The highlight games for this weekend’s action are CHELSEA versus ARSENAL and TOTTENHAM versus LIVERPOOL. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these as well as all game week 15 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-15
Saturday 05th
LEEDS UNITED v BOURNEMOUTH
15.00 in England
The Joy Division tune is on hold for a week or so following Jesse’s Whites’ victory against Jurgen’s Reds on Saturday.
Leeds United gained the Number 1 result of Game Week-14 inflicting a devastating defeat on Liverpool at Anfield by a 2-1 scoreline.
With just 4 minutes on the clock, Rodrigo took advantage of a horrendous error by Joe Gomez and Alisson to tap into an empty net.
Liverpool then equalised to take both teams in level at the break.
With time virtually up, Crysencio Summerville scored a superb winner to give the American Drama Queen something to celebrate on the touchline.
The Marching On Together crew went berserk in the away end and all headed back across the M62 in delirium.
It was Leeds first victory since August and the 3 points gained lifted the Whites out of the relegation zone into 15th place with 12 points from 12 fixtures played.
The same 12 points as Aston Villa and Southampton.
Marching On Together.
Kieffer Moore scored twice on Saturday against Tottenham, one in both halves, to give Bournemouth a comfortable lead, however, the Cherries then conceded 3 goals to ultimately suffer a home defeat against Spurs by a 3-2 scoreline.
That’s now 3 defeats in succession for Gary O’Neil and his team after 6 games unbeaten when Scott Parker was sacked.
The honeymoon period for Gary is definitely over and another loss could result in Mr O’Neil joining Mr Parker at the Job Centre as the new American owners won’t put up with losing.
Gary’s Cherries sit in 14th place, with 13 points from 13 fixtures played, a place and a point above today’s hosts.
Bournemouth and the Cherries faithful haven’t travelled the long distance North to West Yorkshire for a Premier League fixture.
The last time this fixture took place at Elland Rd was a Championship game in January 2018, with the home team, Leeds United gaining the victory by a 1-0 scoreline.
Luke Murphy with the solitary winning goal.
Yann Kermorgant did have the chance to equalise for the away team when Bournemouth were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute, however, Big Yann missed the spot-kick.
When Leeds were promoted back to the Promised Land in 2020, Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites replaced Eddie Howe’s Cherries so the two haven’t come up against each other whilst both in the Top Flight.
There was an infamous day out to the South Coast for the West Yorkshire puddings back in May 1990, when both teams were in the old Division 2, the equivalent of today’s Championship.
In the final fixture of the 1989/90 campaign, the Marching On Together crew marched down the long road South and faced the Cherries at the old Dean Court Stadium.
The fixture between Harry Redknapp’s Bournemouth and Howard Wilkinson’s Leeds United was crucial.
It was the final weekend of the Division Two season and Mr Wilkinson’s Whites needed a victory to secure promotion to the top flight, whilst Harry’s Cherries needed to inflict defeat on the away team to stay up.
On the 5th of May, 1990, a Bank Holiday weekend, it was the Perfect Storm, that set up chaos and carnage on the South Coast.
The Leeds United faithful travelled en masse, all in the hope of a weekend to remember.
Football aside, it would be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Despite warnings from the Dorset police about potential violence, the game went ahead.
It resulted in scenes that would leave a lasting impression on English and European football.
Bobby Robson’s England were due to travel to Italy the following month to play in the World Cup finals and UEFA were still considering whether to end the English exile from European action after five years.
In Leeds and surrounding areas, the faithful had Tee-Shirts printed with the ‘Invasion of Bournemouth’ on the front.
A couple of weeks earlier, no one knew how pivotal the final-day fixture would be.
Mr Wilkinson’s Whites had the chance to clinch promotion a couple of times prior to the finale but couldn’t get over the finishing line.
Barnsley FC did the double over Leeds United that particular campaign, with the Super Reds gaining a victory at Elland Rd 10 days earlier, that if Leeds had won, would have given the Division 2 Title to the Whites before the final day trip to Bournemouth.
The West Yorkshire puddings prepared to decamp 260 miles South.
On the morning the tickets went on general sale, the ticket office opened at 9.15 AM.
Queues began building at 5 AM and the allocation of 4,000 sold within 2 hours.
The club and their senior directors, chairman Leslie Silver and managing director Bill Fotherby knew 1,000’s without tickets would travel South regardless.
Four venues in Leeds were set aside for live broadcasts of the match.
Vinnie Jones, the Lock, Stock and Barrel actor and Leeds Midfield Enforcer, was an unlikely voice of reason beforehand.
