The highlight games for the weekend action are EVERTON versus LIVERPOOL and MANCHESTER UNITED versus ARSENAL. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these as well as all game week 6 matches with his unique and insightful commentary. You can view all previous analysis from John’s regular column here: English Premier League Predictions For Saturday.
Please note all prices quoted below were correct at the time of publication
Game Week-6
Saturday 3rd
EVERTON v LIVERPOOL
12.30 in England
BT Sport
A quick turnaround for both teams in this Merseyside Derby, following the midweek Game Week-5 set of fixtures.
In fact, even a quicker turnaround for Liverpool as Jurgen’s Reds played on Wednesday, 24 hours after Frank’s Blues played on Tuesday.
In that fixture on Tuesday away at Elland Rd against Leeds United, Frank Lampard’s Everton took an early lead through a great goal by Anthony Gordon.
Anthony’s goal was very similar to the one scored against Brentford on Saturday, which will alert the other teams not to allow the youngster into that position.
Leeds did score an equaliser just after the break and with no further goals, both shared the points from a draw by a 1-1 score.
The Marching On Together crew love Frank Lampard and gave the ex-Derby boss a great reception, a lot giving Mr Lampard a victory sign and some shaking their hands reminiscent of a coffee advert from years ago.
Frank’s not bothered and is happy that at the moment, Anthony Gordon is still a Toffee.
This EveryTip column will go to print after the Transfer Window closes at 11.00 PM on Thursday the 1st, so unless Chelsea or anyone else comes in with an exorbitant amount of money, Anthony should be on show against Liverpool on Saturday.
Everton resisted the temptation to sell so for the time being, AG is an Everton player.
That might change in January.
Everton sit 17th in the table, with 3-points from 3 draws and 2 losses.
The ex-Toffee, Idrissa Gueye has returned to Goodison Park from Paris Saint-Germain, with Everton paying around £2 Million (fee undisclosed) after selling for £29 Million in 2019.
Manchester United’s young Midfielder, James Garner who was on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, has signed for Everton permanently with the Toffees hierarchy paying out around £15 Million.
Everton have certainly been given The Ultimate Gift by bringing in the young Maverick who was surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
Liverpool had to thank the referee Andre Marriner on Wednesday, as the Man in Yellow decided to play until the home team got the winner.
Admittedly there is a lot of time wasting in the game at the moment, however, the referee should clearly state this when adding the time on at the end.
Mr Marriner stated that there would be 5-additional minutes and Liverpool scored the winner in the 8th!
Whilst brilliant for the Anfield Rappers, it’s unfair on the away team.
If Andre was going to play an additional 8, 9 or 10-minutes then state it, not show 5-minutes then play until Liverpool score the winner.
Jurgen’s Reds fell behind to a 1st-half Newcastle goal before Roberto Firmino scored the equaliser on the hour-mark.
Just before Bobby F’s goal, Newcastle had a 2nd-cancelled out by the dreaded VAR because the Magpie Striker had a millimetre of his knee offside.
It was thought that these incidents would be abolished but appears not.
Everton themselves had a similar incident ruled out the night before.
It’s a stupid rule and offside should be based on the feet only!
Fabio Carvalho notched the Liverpool winner in the 98th minute to knock the stuffing out of Eddie’s Magpies and gain the victory by a 2-1 scoreline.
The win gives the Reds the same 8-points as Leeds and Fulham from 2 wins, 2-draws and a loss, lifting them to 6th in the table.
Whilst Liverpool are slowly getting things back on track, Man City have 5-points more and Arsenal 7.
Can the Anfield outfit claw those points back?
The Juventus Midfielder Arthur Melo comes into Anfield in a loan move, with a £37 Million option to buy figure.
In last season’s affair at Goodison Park, Rafa Benitez was still in charge of the Toffees, however, was hanging on to the job, following a devastating home defeat by a 4-1 scoreline.
Jordan Henderson and Mo Salah scored to give the Red Half an early lead, before Demarai Gray pulled a goal back for the Blue Half, just before the break.
Mo Salah and Diogo Jota added the 2nd-half goals for Liverpool to give Jurgen’s Reds the victory over Rafa’s Toffees.
Betfred offer Everton at 15/2, the draw at 4/1 and 2/5 for Liverpool to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/4 that Mo Salah Scores First and 7/5 that Liverpool Win To Nil.
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BRENTFORD v LEEDS UNITED
15.00 in England
Brentford gained a point on Tuesday in their midweek fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Palace scored the opener on the hour-mark and with 87-minutes up on the clock, it did look like Thomas’s Bees would suffer a defeat, however, Brentford are renowned for scoring late goals and Yoane Wissa equalised in the 88th minute, to gain a great point for the away team.
Brentford have 6-points from the opening 5 fixtures, a win, 3 draws and a loss, leaving the Bees in 11th place in the infant Premier League table.
Leeds United also came from a goal down against Everton on Tuesday, scoring an equaliser and gaining a point from a draw by a 1-1 score.
After falling behind early, the Marching On Together crew became impatient with Jordan Pickford’s time wasting and vented their West Yorkshire anger on the England goalkeeper.
Whilst it is annoying for the team on the receiving end of time wasting, it is part of the game and at some point in the season, Illan Meslier will no doubt waste a few seconds if his team are in control of a game.
