-Jack Grealish.

Villa fans now have something to smile and shout about. They have a new superstar in Leon Bailey.

The rest of the Premier League will have to stand up and be warned at the sight of the Jamaican winger.

What does Rafael Benitez need this summer to take Everton forward?

What does Rafael Benitez need this summer to take Everton forward?

Everton confirmed the appointment of Rafael Benitez as their new manager on a three-year deal last month.

The former Newcastle & Liverpool boss, 61, becomes Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Goodison after the Italian’s shock move back to the Real Madrid post on June 1st.

Everton said in a club statement the Spaniard’s appointment followed “a robust and wide-reaching recruitment process” over the last three weeks, which saw “multiple interviews with several candidates”.

“I am delighted to be joining Everton,” Benitez told Everton’s official website. “Throughout this process I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the club and their desire to bring success to this historic club.

“I believe this is a club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great club achieve its ambitions.”

Rafael Benitez has received a mixed reaction from the Everton fanbase after news emerged earlier in June he had become the club’s leading target.

Everton also reportedly held talks with former Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo – who is now the new Tottenham Hotspur boss – and also had an interest in their former manager David Moyes.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez – another ex-Toffees manager, Lille’s Ligue 1 title-winning coach Christophe Galtier and Eddie Howe were all also understood to be on their shortlist.

Having been handed the keys to Everton’s future, Benitez will be expected to create a clear identity that has been somewhat neglected in place of short-termism. In the midst of much supporter unrest, Rafael Benitez will have to navigate his way through it and stamp his authority on a club that has been through much turbulence in recent years.

The sudden departure of Carlo Ancelotti came as a huge blow to the Everton faithful. A decision pulled the rug from underneath Everton’s lofty ambitions and came as a major blow to Moshiri, who had viewed the Italian as the perfect figurehead to lead the club and the ‘Hollywood’ manager he craved.

But Real Madrid came calling again, and Ancelotti couldn’t say no. Now, though Moshiri will be tasked in giving Rafael Benitez what he needs this summer in order to take the club out of the uncertainty and into a new and approved era.

There are a number of gaps in Everton’s current squad that needs swift approval and addressing. Judging by Benitez’ past philosophies and ideas in the Premier League, he’ll be aiming to strike a fine balance between defence and attack for Everton whilst maintaining a pragmatic, organised and rigid structure.

Benitez is, in Moshiri’s eyes, the tried and trusted Premier League operator who can bring years of experience and an analytical, tactical mind to Everton.

In defence, a new right-back will be a priority for the club, a player who can be a long-term successor to Seamus Coleman who is out of contract next year. Whilst Mason Holgate has filled in at RB, there’s certainly a case for him fighting for a permanent centre-back spot after impressing there in the latter stages of last season. The same can be said for highly-rated, and new England international Ben Godfrey.

There may be also be a strong need for a creative midfielder, a no.10, with James Rodriguez’ immediate future at Goodison Park under question after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure. Sigurdsson may be relied upon again, but it would not hurt for the club to search for a more hungrier, vibrant and fresher alternative, a signing for the future.

What does the future hold for James Rodriguez at Goodison Park?

Also, fast, direct and pacey wide options will certainly be a priority for the club, preferably one or two – as they were before Ancelotti’s departure.

Richarlison is one option, having featured on the left under previous managers – his work rate and quality will likely appeal to Benitez but lack of more quality options needs to be addressed. Iwobi has been a failure since his move from Arsenal, as has Bernard – two players who could be made surplus to requirements this summer, and eventually moved on.

The need for at least two wide players is arguably Benitez’ greatest need in order for Everton to have more variation, fluidity and flexibility in attack.

Up-front, Benitez will have Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean – providing he doesn’t secure a permanent move to PSG – to call upon whilst Richarlison can also fill in when needed.

So in each position of need, who could Everton be targeting this summer?

Seamus Coleman long-term replacement?

Max Aarons, Norwich City

Despite Norwich’s promotion to the Barclays Premier League once again, its about time their wonderfully gifted full-back Max Aarons tests himself at a much bigger club. According to Sky Sources, Tottenham, Manchester United and Everton have all expressed an interest in signing the right-back and the 21-year-old represents the perfect candidate to replace Seamus Coleman for the long-term.

Whether Everton will be willing to pay the £30m fee required to secure Aarons signature from Norwich is another matter entirely. However, Everton must think about the now and the future. This is a player that will excite fans, breathe new life into a depleted squad and transform them tactically in the long-haul.

Despite his small frame and build, Aarons is a superb athlete, a real force of nature when he drives forward down the right-flank. A tremendous ball-carrier, pacey, and a player blessed with excellent vision. Aarons has proven a key outlet for Norwich in attack, evidently shown in registering 2 goals and 2 assists last season, and 2 goals and 6 assists during the 2018/19 campaign. The full-back averaged 1.4 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 2.3 long balls per game owing to his admirable qualities and bravery in the final third.

