The highlight games for the next set of EPL matches are MAN CITY versus LIVERPOOL and EVERTON versus MANCHESTER UNITED. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these and all game week 13 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-13
Saturday 25th
MAN CITY v LIVERPOOL
12.30 in England
Sky Sports
What a superb fixture to welcome back the Premier League after another International Break.
The good news is, England have qualified easily for next Summer’s Euro’s taking place in Germany and that’s it for Gareth Southgate and his Merry Men until March 2024, when the Three Lions face a friendly clash against Brazil at Wembley.
Back to the Premier League and the current Table Toppers Man City host Liverpool who come into this fixture sitting in 2nd position.
If one checks the start time and live TV broadcasters, it’s Sky Sports that are showing this fixture which is usually a TNT Sport slot.
The reason for this is due to safety concerns from the relevant authorities, which now means that TNT Sport are showing Brentford v Arsenal at 17.30.
Man City are at the summit following a superb fixture against Chelsea last time out where both teams shared the points from a draw by a 4-4 score.
John Newsome is often criticised when his predictions are given each week but can one imagine if, in last week’s column, this EveryTip contributor offered up the prediction that Chelsea v Man City would finish in an 8-goal score-draw thriller?
The Men in White Coats would be knocking at the door.
Erling Haaland scored a couple plus goals from Manuel Akanji and Roadie Rodri giving City a share of the points from an amazing game at Stamford Bridge.
A couple of ex-Citizens, Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer scored 2 of the Chelsea replies with Thiago Silva and Nicolas Jackson adding the others.
Tottenham suffered a defeat against Wolves, as did Newcastle losing against Bournemouth, with victories for Liverpool and Arsenal leaving Man City at the summit with 28 points, then come Liverpool and Arsenal with 27 apiece, next it’s Tottenham with 26 and then Aston Villa who have 25.
There is a gap of 4 points to the team in 6th place who surprisingly are Manchester United.
Following this tricky fixture against Liverpool, it’s Tottenham who head to the Etihad so come the start of December, the top end of the Premier League could be looking a lot different.
Liverpool gained the expected victory over Brentford before the International Break with Jurgen’s Reds inflicting a defeat on Thomas’s Bees by a 3-0 scoreline, which was predicted in this EveryTip column.
After 2 Darwin Nunez goals were ruled out by the dreaded VAR, it was Mo Salah who scored twice to give the hosts a comfortable lead before Diogo Jota made it 3-0 midway through the 2nd-half.
As mentioned, that leaves Liverpool in 2nd place with the same 27 points as Arsenal from the opening 12 fixtures.
What it also means is the winner today will be at the Top of the Premier League regardless of the results over the rest of the weekend.
A slight caveat to that statement is if Liverpool do achieve the victory, Arsenal could jump to the summit if they get 3 points against Brentford and score 2 or more goals than the Reds.
The goal difference at the moment is Liverpool have scored 27 and conceded 10, giving a plus+17 goal swing.
Arsenal have scored 26 and conceded 10 giving a plus+16 goal swing.
Man City are a better team at the Etihad than on their travels with Liverpool being the same so this fixture does point to a home win, however, as everyone knows, football has a habit of offering up a surprise.
In last season’s encounter at the Etihad between Pep’s High Flying Blues and Jurgen’s Reds, it was the home team that gained the easy victory by a 4-1 scoreline.
Mo Salah actually scored first to give the away team the lead, however, goals from Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish gave City the points.
Erling Haaland has yet to register a Premier League goal against Liverpool but did notch in the Carabao Cup tie that took place last December.
Betfred offer Man City at Odds On 8/13, the draw at 16/5 and 10/3 for Liverpool to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/2 that Erling Haaland Scores First and 6/5 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
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BURNLEY v WEST HAM
15.00 in England
Burnley now have the unwanted honour of being the team at the bottom of the Premier League following another defeat in Game Week-12.
To be fair, the loss was against Arsenal at the Emirates by a 3-1 score and at one point Josh Brownhill’s strike did put the scores level, however, the Gunners were simply too strong and ran out easy winners, leaving Vincent Kompany’s Clarets at the foot with 4 points after 12 games completed.
There is now a gap of 2 points between themselves and Luton who are the safe team, with Sheffield United and Everton the others in the drop zone.
The only time in the 31 years of the Premier League that the 3 promoted teams were relegated the following season, was in the 1997/98 campaign when Crystal Palace, Barnsley and Bolton all went back to the Championship after a year in the Promised Land.