At one point, it took Jordan 64-seconds to take a goal kick.
A minute and 4, to kick a ball!
As the ex-Leeds Midfielder, Kammy would say,
Unbelievable Jeff!
The point gained by Jesse’s Whites leaves the Elland Rd outfit with 8-points from 5 fixtures, 2 wins, 2 draws and a loss.
Sitting 7th in the table is a great start and the West Yorkshire puddings were all in the local pubs and clubs afterwards ordering a pint of Skol and 4-straws, refusing to put money in the jukebox.
Bamba Dieng, a Senegalese Striker was heading to Elland Rd from Marseille for a fee of £10 Million, however, the French club Nice, hijacked the move at the 11th hour, offering Bamba a 5-year deal that keeps the lad in France, nice!
Dan James has left West Yorkshire and gone to Craven Cottage on loan at Fulham for the remainder of the season.
Marching On Together!
When Leeds United ventured down the M1 to Brentford last season, this was the final fixture of the campaign and a pivotal game in the season for Jesse’s Whites.
Leeds had to gain a victory and hope that Burnley suffered a defeat or at best a draw, in their final game against Newcastle at Turf Moor.
Regardless of the Clarets’ result, the Whites had to win, to at least stand a chance of survival.
After a goalless 1st-half, things were tense for the travelling West Yorkshire puddings, who knew that Burnley were trailing at the break, so at the minute, Leeds were safe.
Raphinha scored just after the restart, about the same time as Burnley had conceded a 2nd, so at that point, Leeds would have had to concede 2-goals in half an hour and Burnley score twice, to send the Whites down.
The news came through that the Clarets had pulled a goal back, just before Brentford’s Sergio Canos had scored to make the scores level in London.
Stupidly Sergio took his shirt off after the goal and received a Yellow Card.
Two minutes later Mr Canos received another Yellow and the subsequent Red, meaning Leeds United had a man advantage, going into the final 10-minutes.
There were no further goals at Turf Moor, meaning all Leeds United had to do is not concede a Bees goal and Jesse Marsch’s Whites were safe.
As it turned out, Jack Harrison scored the winner in the 94th-minute that gave Leeds United the victory over Brentford by a 2-1 score and confirmed survival for another season in the Promised Land, with Burnley being the 3rd-team relegated along with Watford and Norwich.
Betfred offer Brentford at 23/20, the draw at 11/4 and 12/5 for Leeds United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 2/1 that Brian Mbeumo Scores Anytime and 15/8 that Patrick Bamford Scores Anytime.
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CHELSEA v WEST HAM
15.00 in England
What has happened to Chelsea?
Following Tuesday’s defeat against Southampton away at St Mary’s, questions are starting to be asked about the future of Thomas Tuchel and whether his Blue Engines are on the right track.
Raheem Sterling scored midway through the 1st-half to give Chelsea a lead that should have allowed the away team to kick on.
Unfortunately for the Blues, the goal inspired Wreck-it Ralph’s Saints who scored twice, to leave the Blues trailing at the break.
Chelsea couldn’t muster up anything in the 2nd half and Southampton held on to inflict the defeat on Thomas’s Blue Engines by a 2-1 score.
Chelsea have 7-points from a possible 15, with 2 wins, 2 losses and a draw out of the opening 5 fixtures leaving them 10th in the table following the midweek fixtures.
Wesley Fofana is finally a Chelsea player after a protracted on/off transfer deal.
Leicester have allowed Wes to join the Stamford Bridge outfit after receiving the princely sum of £75 Million.
The Foxes paid St Etienne around £30 Million for Mr Fofana in 2020.
That’s inflation for everyone!
The ex-Arsenal Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed a permanent contract at Stamford Bridge for a fee of £10 Million with Chelsea throwing in Marcos Alonso in the deal who heads to the Camp Nou.
Denis Zakaria arrives in London from Juventus on a season-long deal.
West Ham have brought in the Argentinian Midfielder Lucas Paqueta from Lyon, paying £52 Million.
David Moyes had no hesitation in sticking Lucas straight into the starting eleven against Tottenham on Wednesday.
After conceding a goal in the 1st-half credited as an own goal to Thilo ‘Max’ Kehrer, the Hammers went in at the break trailing.
To be fair to Max, Son Heung-Min was waiting to tap home if the Defender missed.
For those unsure why Thilo Kehrer is called Max, last week, David Moyes admitted that he was struggling to pronounce the Germans name, so John Newsome suggested to David, to call the lad Max, as in TK Max.
Tomas Soucek scored the equaliser just after the break and with no further goals, both teams shared the London points from a draw by a 1-1 scoreline.
Lucas Paqueta played for just over an hour in his debut and did show glimpses of what the Bubbles can expect from their record signing.
West Ham sit 14th in the table with 4-points from a win, a draw and 3-losses, so a steady improvement for Dave Moyes Boys.
At Stamford Bridge last season, the action all happened after 86-minutes were up on the clock.
Firstly, Craig Dawson was shown a Red Card for hauling down Romelu Lukaku in the penalty area, leaving the Hammers a man lite for the final few minutes.
Jorginho, who is usually composed when taking a penalty, hopped, skipped, jumped and missed, tamely rolling the ball to Lukasz Fabianski in the West Ham goal.
