The highlight games for the weekend action are CHELSEA versus SHEFFIELD UNITED and LIVERPOOL versus MANCHESTER UNITED. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these and all game week 17 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-17
Friday 15th
NOTTINGHAM FOREST v TOTTENHAM
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Nottingham Forest didn’t lose at the weekend, however, didn’t win either with the fixture against Wolves finishing in a draw by a 1-1 score.
Harry Toffolo scored the opener before Wolves equalised to take both teams in level at the break.
With no further goals, both Midlanders shared the points.
There was talk that Steve Cooper would be sacked if Forest suffered a defeat at Molineux but as it was a draw, at the moment Steve is still the Gaffer at the City Ground, however, things could change in an instant if a loss occurs tonight.
Tottenham played in the final fixture of the weekend last Sunday and are straight back into action in this Friday Night affair up in Nottingham.
After 4 defeats from the last 5, with the other being a draw, Tottenham gained the victory over Newcastle on Sunday by a brilliant 4-1 scoreline.
Destiny Udogie and Richarlison scored the 1st-half goals before Richarlison added his 2nd and Tottenham’s 3rd after the break.
Son Heung-Min converted a penalty which had a couple of phenomenons attached to it.
One being that the dreaded VAR didn’t get involved and take 5 minutes to eventually award and the other being that it was the first Tottenham penalty taken by someone who wasn’t Harry Kane since 2021.
Newcastle scored a late consolation goal which although means nothing to most people, is annoying if some have a ‘Correct Score’ bet of 4-0.
The win leaves Tottenham in 5th place with 30 points from the 16 games which is 3 more than Manchester United and 4 ahead of both Newcastle and Brighton and gets Spurs back on track after a few games of derailment.
Harry Kane scored twice to give Tottenham an away day victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last season by a 2-0 scoreline.
Harry also missed a penalty in between the 2 goals that would have given the lad a hat-trick.
Betfred offer Nottingham Forest at 10/3, the draw at 3/1 and slight Odds On 8/11 for Tottenham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 2/1 that Brennan Johnson Scores Anytime and 11/8 that Tottenham Score in Both Halves.
Away Win 1-3- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Saturday 16th
BOURNEMOUTH v LUTON
15.00 in England
Before reading the next line, rub one’s eyes to make sure that it’s clear.
Bournemouth gained a victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford by a 3-0 scoreline.
Goals from Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi gave Andoni Iraola’s Cherries the brilliant and much-deserved win over a poor set of Erik Ten Bob’s.
More on United in their preview against Liverpool later.
Once again it has to be mentioned that Bournemouth’s improvement isn’t luck, it’s down to the fact that Andoni is finally getting his methods over to the players who are now taking on board what is required.
It wasn’t luck either to get the victory at Old Trafford with the Cherries simply outplaying the Red Devils.
The win leaves Bournemouth in 14th with the same 19 points as Wolves, Chelsea and Brentford but below the others purely on goal difference.
It won’t be a surprise if Bournemouth jump above the others into the Top Ten over the next few weeks.
Luton once again put in a great shift on Sunday against Man City but ultimately suffered another defeat, the 3rd in succession, this time by a 2-1 scoreline.
The Hatters usually score a goal, with Manchester United, Tottenham, Fulham and Chelsea the only teams from the 16 games to shut out Luton.
It’s at the other end that’s causing the defeats with the Defenders simply not good enough.
Effort and endeavour are much-needed ingredients to play in the Top Flight but ultimately having talent is the Number One priority and the Hatters players are Championship at best.
The Captain, Tom Lockyer for example, is the Centre Back who always gives 100% yet is playing in the Promised Land for the first time in his career and has played in League One for the majority of his time.
The lad was part of the Charlton team that were relegated from the Championship back in 2020.
That’s not just to dig Tom out but it’s to give an example that even if one puts in effort and endeavour, ultimately the talent of the individual player will be the key and at the minute the Luton team haven’t got the overall talent to survive.
These two met at the Vitality as recently as September 2021 in a Championship affair where Bournemouth got the victory over Luton by a 2-1 scoreline.
Philip Billing and Dominic Solanke with the Cherries’ goals, both in the 1st-half before the Bournemouth Defender Lloyd Kelly gifted Luton a consolation after the break.
