Big games this weekend historically get no bigger than United hosting Liverpool in the late game on Saturday while, in truth, the big game happens earlier on in the day as Chelsea try to leave Everton with points. Jose Mourinho hasn’t had a great start to the defense of his sides title defense and another defeat could see real questions start to be asked of the ‘Sulky’ One.
SATURDAY:
Everton v Chelsea:
Everton managed to hold on to John Stones, despite him putting in a transfer request during the recent transfer window. The club trying to pry him away from the Toffeemen were the day’s visitors.
Everton are actually four points above Chelsea heading into the game and are in half decent form with the last outing supplying a point away to Tottenham which followed their League Cup progression at the expense of Barnsley.
For Chelsea two reds and a club doctor controversy has somewhat taken the focus off the fact the Champions have only four points from a possible twelve and conceded just over two goals a game, getting spanked by City in the process. Their title defense is not over. It would be silly to suggest that at this early stage, but, points need to start being picked up and quickly or they could face the proposition of having to fight for fourth, rather than a certain for the top three.
Prediction: 1-1.
Arsenal v Stoke:
For all the anger being shown towards Arsene Wenger for his lack of spending during the transfer window a win against Stoke could see the side go second. Mark Hughes has not had the greatest of starts and although you could forgive the opening two games, a defeat to Liverpool and a draw away to Spurs, you would have expected more against West Brom and Norwich.
You would have to go back to almost 34 years to the day when Stoke last beat Arsenal on their own ground. Fifty years ago, if you forgive me a few weeks, Arsenal played Stoke City, beat them 2-1 and probably spent more money on players that summer.
I think Arsenal will certainly win this one, it will just be a matter of by how many and will it be enough to appease the supporters.
Prediction: 3-0.
Crystal Palace v Manchester City:
Manchester City are breaking personal records all over the place recently, with more to go on Saturday if the result is correct. A clean sheet against Palace would see a new record and, as it stands, sees Joe Hart unbeaten for a minute shy of 8 hours.
Alan Pardew has shown Newcastle fans just what they had, and let go, with his turn as the Eagles manager. Three wins sees them currently second to the visitors but, unlike the visitors, are yet to keep a clean sheet.
The question is will the Citizens destroy the Palace in the same week as the Queen becomes the longest reigning British Monarch? It might be okay if they use their Sterling and Silva!
Prediction: 1-3.
Norwich v Bournemouth:
Before the season I said that Norwich would be safe and finish in a good mid table position. The test of whether I will be right will be how they perform against the sides in and around them. At home, against Bournemouth, you would expect a Canary win.
Bournemouth do come in on a high though, and will be confident. A good draw against fast starters Leicester followed a 4-3 win away to West Ham. Of course there was also a 4-0 League Cup win in between, so goals do not seem to be an issue.
Prediction: 2-1.
Watford v Swansea:
These two sides both played Manchester clubs before the International break with various levels of success. For Watford it was a case of mission impossible as they tried to contain a rampant City at the Etihad. Eventually they went down 2-0, but they put up more of fight than Chelsea!
Meanwhile, at the Liberty Stadium, Manchester United let a goal lead go before slipping to defeat.
Watford are still waiting for their first win while Swansea are yet to lose this season. Both these statistics have to change and I wouldn’t bet against it happening here.
Prediction: 1-0.
West Brom v Southampton:
Will Berahino be in the starting lineup for West Brom this weekend. Ideally they would certainly like the player to be available but, after his head was turned by Tottenham towards the end of the transfer window, the question is where is he mentally. I don’t really want to comment on the rights and wrongs of the approach but it seems to me that if you are Tottenham and you want a player then you come to the table with a decent and honest offer, not a low ball bid with a bunch of extras. West Brom did well to hold on to him but with the lack of up front money along with the clock running down on finding a replacement it was a no brainer.
To the game though and I think West Brom will add to the misery of Southampton with another frustrating performance from Ronald Koemans side. Berahino to score the winner? Stranger things have happened.
Prediction: 1-0.
Manchester United v Liverpool:
A decade or so ago this would be a potential title decider, between two big rivals. With Liverpool having not won a title since the introduction of the Premier League and United spending the last few seasons off the boil it has lost some of its teeth.
I am sure the fans of each club still look forward to it but how excited can you really get about fifth playing seventh? Van Gaal has wasted money at United and so has Rodgers at Liverpool and really that is the only real battle it would seem.
I can see this being quite a boring draw as Liver-blah again take the field.
Prediction: 1-1.
SUNDAY:
Sunderland v Tottenham:
If Sunderland’s current league position is a little unexpected then Tottenhams must have you rubbing your eyes and checking again. A few seasons ago the visitors were threatening the top four and now they are in more danger of breaking into the bottom four. Good news is that they are only a point behind the defending Champions Chelsea.
They failed to sign Berahino and managed to annoy the Baggies to the point that a move in January may not even be entertained with Pochettino likely a close second behind the guy in the other dugout, Dick Advocaat, as the favorite to be the first Manager sacked.
Prediction: 2-0 (Pochettino packs his bags).
Leicester City v Aston Villa:
Ranieri takes on Sherwood (who was my preseason pick to be sacked early on) in the late Sunday game. Questions were there for the Leicester boss and how he would adapt to the Leicester hotseat but they certainly have been answered, at least in the short term. The questions are now being asked of Tim Sherwood who came in and saved Villa from relegation. Now, in his first full season it remains to be seen if he can kick them on from bottom table worriers to comfortable midtablers.
Prediction: 2-0.
MONDAY:
West Ham v Newcastle:
Newcastle were terrible last season and Alan Pardew left. Now, under new management, they are still stinking the League up. The only thing Newcastle fans can find to smile about now is the fact that their rivals are currently below them.
The truth is that nothing will change there until Mike Ashley leaves and, with the new Premier League television deal kicking in, it isn’t going to be anytime soon.
West Ham, on the other hand, removed their manager minutes after the final game and have since installed Slaven Bilic and so far so good.
Prediction: 3-1.
Saturday’s results see Manchester City lose out on the clean sheet record but go five points clear of Arsenal, who move up to second while Palace and Leicester maintain the top four status. At the bottom Sunderland and Newcastle both move up a spot thanks to the Stoke City defeat.
Sunday see Leicester move to second after their win while a win for Sunderland lifts them out of the bottom three. Tottenham slips into the spot vacated by the Black Cats and if that is the case I am not sure they will have a Manager come Monday morning.
The single game on Monday sees Newcastle secure bottom spot as West Ham move into fourth.
So what do you think?
Jason is a Freelance Soccer Writer. You can follow him on Twitter @PACityboy and www.facebook.com/jasonbardwell1979
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