That wasn’t the end of the action with Christian Pulisic, who was a 2nd-half replacement for Timo Werner, scoring the solitary winning goal in the 90th minute to give Thomas’s Blue Engines the victory over David Moyes Bubbles by a 1-0 scoreline.
Betfred offer Chelsea at Odds On 8/15, the draw at 7/2 and 5/1 for West Ham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/4 that Jorginho Scores Anytime and 7/2 that Gianluca Scamacca Scores Anytime.
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NEWCASTLE v CRYSTAL PALACE
15.00 in England
Newcastle were extremely unlucky on Wednesday night at Anfield with a couple of decisions going against the Magpies.
Newcastle have signed Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for £60 Million, which is a club-record fee for the Magpies.
Eddie Howe put the Swiss Striker straight into the starting eleven at Anfield and Mr Isak didn’t disappoint scoring the opener after 38-minutes, to give the away team a lead at the break.
Alexander thought he had scored a 2nd, just after the restart but despite some superb composure, the dreaded VAR deemed that Mr Isak’s knee was a millimetre offside.
Newcastle did concede a Liverpool equaliser on the hour mark and with 7-minutes up of the extra 5 that were added, the Toon Army were screaming for the referee’s whistle, however, the on-field ref decided to play on until Liverpool scored the winner which inevitably came in the 98th-minute, inflicting a devastating defeat on Newcastle by a 2-1 scoreline.
It was harsh on Eddie and the Magpies who were missing Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson, Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin, 4-players that would have enhanced the Newcastle team.
The Magpies have 6-points from a win, 3 draws and a loss and sit in 12th place after the opening 5 fixtures.
That man Wilfried Zaha scored his 4th-goal of the campaign in the 2nd-half of the game against Brentford on Tuesday, to give Palace the lead.
With time running out, the Bees stung the Eagles with a late equaliser to give both teams a share of the points from a draw by a 1-1 score.
Patrick’s men have 5-points from a win, 2 draws and 2 losses and sit 13th in the table following the midweek fixtures.
When Patrick Vieira’s Eagles flew the long-distance North to St James Park in April, a single Miguel Almiron goal gave Eddie Howe’s Magpies the victory by a 1-0 scoreline.
Betfred offer Newcastle at 21/20, the draw at 5/2 and 3/1 for Crystal Palace to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1 that Alexander Isak Scores First and 12/5 that Newcastle Score in Both Halves.
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NOTTINGHAM FOREST v BOURNEMOUTH
15.00 in England
Nottingham Forest found out what the Premier League is really about on Wednesday.
After decent performances against Newcastle, West Ham, Everton and Tottenham, Steve Cooper’s Tricky Trees headed to the Etihad to take on the Premier League Champions.
There are different ways to face up against Man City and there are no real answers, with Patrick Vieira finding out last Saturday that even taking a 2-goal lead doesn’t necessarily mean success.
Mr Cooper decided to put 11 men behind the ball and after holding out for 12-minutes, Pep’s High Flying Blues took control, turning the 82% possession into goals, scoring 3-times before the half-time whistle.
Forest then conceded a further 3 and suffered an away-day defeat by a 6-0 score.
Steve Cooper just needs to put that result to bed as losing against Man City at the Etihad won’t define Nottingham Forest’s season.
A home tie against a struggling set of Cherries maybe is just what is needed to get back on track.
Forest sit 15th in the table with 4-points from a win, a draw and 3-losses.
Willy Boly becomes the 19th signing for Steve Cooper, with the Big Centre-Back following Morgan Gibbs-White, signing from Wolves for a fee that starts at £3 Million but could rise to £5 Million depending on how the season pans out.
Nineteen then became 20 and 21 with Forest signing Loic Bade from Rennes on a loan deal along with Blackpool’s Josh Bowler, with the latter heading off to Greece to play for the owner’s other club, Olympiacos.
There was talk of Michy Batshuayi signing from Chelsea on a permanent deal for around £10 Million, however, that hasn’t gone through just yet but it could still happen if the Blues cut their losses and cancel the Belgians’ contract.
That would allow a deal with whoever after the Transfer Window closed.
Scott Parker has been sacked by the Bournemouth hierarchy following the defeat against Liverpool by a 9-0 scoreline.
The bosses decided to pull the plug early and made the decision before the midweek game against Wolves.
There have been comments that Scott’s sacking is harsh, with a lot focusing on the fact that Bournemouth have only played 4-times.
That’s correct but the Cherries have suffered defeats in 3 of them and following the disastrous 9-0 on Saturday, Mr Parker came out in public and stated that his team are under-equipped.
That’s not what a chairman or owner wants to hear.
The players don’t either!
The hierarchy want to see Scott instil more fight, pride and passion in the team that are in the Premier League.
The official club statement was as follows,
‘AFC Bournemouth can announce that the club has parted company with head coach Scott Parker.
Maxim Demin said,
‘I would like to place on record my gratitude to Scott and his team for their efforts during their time with us.
Our promotion back to the Premier League last season under his tenure will always be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in our history.
However, in order for us to keep progressing as a team and as a Club as a whole, it is unconditional that we are aligned in our strategy to run the club sustainably.
We must also show belief in and respect for one another.
That is the approach that has brought this club so much success in recent history and one that we will not veer from now.
Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
Gary O’Neil will take interim charge of the team and will be assisted by Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick.’
After the usual drivel of thanking the manager, the damning part of the statement came, starting with the word,
‘However!’
What that basically means is Four Stripes Scott and the board had a different outlook on this Premier League campaign and Mr Parker’s outlook finished runner-up.
John Newsome as documented previously the dapper cardigan/jacket worn by Scott on the sidelines and coined the phrase Four Stripes Scott.
The ex-Fulham gaffer donned a snazzy designer cardigan/jacket for games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
The ‘Light Grey Cashmere V-Neck 4-Bar Cardigan’ from designer Thom Browne costs a cool £1,350.
That equates to around a Fiver a minute for the touchline clobber.
£5 per minute of sartorial elegance.
Mr Parker did look like a wounded animal after the game at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp seen putting a reassuring arm around Four Stripes Scott.
As what happens to most wounded animals, it’s best to put the poor soul out of their misery, which is certainly what the Bournemouth Bosses have done.
Poor Four Stripes!
Bournemouth played out a goalless draw against Wolves at the Vitality on Wednesday and despite not scoring for the 4th game in a row, the Cherries under the caretaker guidance of Gary O’Neil didn’t concede either.
Gary replaced the goalkeeper Mark Travers with Neto, with Mark still recovering from a bad back, after picking the ball out of the net 9-times on Saturday.
The draw gives Bournemouth the same 4-points as today’s opponents and leaves the Cherries in 16th, from a win, a draw and 3-losses.
Don’t be surprised if the ex-Burnley boss, Sean Dyche is the new manager at the Vitality.
Jack Stephens has made the short trip along the South Coast, from St Mary’s to the Vitality, on a season-long loan move.
It appears that seeing one’s team suffer a defeat by a 9-0 scoreline, results in a trip to the Job Centre.
The Dundee United manager, Jack Ross lost his job also, following Celtic’s emphatic victory by the same 9-0 score on Sunday.
What could have made the Dundee United defeat worse than Bournemouth’s (if that is even possible) is that Celtic scored the 9-goals at Tannadice Park, the home of Dundee United.
Ouch!
These two have met several times over the past few years but all fixtures have been in the Championship.
There has never been a Top Flight contest between the Tricky Trees and the Cherries.
At the City Ground last season, the fixture was the 2nd of the campaign with Chris Hughton’s Forest suffering a home defeat by a 2-1 scoreline.
David Brooks scored the opener for Bournemouth after half an hour but picked up a Yellow Card soon after the goal.
Scott McKenna equalised for Nottingham Forest just after the break, before Philip Billings scored the Cherries winner after 60-minutes.
The initial Yellow Card for David came back to haunt him just after Phil’s goal, when the Welshman received a 2nd-Yellow, the subsequent Red and an early bath, leaving Bournemouth a man lite for the remaining half-hour.
Fortunately for the away team, Forest couldn’t take advantage of the extra man and with no further goals, Scott Parker’s Cherries got the victory by a 2-1 score.
Betfred offer Nottingham Forest at 21/20, the draw at 5/2 and 3/1 for Bournemouth to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/1 that Morgan Gibbs-White Scores First and 23/20 that Nottingham Forest Score in Both Halves.
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***Premier League Team of the Week***
GOALKEEPER- Neto- Bournemouth
RIGHT-BACK- Kyle Walker-Peters- Southampton
CENTRE-BACK- Armel Bella-Kotchap- Southampton
CENTRE-BACK- John Stones- Man City
LEFT-BACK- Tyrell Malacia- Manchester United
MIDFIELDER- James Ward-Prowse- Southampton
MIDFIELDER- Bernardo Silva- Man City
MIDFIELDER- Jadon Sancho- Manchester United
FORWARD- Erling Haaland- Man City
FORWARD- Aleksandar Mitrovic- Fulham
FORWARD- Anthony Gordon- Everton
STAR MAN- Erling Haaland- Man City
TOTTENHAM v FULHAM
15.00 in England
Tottenham earned a well-deserved point from a draw by a 1-1 score against West Ham at the London Stadium on Wednesday.
After the Hammers Defender, Thilo Kehrer got in front of Son Heung-Min to tap home, Spurs went in at the break with a lead.
Unfortunately for the travelling Lilywhites, West Ham scored an equaliser just after the restart and with no further goals, both earned a point from the London Derby.
Tottenham are still unbeaten and sit 3rd in the table with 11-points from 3 wins and 2 draws.
Fulham got a great victory against Brighton on Tuesday at Craven Cottage, inflicting a defeat on Graham Potter’s men by a 2-1 scoreline.
After a goalless 1st-half, Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the opener just after the restart.
This was the Big Serbian’s 5th-goal of the campaign so far.
Fulham were then helped along the way with Brighton’s Lewis Dunk converting past his own goalkeeper to give the Cottagers a 2-goal advantage.
The Seagulls did pull a goal back on the hour mark but Marco Silva’s men held on for a great victory.
That’s 2 wins, 2 draws and a loss from the opening 5 fixtures, leaving Fulham sitting proudly in 8th-place, with 8-points which is a great start for all connections at the new look Craven Cottage.
Does one remember the ex-Chelsea star, Willian or Will-i-an, who left Stamford Bridge to go on holiday and have a sabbatical at the Emirates?