Betfred offer Bournemouth at Odds On 4/9, the draw at 7/2 and 6/1 for Luton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 3/1 that Kieffer Moore Scores Anytime and 13/5 that Carlton Morris Scores Anytime.
Home Win 3-1- Get 10/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
CHELSEA v SHEFFIELD UNITED
15.00 in England
Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea!
What can be said about the Blues other than Mauricio Pochettino’s team are rubbish at the moment, suffering their 3rd defeat from the last 4 on Sunday, this time against Everton at Goodison Park by a 2-0 scoreline.
Granted there are a lot of injuries at Stamford Bridge but would the missing players improve the current team?
It’s debatable.
Probably the most damning thing about the past few performances is that Chelsea made Manchester United look good in the midweek fixtures and probably kept Erik Ten Hag in his job.
There’s obviously a problem at the Bridge but will ploughing more money into the squad be the answer?
Chelsea sit in 12th place amongst a cluster of teams that have 19 points from the 16 fixtures completed so far.
Bournemouth, Wolves and Brentford are the others.
Not many people predicted a victory for Sheffield United at the weekend, however, this EveryTip column did.
Granted John Newsome did say by a 2-0 score, however, despite there only being 1 goal in the game at Bramall Lane against Brentford, it was still a victory.
Unfortunately, the win keeps the Blades at the foot of the table now with the same 8 points as Burnley and still 5 points away from safety.
Don’t be surprised if the Chris Wilder effect, gets Sheffield United another win today at Stamford Bridge, however, a draw will still be a positive result for the Blades.
James from Swinton, nowhere near Bramall Lane is getting excited about the impending festive period and is looking forward to watching the James Bond films that will no doubt be on the Gogglebox.
The Little Blunt loves running around the Avenue shouting,
‘The names Blade, James Blade, Double-O Daft!’
Little Jimbo was out in the wilds the other day, wearing his Sheffield United jersey, observing nature and asked his lovely girlfriend what those Black and White flying things were.
‘Magpies James!’
Was the reply, which confused Jim as the lad only associated the said Magpies with Newcastle United.
Further down the lane, James stopped at the side of a field, looking all confused, scratching his head and once again commenting to the weary young girl,
‘There’re big Magpies, aren’t they love?’
‘Those are Cows, Jim, you silly Little Blunt!’
It was November 2020 when Chelsea last hosted Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Timo Werner gave Frank Lampard’s Chelsea the victory over Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United by a 4-1 scoreline.
David McGoldrick had scored for the Blades first before the Blues scored 4.
Betfred offer Chelsea at Odds On 2/9, the draw at 5/1 and 12/1 for Sheffield United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/1 that Cameron Archer Scores First and 6/4 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Draw 1-1- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
MAN CITY v CRYSTAL PALACE
15.00 in England
Man City gained their first Premier League victory from the last 5 games on Sunday, with Pep’s High Flying Blues inflicting a defeat on Rob’s Hatters by a narrow 2-1 scoreline.
Although the scoreline was marginal and Luton scoring first, Man City never looked like losing with their Premier League experience eventually leading to Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish scoring within the space of 3 minutes to give City the win.
The victory leaves Man City in 4th place with 33 points which is 4 adrift of Liverpool who sit at the summit.
Arsenal in 2nd have 36 points with Aston Villa in 3rd on 35.
Tottenham sit 5th with 30 meaning there are just 7 points separating the Top Five.
Joey Barton has caused a stir this week by saying that Women don’t know football.
Well not entirely those words but basically.
That then brings up the usual comments about sexism and misogyny in the game.
Why does it always have to go from one thing small to another thing big?
No woman is going to come out and say,
‘You know what, Mr Barton is right!’
That shouldn’t be the discussion.
If Joey or for that matter anyone has an opinion regarding Women in football, why does it always have to be seen as Sexism or Misogyny?
If Joey or anyone says,
‘Women shouldn’t be allowed to play football or comment on it on any media outlet available!’
Then that is out of order, however, if a man states a personal opinion on Women in football, then one shouldn’t automatically be against said person.
Joey Barton is a character, some would say a thug, bearing in mind he attacked Daniel Stendel in the tunnel after a game between Barnsley and Fleetwood Town.
The guy was found ‘Not Guilty’ due to having an expensive Lawyer and a Baseball Hat.