Vinnie stated,
‘We want a turning point in this club’s history, in two ways.’
One, to say Leeds United fans can behave themselves.
The other is to say that Leeds United are back in the First Division,
We just want to have a good day, let’s not have any problems.’
Mr Jones was an out-there choice to be the appealer for calm but it is doubtful anyone at Elland Road could have held back the traffic.
Around 15,000 of the West Yorkshire puddings made it to Bournemouth for that Sunny Bank Holiday weekend.
Pubs in the town began filling up on the Friday afternoon, 24 hours before kick-off.
The 4,000 in the little Dean Court ground were mainly behaving (one says mainly, it was 1990, a different time!)
Leeds United gained the victory by a 1-0 away day score with Lee Chapman getting the solitary winning goal.
Howard’s Whites finished at the summit of the Second Division with 85 points, finishing above David Bassett’s Blades as Champions purely with a superior goal difference, as Sheffield United also gained 85 points.
Whilst the Whites players and a few fans celebrated, the others wrecked the beautiful Bournemouth town which had never seen an invasion on that scale previously.
Marching On Together.
Betfred offer Leeds United at slight Odds On 8/11, the draw at 11/4 and 10/3 for Bournemouth to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1 that Patrick Bamford Scores First and 9/5 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
Home Win 3-1- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
MAN CITY v FULHAM
15.00 in England
Man City jumped to the summit of the Premier League on Saturday, if only for 24 hours or so following the narrow victory against Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
In a tight affair, Kevin De Bruyne scored a superb free-kick, early in the 2nd-half, to give Pep’s High Flying Blues the away day victory over Brendan’s Wonderfuls by a 1-0 score.
City have 29 points from 12 fixtures completed but drop back to 2nd following Arsenal’s win on Sunday with Pep 1’s Blues 2 points adrift of Pep 2’s Young Guns.
John Stones was back in the starting lineup for Man City after being injured for a few games.
The mantra was also back,
When John Stones plays, City don’t concede.
Man City take on Seville at the Etihad on Wednesday in the final Group game of the Champions League.
Pep’s High Flying Blues have comfortably qualified for the knockout stages and other than a catastrophic defeat against the Spaniards, should finish at the top of the Group and can put that particular competition to bed until February 2023.
Fulham gained a point from a goalless draw against Everton on Saturday.
There’s not much else to comment on regards that stalemate at Craven Cottage, other than the home team had 24 goal attempts but couldn’t score past the Toffee and England stopper Jordan Pickford, who was the difference between 1 point and 3.
Fulham sit in 7th place with 19 points from 13 fixtures played.
It was back at the beginning of December 2020 when Fulham last visited the Etihad to take on Man City.
First-half Goals from Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne, Kevin’s being a converted penalty, gave Pep’s High Flying Blues the victory over Scott Parker’s Cottagers by a 2-0 score.
Betfred offer Man City at Odds On 1/9, the draw at 8/1 and 16/1 for Fulham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/5 that Ilkay Gundogan Scores Anytime and Evens 1/1 that Man City Win To Nil.
Home Win 3-0- Get 13/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
NOTTINGHAM FOREST v BRENTFORD
15.00 in England
Nottingham Forest suffered a setback at the Emirates on Sunday with Arsenal inflicting a devastating defeat by a 5-0 scoreline.
Following last week’s brilliant victory against Liverpool, the Tricky Trees faithful were hoping for another win but Steve Cooper saw his Forest side capitulate in London.
Forest conceded a goal after 5 minutes but then went the remaining 40, until half-time, trailing by a single goal.
Unfortunately for the away fans, Arsenal stepped up in the 2nd-half scoring 4 times after the interval to inflict the defeat on Nottingham Forest.
Steve’s men sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with 9 points from 13 games played.
It is tight in the bottom half of the table and there is time for a few teams to pull away from the drop zone so Forest won’t be worrying too much, however, Steve Cooper will be mindful of not becoming cut adrift at the foot.
Brentford gained a point from a draw by a 1-1 score against Wolves on Saturday.
After a goalless 1st-half, Ben Mee scored a brilliant goal for the Bees to put the home team in front.
Unfortunately for the watching faithful, the lead didn’t last long, when Wolves equalised 2 minutes after Big Ben’s opener.
With no further goals, both shared the points.
Brentford sit in 11th place with 15 points from 13 fixtures completed.
The Tricky Trees last met the Bees (one used to be a poet but didn’t even know it!) back in December 2020, however, that was a Championship affair at the City Ground.