Well, Marco Silva has signed the Brazilian on a Free Transfer from Corinthians.
Willian described his year at Arsenal as
‘The worst time that I have lived as a professional!’
Bit harsh.
Dan James also comes into Craven Cottage from Leeds United, with the Welsh Speedster joining Fulham on a season-long loan.
Fulham continued the Deadline Day signings by bringing in Layvin Kurzawa from Paris Saint-German who plays at Left Back.
The ex-Tottenham Striker, Carlos Vinicius has moved to Fulham, initially on loan from Benfica, via PSV Eindhoven where the Brazilian was also on loan but is a Benfica player.
The term ‘ex-Tottenham’ is liberal as the lad only played 9-times for the Lilywhites back in 2020/21 under Jose Mourinho but did score a memorable hat-trick against the Mighty Marine (who?) in the FA Cup 3rd-Round.
Marine currently play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the same league as FC United.
Glazer’s Out!
Fulham’s last visit across London to the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium was back in January 2021, where Scott Parker’s Cottagers gained a great point against Jose Mourinho’s Spurs from a draw by a 1-1 scoreline.
Harry Kane scored the Tottenham goal midway through the 1st-half with Ivan Cavaleiro replying for Fulham after the break.
Jose was sacked a few months later in April 2021, whilst Scott Parker decided to leave Fulham at the end of the season and join Bournemouth.
Dracula Mourinho is now in Italy working at Roma, whilst Four Stripes Scott is at the Job Centre.
It’s a funny old game, as a Spurs Legend once said.
Betfred offer Tottenham at Odds On 9/20, the draw at 7/2 and 6/1 for Fulham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1 that Son Heung-Min Scores First and 15/8 that Aleksandar Mitrovic Scores Anytime.
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WOLVES v SOUTHAMPTON
15.00 in England
Wolves are struggling to score at the moment with Bruno’s Gold and Blacks gaining a point against Bournemouth from a draw by a 0-0 scoreline.
Wolves have scored just 2 goals in the 5 fixtures and sit in 18th place with 3-points from 3 draws and 2 losses.
The Lage Louts are starting to sing the old John Lennon ditty,
‘All we are saying is, give us a goal!’
Wolves bring in Sasa Kalajdzic, a Striker from Stuttgart for a fee of around £16 Million to try and get a goal or three.
Boubacar Traore is another coming into Wolves, on loan from Metz with a view to permanent signing at £11 Million.
Leander Dendoncker is moving the short distance from Molineux down the road to Villa Park for a fee of £13 Million.
Both Wolves and Aston Villa find themselves in the relegation zone, along with Leicester.
Not good at the moment for the Midlands branch of the Premier League.
After putting in a great performance against Manchester United on Saturday at St Mary’s, that reaped nothing, the Saints faithful were rewarded with a victory against Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Ralph Hasenhuttl has put together a great squad bringing in the likes of Armel Bella-Kotchap (nicknamed Heinz by his teammates!) and Romeo Lavia to add to the excellent existing players such as Kyle Walker-Peters, Mohammed Salisu and James Ward-Prowse.
Despite the brilliant performance against United on Saturday, Southampton couldn’t score, however, after falling behind against Chelsea on Tuesday, goals from Romeo Lavia and Adam Armstrong before the break gave Wreck-It’s Saints the superb victory against Thomas’s Blue Engines by a 2-1 score.
After 7-years at St Mary’s Oriel Romeu left the club and joined Girona in Spains La Liga.
Marseille Defender Duje Caleta-Car comes into St Mary’s for a fee of £13 Million.
Ralph has brought in Sam Edozie and Juan Larios from Man City, paying £10 Million for Sam and £6 Million for Juan who joins his City youth-mates Gavin Bazuna and Romeo Lavia.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is another signing, on loan from Arsenal for the season with an option to buy.
Ainsley is a good player and will definitely enhance the Saints’ squad.
Southampton sit 9th in the table, with 7-points from 2 wins, 2 losses and a draw out of the opening 5 fixtures.
At Molineux last term, Bruno’s Gold and Blacks got the victory over Wreck-It Ralph’s Saints by a 3-1 score.
Raul Jimenez scored first to give the home team a lead at the break.
Conor Coady added a 2nd, soon after the restart before James Ward-Prowse pulled a goal back for Southampton.
Adama Traore (remember him?) added a 3rd in the 91st minute to give Wolves a convincing victory.
Betfred offer Wolves at 5/4, the draw at 12/5 and 12/5 for Southampton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/2 that Che Adams Scores Anytime and slight Odds On 4/5 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
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ASTON VILLA v MAN CITY
17.30 in England
Sky Sports
There must be something in the Midlands water at the moment with the 3-Premier League clubs from that region of England, all sitting in the bottom 3 of the table.
Aston Villa are sat in 19th place with 2-points from a win and 4 losses, following Wednesday’s fixture against Arsenal where Steven Gerrard’s Claret and Blues suffered a defeat at the Emirates by a 2-1 score.
Tyrone Mings was back in the lineup after missing out last Saturday but Stevie G left Philippe Coutinho on the bench giving Emiliano Buendia a start.
After conceding a Gunners goal before the break, to go in trailing, Steven sent on Douglas Luiz in the 73rd minute.
A minute later, Dougie scored a superb goal direct from a corner.