However, that doesn’t mean that his opinion on Women in Football is wrong.
A lot of men think the same but don’t feel they are confident enough to state their opinions.
This EveryTip column has often criticised the Women’s Football, it’s not due to Sexism or Misogyny, it’s due to the fact that the Women’s Football is thrown down our throats, every time there’s a debate.
Last week, the Scottish Women’s Captain was outraged, outraged due to suggestions that her team would capitulate against England so that Team Great Britain would progress to next year’s Olympics.
You are not allowed to question the fact that a Scottish Woman may play at the Olympics if their team loses.
England had to win by at least 3 goals, however, the subsequent victory by a 6-0 scoreline wasn’t enough as the Netherlands also won meaning Team GB won’t be at the Olympics next year.
By the law of averages, there are always going to be good Women in the World of Football.
Laura Woods and Bianca Westwood are brilliant at what they do, however, they are women so one can’t argue with them.
That’s not what Joey Barton is questioning, Joey is just saying that the Women’s game hasn’t got the history of the Mens.
Again, this has been mentioned in this EveryTip column, the Men’s game has 200 years of debate, brilliant matches, hooliganism and why clubs charge £100 a time or £2000 for a season ticket.
Women get upset because they are not part of that World, however, what would happen come January the 1st 2024, if Chelsea Women against Manchester United Women has a ticket price of £80 each?
Would there be a 40,000 crowd?
Chelsea Men v Manchester United Men will.
Would a woman take her husband and kids to a Women’s game and pay a total of £300 or so for the privilege?
A woman would if it was a Men’s game.
Yet Joey and other folk who dare to question the difference in the way Men and Women’s Football are perceived are considered Sexist or MisogynistIc.
Joey Barton may be a thug or an idiot but he has the right to give his opinion on Women’s Football which a lot of people agree with but are too scared to admit.
It’s easier for someone to go down the Politically Correct Road than to have an opinion.
John Newsome is all for equality, however, Men, of which John is one, sometimes don’t want women on the telly giving some opinion just before Man City take on United.
That’s not Sexism or Misogynistic it’s just wanting to have a couple of hours off from hearing a Woman’s voice.
There’s a reason that Women are Women and Men are Men.
Man City head to Serbia on Wednesday before this match against Palace, to face Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) in the final fixture of the Champions League Group stage.
It’s then a trip to Saudi Arabia for the World Club Cup.
Crystal Palace come into this fixture off the back of their 6th defeat out of the last 8 games, this time against Liverpool at Selhurst Park by a 2-1 scoreline.
Roy Hodgson wasn’t happy with the officials and rightly so with a poor performance from the on-field referee Andy Madley that was backed up or not being the case by the Stockley Park Brigade.
Palace took the lead through a converted penalty scored by Jean-Philippe Mateta that wasn’t initially given by Andy Madley who was asked to stop the game, almost 2 minutes after the incident and go and look at the monitor.
The opposite occurred in the 1st-half when Mr Madley awarded a penalty to Palace but was then advised to look at the monitor because of a foul in the buildup.
That initial incident was probably the reason Andy didn’t award the 2nd penalty.
It’s not how football should be officiated, each incident should be dealt with separately and refereed by the on-field official with just a backup from the VAR.
Andy gave Jordan Ayew a Yellow Card for standing over the ball when a free kick was awarded against him.
It was a bit trivial but the referee chose to give the card.
Fifteen minutes later Jordan was shown a 2nd Yellow plus the subsequent Red for an innocuous challenge that shouldn’t have automatically been a Yellow.
Andy Madly should have had a quick word with Jordan on the lines of,
‘Jordan, be careful, you are on a Yellow, another challenge like that then it’s an early bath for you lad!’
However, Andy just sent Mr Ayew off leaving Palace with 10 men for the remaining 20 minutes or so.
Liverpool scored the equaliser within two minutes of Jordan going then scored the winner in the 91st.
Roy wasn’t happy and rightly so.
Andy Madly dished out 10 Yellow Cards and the Red in a game that wasn’t in any way contentious and didn’t warrant so many bookings.
Roy Hodgson was the recipient of one of the Yellow Cards for aiming a few choice words at the officials.
The defeat leaves Crystal Palace in 15th place with 16 points.
Man City gained a home victory against Crystal Palace in last season’s affair between the two at the Etihad.
