The highlight games for this weekend’s action are LIVERPOOL versus BOURNEMOUTH and WEST HAM versus CHELSEA. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these and all game week 2 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-2
Friday 18th
NOTTINGHAM FOREST v SHEFFIELD UNITED
19.45
Although this fixture is on a Friday Night, it’s not actually shown live on TV in England.
The reason for this is the original game should have taken place on Saturday the 19th, however, in England, there is currently a Cricket Tournament taking place called ‘The Hundred’, in which a Men’s and Women’s team called the ‘Trent Rockets’ are taking part and just happen to have a game at Trent Bridge (which is the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Stadium situated across from the City Ground) on Saturday afternoon, thus, this Premier League football game has been moved to Friday Night.
Nottingham Forest have taken the ex-Arsenal and American Goalkeeper Matt Turner for £7 Million who was thrust straight into the starting lineup against his old mates.
Dean Henderson remains another option between the sticks but as yet is, still officially a Manchester United player.
Forest put in a great display against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday but ultimately suffered an opening-day defeat by a 2-1 scoreline.
After conceding two goals and most of the ball possession, with just 20%, Taiwo Awoniyi scored a goal in the 2nd-half that halved the deficit.
Unfortunately, for the Travelling Tricky Trees, that proved to be just a consolation.
There is a new statistic that has sneaked into the game that simply does not make sense.
‘Expected Goals’ also known as ‘xG’ supposedly means how many goals a team is, like the title says, ‘Expected’ to score.
In the Arsenal v Nottingham Forest game, Arsenal had an ‘xG’ of 0.66 and Forest had an ‘xG’ of 1.12 which is double the Gunners statistic.
And?
Arsenal got the victory by actually scoring twice as many goals as Nottingham Forest, so the ‘Expected Goals’ literally means nothing.
Plus the ‘xG’ is based on a word called ‘Frequentism’ which does sound made up but means the probability of a player scoring from being in a certain position on the pitch that he’s been in matches before.
And?
Basically, ‘Expected Goals’ is how many goals your team are expected to score.
Isn’t that what everyone has ‘expected‘ since first going to watch their team as a nipper?
(Nipper is a word for Child!)
These terms are just made up and introduced by folk who think they are more important than others to the game we all love and invest in.
Don’t take any notice of ‘xG’!
Brennan Johnson did start for Forest but might not be at the City Ground much longer as Tottenham, now without Harry Kane and having £100 Million burning a hole in their pockets, are interested in signing him.
From the opening display against the Gunners, it’s fair to assume that Forest
will be worth watching this season but will be nearer the bottom of the Table than the Top.
In Sheffield United’s opening fixture against Crystal Palace, the consensus was that it’s going to be a long hard season for the Blades.
The starting eleven that Paul Heckingbottom chose were not a first choice from the Championship Promotion team.
The Blades have gone Brazilian by signing Vinicius Souza from the Belgian club Lommel.
That said, the Big Skilful Midfielder Sander Berge has left and joined the Beer Gardens of Turf Moor for a fee of around £12 Million.
To reference that, the Norwegian’s name is an anagram of Beer Gardens.
A few of the new Blades came on in the 2nd-half, including Vinicius, plus Anis Slimane and Yasser Larouci.
A quick mention regarding the Blades Midfielder John Fleck, that was missed last week and that is the Scot broke his leg in a pre-season friendly and will be out for a while.
The lad did the same last year and came back stronger so the Blunts shouldn’t worry too much as no doubt Mr Fleck will be back when ready.
All the best Jonny Boy!
Our resident Blunt, Little Jimbo, reports that Crystal Palace outclassed Sheffield United.
It will be a tough season for the Blades but like any football fan, enjoy the ride, as there isn’t anywhere better in the World to play football than the Premier League.
These two legendary teams last played against each other in May 2022, which just happened to be the Championship Play-off Semi-Final.
After Forest had gained a 1st-leg victory at Bramall Lane by a 2-1 score, the tie was then level following a reverse scoreline of 2-1 in favour of Sheffield United at the City Ground.
It was then a penalty shootout in which the Tricky Trees prevailed and went on to the Final at Wembley that resulted in a victory against Huddersfield to make it to the Promised Land.
The Blades had to wait another 12 months to return to the Top Flight.
James from Swinton, nowhere near Bramall Lane was distraught after the penalty shootout and for 3 months, refused to put wood on the fire, stating that he wasn’t having anything to do with Trees, Tricky or otherwise.