Whilst most will think that a shot directly from a corner is lucky or not meant, this is the 2nd-time in a week that Mr Luiz has scored directly when taking the said corner kick.
Last week in the Carabao Cup against Bolton, the Midfielder did the same.
It’s obviously something that is pre-planned which the opposition need to watch out for.
Unfortunately for the travelling Claret and Blues, Arsenal scored a 2nd straight after Dougie’s goal and with no further action, Aston Villa suffered a defeat by a 2-1 away-day scoreline.
Douglas Luiz was a target for Arsenal but Aston Villa have stood firm and have not allowed the Brazilian to leave.
However, Douglas is a free agent next summer so is available to anyone in 12 months.
Villa have signed Leander Dendoncker from the Midlands neighbours Wolves for a fee of around £13 Million.
Added to that signature, Steven Gerrard has brought in Jan Bednarek from Southampton on a season-long loan deal.
What a team doesn’t need when struggling and having lost the last 4 out of 5-fixtures, is a visit from the Premier League Champions and worse still, a Man City team that includes Erling Haaland.
Good luck Stevie G!
Man City destroyed Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, scoring 3 goals in both halves to inflict the devastating defeat on the Tricky Trees by a 6-0 scoreline.
Erling Haaland has got the first back-to-back hat-trick in the Premier League since Harry Kane in December 2017 and only the 7th person to do so, after Les Ferdinand, Ian Wright, Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney and the aforementioned Mr Kane.
Added to that, it’s taken Erling the fewest games in Premier League history to score 2-hat-tricks, just 5-games.
Previous it took Demba Ba 21-games, Fernando Torres 25, Tony Yeboah 25 and Fabrizio Ravanelli 26.
The Norwegian/Leeds lad definitely knows where the onion is.
That’s now 9-goals for Mr Haaland from the opening 5-fixtures.
Last season, whilst playing for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, it took Erling the first 6-games to score 9.
Man City have signed Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund.
The 27-year-old Swiss Defender comes into the Etihad for a fee of around £15 Million.
Pep’s High Flying Blues remain on the coattails of Mikel’s Young Guns, sitting 2nd with 13-points, 2-points adrift following 4 wins and a draw.
The Citizens will be hoping that the Numpty Neighbours United can at least get a draw against Arsenal on Sunday, if not a win.
Man City got the away day victory by a 2-1 scoreline last December at Villa Park.
Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva with the 1st-half goals for City before Ollie Watkins halved the deficit just after the break.
With no further goals, Steven Gerrard suffered an early defeat, following 2-victories, at the start of his managerial tenure at Aston Villa.
Betfred offer Aston Villa at 15/2, the draw at 9/2 and Odds On 4/11 for Man City to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/1 that Erling Haaland Scores a Hat-Trick and 11/8 that there are Over 3-5 Goals.
Away Win 0-4- Get 14/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Sunday 04th
BRIGHTON v LEICESTER
14.00 in England
Brighton suffered a defeat, some would say a surprise defeat, against Fulham on Tuesday.
After being unbeaten in the opening 4-fixtures, a draw would have been the worst to be expected from Brighton’s trip to Craven Cottage.
Unfortunately, for the travelling Seagulls, after a goalless 1st-half, the home team scored the opener soon after the restart.
The deficit was soon doubled when the unfortunate Captain, Lewis Dunk turned past his own ‘keeper, to leave the away side trailing.
To be fair to Big Lewis, it was a great goal and could provide the manager with an option if the Seagulls struggle to score this term.
Alexis Mac Allister did score on the hour mark when the away team were awarded a penalty but with no further goals, Brighton suffered the unexpected defeat by a 2-1 away day scoreline.
Graham Potter’s Wizards remain 4th in the table, with 10-points from 3-wins, a draw and now a loss.
Brighton have signed Billy Gilmore from Chelsea, paying £10 Million for the Scottish Midfielder who has spent the last couple of seasons out on loan and is not wanted at Stamford Bridge.
Leicester started slowly against Manchester United on Thursday and following a bit of slack play that allowed the United front 3 the freedom of the King Power, conceded a goal midway through the 1st-half.
The away team couldn’t kick on from there and it was a toss-up as to who was the worst out of the two for the remainder of the match.
Leicester couldn’t get an equaliser and ultimately suffered a defeat against Manchester United by a narrow 1-0 score.
That leaves the Foxes rooted to the foot of the table with 1-point from a draw and 4 losses.
Brendan Rogers is under increasing pressure, with the Foxes faithful showing their anger towards the gaffer at half and full-time.
There were chants of,
‘We want Brendan out!’
Which is never anything that a manager of a club wants to hear.
Brendan’s comments after the defeat against United were not too dissimilar to those made by Scott Parker.
That could spell the end between Mr Rodgers and his not so Wonderful’s.
Watch this space.
Youri Tielemans is still at the club but is a free agent next summer so Leicester have lost out on a Transfer Fee, as it’s probably inevitable that the Belgian will leave in 12 months.
The on-off transfer of Want-away-Wesley Fofana has now been finalised with the Defender joining Chelsea in a deal that sees Leicester receive £75 Million for the 21-year-old Frenchman.
Leicester have brought in Wout Faes from Reims for a fee of £15 Million.
The Belgium Defender comes in as a replacement for Wesley.