John Stones opened the scoring, however, unfortunately for John, the goal was for Palace before Joachim Andersen added a 2nd giving the away team the lead at the break.
Pep Guardiola got into his boys in the changing rooms that must have worked with Bernardo Silva scoring just after the restart.
It was then the Erling Haaland show who scored a hat-trick to give Man City all 3 points.
Betfred offer Man City at Odds On 1/6, the draw at 6/1 and 16/1 for Crystal Palace to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/2 that Phil Foden Scores First and 6/5 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
Home Win 3-1- Get 10/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
NEWCASTLE v FULHAM
15.00 in England
The tough ‘2 games a week’ campaign is starting to take its toll on the Newcastle squad with the players looking fatigued following the constant playing time that is occurring at the moment.
In the fixture against Paris Saint-Germain at the end of November, the starting eleven put out by Eddie Howe, who had all started against Chelsea 3 days earlier, played the full 90 minutes then all eleven were sent out again in the next fixture against Manchester United.
Apart from Nick Pope, who picked up a bad injury against United, the other 10 were sent out in the next game against Everton and most completed the 90 minutes with Eddie Howe sending on a couple of late substitutes.
Eddie then sent out the same 10 that had played most of the previous 4 games plus Martin Dubravka against Tottenham on Sunday which resulted in a defeat by a 4-1 scoreline.
Joelinton scored a very late consolation.
It was obvious to see that the intensity of the Premier League added with the midweek Champions League adventure has taken its toll on the Newcastle side who are desperately needing the services of a few of the injured players.
Eddie will have to make changes for this fixture against Fulham as Kieran Trippier and Joelinton picked up their 5th Yellow Card of the season meaning a one-game ban.
Added to that, Jamaal Lascelles picked up his 4th so another will mean another player missing for a fixture.
Newcastle have this game against Fulham, a Carabao Cup Quarter-Final against Chelsea then a fixture against Luton before Christmas.
One wonders if Jamaal will get booked in the game at Kenilworth Rd on the 23rd, meaning the lad can have a nice Christmas dinner at home knowing he’s not playing on Boxing Day.
Surely the Newcastle Captain wouldn’t do that.
Watch this space.
There will be a few players throughout the leagues who have 3 or 4 Yellow Cards up to now that may just pick up another 1 or 2 in the games leading up to Christmas.
Rascals!
Newcastle host AC Milan on Wednesday in the Champions League Match-Day 6 clash.
The Magpies need a victory against the Italians plus the added extra of Borussia Dortmund beating Paris Saint-Germain to progress to the knockout stages in February 2024.
If Dortmund and PSG draw, Newcastle need to score a few to finish above the French team.
If PSG win, then the result of Newcastle v Milan is irrelevant, as both will be out of the Champions League regardless.
Then it’s the matter of who finishes 3rd and gaining entry into the Europa League.
If Newcastle avoid defeat then it will be at least the Europa League to play in next year.
Fulham are Five Star at the moment, gaining a victory by the same 5-0 scoreline in the last 2 games.
Following the midweek win against Nottingham Forest by 5, Marco Silva’s Cottagers gained the victory over West Ham by the 5 goals.
Raul Jimenez scored his 4th goal of the campaign and his 3rd of the week, against the Hammers, with Willian (also 4) adding the 2nd before Tosin Aderabioyo scored to give Fulham a comfortable lead at the break.
Harry Wilson and Carlos Vinicius with the 2nd-half goals to give Fulham back-to-back Five Star Performances.
That lifts Fulham to 10th in the Premier League table, now with 21 points and significantly, now above the other West London rivals Brentford and Chelsea.
If Raul continues his goal-scoring streak, the memories of Aleksandar Mitrovic’s goals will quickly diminish.
A single Alexander Isak goal in the 89th minute was enough to give Newcastle the victory over Fulham at St James Park in last season’s encounter between the two.
Aleksandar Mitrovic did miss a penalty before the goal which will have irked the ex-Magpie Serbian and for that matter, the rest of the Cottagers faithful who had made the long journey North.