Henrik Dalsgard opened the scoring for Brentford after 15 minutes to give the away team a lead at the break.
What was then a surprise is there were no further goals until the 83rd minute when Josh Dasilva and Ivan Toney gave the Bees a 3-0 lead.
That wasn’t the end of the scoring with Joe Worrall pulling a goal back for Nottingham Forest in the 91st minute that was ultimately just a consolation, meaning Thomas Frank’s Bees got the victory over Chris Hughton’s Tricky Trees by a 3-1 away day score.
Forest’s Anthony Knockaert was shown a 2nd Yellow and the subsequent Red in the 92nd minute.
Betfred offer Nottingham Forest at 17/10, the draw at 9/4 and 6/4 for Brentford to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/5 that Ivan Toney Scores Anytime and slight Odds On 17/20 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Away Win 0-2- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
WOLVES v BRIGHTON
15.00 in England
Ruben Neves scored an equalising goal, 2 minutes after Wolves had conceded against Brentford on Saturday.
Ruben is renowned for scoring long-range efforts and his trademark shot earned the Gold and Blacks a point from a draw by a 1-1 score.
Wolves, still under the guidance of Steve Davis (not the Snooker player!) sit in 19th place in the table with 10 points from the opening 13 fixtures played.
It is pretty congested in the bottom half of the table, with 7 points separating the 10 teams that reside there.
After 3 defeats in the opening 5 fixtures under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton finally gained a victory on Saturday, that not only halted the slump but saw the 3 points gained against the ex-Seagull boss, Graham Potter.
Brighton were leading by 3 goals to nil at half-time thanks to a goal from Leandro Trossard and 2 Chelsea own goals.
The away team pulled a goal back after the break but Pascal Gross added a 4th in the 92nd minute to give Brighton the victory over Chelsea by a 4-1 scoreline.
Pascal was the first Brighton player to score other than Leandro Trossard in the last 6 games, with Leandro now having 7 goals this season.
Brighton gained the victory against Wolves at Molineux last season, with Graham Potter’s Seagulls inflicting a defeat on Bruno Lage’s Gold and Blacks by a 3-0 away day scoreline.
Alexis Mac Allister missed a penalty after 33 minutes, hitting the post.
It was then a surprise when Brighton were awarded a 2nd penalty, 10 minutes later and Alexis stepped up again.
Luckily for the travelling Seagulls in attendance at Molineux, the Argentinian/Scot redeemed himself and converted to give Brighton a lead at the break.
In the 70th minute, Leandro Trossard scored, with Yves Bissouma adding a 3rd just before the full-time whistle to give Graham’s Wizards the victory over Bruno’s Lage Louts.
Betfred offer Wolves at 23/10, the draw at 23/10 and 11/10 for Brighton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/5 that Leandro Trossard Scores Anytime and slight Odds On 3/4 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Draw 1-1- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
EVERTON v LEICESTER
17.30 in England
Sky Sports
These two played in 2 of the Game Week-13 fixtures that produced a total of 1 goal in both games.
Frank Lampard’s Everton gained a point from a draw by a 0-0 scoreline against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The point gained, as it’s always a point gained as opposed to 2 points lost, (regular readers will know this fact!) leaves the Toffees in 12th place with 14 points from 13 games completed.
12,13,14
Earlier on Saturday, Leicester suffered a defeat against Man City at the King Power Stadium by a 1-0 scoreline.
Thus, just 1 goal out of the 2 games.
After a goalless 1st-half in the early Saturday afternoon kick-off, Man City scored the solitary winning one just after the restart to inflict the defeat on Little Brendan and his (not so) Wonderfuls.
Leicester sit in 18th place, the final relegation place, with 11 points from 13 fixtures completed.
This fixture last season at Goodison Park was meant to take place just before Christmas but was postponed due to the dreaded Coronavirus situation.
The Foxes finally faced the Toffees on Merseyside in April 2022, with both teams sharing the points from a draw by a 1-1 score.
Harvey Barnes scored for Leicester after 5 minutes of play, with Richarlison scoring the equaliser for Everton almost 90 minutes later, in the 93rd minute.
Betfred offer Everton at 13/10, the draw at 9/4 and 2/1 for Leicester to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/1 that Dominic Calvert-Lewin Scores First and 11/10 that there are Over 10.5 Corners.