Unless things improve dramatically, that scenario could occur again this time, although the points deduction for Everton have brought them into the mix.
West Ham played in a very entertaining 5-goal thriller against Nottingham Forest at the London Stadium last time out.
The goals going in as follows,
3′ Lucas Paqueta (West Ham 1-0)
44′ Taiwo Awoniyi (Forest 1-1)
Half-time Pie and Mash.
63′ Anthony Elanga (Forest 1-2)
65′ Jarrod Bowen (West Ham 2-2)
88′ Tomas Soucek (West Ham 3-2)
Full-time Jellied Eels and Liquor.
In a topsy-turvy affair that could have resulted in a victory for either team, it was David Moyes Boys who got the points leaving West Ham in 9th place with 17 points from the 12 fixtures played so far, almost a 3rd of a season gone in a flash.
One strange phenomenon that is continuing is Gareth Southgate’s refusal to pick James Ward-Prowse for the England team with JWP once again being overlooked for the games against Malta and North Macedonia.
James has 2 goals to his name plus 11 West Ham assists yet is not chosen by Gareth who is insisting on picking Jordan Henderson, currently playing in the Saudi Pub League (granted an expensive Pub) and Kalvin Phillips who can’t get a kick for Man City.
Another City player who was picked in front of James, was Ricoh Lewis which did leave the Manchester Stick Thrower somewhat perplexed, however, it’s still staggering that James Ward-Prowse cannot get into Gareth Southgate’s Squad.
It’s hoped James will continue his fine performances that will eventually lead to a recall to the Three Lions squad.
Keep on keeping on JWP.
As for the said Three Lions, John Newsome is a staunch supporter of his Nations team and will always back them, however, England laboured to a victory against Malta, the 171st FIFA Ranked Team by a 2-0 scoreline and got a draw by a 1-1 score against North Macedonia.
Compare that to France, who gained a victory over Gibraltar, the 198th FIFA Ranked Team by a 14-0 score.
Yes, 14 (Fourteen!), with both England and France being at home.
Is it coming home?
Maybe, if one resides in France.
It was December 2021, when West Ham last visited Turf Moor to face Burnley.
With the impending arrival of Santa Claus, both teams were so excited about the Big Day that they couldn’t manage to score a goal with the game finishing in a draw by a 0-0 score.
The tie at the London Stadium later on in the season also produced a draw, this time by a 1-1 score.
Betfred offer Burnley at 12/5, the draw at 5/2 and Evens 1/1 for West Ham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 8/5 that Jarrod Bowen Scores Anytime and Evens 1/1 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
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LUTON v CRYSTAL PALACE
15.00 in England
Luton come back after the break now sitting just outside of the relegation places in 17th with 6 points from the opening 12 games.
The Hatters have jumped up a place following the Toffees 10-point deduction.
Rob Edwards could consider his boys to be unlucky against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday after suffering a narrow defeat by a 1-0 scoreline.
In the last 5 fixtures, the pattern for the Hatters has been Lost, Draw, Lost, Draw, Lost so that could suggest Luton can get a Draw against Crystal Palace today.
Whilst predicting football results isn’t as simple as that, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that a draw can happen.
Crystal Palace suffered a narrow defeat last time out against Everton at Selhurst Park.
The 5 goal thriller saw the ball hit the back of the net as follows,
1′ Vitali Mykolenko (Everton 0-1)
5′ Eberechi Eze- penalty (Palace 1-1)
Half-time Chips and Bovril.
49′ Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton 1-2)
73′ Odsonne Edouard (Palace 2-2)
86′ Idrissa Gueye (Everton 2-3)
Full-time Gin and Bitter Lemon.
Whilst the game was good to watch for the neutral and the Toffees, it was hard to take for the Eagle Ultras who see their team slip to 13th place with the same 15 points as Wolves.
Eberechi Eze has returned to the team after injury and has signed a new contract which is good news plus Michael Olise saw just over 20 minutes of game time against Everton.
With the return of EE and MC, Crystal Palace should improve somewhat.
This fixture dates back to November 1920, when the Hatters hosted the Eagles in a Division 3 (South) game that finished in a draw by a 2-2 score.
A very young Archbishop was happy!
The last time these two met was in the 2006/07 Championship campaign which saw both fixtures finish in a victory to the home team by a 2-1 scoreline.