Betfred offer Newcastle at slight Odds On 5/6, the draw at 11/4 and 3/1 for Fulham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 11/4 that Raul Jimenez Scores Anytime and Evens 1/1 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Draw 1-1- Get 13/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
***Premier League Team of the Week***
GOALKEEPER- Jordan Pickford- Everton
RIGHT-BACK- Ashley Young- Everton
CENTRE-BACK- Diego Carlos- Aston Villa
CENTRE-BACK- Marcos Senesi- Bournemouth
LEFT-BACK- Lucas Digne- Aston Villa
MIDFIELDER- Philip Billing- Bournemouth
MIDFIELDER- Harvey Elliott- Liverpool
MIDFIELDER- John McGinn- Aston Villa
FORWARD- Dominic Solanke- Bournemouth
FORWARD- Raul Jimenez- Fulham
FORWARD- Bernardo Silva- Man City
STAR MAN- John McGinn- Aston Villa
BURNLEY v EVERTON
17.30 in England
Sky Sports
The Sean Dyche Derby.
Burnley gained a valuable point from a draw by a 1-1 score against Brighton on Saturday.
Wilson Odobert with the Clarets opener at the Amex before the Seagulls equaliser midweek through the 2nd-half.
It was a decent point to earn considering Sheffield United gained a victory but it does mean Burnley remain in 19th place, now having the same 8 points as the Blades.
Everton have registered 3 victories in succession plus the 4th from the last 5 games to move out of the drop zone, staying in 17th place but now with 13 points from 16 fixtures completed.
Obviously, the Toffees think they should have 23 points with the 10-point deduction still being discussed.
With 23 points, Everton would be sitting in 10th place but for the time being, it’s 17th following Sunday’s victory over Chelsea by a 2-0 scoreline.
After a goalless 1st-half, goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Lewis Dobbin gave Sean Dyche’s Toffee the home win.
Burnley gained the victory over Everton at Turf Moor in the last meeting between the two, which occurred in April 2022.
Goals from Nathan Collins, Jay Rodriguez and Maxwel (1 L) Cornet gave Sean Dyche’s old club the victory over his current team by a 3-2 score.
Richarlison scored twice in the 1st-half to give the Toffees a lead at the break.
Sean only lasted one more game before being sacked as Burnley’s Manager, with the owners thinking that a New Voice would prevent relegation.
Unfortunately for the Clarets, that didn’t happen and Burnley were relegated at the end of the season.
Betfred offer Burnley at 23/10, the draw at 12/5 and 23/20 for Everton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/1 that Dominic Calvert-Lewin Scores First and 23/10 that Everton Score in Both Halves.
Away Win 0-2- Get 9/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Sunday 17th
ARSENAL v BRIGHTON
14.00 in England
Arsenal felt the Aston Villa effect on Saturday when Unai Emery’s Claret and Blues gained a superb (it has to be said) superb victory over Mikel Arteta’s Young Guns by a 1-0 scoreline.
John McGinn scored the only goal of the game against the Gunners as well as having a brilliant time basically running the Midfield show over Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
The defeat leaves Arsenal in 2nd place with
36 points, a point adrift of Liverpool at the top.
Arsenal face PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday in the final game of the Champions League Group Stage knowing that progress is assured in that particular competition, meaning Mikel Arteta can rest a few players for the trip to the Netherlands.
Brighton gained a point against Burnley on Saturday from a draw by a 1-1 score.
Simon Adingra scored for the Seagulls in the 2nd-half to equalise an earlier Clarets goal to give both a share of the points.
Whilst it could be considered disappointing not to get a home victory over a team in the relegation zone, as always, it is a point gained regardless, not 2 points lost, which simply is a myth.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Blue and Whites sit in 8th place with the same 26 points as Newcastle both a point adrift of Manchester United.
Brighton play against Marseille in the final Europa League Group Game with both teams assured of progression regardless of the result.
The winner will finish at the Top of the Group but whether that’s a priority for Mr De Zerbi is not sure as Brighton will at least finish as runners-up if Marseille win.
Brighton gained a great away day victory over Arsenal at the Emirates last term, with goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinan giving Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls the points from a 3-0 scoreline.
Betfred offer Arsenal at Odds On 1/2, the draw at 10/3 and 5/1 for Brighton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/2 that Gabriel Jesus Scores First and 11/8 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
Home Win 3-1- Get 10/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
BRENTFORD v ASTON VILLA
14.00 in England
Brentford come into this fixture against Aston Villa off the back of a defeat against the worst team in the Premier League Sheffield United by a 1-0 away day score, which isn’t good.