This obviously only lasted 3 months as it then became cold and the lovely Jade made the daft Little Blunt cut some firewood.
Betfred offer Nottingham Forest at slight Odds On 9/10, the draw at 12/5 and 16/5 for Sheffield United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1 that Brennan Johnson Scores First and 11/10 that there are Over 2.5 Goals.
Home Win 2-1- Get 15/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Saturday 19th
FULHAM v BRENTFORD
15.00 in England
Fulham are after the Chelsea player, Callum Hudson-Odio and should have the deal completed this week for a fee of around £8 Million.
The Cottagers were after the enigmatic Fred but the Brazilian has decided to head to the Sun of Turkey.
Bobby Decordover-Reid scored the solitary winning goal in the opening fixture against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The victory for Fulham by a 1-0 scoreline, was especially satisfying for the ex-Toffee boss Marco Silva who celebrated wildly after the win.
Brentford played in a very entertaining game against Tottenham at the GTech Stadium on Sunday with the London Derby finishing in a draw by a 2-2 score.
The Archbishop was happy!
With Ivan Toney on an extended break, it was up to Bryan Mbeumo to convert a 1st-half penalty after Tottenham had scored the opener.
Yoane Wissa added a 2nd before Tottenham equalised on the stroke of half-time to take both teams in level at the break.
In effect, that was the game over as there wasn’t too much to talk about in the 2nd-half other than a host of substitutions by Thomas Frank who sent on all 5 allowed in the final 45 minutes.
There’s been a lot of talk about the referees adding more time on at the end of each half, with some of the Managers and Players unhappy about having to play an extra 5 or 6 minutes.
The word ‘Poppycock’ springs to mind as this is absolute nonsense from the Players.
There are now 5 permitted substitutions plus an extra one if a Player gets hit on the bonce and has to come off for a Concussion.
If both Managers send on all of their 5 subs that’s 10 changes in the game, so if the substitution takes at worst 30 seconds, that is 5 minutes wasted.
Add to that the goal celebration, the feigning of injury, the Goal Kicks etc, the officials are right in extending the Added Time at the end of each half.
So a message to the Manager and Player who moan,
Poppycock!
These two met a couple of weeks ago in a pre-season friendly over in America.
Fulham gained the victory by a 3-2 scoreline.
Whilst it was just a friendly, what is worth mentioning is, including that game in Philadelphia, the last 3 fixtures between these two West Londoners, have finished in a 3-2 score.
Two in favour of Fulham and the other for a Brentford win.
In last season’s fixtures, both the home team gained the victory.
At Craven Cottage in August 2022, exactly 12 months ago virtually to the day (20th!) goals from Bobby Decordover-Reid, Joao Palhinha and Aleksandar Mitrovic gave the Cottagers the points.
Christian Norgaard and Ivan Toney had scored for the Bees to level before Big Mit notched the late winner.
Betfred offer Fulham at 13/8, the draw at 23/10 and 13/8 for Brentford to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/5 that Carlos Vinicius Scores Anytime and 9/4 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
Draw 2-2- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
LIVERPOOL v BOURNEMOUTH
15.00 in England
Liverpool gained a creditable point against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with the fixture finishing in a draw by a 1-1 score, as predicted in this EveryTip column last season.
Luis Diaz scored the opener from a superb pass by Mo Salah to give the Reds a lead.
Chelsea equalised before the half-time cup of tea and with no further goals in the 2nd-half, both shared the points.
There were a couple of goals scored that the dreaded VAR deemed offside and in truth Chelsea were the dominant team for the majority of the 90-odd minutes, however, what was significant was the upturn in Liverpool’s fortunes when Jurgen Klopp introduced Harvey Elliott in the 77th minute, interestingly replacing Mo Salah.
Harvey injected a bit of energy into the Reds which could see the lad start today.
The flip side to that was Mo wasn’t happy with getting the hook and refused to shake Klipperty’s hand.
It did look like Liverpool had finally signed Romeo Lavia from Southampton, putting in a bid of around £60 Million for the Midfielder.
The Reds wanted to highjack the deal for Moises Caceido who has eventually signed for Chelsea, with Moises heading to London.
The strange thing about that is, initially Liverpool didn’t want to pay £50 Million for Romeo Lavia but wanted to pay £110 Million for Moises Caceido.
Now the fee offered for Romeo is £60 Million, however, Romeo also wants to go to London and probably feels second best if he went to Anfield.