In September 2006, it was Luton who gained the win over Crystal Palace at Kenilworth Rd.
The Manager of the Hatters at the time Mike Newell sent out the following,
Luton-
Marlon Beresford, Leon Barnett, Kevin Foley, Markus Heikinnen, Carlos Edwards, Lewis Emanuel, Sol Davis, Richard Langley, Steve Robinson, Sam Parkin and Rowan Vine.
Substitutes-
Warren Feeney for Rowan Vine 85th Minute
The Eagles Boss Peter Taylor sent out these,
Gabor Kirahly, Danny Butterfield, Mark Hudson, Leon Cort, Danny Granville, Carl Fletcher, Mark Kennedy, Jobi McAnuff, Tom Soares, James Scowcroft and Shefki Kuqi.
Substitutes-
Michael Hughes for Carl Fletcher 38th Minute
Dougie Freedman for Danny Butterfield 62nd Minute
Clinton Morrison for Shefki Kuqi 62nd Minute
Carlos Edwards and Rowan Vine with the Luton goals with James Scowcroft replying for Palace.
Betfred offer Luton at 12/5, the draw at 11/5 and 11/10 for Crystal Palace to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 2/1 that Carlton Morris Scores Anytime and 11/10 that there are Over 2.5 Goals.
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NEWCASTLE v CHELSEA
15.00 in England
Newcastle suffered back-to-back defeats against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Group Stage that eventually caused a Premier League hangover for the visit to the Vitality, where Eddie Howe’s ex-employers Bournemouth gained the victory by a 2-0 score.
That was Newcastle’s first loss in the Premier League since the beginning of September but it still prompted an unhappy few members of the Toon Army to vent their frustration towards the team at the end of the game on the South Coast.
Kieran Trippier was seen discussing with the crowd insisting the team had done their best and that injuries were starting to take their toll on the Newcastle team.
Probably the International Break came at just the right time as Kieran was correct with players such as Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett and Callum Wilson all missing from the game against Bournemouth.
Added to those were Bruno Guimaraes who missed the game due to receiving 5 Yellow Cards, the long-term injury of Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali’s absence for the rest of the campaign due to betting offences.
Those are big players whom any team would miss so the Toon Army should show a bit more compassion and give Eddie Howe and his Magpies a bit more credit than what was shown at the end of the game against the Cherries.
Newcastle sit in 7th place in the table with 20 points from the opening 12 games played.
This could be a tricky game to predict depending on who Newcastle can choose.
If a couple of the injured players named above are fit enough to start then it should be a home win, so the team sheet is key if one is having a punt.
Bruno Guimaraes will be playing as his absence wasn’t due to injury but from the accruement of Yellows.
Chelsea played in the game of the weekend at Stamford Bridge against the Treble Winners Man City with both scoring 4 goals to earn a point apiece from a 4-4 scoreline.
The goals going in as follows,
25′ Erling Haaland- penalty (Man City 0-1)
29′ Thiago Silva (Chelsea 1-1)
37′ Raheem Sterling (Chelsea 2-1)
45+1′ Manuel Akanji (Man City 2-2)
Half-time Hot Dog.
47′ Erling Haaland (Man City 2-3)
67′ Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea 3-3)
86′ Rodri (Man City 3-4)
90+5′ Cole Palmer (Chelsea 4-4)
Full-time Double (Archbishop) Cheeseburger and Chips.
Whilst most will argue that 8 goals in a game suggest that the defending was poor, which was probably the case, it was still a great spectacle for the fans in attendance and the watching millions at home in front of the Gogglebox.
That’s also 8 goals scored by Mauricio’s Blues in the last two games following the 4 notched against Tottenham last week.
The point gained lifts Chelsea above Brentford into 10th place with the same 16 as the Bees but with a slightly superior goal difference.
At St James Park last season, in November 2022, a Joe Willock goal in the 2nd-half gave Eddie Howe’s Newcastle team the victory over Graham Potter’s Chelsea by a 1-0 scoreline.
Betfred offer Newcastle at 7/5, the draw at 12/5 and 7/4 for Chelsea to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 8/5 that Callum Wilson Scores First and 9/5 that Nicolas Jackson Scores Anytime.
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NOTTINGHAM FOREST v BRIGHTON
15.00 in England
Nottingham Forest could consider themselves unlucky coming away from the London Stadium with nothing following a defeat against West Ham by a 3-2 scoreline.