Draw 1-1- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
***Premier League Team of the Week***
GOALKEEPER- Illan Meslier- Leeds United
RIGHT-BACK- Ben White- Leeds United
CENTRE-BACK- John Stones- Man City
CENTRE-BACK- Ben Mee- Brentford
LEFT-BACK- Ben Davies- Tottenham
MIDFIELDER- Leandro Trossard- Brighton
MIDFIELDER- Reiss Nelson- Arsenal
MIDFIELDER- Kevin De Bruyne- Man City
FORWARD- Kieffer Moore- Bournemouth
FORWARD- Crysencio Summerville- Leeds United
FORWARD- Marcus Rashford- Manchester United
STAR MAN- Marcus Rashford-(100 goals for Manchester United!)
Sunday 06th
CHELSEA v ARSENAL
12.00 in England
BT Sport
Chelsea, who under Graham Potter, were unbeaten in 9 games in all competitions, headed South on Saturday to face Graham’s old Club Brighton and suffered a horrendous defeat by a 4-1 away day scoreline.
Horrendous isn’t too strong a word to use, considering 2 of the 4 goals conceded were scored by the Chelsea players, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah.
Kai Havertz did score a consolation goal for Graham’s New Blue Wizards in the 2nd-half but like an ex-girlfriend texting abusive messages, Brighton inflicted the defeat that prompted Mr Potter to turn his phone off.
With Manchester United getting the victory on Sunday, Chelsea are now 6th in the Premier League table, with 21 points, however, have only played 12 times, not the 13 that some others have.
At the beginning of the season, John Newsome predicted that Manchester United would finish higher than Chelsea and admittedly, whilst only a 3rd of the season has passed, with 2/3rds to go, this EveryTip column is sticking with that prediction.
Whilst Arsenal did get the victory against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on Sunday, it was the easiest result of the weekend to predict.
Probably the only thing to consider was what the scoreline was going to be.
Top v Bottom produced 5 goals, all for the home team with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring after 5 minutes.
Forest then held out for the remainder of the 1st-half to trail at the break by a single goal.
It was then the Arsenal show in the 2nd-half with a couple of goals from Reiss Nelson and a goal apiece for Thomas Partay and Martin Odegaard to inflict the defeat on Nottingham Forest by a 5-0 scoreline.
Mikel’s Young Guns jumped back to the summit of the Premier League after slipping a place for 24 hours, following Pep’s High Flying Blues’ victory on Saturday.
Arsenal have 31 points from 12 fixtures played.
This was a very entertaining 6 goal thriller at Stamford Bridge back in April 2022.
Eddie’s Nketiah opened the scoring for Arsenal after 13 minutes, with Timo Werner equalising for Chelsea 4 minutes later.
Emile Smith-Rowe scored in the 27th minute to restore the Gunners’ lead, however, the parity didn’t last long before Cesar Azpilicueta equalised for the Blues soon after, to take both teams in level at the break.
Eddie then scored his 2nd and Arsenal’s 3rd just after the restart with Bukayo Saka converting a penalty in the 92nd minute to give the away team the London bragging rights by a 4-2 scoreline.
It’s worth noting that Graham Potter has had relative success against Arsenal whilst in charge of Brighton.
In the 6 Premier League fixtures between Brighton and Arsenal whilst Mr Potter was at the Seagulls’ helm, Brighton won 3, lost 2 and drew 1.
Betfred offer Chelsea at 6/4, the draw at 23/10 and 8/5 for Arsenal to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/1 that Jorginho Scores Anytime and 7/5 that Gabriel Jesus Scores Anytime.
Draw 1-1- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
SOUTHAMPTON v NEWCASTLE
14.00 in England
Sky Sports
Southampton suffered a defeat on Saturday, this time against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, by a 1-0 scoreline.
The goal was conceded just before the half-time cup of tea.
The Saints sit just outside of the relegation zone in 17th place with 12 points from 13 fixtures played.
In the 13 games, there have been 7 losses, 3 wins and 3 draws.
The defeats are worrying for Wreck-It Ralph Hasenhuttl and the Saints faithful, which does sound like the title of a film from the Wreck-It Ralph franchise.
If results don’t improve, the franchise, like Sylvester Stallone and the Rocky films, will come to an end.
Sad that Rocky Balboa is not in the new Creed 3 film but that’s evolution for everyone.
Newcastle have gained 16 points from the 18 on offer in October.
Five wins and a draw, which is simply brilliant by Eddie and the Magpies.
The latest 3 points were gained at St James Park on Saturday against Aston Villa by a 4-0 scoreline.
Villa had scored 4 themselves in the previous game following the sacking of Steven Gerrard and were still under the caretaker guidance of Aaron Danks.