Having said that, there were what could be considered mitigating circumstances with Sheffield United now having Chris Wilder back at the helm and Thomas’s Bees not having any Strikers with the absence of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo.
Ivan is missing until mid-January but Bryan could be out for a few months, not only with the injury but also with the African Nations Cup taking place which, if the lad is fit, will mean he’s away with Cameroon.
Brentford now need another Striker to step up to the plate.
The Bees sit in 11th place with the same 19 points as Chelsea, Wolves and Bournemouth.
Aston Villa are the form team at the moment over the last 10 games with a total of 23 points from a possible 30.
The past week has seen a draw against Bournemouth and a victory over Man City and Arsenal.
That would have been a question in itself.
Out of the 3 teams Villa faced over the week, Bournemouth, Man City and Arsenal, who were the ones that took points off Aston Villa?
Most wouldn’t have guessed the Cherries.
John McGinn scored the only goal of the game against the Gunners and had a brilliant game throughout, running the show in Midfield.
Considering Arsenal had Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice in their Middle, it was a great display from the Little Scotsman.
The draw for the Euro’24 in Germany next year came through last week, with John’s Scotland opening the tournament on the 14th of June against the hosts Germany.
Scotland then face Hungary and Switzerland.
England start their tournament against Serbia, with Slovenia and Denmark making up the 4 in the Group.
The victory keeps Villa in 4th place with 35 points, 2 adrift of Liverpool at the summit, 1 off Arsenal and 2 points above Man City.
Aston Villa play against Zrinjski in the final Europa Conference League fixture with qualification as Group Winners confirmed already so Unai Emery can leave a few players at home.
At the GTech Stadium last season both shared the points from a draw by a 1-1 score.
Ivan Toney scored the opener for Brentford before Douglas Luiz equalised late on for Villa.
Betfred offer Brentford at 23/10, the draw at 13/5 and 11/10 for Aston Villa to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/2 that Ollie Watkins Scores First and 3/1 that Aston Villa Win To Nil.
Away Win 0-2- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
WEST HAM v WOLVES
14.00 in England
The Bubbles are not happy with David Moyes and their idols following Sunday’s mauling by Fulham at Craven Cottage.
West Ham suffered a humiliating defeat by a 5-0 scoreline.
To be fair to the Hammers it was their first loss in 7 since the beginning of November so maybe the constant games finally caught up with them.
West Ham remain in 9th place with 24 points from the 16 games played.
West Ham face Freiburg on Thursday in their Final Group Stage clash in the Europa League.
Both have 12 points and both have qualified for the knockout stages, it’s just a matter of who wants to finish at the summit of that particular Group.
Wolves come into this away fixture at the London Stadium off the back of a draw against Nottingham Forest at Molineux by a 1-1 scoreline.
Matheus Cunha equalised an earlier Forest strike on the half-hour mark and with no further goals for the remaining hour, both teams shared the points.
For once, there wasn’t any VAR controversy for Gary O’Neil.
Wolves sit in 13th place with the same 19 points as Bournemouth, Chelsea and Brentford.
A Hammers goal in each half from Gianluca Scamacca and Jarrod Bowen gave David Moyes Boys the victory over Bruno Lage’s Gold and Blacks in last season’s affair at the London Stadium.
Bruno was sacked immediately after the loss.
Betfred offer West Ham at 6/5, the draw at 12/5 and 9/4 for Wolves to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 13/5 that Mohammed Kudos Scores Anytime and slight Odds On 5/6 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Draw 1-1- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
LIVERPOOL v MANCHESTER UNITED
16.30 in England
Liverpool are now at the summit of the Premier League following Saturday’s victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park by a 2-1 scoreline, as predicted in this EveryTip column last week.
After conceding 2 penalties, of which one was ruled out by the dreaded VAR and the other eventually given by them, Crystal Palace took the lead midway through the 2nd-half.
Jordan Ayew was then sent off, which changed the complexion of the game with Mo Salah scoring the equaliser soon after.
Jurgen Klopp introduced Harvey Elliott when trailing, who then not only helped with the equaliser but scored the winner in the 91st minute to give Liverpool all 3 points.
Harvey has done that a few times this season, maybe he’s the new David Fairclough or as the Anfield Rappers remember him, the Super Sub!