Would it have not been better to just offer £50 Million, which Southampton wanted, straight away and save £10 Million and a bit of embarrassment?
As the great Jimmy Greaves would say,
‘Football, it’s a funny old game!’
Bournemouth have signed Alex Scott from Bristol City paying £25 Million and Max Aarons from Norwich for £7 Million.
Max played in the opening fixture against West Ham lasting 75 minutes before being substituted, however, Alex picked up an injury a couple of days before the start so missed out.
Dominic Solanke scored a late equaliser for the Cherries against the Hammers to earn a point in the draw from a 1-1 score.
Bournemouth are under the guidance of the new Manager Andoni Iraola and it will take time for the Spaniard to implement his own methods, so to earn an opening day point against the established David Moyes Boys is a great start to proceedings.
If one remembers this fixture at Anfield last season, also in late August, Liverpool inflicted a devastating defeat on Bournemouth by a 9-0 score (yes Nine!) that not only sealed 3 points but also sealed the fate of Scott Parker who was sacked soon afterwards.
The goals going in as follows,
3’ Luis Diaz
6’ Harvey Elliott
28’ Trent Alexander- Arnold
31’ Roberto Firmino
45’ Virgil Van Dijk
Half-time Lamb Flatbread with Couscous
46’ Chris Mepham (OG)
62’ Roberto Firmino
80’ Fabio Carvalho
85’ Luis Diaz
Full-time Beef Madras
Probably the only anomaly regarding the Liverpool goal scorers is that Mo Salah isn’t amongst them, despite playing the full 90 minutes.
To add to that, Bournemouth, under the guidance of Gary O’Neil gained a victory over Jurgen’s Reds at the Vitality later on in the campaign.
Betfred offer Liverpool at Odds On 1/5, the draw at 11/2 and 12/1 for Bournemouth to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 16/5 that Mo Salah Scores First and 11/10 that Liverpool Win To Nil.
Home Win 3-0- Get 7/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
LUTON v BURNLEY
**************Postponed***************
15.00 in England
Luton have brought in the ex-Everton and Chelsea player, Ross Barclay (yes the lad was at Stamford Bridge, however, most have forgotten that spell!)
The Hatters do have a history of signing ex-Barnsley players and have continued that by signing Jacob Brown from Stoke City, who themselves raided Oakwell for Young Jacob.
‘There’s a Star Man, running down the right, his name is Jacob Brown and he’s blooming dynamite!’
That’s a Terrace Ditty for you Hatters out there from John Newsome
free of charge.
You are welcome.
Luton found out exactly how tough the Premier League will be by suffering an opening-day defeat by a 4-1 scoreline.
Another ex-Red Carlton Morris scored the Hatters’ consolation goal, coolly slotting home a penalty.
Luton’s first-ever Premier League goal, nice one Carlton!
Unfortunately, today’s fixture has been put on hold due to the Kenilworth Rd Ground currently undergoing surgery, so Luton have reluctantly decided to ask the Premier League to postpone their opening home game, however, the fixture against Chelsea on the 25th of August is scheduled to go ahead.
Burnley themselves found life in the Promised Land a step up from the Championship, however, could be forgiven for their opening day defeat, due to that being against Man City.
The scoreline of 3-0 to City needs to be quickly put to bed as most will lose against Pep’s High Flying Blues.
Anass Zaroury was shown a late straight Red Card for a horror tackle on Kyle Walker.
Vincent Kompany has signed Sander Berge from Sheffield United, who is a pretty decent player when he wants to be but sometimes, whilst in a Blades shirt, looked lethargic.
Big Vince will sort that out though as there won’t be any passengers at Turf Moor under the Belgian Legend.
These two met last season on the way to both being promoted from the Championship.
At Kenilworth Rd back in February 2023, a single Ashley Barnes goal gave Burnley the away day victory by a 1-0 score.
Betfred offer Luton at 3/1 the draw at 5/2 and 5/2 for Burnley to come away with all 3-points.
Postponed
WOLVES v BRIGHTON
15.00 in England
No sooner had last week’s EverTip column been published, than it was announced that the Wolves Manager Julen Lopetegui had left Molineux by mutual agreement and left the club rudderless, so to speak.
Julen became increasingly frustrated with the lack of investment from the Wolves hierarchy, especially allowing Ruben Neves to leave.
The Rain in the Midlands probably didn’t help either.
The ex-Bournemouth Gaffer, Gary O’Neil was then appointed and had 5 days to set up his set of Gold and Blacks for the opening fixture against Manchester United on Monday Night Football.