Neal Maupay opened the scoring for Brighton at the Amex last season, taking the home team in at the break in front.
Five minutes after the restart Danny Welbeck doubled the Seagulls’ tally before Jamie Vardy scored to halve the deficit.
With no further goals, the Seagulls gained the victory over the Foxes by a 2-1 score.
Betfred offer Brighton at Odds On 10/11, the draw at 13/5 and 10/3 for Leicester to come away with all 3-points.
Brighton offer 9/4 that Alex Mac Allister Scores Anytime and 2/1 that Brighton Score in Both Halves.
Home Win 2-1- Get 15/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
MANCHESTER UNITED v ARSENAL
16.30 in England
Sky Sports
Erik Ten Hag named the same starting eleven for the 3rd-game in a row and what has been pointed out previously in this column, Manchester United have a better chance of a victory without Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fred.
After being the better of the two teams and afforded the freedom of the King Power Stadium, 2-quick passes from Bruno Fernandes to Marcus Rashford then Marcus onto Jadon Sancho, United scored the only goal of the game.
Erik introduced Casemiro, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fred in the 2nd-half and subsequently lost the momentum that almost allowed Leicester back into the game.
Fortunately for the travelling Red Devils, Manchester United held on for the victory by a 1-0 score.
That’s the 2nd away day victory in a row, which although both performances against Southampton and Leicester were not convincing, United ultimately won and was an improvement on the opening 2 fixtures.
United sit 5th in the table with 9-points from 3 wins and 2 losses.
The media are all in awe of Cristiano Ronaldo with conscious and subconscious bias in reporting and commentary trying to make out that Manchester United need CR7.
They don’t!
John Newsome has previously documented the Cristiano Ronaldo situation, that being that the Boy from Madeira is a legend and should have a statue outside Old Trafford, however, is past his sell-buy.
It happens, time waits for no man or woman.
It’s telling that no other clubs, specifically ones in the Champions League, where Cristiano wanted to go, have come in.
That’s the only reason CR7 is still a United player because no one wanted the lad due to his age.
No doubt Cristiano will score goals for whoever he plays, however, as stated previously, his presence is a massive shadow over the club.
Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford even Bruno Fernandes are better players when Cristiano isn’t playing.
There will be games over the coming months when Erik Ten Hag chooses Mr Ronaldo, chooses Harry Maguire and brings in Fred.
It’s in those games that the difference between in and out will be prominent.
Manchester United are a better team without Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fred.
It’s fact, not opinion.
Look at the games against Brighton and Brentford, then watch the performance against Liverpool, Southampton and Leicester.
It’s chalk and cheese, albeit not exactly perfect but definitely an improvement from the opening 2-fixtures.
A surprise signing for Manchester United is Martin Dubravka from Newcastle initially on loan with a fee of £2 Million but with an option of a permanent deal depending on how the Slovakian goalkeeper performs.
Antony is finally in from Ajax on a 5-year contract with United paying £85 Million in a protracted deal that eventually saw Antony down tools in the Netherlands.
Whilst it’s never nice to see a player ‘down tools’ so to speak, sometimes needs must if adult conversations are not working.
Ajax held out for a great fee and that was ultimately why the deal took so long.
As Mr Weller would say,
This is the Modern World!
Arsenal are now 5-from-5 in the win column and sit proudly at the summit of the Premier League following Wednesday’s victory against Aston Villa by a 2-1 scoreline.
The Gunners are the only team out of the 92 in the Top Four divisions of the English pyramid to have a 100% record.
Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring in the 1st-half to give Mikel’s Young Guns a lead at the break.
Villa did score an equaliser, with a shot direct from a corner going straight over Aaron Ramsdale’s head into the net.
Double-A-Ron did complain that he had been impeded but the goal stood.
As it turned out, the parity didn’t last long when one of the other Angels, Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the 74th minute.
It’s a great start for the Gunners but it could be considered that the opening 5-fixtures that Arsenal have been victorious, have been favourable.
This game at Old Trafford could be the first real test against the improved version of Manchester United, depending on the starting eleven that Erik Ten Hag puts out.
This fixture at Old Trafford last season was the second game after the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Michael Carrick in temporary charge of the Manchester United team.
Mr Carrick had overseen a brilliant draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, 4-days earlier and now saw his Boys take on Mikel Arteta’s Young Guns at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes scored to cancel out an earlier Emile Smith-Rowe goal to take both teams in level at the break.
Cristiano Ronald added a United 2nd just after the restart before Martin Odegaard equalised for Arsenal 2-minutes later.
The home team were then awarded a penalty, that Cristiano Ronaldo converted to give United a narrow lead and with no further goals, the Red Devils got the victory over the Gunners by the odd one in a 5-goal thriller.
Betfred offer Manchester United at 17/10, the draw at 13/5 and 13/8 for Arsenal to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 6/1 that Marcus Rashford Scores First and 6/5 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Draw 1-1- Bet on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Game Week-6 (1997/98)
Saturday 13th September 1997
BARNSLEY v ASTON VILLA
Oakwell
15.00 in England
The Villains headed up the M1 to Oakwell on a late Indian Summer Saturday afternoon to take on the new Premier League Boys.
Barnsley had just had a 2-week rest due to the International Break, which saw Glenn Hoddle’s England take on Moldova in the World Cup Qualifying campaign.