Callum Wilson scored a goal, either side of the half-time whistle, the first being a penalty, with Joelinton and Miguel Almiron adding the others to give the home team the convincing victory.
That’s Miguel’s 7th of the campaign and the 6th from the October fixtures, which is simply brilliant for the young Paraguayan.
Fortunately for Newcastle, Mr Almiron will get a mid-season break as Paraguay are not at Qatar’22 so little Miguel will be watching the World Cup on the telly or if the lad is a proper footballer, partying in Ibiza for the whole of the tournament.
Those were the days!
Newcastle remain in 4th place with 24 points from 13 fixtures.
Manchester United sit just below with 23 points and Tottenham are just above with 26.
Whilst it’s probably inconceivable to think Eddie and the Magpies can win this season’s Premier League, a Top Four finish is on the cards that will push Newcastle back into the limelight and give the Toon Army optimism for the next few years until the Saudi Oil runs out.
Toon Army, Toon Army!
Eddie Howe’s Saudi Revolution at Newcastle was in full flow when the Toon Army made the long trip South to St Mary’s to watch their Black and White idols take on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints back in March 2022.
In March, the unlucky fans had to make the long trip South on a Thursday night.
That worked out as a 650-mile, round trip taking approximately 11 hours, meaning the fans and players didn’t get home until the milkman ventured out on Friday morning.
This season the Premier League fixture compilers are asking the Toon Army to travel down to Southampton for a 14.00 kick-off, which at least allows the fans and players to be home slightly earlier on Sunday evening.
Cheers, say the Newcastle family.
In the game last season, the Stuart of the Armstrong’s opened the scoring for Southampton after 25 minutes, with the new Magpie, Chris Wood equalising 7 minutes later, to take both teams in level at half-time.
Bruno Guimaraes scored for Newcastle just after the break and with no further goals, the Magpies hung on for the victory by a 2-1 away night score.
Betfred offer Southampton at 11/4, the draw at 5/2 and slight Odds On 10/11 for Newcastle to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/5 that Che Adams Scores Anytime and 23/10 that Miguel Almiron Scores Anytime.
Away Win 1-2- Get 15/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
ASTON VILLA v MANCHESTER UNITED
14.00 in England
After thumping 4 goals past Brentford the previous week, Aston Villa had 4 goals scored against them on Saturday, away at Newcastle.
Aaron Danks was still in Caretaker charge, although the new boss Unai Emery was watching on the 55-inch in the Premier Inn (so the Spaniard says!), however, there was an extra item on the bill, some Swedish Film apparently.
After conceding a penalty in 1st-half injury time that the Magpies converted, Villa went in trailing at the break.
Things didn’t improve after the half-time cup of tea with Newcastle scoring a further 3 to inflict the defeat on the Claret and Blues by a 4-0 scoreline.
Aston Villa sit in 16th place, with 12 points, the same 12 as Southampton and Leeds United, all perilously close to the drop zone.
Unai has his work cut out to try and push Villa up the table.
Manchester United are now unbeaten in 5 Premier League fixtures following Sunday’s victory against West Ham by a 1-0 scoreline.
Marcus Rashford headed home the winner just before the half-time whistle and despite some late pressure from the Hammers, held on for the narrow win.
That’s 8 unbeaten in all competitions since Man City inflicted the heavy defeat at the beginning of October.
Erik Ten Hag included Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting eleven which although this EveryTip column has reservations about, stating that United aren’t as good with the 2 plus Fred, a victory was achieved (just about!) which is all the Red Devil faithful can ask.
The win has lifted Manchester United above Chelsea into 5th place, with 23 points from 12 fixtures played.
Harry must be happy to be back in the team with the World Cup on the horizon and will probably feature in the two remaining fixtures before the pause in the season, however, Erik the Red and his United players just need to be careful, because no one can say,
‘Who would have thought that?’ if an opposing team gets a victory whilst Harry, Cristiano and Fred are starting.
United face Real Sociedad on Thursday, in the final Europa League Group fixture in Spain, which will be a decider.
Erik’s Reds need a victory by at least a 2-goal margin to finish top of the Group, to progress to the knockout stages in February.
Finishing 2nd would pitch Manchester United into a further Qualifying fixture as only the Group winners go through.
Ralph Rangnick’s Roadsters gained a point against Stevie G’s Claret and Blues when these two met at Villa Park in January 2022.
Bruno Fernandes scored 1st after 6 minutes to give United a lead at the break.