With most assuming United would be far too good for Wolves, in truth, despite suffering a defeat by a 1-0 scoreline, Gary’s Boys were the better team and put in a great shift at Old Trafford.
The only negative was the fact that Wolves didn’t have a goal scorer and despite creating a hat full of chances, couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net, which is ultimately what football is all about.
After conceding a United goal, Wolves were denied a late penalty when the Red Devil Goalkeeper Andre Onana bungled into Sasa Kalajdzic.
It did look like a certain penalty, however, both the on-field referee Simon Hooper and the dreaded VAR, decided there wasn’t an infringement.
Just to quickly add to that, although it probably should have been a penalty, Wolves weren’t robbed of a point, the Gold and Blacks were robbed of the chance to earn a point as the penalty could quite easily have been missed.
If the Wolves players can find their goal-scoring boots, Gary O’Neil’s Boys will be a match for most teams.
Brighton gained a comfortable victory over the new boys Luton Town on Saturday, with goals from Solly March, a Joao Pedro converted penalty, Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson, giving the Seagulls the points from a 4-1 score.
There will be tougher outings to come but all Roberto De Zerbi’s men can do is beat the team in front of them.
Evan was only on the pitch 20 minutes before scoring and at 18 years old (19 in October) looks like a great prospect, who Brighton will be lucky to keep hold of.
At Molineux last season, the game took place on Bonfire Night with Brighton gaining the narrow victory by a 3-2 score.
Adam Lallana scored the opener for the Seagulls before Goncalo Guedes and a Ruben Neves penalty gave the home team a lead.
Kaoru Mitoma then equalised for the Seagulls to take both teams in level at the break.
Nelson Semedo was shown a Red Card, soon after Kaoru’s leveller.
The fireworks went off when Pascal Gross scored the winner in the 83rd minute to give Brighton all 3-points.
Betfred offer Wolves at 3/1, the draw at 5/2 and Odds On 9/10 for Brighton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 13/2 that Danny Welbeck Scores First and 9/5 that Brighton Score in Both Halves.
Away Win 0-2- Get 17/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
***Premier League Team of the Week***
GOALKEEPER- Ederson- Man City
RIGHT-BACK- Kyle Walker- Man City
CENTRE-BACK- Thiago Silva- Chelsea
CENTRE-BACK- Raphael Varane- Manchester United
LEFT-BACK- Rayan Ait-Nouri- Wolves
MIDFIELDER- James Milner- Brighton
MIDFIELDER- Sandro Tonali- Newcastle
MIDFIELDER- Mateo Kovacic- Man City
FORWARD- Matheus Cunha- Wolves
FORWARD- Alexander Isak- Newcastle
FORWARD- Erling Haaland- Man City
STAR MAN- Mateo Kovacic- Man City
***John Newsome just wants to explain the process of choosing the EveryTip Premier League Team of the Week.
This won’t be explained every time but it’s worth having an insight as to why certain Players are chosen.
For example, there were 4 Goalkeeper’s who kept a clean sheet, Ederson, Bernd Leno, Sam Johnstone and Andre Onana.
The reason Ederson is chosen is basically from the calm way he plays the game and the brilliance he has with his feet.
The Brazilian could easily play as a Centre-Back.
Bernd Leno could have been chosen but the Fulham ‘Keeper was moaning about the Added Time and said it’s not fair on the Players, so Boo Hoo Bernd wasn’t going to get in.
Sam Johnstone was only playing against Sheffield United and in truth, Crystal Palace didn’t need to have a Goalkeeper.
Andre Onana did get his Gloves dirty but should have had a penalty conceded against him, therefore couldn’t be chosen.
So Ederson is this week’s Number One.
Kyle Walker is the best Right Back in the World, hands down.
Thiago Silva is phenomenal at 38 years old (39 in September).
Raphael Varane is in for rescuing United, scoring the winner in a drab affair at Old Trafford.
Another Old Boy, James Milner at 37, left his hat on against the Hatters and was simply too experienced for the New Boys.
Sandro Tonali was the Metronome in the Newcastle display, keeping things ticking along in the 5-1 victory plus scoring a goal himself.
Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland both scored twice so have to be included.
The 2 Wolves players included were simply head and shoulders above a poor set of Red Devils and were unlucky to be on the losing side.