Taiwo Awoniyi scored to equalise an earlier Hammers goal taking both teams in level at the interval.
Anthony Elanga then notched to give the Tricky Trees a lead with half an hour remaining, however, the home team took control and scored twice to inflict the loss on Forest.
That leaves Nottingham Forest in 14th place with 13 points from the 12 games played.
14,13,12.
Brighton are one of just three teams that have failed to get a victory over Sheffield United following the draw at the Amex last time out by a 1-1 scoreline.
Simon Adringa scored the opener after 6 minutes which should have been a platform for the Seagulls to build from.
Unfortunately for the home team, it was the Blades that became the dominant team and when Mahmoud Dahoud was shown a straight Red Card in the 68th minute the writing was on the wall for Brighton with the Big Centre-Back Adam Webster being credited with an own goal to make the scores level.
With no further goals, both shared the points, making Brighton along with Wolves and Everton the only teams up to now that Sheffield United have taken points from.
Brighton sit in 8th place with 19 points from the opening 12 fixtures completed.
When the Seagulls flew North to sit on the Tricky Trees last season, it was the home team that gained the victory with Nottingham Forest inflicting the defeat on Brighton by a 3-1 score.
Brennan Johnson had the early opportunity to score but missed a penalty in the 11th minute before Facundo Buonanotte opened the scoring for Brighton.
The unfortunate Pascal Gross then gifted Forest an equaliser scoring an own goal to take both teams in level at the interval.
The Forest Striker Danilo added a 2nd in the 69th minute, with a Morgan Gibbs-White converted penalty late on being enough to seal the victory.
Brennan had been substituted before the award of the late spot-kick so it would have been interesting to see if the lad would have been allowed to take it following the earlier miss.
Betfred offer Nottingham Forest at 2/1, the draw at 5/2 and 6/5 for Brighton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 6/4 that Taiwo Awoniyi Scores Anytime and 13/8 that Evan Ferguson Scores Anytime.
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***Premier League Team of the Week***
GOALKEEPER- Neto- Bournemouth
RIGHT-BACK- Max Aarons- Bournemouth
CENTRE-BACK- Thiago Silva- Chelsea
CENTRE-BACK- George Baldock- Sheffield United
LEFT-BACK- Vitali Mykolenko- Everton
MIDFIELDER- Mario Lemina- Wolves
MIDFIELDER- Pablo Sarabia- Wolves
MIDFIELDER- Cole Palmer- Chelsea
FORWARD- Mo Salah- Liverpool
FORWARD- Dominic Solanke- Bournemouth
FORWARD- Erling Haaland- Man City
STAR MAN- Cole Palmer- Man City
SHEFFIELD UNITED v BOURNEMOUTH
15.00 in England
Sheffield United gained a creditable point from a draw against Brighton last time out.
After conceding an early goal the Blades were back level when the Seagulls Defender Adam Webster turned past his own Goalkeeper.
With no further goals, both shared the points from a draw by a 1-1 score.
After 9 losses, Sheffield United have managed to take points off Everton, Wolves and now Brighton, giving the Steel City club 5 points from 12 played, however, the slight improvement has seen the Blades jump off the bottom of the table and now sit in 18th after swapping places with Burnley and Everton’s points deduction.
There was talk that Paul Heckinbottom was under pressure and Chris Wilder was standing by to take over, however, that speculation has appeared to have died down and By Heck is still in the hot seat.
James from Swinton nowhere near Bramall Lane was disappointed at not being at the Amex last week as the lad had lost his Passport and assumed that he wouldn’t be allowed to travel South without the document.
Later, on Saturday Afternoon, whilst walking around Aldi with the lovely Jade, the Little Blunt casually asked if ‘she had seen his Passport?’
Jade replied,
‘Yes love, it’s in the Biscuit Tin where you always leave it! Why?’
‘Well, I wanted to go to Brighton but couldn’t remember where I’d put it!’
Jade just shook her head and looked down at the Haribo Jelly on her finger, remembering in dismay that this was the man she was to marry.
‘You Daft Blunt, you don’t need a Passport to go to Brighton!’
Jimbo was gutted he hadn’t ventured South but did want to celebrate the fact that his beloved team hadn’t lost, despite not travelling and went off to buy a bottle of Ballycastle.
The Little Blunt has marked his fixture list and ticked off the stadiums that don’t require the Passport but has put a question mark at the side of Molineux.