If he can keep up his superb upward trajectory while in the colours of Everton football club, we could be looking at one of the finest right-backs in the country. Remember, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus all held an interest in him last summer so Everton will be perfectly justified in pay such a large sum for Max Aarons. He will end up being worth every penny.

Denzel Dumfries, PSV Eindhoven

Despite Holland’s disappointing early exit from EURO 2020 this summer, their full-back Denzel Dumfries proved one of its stunning break-out stars. Two goals in four games, producing two man-of-the-match displays as Frank de Boer’s side stormed through Group C in top spot with three wins from three.

Dumfries was central to the Netherland’s blistering start and his agent will almost certainly be fielding a few phone calls from top clubs looking to secure his signature.

PSV are reportedly resigned to losing him before their campaign restarts in August and Everton MUST throw their hat in the ring and force a move for him – providing they cannot get the above Max Aarons, of course. He’ll potentially cost much less than Aarons and has valuable top-level European experience to his belt having just wowed fans at this summers tournament.

Ridiculously quick, agile, strong, forceful and combative, Dumfries is your all-action, all-round full-back. He’s just so relentless in his play so you’re not surprised to see him popping up at the back post for an attack before making a vital clearance at the other end when the opposition break, while his energy means he can do the job of two players.

Still only 25, there’s plenty more room for him to develop and improve, while playing in the Dutch league may take something off of his price tag which means he may cost around £15m – £20m. Dumfries will be worth every snip of that price tag, and also will address a serious need of real width and penetration on the flanks for Everton. They’d be mad not to consider him.

Wilfried Singo, Torino

Touted as one of the brightest young defenders in Serie A last season, Torino’s 20-year-old full-back Wilfried Singo is already being earmarked for great things. AC Milan and Liverpool have been linked with the Ivory Coast defender over the past couple months, a true reflection of the improvements and maturity he has enjoyed in his game throughout the whole campaign.

Singo, played in 28 matches last season, recording one goal and two assists, and has long been a key component of La Granata’s attack. The Ivorian plays almost exclusively at right-back, where he uses his pace and dribbling ability to push the ball up the pitch and create chances. Right-footed, Singo exploits space on the right wing and looks to play the ball into the box, averaging an outstanding 3.29 crosses per 90 minutes.

The defender excels at moving the ball up the pitch, ranking at the 86th and 91st percentiles for progressive carries and progressive carries into the penalty box among all “Big Five” European league fullbacks. He finds time and space as he advances, often looking for hitman Andrea Belotti to make a run toward goal.

Singo also averages 1.12 key passes and 1.65 final third passes per 90 again highlighting his terrific propensity to be on the front foot and create chances for his teammates. To thrive at a much higher level, he would need to improve his contributions towards his own goal but with more game time and belief in himself, that will come. He averaged 2.96 tackles + interceptions last season meaning he’s already so effective defending as he is playing on the front foot.

Though the young defender certainly has his share of weaknesses, signing Singo should be one of Everton’s shortlisted full-backs given his age, offensive ability and potential to develop. He shouldn’t be too expensive, despite Torino just beating relegation last season, but whatever the outlay, Singo represents an astute acquisition for any club looking to recruit any promising youngsters around Europe.

Creative no.10

Matheus Pereira, West Brom

How Matheus Pereira is still a West Brom player right now is absolutely criminal. It’ll be even more absurd if he isn’t snapped up by a Premier League club come the start of the new Sky Bet Championship season.

To put it simply, West Brom’s Brazilian maestro is simply too good to be playing Championship football right now, which means Rafael Benitez should be placing Pereira at the top of his recruitment list this summer.

Despite West Brom’s demise last season suffering yet another relegation from the English top-flight, it was a remarkable breakthrough season for their star man, Pereira. The midfielder notched an astonishing 11 goals, and 6 assists from 33 Premier League outings last season.

If there’s one thing the club could shout about over the past year, its the emergence of such a wonderfully gifted midfielder. The previous campaign – his first in English football – he hit 8 goals and laid on 16 assists which is simply extraordinary. The 25-year-old Brazilian is a creative machine, a serial goal contributor.

Matheus Pereira will add panache, quality and strong personality to Everton’s attacking football. Blessed with such superb vision, awesome technique, silky passing and a wand of a left boot. He won’t come cheap with West Brom stating that they will do everything they can to keep Pereira at the club, but that would be a disservice to the Brazilian, seeing as he is simply too good to be playing Championship football again.

Pereira is a Premier League player, a proven quality and Everton will certainly be stronger providing they secure his services.