The Star Man is Mateo Kovacic who actually started on the bench for Man City against Burnley but came on in the 23rd minute, replacing an injured Kevin De Bruyne and ran the game dovetailing superbly with Rodri, whose partnership over the season will surely secure another Premier League Title.***
TOTTENHAM v MANCHESTER UNITED
17.30 in England
Sky Sports
Like the Rocky Balboa film, it turns out that two endings were made to the Summer Blockbuster ‘When Harry Met Bayern’.
The opinion that Harry wouldn’t leave Tottenham, was just an opinion based on the fact that it was assumed Mr Kane wanted the all-time Premier League Goal Scoring Record.
As it turns out, a £100 Million move to a team that wins the Bundesliga every year and wages of around £415,000 a week (a week!) on a 5-year deal is more important than Alan Shearer’s record.
Regarding the Bundesliga, Thomas Tuchel’s team were actually very lucky to win the 2022/23 campaign and it was more to do with Borussia Dortmund’s performance on the final day that gifted Bayern the Title.
Going into the last game of the season, Dortmund were at the summit with 70 points and Munich in 2nd with 68 points.
Borussia Dortmund were at home against Mainz who had nothing to play for, with Bayern Munich away against Cologne, who also had nothing to play for.
All Borussia had to do was gain a victory and the Bundesliga Title was theirs.
As it turned out, Bayern Munich gained a victory giving them 71 points, however, Borussia Dortmund could only manage a draw and also ended with 71 points, with Munich having a superior goal difference, giving Thomas’s Team the Title.
To add to that, the ex-Hammer, Sebastian Haller missed a penalty for Dortmund.
So although it does appear that Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga automatically, it’s not as clear as that and if Sebastian had converted, Harry Kane wouldn’t be joining the current Title Winners.
John Newsome has no allegiance to Harry Kane but as this EveryTip article is about the Premier League, it’s only fair to offer an opinion.
Also, no one knows what will happen in the future, there could be additions to the contract that will allow Harry to return to the Premier League if the lad and his family don’t settle in Germany.
The Premier League All Time Leading Goal Scoring Record is just on hold at the moment.
As mentioned last week, Harry has 213 and is only 47 goals away.
The lad might just think to himself,
‘I’ll have a couple of years in Germany, drinking Riesling and eating Black Forest Gateaux, then return to England and smash Mr Shearer’s record in 2 seasons!’
Auf wiedersehen Spurs!
It was funny though that Harry Kane was in the Bayern Munich squad for the Super Cup Final against RB Leipzig (Germany’s equivalent of the Community Shield) and although coming on as a late substitute, still hasn’t won a Trophy, with a Dani Olmo hat-trick giving RB the Cup by a 3-0 score.
Maybe Bayern should have signed Dani Boy, it would have cost the Germans less in Deutsche Mark!
A Harry-Less Spurs team earned a point against Brentford from a draw by a 2-2 score.
Cristian Romero got the opening goal with Emerson Royal scoring an equaliser on the stroke of half-time following Brentford scoring twice.
With no further goals, both the Londoners shared the points from a very entertaining game.
After watching most of the Manchester United pre-season games, there was renewed optimism regarding the club, with some good performances before the start of the season.
That optimism quickly faded away after watching the awful performance of Erik’s Ten Bob’s against Wolves on Monday Night Football.
The starting eleven put out by Erik Ten Hag was given to everyone by John Newsome last week, however, the players looked flat already.
Lisandro Martinez was shown a Yellow Card after 17 minutes which meant the Argentinian couldn’t tackle anyone for the rest of the game.
As it turned out, Erik took Lisandro off at half-time as there was a danger of a 2nd Yellow and the ultimate Red.
Casemiro, who does look to have lost a bit of weight, looked to have lost a bit of speed too, however, could be forgiven as the Wolves Midfield simply overrun the Brazilian who needed someone at the side of him.
Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount are not going to help Casemiro, their role is to supply the attackers.
The enigmatic Fred has left to join Fenerbahce with a couple of friends commenting as to who John Newsome is going to use as a scapegoat now.
Well, the dictionary definition of Scapegoat is this,
‘1- A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency.’
Fred wasn’t blamed for the faults of others, the lad was the fault.
Constantly choosing Fred over the past 5 years has cost 3 United Managers their jobs and set Manchester United back 10 years.
If one wants to continue down the ‘Scapegoat’ route, then Antony comes in as the new Fred.
If that lad is a footballer, there is still hope for a balding overweight 54-year-old John Newsome.