Bournemouth could consider themselves to have gained the best result of Game Week-12 by inflicting a defeat on Newcastle at the Vitality by a 2-0 scoreline.
Dominic Solanke scored both goals against the Magpies which now gives the lad 6 for the season so far.
Bournemouth sit just above Sheffield United and the relegation zone in 16th with 9 points, 4 more than today’s opponents.
It was April 2022 when the Cherries last ventured North to have a day out in Sheffield, that being a Championship fixture.
The boys were so excited about the greasy chip butty and a gallon of Magnet that neither team could get a goal with the game ending in a draw by a 0-0 score.
Betfred offer Sheffield United at 11/5, the draw at 23/10 and 23/20 for Bournemouth to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/1 that Cameron Archer Scores First and 16/5 that Sheffield United Score in Both Halves.
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BRENTFORD v ARSENAL
17.30 in England
TNT Sport
If one notices, TNT Sport are showing this fixture when usually Sky Sports have this slot, however, today’s TV fixtures have been switched around with the usual 12.30 TNT Sport game being given to Sky Sports and the 17.30 fixture now on TNT Sport.
Maybe it’s because the governing bodies didn’t want to have the Man City v Liverpool fixture kick-off so late allowing the naughty boys and girls to partake in the odd Shandy all day.
Brentford come into this game following a defeat against Liverpool at Anfield last time out, with Jurgen’s Reds gaining the victory over Thomas’s Bees by a 3-0 scoreline.
After 3 wins on the bounce, it was a bit of a setback, however, most will lose against Liverpool in their backyard so the result needs to be put to bed without worrying too much and fully concentrate on this game against Arsenal.
Brentford sit in 11th place with the same 16 points as the West London rivals Chelsea following the initial 12 fixtures.
There has been conjecture over who should be the Arsenal Goalkeeper with David Raya being chosen ahead of Aaron Ramsdale for the majority of the fixtures this season.
Whilst it does seem harsh on Aaron that is Mikel Arteta’s prerogative, however, there isn’t a decision to be made today as David Raya is on loan from Brentford and therefore, cannot play against his parent club which means Aaron Ramsdale should be between the sticks.
Arsenal come into the game off the back of a victory against Burnley before the International Break.
Goals from Leandro Trossard, William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko gave the Gunners the points from a 3-1 scoreline, however, the win was soured slightly with the straight Red Card given to Fabio Vieira late on in the 2nd-half.
Burnley did score to equalise the earlier Leandro goal.
Arsenal have jumped above their North London rivals Tottenham, following 2 straight defeats for Spurs, with the Gunners sitting in 3rd place with the same 27 points as Liverpool who sit in 2nd purely based on having scored 1 more goal than Arsenal.
With the Top Two playing each other earlier on in the day, Mikel Arteta will know that a victory against Brentford could see his Young Guns jump to the summit of the table.
There would have to be certain scenarios occurring for that to happen, however, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Arsenal will be at the Top of the Premier League come Match Of The Day on Saturday evening.
At the GTech Stadium last season, it was Arsenal that gained the victory over Brentford by a 3-0 away day score.
William Saliba, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira with the goals, all going in past the current Arsenal Stopper.
Betfred offer Brentford at 16/5, the draw at 13/5 and slight Odds On 4/5 for Arsenal to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 2/1 that Bryan Mbeumo Scores Anytime and 9/4 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
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Sunday 26th
TOTTENHAM v ASTON VILLA
14.00 in English
Sky Sports
After being unbeaten from the opening 10 games, Tottenham have now suffered back-to-back defeats following the early Saturday Afternoon fixture against Wolves last time out.
Brennan Johnson gave Tottenham an early lead at Molineux but with time running out, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs not only conceded an equaliser in the 91st minute but then conceded a Wolves winner in the 97th minute to ultimately lose the game by a 2-1 scoreline.
John Newsome had predicted a draw by a 1-1 score so it’s hoped a few used the ‘Cash Out’ option when Wolves equalised.
The reason for predicting a draw was similar to the Newcastle situation, that being Tottenham have picked up a few injuries.
Micky Van De Ven and James Maddison, who have been the main players this term are now ruled out for several weeks which is a massive loss for Big Ange.
The way that Ange wants Tottenham to play is ideal for Micky and James, however, Eric Dier who has come into the Back-Line isn’t blessed with pace so it will leave Tottenham vulnerable.