Bruno then added a 2nd, midway through the 2nd-half, however, Villa made a comeback, with Jacob Ramsey and Phillipe Coutinho scoring to give both teams a share of the points from a draw by a 2-2 scoreline.
The Archbishop was happy.
This game at Villa Park will see two new Managers involved with Unai Emery and Erik Ten Hag at the helm of Aston Villa and Manchester United.
Betfred offer Aston Villa at 12/5, the draw at 5/2 and Evens 1/1 for Manchester United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/5 that Danny Ings Scores Anytime and Evens 1/1 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Draw 1-1- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
WEST HAM v CRYSTAL PALACE
14.00 in England
West Ham could consider themselves unlucky in coming away from Old Trafford on Sunday with nothing to show for their resilient effort.
Manchester United scored just before the half-time whistle and with no further goals after the break, the Hammers suffered a defeat by a 1-0 score.
The Bubbles and the Red Devils all shared the same train back to London after the fixture on Sunday.
West Ham sit in 13th place with 14 points from 13 games completed.
David Moyes Boys are in Europa Conference League action on Thursday before this London Derby, where the Hammers face the Romanian bankers, FCSB in the final Group game.
That particular competition is going well and after finishing at the top of the Group, hopefully unbeaten, with 5 out of 5 victories before Thursday’s finale, Good Looking David can put the passport away until February next year.
Crystal Palace gained a comfortable victory against Southampton on Saturday, with an Odsonne Edouard goal, just before the break being the difference between the two teams.
The victory against the Saints by a 1-0 score, is Palace’s 4th of the campaign, all coming at Selhurst Park in front of the Eagle Ultras.
Along with 4 draws and 4 losses, Crystal Palace have 16 points from 12 games and sit 10th in the table.
In August 2021, when Crystal Palace headed the short distance over to the London Stadium to take on West Ham, both shared the points from a 2-2 scoreline.
Pablo Fornals scored 1st for the Hammers to give the home team a lead at the interval.
Michail Antonio scored a 2nd for West Ham, in between 2 Connor Gallagher goals for Crystal Palace to earn both a point.
Once again, the Archbishop gave a nod of approval.
Betfred offer West Ham at slight Odds On 10/11, the draw at 12/5 and 11/4 for Crystal Palace to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/1 that Gianluca Scamacca Scores First and 7/5 that Wilfried Zaha Scores Anytime.
Draw 1-1- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
TOTTENHAM v LIVERPOOL
16.30 in England
Sky Sports
The Italian versus the German with Jurgen’s Reds taking on Antonio’s Spurs in the final fixture of Game Week-14.
Tottenham gave Bournemouth a 2 goal lead on Saturday, then started to play.
The Cherries scored after 22 minutes to go in at the break with the advantage then added a 2nd just after the restart.
Antonio Conte wasn’t happy but did cheer up a bit when Ryan Sessegnon, Ben Davies and Rodrigo Bentancur scored for Tottenham to inflict the defeat on Bournemouth by a 3-2 score.
Rodrigo’s goal came in the 92nd minute.
Antonio’s Spurs remain in 3rd place with 26 points from 13 games played.
Tottenham face Marseille on Tuesday in the final Champions League Group game, needing just a point from the fixture in France to progress to next February’s knockout stages.
That particular Group is tight with Tottenham at the top with 8 points, Sporting Lisbon and Eintracht Frankfurt with 7 points apiece and Marseille having 6.
Sporting take on Frankfurt so only one of those can achieve 10 points.
If a draw then both will have 8 points, meaning Tottenham just need a point against Marseille to finish with 9.
If Marseille do inflict a defeat on Spurs then the French club will have 9 points.
What is going wrong with Liverpool?
If last week’s defeat against Nottingham Forest away at the City Ground was astonishingly surprising then Saturday’s defeat against Leeds United at Anfield must have surpassed that result.
It’s one thing to lose away against a struggling team, it happens but to then lose against another struggling team at home is a bit of a Jonny Nash situation.
There are more questions than answers!
John Newsome has his opinion on why Liverpool are suddenly struggling and has mentioned this in previous columns, however, if Joe Gomez passes the ball blindly back to Alisson who then slips allowing a Leeds United player to tap into an empty net, all the opinions in the World count for nothing.
After that disaster, Mo Salah scored to equalise and take both teams in level at the break.
Although Liverpool battered the Leeds goalkeeper, the Anfield Rappers couldn’t see their idols score a 2nd and with time running out, it was the away team that scored the winner, with Leeds United inflicting a defeat on Liverpool by a 2-1 score.