Alejandro Garnacho, who the Manchester Stick Thrower says,
‘Sounds like a Mexican Snack!’
Actually plays like a Mexican Snack too.
Is Alejandro the new Frederico Macheda?
Raphael Varane scored the only goal of the game against Wolves to earn an opening-day victory by a 1-0 scoreline.
In truth, Manchester United were 2nd best and if it wasn’t for the fact that Wolves couldn’t score and were denied a penalty by the on-field referee plus the dreaded VAR, could easily have suffered a defeat.
Fiorentina’s Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is close to signing for United and that deal could be done this week, with the Italians wanting close to £30 Million.
Everton’s Amadou Onana (no relation to the Goalkeeper) could come in if the deal for Sofyan falls through.
Erik definitely needs another Midfielder, with some thinking that Scott McTominay could be the answer.
To those ‘some’ he’s not!
United need someone new, whether it’s Sofyan Amrabat or Amadou Onana or even someone else, United need someone new and need to get rid of Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
Manchester United will also look to bring in Benjamin Pavard, who is currently with Harry Kane at Bayern Munich.
Benjamin is a French International Right-Back who played alongside Raphael Varane in the World Cup Winning France Team of 2018 and an unused substitute for the 2022 Final when the French suffered a penalty shootout defeat against Argentina.
Harry Maguire was named as a substitute for the fixture against Wolves but stayed on the bench.
It did appear that a deal with West Ham was done but this appears to have stalled for the time being, however, there is still a Fortnight left of the Transfer Window, with a day in Football being a long time, never mind 14 of them.
Manchester United won’t finish in the Top Four with these current players and definitely not if Harry and Scott stay.
Back in April 2023, at the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium, both teams shared the points from a draw by a 2-2 score.
The Archbishop was happy!
Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford scored the United goals to give the away team a lead at the break.
Pedro Porro pulled a goal back for Spurs just after the restart before Son Heung-Min equalised to give both teams a point apiece.
Betfred offer Tottenham at 15/8, the draw at 13/5 and 13/10 for Manchester United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/5 that Richarlison Scores Anytime and 6/5 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Draw 1-1- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
MAN CITY v NEWCASTLE
20.00 in England
TNT Sports
Do not adjust your eyes, the kick-off time of 20.00 in England on a Saturday Evening is correct.
All the married blokes are gutted as some, including the Manchester Stick Thrower, have to watch The Weakest Pointless Celebrity and Casualty, whereas the single lads (one being this EveryTip contributor) will be watching Pep and his Blues take on Eddie and the Magpies.
Actually, that’s not true, as this boy will be in New York City, hopefully watching in a Bar with a pint of Guinness or several.
Man City gained a comfortable opening-day victory over Burnley on Friday which in truth, wasn’t that unexpected.
Erling Haaland did what Erling does and scored twice to give City a comfortable lead at the break.
That wasn’t enough for Pep Guardiola who gave the Norwegian/Leeds lad a mouthful whilst walking off the pitch, which the Sky Sports cameras picked up in all its glory.
Very funny though!
Roadie Rodri, who is possibly the best player in the Premier League at the moment, added a 3rd midway through the 2nd-half to give the Treble Winners a perfect start to retaining the Premier League Title.
In last week’s column, John Newsome offered up the following,
Erling Haaland to Score Two Plus Goals, Man City Win To Nil and a scoreline of 3-0 in favour of the Blues.
Let’s hope a few out there took advantage and earned a few quid to pay for a Cheeky Saturday Night Takeaway.
Kevin De Bruyne picked up an injury in the 1st-half which did dampen the occasion, however, Pep just sent on Mateo Kovacic.
Mateo is simply class and whilst not exactly the same type of player as KDB, does enhance the Man City team and along with Rodri, Pep’s High Flying Blues have the best Midfielders in the League.
Kyle Walker has resisted the temptation to join Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena, which is brilliant for the Citizens.
There was a story that Pep took Kyle out for a Japanese meal to win the Sheffield Lad over, then the Boss sped off on a £5,000 Racing Bike.
Kyle Walker is certainly an Ichiban.
There is speculation that City are after West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta which looks as if a deal will be done before the end of the Transfer Window.
The Man City youngster Cole Palmer could go in the opposite direction to the London Stadium, however, that would be a separate deal to Lucas and not as a swap.
Newcastle are the current Premier League leaders following all of the Game Week-1 set of fixtures, purely based on the fact that the Magpies scored 5 in the game against Aston Villa and got the victory by a 5-1 scoreline.