Carlos Soler, Valencia

Rafael Benitez raiding one of his old clubs for inspired signings certainly won’t be a surprise this summer. One player who he could work wonders with in transforming Everton’s fortunes is Valencia’s key man and playmaker Carlos Soler. A player who’s been due a big move for a long while, Soler is a player ready for the big leagues.

Valencia are in a bit of a free-fall right now both on the pitch and off it, and are reportedly willing to listen to offers for some of their big names.

If that is indeed the case, Everton should roll the dice and prioritize the signing of Carlos Soler. A tremendously consistent performer, even if his club isn’t registering the points they need. It’s clear Soler deserves a club who matches his qualities and ambitions. He’s simply too good a player to not be performing on the biggest stages in Europe, whether that is Europa League or the UEFA Champions League.

If he was to go to Everton, he won’t be playing in either of those competitions but he’d be playing under a coach who knows what it takes to get there and deliver. Despite Valencia’s struggles last season, Soler still managed an astonishing 11 goals and 8 assists in La Liga highlighting his significance to the team, but also his extraordinary abilities.

A wonderfully gifted midfielder who always gives his all in every match he’s involved in. Soler is incredibly versatile too, capable of playing at no.10, no.8 on the flanks and a deep-lying orchestrator, he’d offer so much variation and a tactical flexibility when needed. Top clubs in Europe would be mad not to consider his services.

Where Valencia would be without Carlos Soler is a matter for another day, but it is about time he moves on from the Mestalla and embarks on a new challenge elsewhere. Everton under Rafael Benitez may just be the perfect new home for him…

Daichi Kamada, Eintracht Frankfurt

Arguably the best performing Asian footballer in Europe over the past year. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Japanese magician Daichi Kamada is a stunning footballer, an efficient workhorse and a creative maestro. Have a look at Frankfurt’s attacks and you’ll see how pivotal Kamada is, he is at the centre of almost everything. His movement, the positions he picks up, the space he occupies and the passes he delivers is simply sublime and a testament to his extraordinary understanding and nous when it comes to creating chances for his teammates.

5 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season, as Frankfurt only just missed out on an unprecedented Champions League place on the last day of the season. However, it was a stunning campaign for the club and for Kamada personally, and the Japanese is sure to be on a number of top club’s list of targets this summer. Rafael Benitez is in need of a creative maestro and Kamada fits the bill.

He is a joy to watch. Kamada is one of those players who manages to be technically impressive without even being flamboyant. Carries the ball neatly, with some sumptuous little touches and swift shifts in direction, and he exploits passing angles and lanes in the attacking third in a way that’s so clever, intricate but unusual.

He’s a unique player, and another one who deserves to test himself at the highest level. 2.90 final third passes, 1.8 key passes and an astonishing 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90 highlights his incredible efficiency and effectiveness in the final third. Kamada has so much to offer, not only in his skill, tenaciousness and technical qualities but in his application and willingness to learn and improve.

Everton would be incredibly smart in recruiting him. With Kamada in the fold, players like Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will only benefit even further.

Finally address their lack of width

Everton have lacked a decent wide player for a long while now, and it was an area of Carlo Ancelotti’s team that was in dire and desperate need of addressing. At times, Richarlison proved his only outlet in the wide areas, even though he held the tendency to come inside which meant his team often lacked with, direction, directness and cutting edge when breaking down teams, especially at Goodison Park.

Rafael Benitez loves his wide-forwards, because they are so essential to his philosophy because of their pace on the transition, and also trouble teams that are expected to power his. That means Benitez will certainly be looking for pacey and direct left-footers to play on the left flank and vice-versa on the right flank.

So who should Everton be scouting?

Leon Bailey, Bayer Leverkusen

(Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

An addition of consistent goals and assists from especially the right flank is seen as a key aspect for the side to grow next term, and that brings us neatly to Leon Bailey. The Jamaican is a ridiculous speed merchant.

The Toffees were certainly missing an injection of pace and creativity out wide all throughout last term. Not only do they need a pacey wide-player but a smart and creative one, and Leon Bailey is a top-tier candidate.

In 30 Bundesliga appearances for Bayer Leverkusen in 2020/21, the Jamaica international bagged an impressive nine goals and eight assists.

Add that to a further five strikes and two assists from eight matches in the Europa League and it’s clear to see why a large number of Everton fans have already suggested the club should be looking in the direction of the 23-year-old.

Bailey has been on the radar of a number of top clubs in the past, not least: both the Manchester giants, Bayern Munich and Juventus which should be a stark indicator of the level and hype surrounding Leon Bailey.

When he is on-song, he is a frightening player for opposing defenders but a joy to watch for his own team. At times, his over-confidence gets the best of him, which means he flatters to decieve when the going gets tough. However, working under a shrewd and detailed manager like Rafael Benitez will only develop Bailey’s mentality and performance levels.