Whether it was deserved, is another matter but most teams that win the Premier League have victories that are not necessarily deserved or straightforward which does bode well for everyone connected with Jurgen’s Reds.
Liverpool sit at the summit with 37 points, 7 points separating the Top Five teams.
So after starting Rasmus Hojlund and dropping Anthony Martial, Manchester United gained a great victory over Chelsea in the midweek fixtures.
Come Saturday, Erik Ten Hag knew best and dropped Rasmus, bringing back Anthony Martial.
As mentioned in previous columns, Anthony Martial should be nowhere near the first team and whenever he is, United struggle.
The Frenchman was let go a couple of seasons back and loaned out to Sevilla with the thought that was that.
No!
Someone who obviously knows nothing about football (ETH) then thinks he’s good enough to start in a very poor Manchester United team.
Saturday’s visitors Bournemouth, who had never won at Old Trafford, gained the easy victory by a devastating 3-0 scoreline.
The laugh of the week, which one is not sure if it was a hoax or not was the Premier League awarded Erik Ten Hag and Harry Maguire, the Manager and Player of the Month for November.
Hello!
Let’s look at that again from another angle.
Granted, United won all 3 Premier League games against the Mighty Fulham, Luton and Everton.
There were 3 other games in November.
A loss against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, a loss against Copenhagen in the Champions League and a draw against Galatasaray in the same competition.
Although United didn’t concede any goals in the 3 Premier League games with Harry Maguire at the Back, Eriks Red Devils conceded 10 in the 3 defeats against Newcastle, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
Most will argue that it was a Premier League award, however, is giving an award to a Manager and Player based on 3 games that just happened to cover the days in November, a good idea.
On the 29th of October, 2 days before November started, United suffered a defeat against Man City by a 3-0 scoreline.
Harry was in the Defence.
In the opening 9 days of December, United have played the same number of Premier League games as of the whole of November that the awards covered and have suffered 2 defeats from the 3 games.
There was a victory in one of the fixtures over a poor Chelsea team.
Manchester United have conceded 18 goals in the 10 games played from the 29th of October to the 9th of December, with Harry Maguire in the team.
With 4 wins, 1 draw and 5 losses in that period.
Yet in the 3 Premier League fixtures that occurred in November, it warranted the Premier League to give out false awards that then led to false positives for the Old Trafford club.
A couple of scenarios to think about regarding this upcoming game.
Who doesn’t like facing Liverpool as he knows a loss is more than likely to occur?
Who had 4 Yellow Cards going into the Bournemouth fixture knowing that a 5th picked up against the Cherries would mean a 1 game ban and he’d miss the game against Liverpool?
The answer to those is Captain Marvel Bruno Fernandes.
If one is thinking,
‘Anyone could get a Yellow Card at any time, it’s just one of those things for Bruno!’
The Arm Thrower picked up the Yellow Card in the 84th minute against Bournemouth when the score was 3-0 and over as a contest.
Having said all the above, there’s no quick fix for the problems at United and John Newsome is not suggesting that Erik Ten Hag should be sacked as there isn’t an alternative out there.
There has been talk of Zinedine Zidane coming in or Graham Potter or nicking Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton.
However, are these going to radically change the immediate fortunes of Manchester United?
Added to that Ze-Zu’s missus wouldn’t move to the rain of Manchester.
For the time being the Red Devil faithful will just have to accept the mediocracy of gaining the odd victory over the teams below them and suffering defeats against the teams above with this fixture against Liverpool being one of the latter scenarios.
One little thing to add to that is, how will Manchester United perform without their inspirational arm throwing Captain?
Could that be a positive?
Both play in Europe before this game with Liverpool heading to Belgium to face Royale Union SG on Thursday in their final Europa League Group Game and United hosting Bayern Munich on Tuesday so the travel for Liverpool matched with Manchester United having an extra 2 days to recover could be a factor.
Liverpool have won their particular Group regardless of the outcome on Thursday so Jurgen may just leave most of the first team at home.
United basically need a miracle to progress in Europe not only needing a victory against Bayern but also needing the other two in the Group, Galatasaray and Copenhagen to draw.
If either win then United can’t progress, however, could be in the Europa League.
That said it depends on what Bayern Munich team turns up at Old Trafford with the Germans comfortably winning that particular Group.
