EPL Matchweek 12: Insights and Predictions
Let me be honest for a second. This international break was boring. Sure, the matchups provided great intrigue as multiple teams from all over the world battled with so much on the line to qualify for the finals in Russia, but the quality of football on display was absolutely mediocre. For example, it took nine and a half hours of football until a goal was scored from open play. And the goal that was scored, courtesy of Switzerland’s Ricardo Rodriguez, was off a terrible handball call that really should not have warranted a penalty. Nonetheless, club football is back, and The Great Zamboni is here to get you caught up with all the forthcoming matches from the upcoming EPL Matchweek.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Yeah… this is a big game, right? Arsenal host Spurs in one of the fiercest derbies in world football today. Last time out, Arsenal were downed 3–1 by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in a match were the Gunners simply looked lacklustre in nearly all phases of play. Their opponents were similarly sluggish, yet Spurs emerged victorious 1–0 over Crystal Palace in a match where Spurs really didn’t bother turning up. They had to rely on a great performance by goalkeeper-for-the-day Paulo Gazzaniga in the absence of Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm. On the injury front, Olivier Giroud is doubtful for the Gunners while Victor Wanyama and Toby Alderweireld are out with longer term injuries for Tottenham. Arsenal team doctors will be working overtime to ensure Shkodran Mustafi and Danny Welbeck will be fit for selection,while Spurs’ Erik Lamela has recently returned to first team training yet remains a long shot for the clash tomorrow. Arsenal are winless in their last six against Spurs and I expect that to continue, with Lacazette netting in his return to the starting lineup while that-man-Harry-Kane cancels out the Frenchman’s opener in a 1–1 draw.
Crystal Palace vs. Everton
This relegation matchup sees a (resurgent?) Crystal Palace take on David Unsworth’s struggling Everton. The Eagles showed great resilience and fight in a spirited 1–0 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur. Speaking of fight… Everton vs. Watford was a battle. Unsworth’s men showed their worth in a 3–2 comeback victory which was capped off by a Leighton Baines penalty. Tom Davies and Cuco Martina are back in the side for this match while first choice left back Patrick van Aanholt misses out for Hodgson’s men. Expect a spirited 2–1 Everton win as Rooney bags twice and cancels an early Cabaye wondergoal to help The Toffees in their fight against relegation.
Southampton vs. Southam… Liverpool
The Saints travel to Liverpool in what could be seen as a much win match for Klopp’s men. Liverpool are currently in fifth, twelve points from first and three points from the fourth and final champions league spot. Liverpool were dominant in their 4–1 win vs. West Ham last time out and were looking nearly unstoppable at times in attack. Southampton have been unimpressive of late, and the Saints are sitting in 13th, four points off the relegation zone after losing 1–0 to Burnley last time out. With Mané back in the side, expect terror to rain upon the Saints fullbacks for 90 minutes as Liverpool win, 3–0.
Leicester City vs. Manchester City
Your 2016 Premier League Champions (lul) welcome Your 2018 Premier League Champions in a match that the latter should cruise through. Leicester drew 2–2 in a not so cold morning in Stoke while the Citizens cruised to a 3–1 victory over Arsenal. Concerns over Sergio Aguero following his dizzy spell during international duty were brushed away by Pep Guardiola, telling Sky Sports:
“I do not worry, no. Sergio is fine and should be in contention for the team.”
Calming words for the blue side of Manchester, I’m sure. More calm for them with Raheem Sterling fit to play and Vincent Kompany in the team as well for the clash against Leicester. Manchester City are simply too good, and they’ll run away 4–1, courtesy of Jesus, Sterling and Aguero scoring in some kind of order.
West Brom vs. Chelsea
Chelsea visit West Brom in a clash between two teams at opposite ends of the table. Chelsea are in fourth, while Pulis’ side are in 16th and fearing the Championship. Last time out Chelsea were efficient in a strong 1–0 showing against Manchester United while West Brom lost to a ten man Huddersfield in a truly underwhelming performance. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, West Brom are not a bad football team. They’ve only conceded four more than Chelsea, but their problem, as always, is goals. With Chadli out injured, Salomon Rondon will be tasked with even more pressure of delivering up front, and I simply do not think he’s up to the task.
