Weekly Picks: PL Predictions GW 9
If you thought Liverpool replacing their manager during an International break could deter me from using on the Rodgers and Out phrase, you’d be wrong…
The moment Jurgen Klopp turned up at Anfield in Converse pumps he instantly became my favourite ever Liverpool manager. He might even be my favourite German (I’ll have a think about that one and let you know). He has got a ein grosser job on his hands restoring Liverpool to where they were a couple of years ago, let alone former glories. It starts at Tottenham – and that is a tougher place to go than it used to be…
Saturday fixtures:
12.45 Tottenham v Liverpool
All eyes will be on the unruly hair, geeky specs and Converse pumps in the away dugout, but Tottenham are also going through a major transformation. Mouricio Pochettino’s punishing training regime has got Spurs looking sharp, strong and hungry. Characteristics not always associated with White Hart Lane.
Score Prediction: An early lesson for Jurgen the German. 2-1
MVP Prediction: With Kane still stretching and yawning, Christian Eriksen is my man.
15.00 Chelsea v Aston Villa
Neither manager is far from a spell of TV punditry. Tim Sherwood will survive losing this match, but I’m not sure Jose would. Branislav Ivanovic came back injured from the International break, which will be a relief to Chelsea fans. And him, I suspect. Villa have scored in their last nine on road. Mmm, I wonder…
Score Prediction: 1-1. Yeah, I said it… 1-1!
MVP Prediction: Jack Grealish itches in that place that Chelsea can’t scratch at the moment.
15.00 Crystal Palace v West Ham
Not many thought this would be a Top 6 clash a quarter of the way into the season. Or a match to look forward to. But it is both and tough to call. Palace have won their last two and only leaked two goal in their last four. But the Hammers are averaging more than two goals a game.
Score Prediction: Can’t see a winner. 1-1
MVP Prediction: I’m loving a bit of Dimitri Payet these days.
15.00 Everton v Man United
It’s a ‘good moment’ for Everton, as Roberto Martinez would say. John Stones is back alongside England’s newest captain Phil Jagielka in central defence. Their battle with the other England skipper Wayne Rooney and that man Martial (Anthony to his friends) will be the key here.
Score Prediction: Suspect both would take a point. 0-0
MVP Prediction: Take your pick from keepers, Tim Howard or David De Gea
15.00 Man City v Bournemouth
The absence of David Silva and Sergio Aguero – and Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson, for that matter – deprives fans and FL managers alike here. This is the first of four stiff tests for the sea-siders (Tottenham, Liverpool then a derby with Southampton). They’ll be hoping City have one eye on the CL.
Score Prediction: 2-0 by half-time, then keep ball.
MVP Prediction: Three words. Kevin. De. Bruyne
15.00 Southampton v Leicester
Has the makings of a goal-fest. Southampton have hit 14 in four (including the Capital One Cup). Leicester have only failed to score at least twice on two occasions all season – and only play one way: ‘You get two, we’ll get three’. Not a day to make your defenders captains, managers.
Score Prediction: 3-2
MVP Prediction: Graziano Pelle or Sadio Mane…?? Dunno, you choose.
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3.00 West Brom v Sunderland
This looks the toughest assignment for the highlights reel. West Brom have lost three on the spin to PL opposition and – probably more worrying for Tony Pulis – shipped seven goals in the process. Sunderland’s pulse had started to flicker before Advocaat abdicated, but will now get 10,000 volts under Sam Alladyce.
Score Prediction: Two buses more on bricks, than parked. 0-0
MVP Prediction: Back to business for Boaz Myhill.
5.30 Watford v Arsenal
In the matches between a sensational half-hour blitzing of a Top 4 rival and an industrial strength task in the CL is where genuine title contenders show their cojones. We’ll have a rough approximation of the size of Arsenal’s after this. Watford look a bit flat of late. This is the wrong day to start slowly. Ask Man United…
Score Prediction: Time for the real Arsenal to stand up. 1-2
MVP Prediction: Alexis Sanchez is the man of the moment.
Sunday Fixture:
16.00 Newcastle v Norwich
It’s not looking good for Newcastle. Just 2pts from seven matches (v Man United and Chelsea, slightly bizarrely) is bad enough, but now they need to negotiate the remainder of the season without Goalkeeper Tim Kruhl – back to his excellent best. Norwich love an away day more than most and most love one at Newcastle.
Score Prediction: Canaries to out-chirp the Magpies. 1-3
MVP Prediction: Wes Hoolahan will love the wide open spaces he’ll find at St James’.
Monday Fixture:
20.00 Swansea v Stoke
Stoke are starting to lurch into life after a laboured start, winning the last two. Swansea meanwhile have run aground badly since beating Man United at the end of August. Expect Swansea to dominate possession, but that sort of thing has never bothered Stoke.
Score Prediction: A point apiece. 1-1
MVP Prediction: Andre Ayew was back on the score sheet last time out.
That’s how it looks from here…
Until next time.
Matt Nesbitt’s unspectacular but joyful playing career has given way to a much more successful but miserable one writing about football and providing betting advice. Email: Matt Nesbitt
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