Back in November 2021, this EveryTip column printed a superb poem by a Young Man written about the footballers who came from the Windrush era and were an inspiration to so many Black Players of today.
On the 7th of December 2023, the Young Man sadly passed away after a brief illness, aged 65.
Benjamin Zephaniah-
‘They fought with us at times of war, they suffered, died, I suppose there’s more.
They cleaned our offices and home, they cleaned hotels and built our roads.
Come to think of it, I guess, they helped to build our NHS.
They were Bus and Train and Taxi Drivers, Engineers and Coal Miners.
The Miners United will never be defeated!
The Windrush Generation, what’s the fuss, what have they ever done for us?
They brought us soul and Calypso and Reggae to help us rock it slow
And also when this was kind of grey, we quickly learned how they could play.
That’s right, this homegrown generation, they recognised no limitation.
Not always welcomed but here to stay they played ball to pave the way.
Through difficult and testing years these Windrush kids were pioneers, things would never be the same, they changed the way we played the game.
The mountains they climbed could be seen, every week on TV screens.
We watched on with hope and pride
As these Men and Women helped turn the tide.
Now take a look at modern Britain, the history is still being written.
We’ve touched all walks of life it seems, fulfilling our ancestor’s dreams.
You could say it is their creation, an England team that reflects the nation.
As players on and off the pitch, create a culture that is rich.
The road is slippery, the road is long the police and state have done us wrong.
We will not forget what we have been through, the sweat, the tears, the wage is due.
Sacrifices made by those before, to help break down divisive doors.
To transform this, the Motherland, upon great shoulders we all stand.
The Windrush Generation, are you serious?
Look at all they have done for us!
Dedicated to those who came from afar, to those who made us who we are!
Benjamin Zephaniah, Rest In Peace Brother.
If one remembers (the Red Devil faithful are still having counselling over it) Liverpool scored a Magnificent Seven against Manchester United at Anfield last season.
Two goals from Coady Gakpo, 2 from Darwin Nunez, 2 from Mo Salah and the last one from Roberto Firmino gave Jurgen’s Reds an unforgettable afternoon in March with the home victory by a 7 (Seven)-0 score.
Betfred offer Liverpool at Odds On 4/11, the draw at 9/2 and 6/1 for Manchester United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 10/3 that Mo Salah Scores First and 15/8 that Liverpool Win Both Halves.
Home Win 3-1- Get 9/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
There was a turn of events in the Scottish Premier League at the weekend with Rangers gaining the expected victory over Dundee (who?) on Saturday.
Celtic played the day after and most thought the same as every other week would happen, with a win for the Green and White Hoops, however, a shock occurred when Celtic suffered a defeat against Kilmarnock (who?)
Some might say that is wasn’t a shock as Kilmarnock (who?) have gained a victory over Rangers as well this season.
The situation at the Top of the Pub League sees Celtic with 42 points, remaining at the summit but now only 5 points ahead of the Glasgow rivals Rangers with the added bonus for the Teddy Bears being they have a game in hand.
The loveable OzScot, was over the moon when he awoke for his mid-sleep toilet visit (it happens to most men over a certain age) when he checked his phone to see that Celtic had lost.
Instead of going back to bed, the lad was straight out into the Melbourne garden singing,
‘Yeah, no, look, I’m spinning around, get out of my way, Rangers are still going to be 2nd despite the game in hand which they have to win first and that is not a guarantee!’
Granted not great lyrics to a popular Kylie tune but it is Australia so no one will be bothered, as long as the sentence starts,
‘Yeah, no, look!’
Both teams finish their European Adventure this week with Celtic taking on Feyenoord in the Final Group Stage Fixture and Rangers facing Real Betis in the Europa League.
Celtic are already out of that competition and don’t enter the Europa League as the 3rd placed team, whereas Rangers either need a victory against Betis or to better Sparta Prague’s result against Aris Limassol to progress to next year’s knockout stages.
That could possibly affect the SPL if Rangers continue in Europe, as Celtic won’t have the midweek fixtures and the old adage will come in, being Brendan Rodgers can concentrate on the Pub League.
As for Braveheart/Kylie, he’s still spinning around!
Related Reading
Best betting site for accumulators
Bet365 review
Best cash-out betting sites
Best low or no minimum deposit betting sites