It’s quite possible that Tottenham could lose a few games over the next month or so with the fixtures coming thick and fast.
The defeat leaves Tottenham in 4th place with 26 points from the opening 12 games.
Today’s opponent sit a place and a point below so the winners will finish the weekend in the Top Four.
Despite losing against Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks ago, Aston Villa are one of the form teams at the moment, quickly getting back on track with a victory against Fulham last time out.
Goals from John McGinn, Ollie Watkins and one credited as an OG, gave Villa the points from a 3-1 scoreline.
Fulham did score a late consolation but Unai Emery’s men were in cruise control by then and ran out easy winners.
As mentioned, Aston Villa sit in 5th place with 25 points, a place and a point behind today’s hosts so if a victory is achieved Villa will finish the weekend in the Top Four.
These two last met at the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium on New Year’s Day with Aston Villa gaining the victory over Tottenham by a 2-0 away day score.
Emiliano Buendia and Douglas Luiz with the 2nd-half goals giving Unai Emery’s Villa the win over Antonio Conte’s lacklustre Spurs.
Betfred offer Tottenham at 6/5, the draw at 11/4 and 7/4 for Aston Villa to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 23/20 that Son Heung-Min Scores Anytime and 5/4 that Ollie Watkins Scores Anytime.
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EVERTON v MANCHESTER UNITED
16.30 in England
Sky Sports
Everton have been hit with a big blow during the International Break with the Premier League deducting the Toffees 10 (Ten) points due to Financial Irregularities.
Unfortunately, John Newsome hasn’t got the full reasons why but basically ‘the Everton hierarchy have borrowed money for the New Stadium and felt that the interest should have been taken into consideration in respect to their PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules!)’
Whilst it is a big points deduction, all is not lost for the Toffees as at worst Everton have dropped to 19th and now have 4 points, 2 adrift of safety and at best there is a chance to get some of the points back following the subsequent appeal.
There was a brilliant performance on the pitch last time out when goals from Vitali Mykolenko, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye gave Everton a victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park by a 3-2 scoreline.
Palace had equalised both of the opening goals before Idrissa scored the winner.
That had lifted the Toffees to 14th in the table but now the points deduction has come in, Everton find themselves in the relegation places for the time being.
It’s not out of the question for a victory today against a poor Manchester United team so it’s quite possible that Everton will be away from the drop zone.
It’s also not an understatement that Manchester United are poor at the moment.
Since the last EveryTip column, United have suffered a defeat in the Champions League against Copenhagen leaving Erik’s Ten Bob’s at the foot of that particular Group staring elimination from the European Competitions in the face.
Remember the fact that if United finished 3rd, although that would see the Red Devils knocked out of the Champions League, it does mean automatic entry into the Europa League but finishing bottom means the Passports won’t be needed for a while.
There is still a chance of progression but it would mean United have to gain at least 4 points from the remaining fixtures against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
Copenhagen have the same two to play with Galatasaray having United and Copenhagen, effectively meaning that the Turks have the easier fixtures to get the required points.
Bayern are through already so could rest players against Manchester United and Copenhagen, however, that’s not the way of the Germans and Harry Kane will want a few more goals, especially against United.
In the Premier League, Erik’s Red Devils gained a victory over the Mighty Luton Town at Old Trafford by a 1-0 scoreline.
Whilst most will say that a win is a win, United only beat teams below themselves and struggle in the process.
Manchester United’s victories have been against Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Brentford, Sheffield United, Fulham and Luton, leaving them in 6th place with 21 points.
The teams United have suffered defeats against are Tottenham, Arsenal, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Man City.
Surprisingly there haven’t been any Draws for United in all competitions this term.
What that does suggest is Manchester United should get a victory over Everton today, however, with the Toffees being at home as well as having the points deduction, it will be the home team that is up for the challenge more than the away team.
As with all Manchester United games, it’s worth waiting for the team sheet to come out, roughly around an hour before kick-off, to decide whether to have a punt on them or not.
Probably the most surprising part of the above few paragraphs is that United are sitting in 6th place, above the likes of Newcastle, Brighton and Chelsea, so most could ask why there is so much negativity about.
That can be easily explained as Manchester United are just rubbish at the moment and like the game against Luton, are just managing to use their Premier League experience to get through the game and earn the win.
The players Erik has at his disposal are just not good enough.