Goals from Sandro Tonali, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes and an Alexander Isak brace gave Eddie Howe’s Black and Whites a brilliant start to the season.
Harvey Barnes had a similar chance before his goal but decided to pass instead of shooting.
The Manchester Stick Thrower immediately commented that if Harvey was still at Leicester, he would have shot not passed.
Mr Barnes must have heard the ex-Serg as the next time the opportunity arose, HB certainly had lead in his pencil and coolly slotted home.
Cheers Stick Thrower.
Man City will have played in the UEFA Super Cup before this fixture, which pitches the Champions League Winners against the Europa League Winners, who are Sevilla.
This fixture at the Etihad last season, took place at the beginning of March, just after Newcastle had suffered a defeat against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final.
Pep’s High Flying Blues equalled the Numpty Neighbours in inflicting a defeat on Eddie’s Magpies by the same 2-0 scoreline as in the Final.
Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva with the City goals.
This fixture today, with it being so early on in the season, could set a marker as to where both teams are at the moment.
Betfred offer Man City at Odds On 4/7, the draw at 16/5 and 9/2 for Newcastle to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 12/1 that John Stones Scores Anytime and 7/4 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
Home Win 3-1- Get 11/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Sunday 20th
ASTON VILLA v EVERTON
14.00 in England
Sky Sports
Tyrone Mings suffered a serious injury in the defeat against Newcastle at St James Park on Saturday.
The score was 2-1 in favour of the Magpies at the time of the injury so it’s unsure whether that affected proceedings with Villa eventually suffering the loss by a 5-1 score.
The new boy Moussa Diaby with the consolation goal.
It was a devastating defeat for Unai Emery’s Claret and Blues who just need to dust themselves down and move on to this game against an already struggling set of Toffees.
All the best Tyrone!
As just mentioned, Everton are going to find the season a tough one following an opening-day defeat against Fulham by a 1-0 scoreline.
Sean Dyche’s men just can’t score and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again injured, it’s difficult to see where the goals will come from.
Everton have taken Jack Harrison from Leeds United on a Season Long Loan.
This fixture last season was also a Game Week-2 affair, taking place on the 13th of August 2022.
If one remembers, both teams were under the guidance of the ex-England Midfield Legends Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
There was always a debate back in the noughties as to whether Steve and Frank could play together for England.
The fact that the Golden Generation of the Three Lions, which saw Stevie G gain 114 caps and Frankie L with 106 lids and England won absolutely nothing, suggests that the pair couldn’t play together and other players such as Michael Carrick should have been given more of a chance.
The pair are certainly not pulling up any trees in the Management games either, with Frank at home annoying Christine and Steven away in Saudi Arabia (not for the money though!)
When the pair lined up against each other last season, it was Steven’s Villa that gained the victory over Frank’s Toffees by a 2-1 score.
Danny Ings scored in the 1st-half to give Aston Villa a lead at the break before Emiliano Buendia added a 2nd.
The ex-Toffee Lucas Digne felt sorry for his old mates and scored an own goal late on but it proved to be just a consolation with Villa holding on for the win.
Betfred offer Aston Villa at Odds On 8/13, the draw at 11/4 and 9/2 for Everton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 4/1, that Ollie Watkins Scores First and 6/4 that Aston Villa Win To Nil.
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WEST HAM v CHELSEA
16.30 in England
Sky Sports
West Ham earned a valuable point against Bournemouth on the South Coast last Saturday with Jarrod Bowen scoring just after the restart that gave the Hammers a lead.
Unfortunately, for the travelling Bubbles, their idols conceded and both teams settled for a positive opening day result.
The Hammers look set to lose Lucas Paqueta, with the Brazilian a target for Man City and if the Blues stump up around £80 Million then Lucas will be on his way up the M6.
Lucas Paqueta has a release clause of £85 Million but that doesn’t kick in until next Summer so Man City could get a discount on that with both clubs not wanting a long drawn out saga.
That said David Moyes did start Mr Paqueta in the draw at the Vitality.
James Ward-Prowse is back in the Premier League with West Ham purchasing the Midfielder for a fee of around £30 Million.
Most readers of this column know just how much John Newsome thinks of JWP and wishes the lad had signed for Manchester United but it’s the Hammers who will benefit as James, who has been given the Number 7 shirt, will enhance the Bubbles.
Having watched Manchester United versus Wolves on Monday, it’s definitely United’s loss and West Ham’s gain.