The goalkeeper Alisson was in a strange position that left 3/4 of the net showing allowing the Leeds Forward a big target to aim at.
John Newsome isn’t, never has been or will be a goalkeeper, yet knows that Alisson was in the wrong position.
The 1st defeat at Anfield in front of fans since 2017 and the 1st home defeat that Virgil Van Dijk has endured.
Obviously, there were a few losses in the Coronavirus affected 2020/21 campaign but there weren’t any of the Scousers allowed in to witness them.
That was back-to-back Premier League defeats for Jurgen’s Reds who finished the weekend in 9th (9th!) place with 16 points from 12 games played.
A good friend of Johns, the Liccle Fat Fella, commented whilst referring to Liverpool,
‘Might miss out on the Top Four, too good to be worried about missing out on the Top Six.’
This EveryTip contributor replied,
‘Could easily, Liverpool are an old team now, relying too much on the over 30s.’
It has been mentioned in previous columns that Liverpool have got quite a lot of over 30’s, those being,
Alisson (just), Virgil Van Dijk (31), Joel Matip (31), Jordan Henderson (32), Thiago Alcantara (31), Roberto Firmino (31), Mo Salah (30) and of course the legend that is James Milner (36, 37 in January 2023!)
Whilst some won’t agree or even accept, age is a big factor in everyone’s life.
Time waits for no person, that’s evident down the road at Old Trafford.
Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp may just need to start hurting a few players’ pride.
Virgil Van Dijk is the first name on the team sheet, yet is it time that another name is put there in place of Big VVD?
Ibrahima Konate was an unused substitute against Leeds United on Saturday, aged 23, the French Defender could maybe be the player to displace Virgil if Klipperty Klopp has the cojonas to do so.
Fabio Carvalho (20) and Harvey Elliott (19) are both class players, granted Harvey was on the Anfield pitch for the first hour against Leeds, however, Fabio was another unused substitute.
Jurgen sent on Jordan Henderson and James Milner, with a combined age of 68, to take on the Whites Midfield who had a combined age, the 3 of them, of 78.
Granted football isn’t an exact science and there is nowhere that states that 2 veterans of the game aged 68 between them are less effective than 3 youngsters with a combined age of 78.
However, common sense dictates the fact that Jurgen Klopp continuing to choose older players as opposed to the youths will eventually be the downfall of Liverpool.
It’s just evolution.
Talking of evolution, Darwin Nunez is a great young player and will come good at Anfield.
For the Anfield Rappers out there reading this, have faith in Mr Nunez.
The Boy from Uruguay will become a Liverpool Legend.
Back in December 2021, just before the festivities started, Tottenham and Liverpool gave each other a point covered in Christmas wrapping following a draw by a 2-2 scoreline.
Diogo Jota equalised an earlier Harry Kane goal to take both teams in level at the break.
Andrew Robertson then added a 2nd for Liverpool before Son Heung-Min equalised for Tottenham, 5 minutes after Andrew’s goal.
Mr Robertson then went diving into Harry Kane and was shown a straight Red Card resulting in an early bath.
The 2 goals and the Red card, all happened in an amazing 8-minute period midway through the 2nd-half.
Once again, the Archbishop was over the moon.
Betfred offer Tottenham at 7/4, the draw at 13/5 and 13/10 for Liverpool to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1 that Harry Kane Scores First and 7/5 that Mo Salah Scores Anytime.
Home Win 2-1- Get 9/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Game Week-15 (1997/98)
Saturday 22nd November 1997
LIVERPOOL v BARNSLEY
Anfield
15.00 in England
In November 1997, Barnsley had found out just how tough the Premier League was and were sitting at the foot of the table when the team and the faithful travelled to Anfield.
The Ford Escort was left in Barnsley for this trip.
There were two reasons, firstly John fancied a pint or several to take away the potential hurt from another defeat and B, wasn’t sure whether the Faithful Ford would have 4 wheels and a radio for the journey back.
Those Scouse Rascals!
The Barnsley manager Danny Wilson decided to once again change his goalkeeper for the trip to Liverpool after the regular stopper David Watson had suffered a back injury, picking the ball out of the net some 20 plus+ times when the Yorkshire club went on the road in the Premier League.
Liverpool-
David James, Dominic Matteo, Stig Inge Bjornebye, Bjorn Tore Kvarme, Jason McAteer, Patrik Berger, Steve McManaman, Jamie Redknapp, Oyvind Leonhardsen, Karl-Heinz Riedle and Michael Owen.