Harry Maguire will always give 100% and put his head on the line but compare Harry’s 100% to the likes of Ruben Diaz, Micky Van De Ven, Virgil Van Dijk or Gabriel.
Same with Victor Lindelof.
Erik is falling into the trap of thinking Scott McTominay is the answer (he’s not!) and is constantly out-fought and out-thought in the Midfield.
Christian Eriksen is unfortunately past his sell-buy.
Rasmus Hojlund is trying but hasn’t got the players around him to supply the assists.
Antony, no comment!
Marcus and Bruno are the players they are, Bruno will always be there or thereabouts but when things are not going his way will sulk like a little kid.
As for Anthony Martial, God loves a trier.
There’s a 54-year-old guy who writes this column who could put in a better performance than the enigmatic Frenchman who simply needs to be moved on for the sake of everyone.
One could go on but it’s been documented before so there’s no real point and it’s for Erik Ten Hag to sort.
After this trip to Goodison Park, there’s a trip to St James Park to face Newcastle and then a home game against Chelsea, so maybe the outlook for United will be a bit clearer after those 3 fixtures.
It was Erik Ten Hag’s men that got the better of Frank Lampard’s boys in last season’s encounter at Goodison Park.
Alex Iwobi opened the scoring for the home team before goals from Antony and Cristiano Ronaldo gave Manchester United the victory over Everton by a 2-1 scoreline.
All 3 goals were scored before the half-time cup of tea.
Betfred offer Everton at 9/5, the draw at 23/10 and 7/5 for Manchester United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 15/2 that Bruno Fernandes Scores First and slight Odds on 10/11 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
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Monday 27th
FULHAM v WOLVES
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Fulham have hit a bit of a flat spot over the past month suffering 4 defeats from 6 Premier League games, with a win and a draw from the other 2, meaning just 4 points from a possible 18 on offer.
The latest defeat came last time out when Unai Emery’s Claret and Blues gained the victory over Marco Silva’s Cottagers by a 3-1 scoreline.
The unfortunate Antonee (Double E) Robinson gifted Villa the opener before Raul Jimenez scored a late goal.
Aston Villa had scored another 2 before Raul’s consolation.
That was RJ’s first goal in a Fulham shirt since joining from Wolves in the Summer.
No doubt the lad will want to add to that against his former employers tonight.
It’s quite apparent that the Cottagers are missing Aleksandar Mitrovic, however, it offers up the chance for others to shine, which doesn’t appear to be being taken at the moment.
Fulham sit in 15th place with 12 points from the opening 12 games.
Wolves sit in 12th place with 15 points following a superb victory against Tottenham before the International Break.
After conceding an early goal, it could have been a long afternoon for the Gold and Blacks, however, the Molineux faithful got behind their idols and 90 minutes later, Pablo Sarabia scored the equaliser.
A draw would have been a brilliant result against the then current Premier League leaders but Mario Lemina was having none of the draw talk and scored the winner in the 97th minute.
It was a fitting result for a team that have been done by the dreaded VAR over the previous two games when a couple of dodgy penalties were awarded against Gary O’Neil’s men.
Whilst Fulham v Wolves may not be a glamour fixture it will be a nice watch for Monday Night Football to round off Game Week-13.
Both teams shared the points from a draw by a 1-1 score at Craven Cottage last season.
Wolves’ Pablo Sarabia scored first before Manor Solomon equalised for Fulham giving each team a point apiece.
Betfred offer Fulham at 13/10, the draw at 21/10 and 21/10 for Wolves to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 21/10 that Raul Jimenez Scores Anytime and 13/5 that Pablo Sarabia Scores Anytime.
Draw 1-1- Get 13/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
The Scottish Premier League remains the same following the last set of fixtures (of course it does!)
Celtic sit at the summit with 35 points following a victory over Aberdeen (who?) with the arch-Glasgow rivals Rangers in 2nd with 27 points following their win against Livingston (who?) Doctor one presumes.
The loveable OzScot is on his 13th holiday of the year with the wife, travelling around Asia visiting Singapore and Thailand.
Judith is excited about purchasing a couple of knocked off Baseball Caps (the lad loves a hat) and is trying to get the good people of Thailand to print a caption on the front that reads,
‘Rangers-Pub League Champions 2024/25’
After numerous comments (laughing ones) from the Thai, a compromise was reached and now Braveheart/Kylie is the proud owner of a Baseball Cap with,
‘Rangers-Pub League Champions 2031/32’
He’s still spinning around.
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