Harry Maguire is another target and everything seems to have been sorted regards the Transfer, however, there does appear to be a stumbling block regards the move.
There is still a Fortnight to go before the Window slams shut so that deal could still happen.
All in all, the Hammers are in better shape than last season, despite losing Declan Rice and should be safe from a relegation battle.
It’s now time for the other Irons to step out of the Rice Field.
Moises Caceido is finally a Chelsea player and now has the British Transfer Record of £115 Million, which is what the Blues have paid Brighton for the 21-year-old.
Sunday’s opponents Liverpool were also after Moises but the lad wanted the Brighton Lights of London and not the Red Lights of Scouseland.
The new boy Axel Disasi equalised an earlier Liverpool goal that took both teams in level at the break on Sunday.
There were a couple of goals ruled out by the dreaded VAR and despite Chelsea being the dominant team, both settled for an opening day point from a draw by a 1-1 score.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan due to the old Blues ‘Keeper Thibaut Courtois picking up an injury at the Bernabeu.
The Southampton Midfielder Romeo Lavia is set to follow Moises Caceido up to London and pass on a move to Liverpool who have already agreed a fee with the Saints.
It’s early days yet but Chelsea certainly looked a lot better under Mauricio Pochettino than under both Graham Potter and Frank Lampard and one should remember, the Blues are not in Europe this season, so will be able to rest whilst the Top Four or Six compete in the different European Competitions.
Joao Felix opened the scoring for Chelsea at the London Stadium before the ex-Blue Emerson equalised to take both teams in level at the break.
With no further goals in the 2nd-half West Ham and Chelsea took away a point apiece.
Betfred offer West Ham at 11/4, the draw at 5/2 and slight Odds On 19/20 for Chelsea to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/5 that Jarrod Bowen Scores Anytime and Evens 1/1 that there are Over 2.5 Goals.
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Monday 21st
CRYSTAL PALACE v ARSENAL
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Roy Hodgson’s Eagles gained a comfortable victory over Paul Heckinbottom’s Blades on Saturday by a 1-0 scoreline.
Odsonne Edouard scored the winning goal just after the restart to gain the points but in truth, the opposition weren’t really a match for Crystal Palace.
Rocky Roy, aged 76 squared up with the Sheffield United Defender Max Lowe, 26, after the Blade accidentally punched Mr Hodgson.
It was a funny incident for the watching Millions and showed the passion that the Old Boy still has for the game.
Arsenal also registered an opening-day victory, with Mikel’s Young Guns gaining the win over Nottingham Forest by a narrow 2-1 score.
Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka with the 1st-half goals before the Gunners conceded late on.
The Brentford Goalkeeper David Raya is a target for Arsenal and a deal should be made before the end of the Transfer Window on the 1st of September.
It’s then a matter of who keeps the gloves in the Premier League.
Will Aaron Ramsdale be the Arsenal Number One with David Raya coming in as a backup and Cup Goalkeeper or is the Spaniard going straight into the Premier League starting eleven?
That’s for Mikel Arteta to decide.
There’s a lot of talk from the so-called experts that Arsenal will be the ones to push Man City once again, however, this EveryTip contributor isn’t so sure and thinks Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool (if the Reds can actually sign some players!) will be the one’s putting pressure on Pep’s High Flying Blues.
This fixture last season was a Game Week-1 affair which saw Mikel’s Young Guns start with an opening victory by a 2-0 away night score.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the opener with the 2nd credited to Marc Guehi as an OG.
At the time, no one expected Arsenal to push on and match Man City as Title Contenders.
Betfred offer Crystal Palace at 11/2, the draw at 3/1 and Odds On 8/15 for Arsenal to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 9/5 that Eberechi Eze Scores Anytime and 8/5 that Martin Odegaard Scores Anytime.
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A quick note regards the Pub League up in Scotland and the news is there isn’t much news as Celtic remain at the summit (of cause they do!) following a victory against Aberdeen (who?) on Sunday.
The arch-Glasgow rivals Rangers got back to winning ways on Saturday against Livingston (who? Doctor one presumes) following last week’s devastating defeat, which leaves the Teddy Bears in 6th place (6th!).
The loveable OzScot over in Melbourne wasn’t happy with the loss and was out in the local streets shouting at lampposts,
‘You’ll never take our freedom!’
Rangers take a narrow 2-1 lead over to Switzerland on Tuesday for the 2nd-leg of the Champions League Qualifying tie against Servette.
More on that next week.