On the 30th of August 1997, the Super Reds suffered a defeat away at Derby County by a 1-0 score.
The Number 9 for the Rams that day was Ashley Ward.
In the bar afterwards, the Derby hierarchy and the Barnsley owners, John Dennis and his mob, all having had a few glasses of Sherry, exchanged a fist full of dollars so that the impressive Ashley, aged 26 at the time, would become a Reds player.
The fist full of dollars equated to around £1.3 Million.
The Derby County owners must have had a few too many Sherry’s that afternoon, somewhat surprisingly allowing the Striker to leave, as Mr Ward was a class player and became an instant hit at Oakwell.
Barnsley-
Lars Leese, Nicky Eaden, Adie Moses, Arjan De Zeew, Darren Bernard, Eric Tinkler, Matty Appleby, Neil Redfearn, Georgi Hristov, Andy Liddell and Ashley Ward.
Substitutes-
Darren Sheridan for Eric Tinkler 57th- minute
Martin Bullock for Andy Liddell 65th-minute
Laurens Ten Heuvel for Georgi Hristov 69th-minute
Aston Villa-
Mark Bosnich, Fernando Nelson, Ugo Ehiogu, Gareth Southgate, Steve Staunton, Simon Grayson, Alan Wright, Mark Draper, Ian Taylor, Stan Collymore and Dwight Yorke.
Substitutes-
Ricky Scimeca for Steve Staunton 76th-minute
Sasa Curcic for Ian Taylor 79th-minute
If one peruses the Villa starting eleven, players such as Mark Bosnich, Ugo Ehiogu, Gareth Southgate, Steve Staunton, Ian Taylor, Stan Collymore and Dwight Yorke, in fact, all of them were class players, most being established Internationals.
Gareth Southgate had just played in the England team that had got a victory over Moldova in the World Cup Qualifier, 3-days earlier.
Mark Bosnich went on to play for Manchester United and Chelsea.
Dwight Yorke was part of the United Treble-winning team of 1999.
In truth, it was just an honour to watch these players from the stand, which John Newsome had the pleasure of doing on Saturday 13th of September 1997.
This was 6-days after John’s 28th birthday so it was granted that a few scoops would be partaken before the game and then a steady jaunt down to the ground.
Some would say ‘drunken stagger!’
The legend that is Ugo Ehiogu scored the opener for Aston Villa midway through the 1st-half to give the away team a lead at the break.
Mark Draper added a 2nd just after the restart before another Villa legend, him being Ian Taylor, scored a 3rd for Brian Little’s Claret and Blues to give Aston Villa the victory by a 3-0 score.
Although another defeat for little old Barnsley, the Super Reds faithful enjoyed the day out in the September Sunshine, watching quality players that were simply too good for their idols.
The belated Birthday celebrations continued long into the night for the 28-year old who ended up with a Kay Bab following a dance at the legendary Japanese Whispers.
Away Win 0-3
Rest in Peace Ugo Ehiogu!
Celtic are now 5-from-5 in the win column following last Sunday’s devastating victory against Dundee United (who?) by a 9(Nine)-0 scoreline.
The unfortunate Jack Ross, who had only been at Tannadice Park for 12 weeks was sacked by Dundee United after the defeat.
Jack was straight on the phone to Scott Parker, to see how to complete the Job Seekers Allowance form.
It appears Nine is the magic number to be sacked by ones club.
That said, Ralph Hasenhuttl has not only one but two, defeats by a 9-0 scoreline on his Saints record.
The Austrian Wrecking Machine must have some dodgy photos of the Southampton hierarchy on his Nokia.
Celtic’s arch Glasgow rivals, Rangers had got a victory against Ross County (who?) the day before, with the Teddy Bears inflicting defeat on Ross County by a 4-0 score.
That means Celtic sit at the summit of the SPL (Scottish Pub League!) with 15-points, with Rangers in 2nd, having 13.
Unlucky for some.
The loveable OzScot who is on his travels with the family at the moment is on the lookout for a boozer that will be showing the Old Firm Glasgow Derby this weekend when Celtic host Rangers at Celtic Park on Saturday.
In a first since 2007, both Rangers and Celtic have made the Champions League Group Stages, that start next week.
Celtic are in a group with Real Madrid, Shaktar Donetsk and RB Leipzig, with the Green and White Hoops taking on the current Champions, Real Madrid on Tuesday (6th) at Celtic Park.
Rangers are in with Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax, facing the Dutch Champions on Wednesday (7th) away in the Netherlands.
Celtic are charging fans £129 (£43 per game) across the board for the 3-home fixtures, whilst Rangers want their fans to fork out between £150-£180 (£50-£60 per game).
That’s the price of success.
The Old Firm Derby on Saturday offers up the opportunity for Rangers to leapfrog Celtic to the top of the Pub League, however, as this is a prediction site, it’s predicted that Celtic won’t lose and at worse the Green and White Hoops will draw against the Teddy Bears in Saturday’s lunchtime kickoff.
Kylie will not be happy with that but one has to be subjective whilst producing this EveryTip column.
The dad and lad will be caked up in the Braveheart regalia on Saturday morning, hoping that their team in Blue get one over the Green and White Hoops.
More from the Pub League next time.
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