Substitutes-
Danny Murphy for Jamie Redknapp 65th Minute
Barnsley-
Lars Leese, Nicky Eaden, Arjan De Zeeuw, Peter Markstedt, Darren Barnard, Adie Moses, Eric Tinkler, Martin Bullock, Neil Redfearn, Andy Liddell and Ashley Ward.
Substitutes-
Matty Appleby for Andy Liddell 68th Minute
John Hendrie for Ashley Ward 86th Minute
Danny brought back the big German ‘keeper Lars Leese, who had seen a bit of action since signing.
In the 14 previous fixtures, Lars came on as a substitute in the game against Bolton for the injured David, then started the next two against Derby County and Aston Villa.
Mr Leese was back on the bench for the following 2 then recalled once again for the fixture against Leicester but again was benched for the next 5 until this tie at Anfield, where Danny Wilson chose the Big German instead of David.
The Barnsley fans had an inspirational tune for the lad,
‘Lars Leese as big as trees, Lars Leese as big as trees’ then repeat until bored.
The Super Reds faithful are renowned for their originality.
Another new boy thrown into the starting eleven by Danny Wilson was a Swedish Centre-Back called Peter Markstetd.
Swede Pete was bought by Barnsley for a mere £250,000 from Vasteras FC, a small club in Sweden which was also the hometown club of Peter.
In 1997, there wasn’t a selected Transfer Window which is part of the modern Premier League process of today, so transfers could be made well into the season and Barnsley FC took advantage of that by bringing in Peter Markstedt just before the trip to Anfield.
Peter must have thought his birthdays had all come at once, not only moving from Sweden to God’s Own Country Yorkshire but also making his debut for the Reds against Liverpool at Anfield.
Despite being at Barnsley for about 18 months or so, Big Pete only played 9-times for the Reds, however, is remembered fondly at Oakwell and the faithful wish him well in his life at present.
The 9-appearances did include this great victory against Liverpool and a famous FA Cup victory against Manchester United when Barnsley FC upset the odds and knocked United out of the 1997/98 cup.
Not a bad 9-games Peter, respect!
The Match Day programme had printed that if Liverpool scored 3-goals today then it would be the 4000th time the Anfield crowd had seen their beloved team score at home.
That had to inspire the Reds of Barnsley who along with a bit of luck, managed a famous 1-0 victory over Roy Evans’ Liverpool team.
Words like ‘humiliated’ and ‘humbled’ may not have been too strong to describe Liverpool’s feeling after the game, which all of the Anfield Rappers expected their team to win at a canter.
Ashley Ward scored the solitary goal to give the Reds of Barnsley a great victory against the Reds of Liverpool.
Ashley is another legend that is fondly remembered by the Oakwell faithful, who some regularly had a punt on Big Ash to score the 1st-goal and were often rewarded when Ashley duly obliged.
As in this game at Anfield, where Mr Ward was a steady 9/1 to get the opener.
A 28-year-old Barnsley FC fan who contributes to this EveryTip column had his day out to Merseyside paid for when Ash netted against Liverpool not only celebrating the great 1-0 victory but also trousering a cool £100.
Cheers to ITV’s ‘Real Housewives of Cheshire’ star, who due to visiting the same face surgeon as Simon Cowell, looks exactly the same as he did when he scored at Anfield in November 1997.
Thanks, Ashley!
Premier League Table November 1997.
15-West Ham 16 pts (minus-6 goals)
16-Sheffield Wednesday 15 pts (minus-10 goals)
17-Tottenham 13 pts (minus-11 goals)
18-Bolton 13 pts (minus-11 goals)
19-Barnsley 13 pts (minus-28 goals)
20-Everton 12 pts (minus-12 goals)
Away Win 1-0
The Scottish Premier League remains the same following the weekend’s fixtures.
Celtic got a victory against Livingston (who?) Doctor one presumes and sit at the summit of the Pub League with 33 points.
Rangers remain 2nd with 29 points after inflicting a defeat on Aberdeen (who?).
The loveable OzScot and Lad were happy that the Teddy Bears had finally won a game of football.
Both of the Pub League residents will complete the 6th and final Champions League Group games this week, with both having a disastrous tournament and both finishing at the foot of their respective Groups.
The Lad and Dad were at Old Trafford for both of the recent Manchester United victories and despite vehemently denying their allegiance to United, this EveryTip contributor is convinced that both are secretly Red Devils.
Great to see you Big Guy and the Youth.
Look after yourselves!
Related Reading
Best betting site for accumulators
Bet365 review
Best cash-out betting sites
Best low or no minimum deposit betting sites