Chelsea take this one, 2–0, with Pulis’ men left licking their wounds and sinking even deeper into the relegation scrap for the 17/18 season.
Bournemouth vs. Huddersfield
AFC Bournemouth host Huddersfield after triumphing 1–0 over Newcastle to jump out of the drop zone (for now). They’re still in 17th and need a result badly in order to breathe a little easier next week. Manager Eddie Howe had this to say in his pre match press conference:
“We know the importance of this game. Our run now will define our season and we’ve got off to a good start with it.”
Their obstacle comes in the form of Huddersfield, a team that have conceded just 13 goals this year and are in 10th! David Wagner has done a fine job with the “poorest” team in the EPL and are stealing hearts with their solid performances thus far this season. However, they cannot seem to put the ball in the back of the net with any sort of real consistency and that could hurt them in a match against a side who are fighting to stay up. Christopher Schindler is suspended for The Terriers following a red card against West Brom prior to the international break. The German has been excellent this term and will surely be missed at the back. Looking towards the attack, Jermain Defoe has scored against 36 of the 39 EPL clubs he’s faced and could make it 37/40 with a goal tomorrow; only Frank Lampard (39), Andrew Cole (38) and Alan Shearer (37) can better that. I think Defoe makes it 37/40 with a goal in a 1–0 win for Bournemouth.
Burnley vs. Swansea City
Now, this is a very interesting tactical matchup for me. Sean Dyche has been doing some great things with his Clarets side who are sitting very pretty in 7th (!!!), eleven points ahead of their opponents, Swansea. Burnley will be eager to continue their good form pre international break with a win here against vulnerable Swansea. For my money Tammy Abraham scores for the Swans while Sam Vokes hits a brace to give Burnley a 2–1 home victory.
Manchester United vs. Newcastle
Manchester United host Newcastle in Saturday’s late-ish afternoon matchup. The Red Devils come into this match in second (on goal difference) and off a 1–0 away loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Similarly, Newcastle lost 1–0 as well, albeit to much worse opposition in the form of Bournemouth. Despite the loss, the Magpies are in 11th and could be confident of securing a result at Old Trafford tomorrow. However, Manchester United will be boosted by the returns of Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo while Newcastle are without starters Mikel Merino, Christian Atsu and Jamal Lascelles. Manchester United will cruise through, 3–0 with a Romelu Lukaku brace and an Ibrahimovic penalty off the bench to bolster United’s chase of Manchester City.
Watford vs. West Ham
Watford and West Ham are two clubs heading in opposite directions. At the start of the season, they were considered to be of equal skill level with the latter possibly being considered to be the stronger club!
…at least that’s how I saw it, and I was sooo wrong
West Ham looked awful and embarrassed their home fans in a shocking 4–1 loss to Liverpool in matchweek 11. Watford, meanwhile, also lost but were simply handed a gutting 3–2 loss to Everton which saw Tom Cleverley miss a 100th minute (!!!) penalty.
Watford will be desperate to please their fans following that crushing defeat and new signing Richarlison should be able to help them do just that. The Brazilian scores twice in a 2–0 win for the Hornets.
Brighton vs. Stoke City
Yeah so Brighton are in eighth. So that’s pretty cool, don’t you think? Chris Hughton’s side are doing wonders which were bolstered by a 1–0 win against Swansea in their last match. However, they have never beaten Stoke and are 0–0–8 in their last eight against the Potters. Mark Hughes’ team will look to set course once more for the top half of the table following a rather average performance against Leicester before the international break. As of right now, Stoke seem to be stronger on paper but Brighton simply look and play like a much better team. The Seagulls have conceded half as many goals as their Monday opponents and I think Izquierdo and Glen Murray strike to give The Seagulls a 2–0 win.