Borussia Dortmund are the most recent side to be linked with a potential swoop for Bailey, with some reports suggesting he could be a replacement for Jadon Sancho who is on the verge of joining Manchester United, so Everton will need to move swiftly.

The Jamaica international would certainly be an exciting transfer both on the pitch and off it if Everton were to look his way.

Arnaut Danjuma, AFC Bournemouth

One of the major challenges Scott Parker will face heading into his new club as manager is trying to keep stunning winger and Bournemouth’s key man Arnaut Danjuma in the Sky Bet Championship for another season.

The question posed to Danjuma will be, does he want a move to the Premier League right now or is he willing to wait it out for another year, aiding the club and Scott Parker for another automatic promotion push next season?

If the way last season ended for him is any indication, then Danjuma may already have his heart set on testing himself at a higher level this coming season, and if there is one Championship forward who deserves such an opportunity to make the grade then its him.

The Dutch winger has been superb for Bournemouth since his move from Club Brugges two years ago. He notched an outstanding 17 goals and 7 assists from 35 outings last season, and has already stated he has ‘outgrown’ the Championship. Spanish Europa League winners Villareal have reportedly had a bid rejected by Bournemouth, and may well return with an improved offer.

An immediate Premier League move is certainly on the horizon for the forward too, and there may not be a better place for him to develop even further than at Everton under Rafa Benitez. Pacey, direct, blessed with stunning trickery, vision, and capable of playing on the left-flank or on the right, Arnaut Danjuma is already arguably a top-tier Premier League player.

Danjuma brings variety, flexibility and decisiveness in the final third; three characteristics Everton desperately need to improve next season.

Arnaut Danjuma deserves his chance at the top level, and that opportunity to finally make the grade is certainly now.

Luis Diaz, FC Porto

4 goals in 5 games in the Copa America for Luis Diaz as Colombia finished third in the South American tournament. This is a player who deserves much acclaim and attention right now, a player full of highlight reels because of his impeccable audaciousness, trickery, courage, skill, technique and electrifying pace. If you need any indication of his raw abilities, just check his goal against Brazil during the competition. An extraordinary overhead kick which flew past Weverton in the Brazilian goal.

FC Porto will be attempting everything in their power to keep Diaz at the Estádio do Dragão next season, but the 24-year-old’s peerless qualities certainly deserves a bigger stage, and after the summer he’s had, he certainly won’t be short of a few calls for his talented services this summer.

Everton should take a huge punt on the winger, because they need a player like him, desperately. Goodison Park needs to be wowed again, fans will want to be excited in travelling to home matches and adding Luis Diaz to their roster will go a long way in addressing that desire.

Diaz certainly won’t come cheap, he’s simply that good a player. As well as his 4 goals for Colombia this summer, he hit 9 goals and 5 assists for FC Porto last season which shows he’s got substance as much as his immense trickery and speed. A decisive player who will certainly provide more highlight reels in the Premier League, assuming he arrives in future. It’s an exciting option Everton must consider.

Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace

Another player who will not come cheap if he is to be prized away, but its an option Everton will surely be considering as they have been in the past.

It feels like Wilfried Zaha has been trying to engineer an exit from Crystal Palace for at least five years, yet he still remains with the south London club.

At 28, Zaha is now in his prime years and his long-held desire of playing Champions League football is looking increasingly unlikely of occurring, with no top club currently scouring for his services.

So he may have to just settle for the next best thing, and that is at Everton who have been rumoured to be one of his potential destinations in the past, and they are sure to be linked with the Ivorian again. News has broken recently that Palace are prepared to allow him to leave for a relatively low fee.

According to The Times, “the club are willing to listen to offers above £35 million as they must pay 25 per cent of the profit on the deal to Manchester United.”

The risks are clear, why will Everton pay for a player who will probably not have any resale value in future? They’ll be weighing up the positives too: Zaha is Premier League proven, has the pedigree and will settle right in at Goodison Park offering Benitez and the club what they’ve needed for a long while, and that is pace, quality, directness and flair on the right-flank.

However, while the Ivory Coast international might not initially seem like a good fit for the new Everton manager, there are facets of his game which look likely to appeal. It’s fair to wonder if he has the discipline to perform within Benitez’ all-important tactical structure though.

Roy Hodgson once said: “Wilf Zaha is a player who doesn’t have roles,” but he absolutely would have one designated to him under the meticulous and shrewd Benitez and would unquestionably be expected to stick to it.

The player’s versatility would appeal to the Spaniard, with Zaha capable of playing either centrally or in wide areas, and his willingness to defend from the front is certain to be a point in his favour too.

It is time Zaha tested himself elsewhere, he isn’t getting any younger.