The highlight games for this week’s action are SOUTHAMPTON versus ARSENAL and CHELSEA versus WOLVES. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these as well as all game-week 20 EPL 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 time of publication.
NEWCASTLE v LEEDS UNITED
Tuesday 26th
The 1st of 2, 18.00 kick-offs in England live on BT Sport.
To save words, this and the following 9-midweek fixtures are all the reverse of Game Week-13, that took place in mid-December 2020 and are all live on BT Sport, meaning Sky Sports Bob Carolgees dog and G-Nev have a week off.
Steve Bruce is under mounting pressure following another defeat, this time against Aston Villa on Saturday in a rearranged fixture that should have taken place a couple of months back.
It was probably one of the easier results to predict that Newcastle would lose against Villa, with the Magpies succumbing to a defeat by a 2-0 scoreline. That’s now 7-defeats from the last 9-fixtures, including 2-losses in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
With 19-points from 19-fixtures, it’s a genuine relegation battle for the Steve’s at St James Park, that’s Bruce, Agnew and Clemence.
The lack of fans may be a factor with the Toon Army unable to roar on their beloved Black and Whites and whilst a legitimate factor, it is same for everyone and shouldn’t be the main excuse as to Newcastle’s lack of form.
By the time this EveryTip column is published, Steve, Steve and Steve, maybe down the concrete and heading for the Job Centre.
If Mike Ashley was thinking of a change, the Sports Direct owner would probably wait until after the January Transfer Window is shut, thus, not allowing a new boss to spend any money on new purchases.
The Magpies do have some decent players, it’s whether Big Brucey is getting the best out of the squad, whether he is picking the correct eleven or whether the lads have downed tools and are not happy with Steve and his coaching methods.
Leeds United are on a losing streak too with 3-defeats in their last 3-games, one being a humiliating loss against League 2 side Crawley in the FA Cup. A lot will be wondering, what’s all the fuss about Marcelo Bielsa? Stick with El Loco.
Leeds have just been promoted to the Top Flight for the first time in 17-years, have a young team, no real superstars and play an exciting way, that will bring defeats but will also bring victories. Out of the 3-teams that came up from the Championship, the Whites are the only ones out of the relegation places.
It will be 10-days come kick-off since Leeds last turned out so should be fresh and the defeat against Crawley could actually work in their favour. Last time out, Marcelo’s Whites lost by a single goal against Brighton at Elland Rd, leaving Leeds with 23-points, sitting 12th, in the table but having only played 18-games, not the 19 that others around them have.
Newcastle were on the wrong end of a 5-2 scoreline against Leeds United at Elland Rd, just over a month back.
Jeff Hendrick put the Magpies in front midway through the 1st-half but Patrick Bamford quickly equalised for Leeds, taking both teams in level at the break.
Newcastle’s Ciaran Clark then equalised, after a goal by Leeds United’s Rodrigo had given the Whites a lead.
With 13-minutes left, a further 3-goals from Leeds was hard to fathom by Steve Bruce, with the goals conceded coming from counter-attacks following Newcastle corners. Stuart Dallas, Ezgjan Alioski and a superb solo effort from Jack Harrison resulted in a 5-2 victory for El Loco and his Whites.
Bet 365 offer Newcastle at 11/4, the draw at 14/5 and slight Odds On 10/11 for Leeds United to come away with all 3-points.
Bet 365 offer 21/10 that Andy Carroll Scores Anytime and 15/4 that Patrick Bamford Scores First.
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CRYSTAL PALACE v WEST HAM
Tuesday 26th
Another Tuesday night football starting at 18.00 in England.
Crystal Palace have just one victory out of the last 8-Premier League games and that was against Sheffield United who everyone beats (apart from Brighton and Newcastle!) There have been 4-Draws in those 8-fixtures with 3-losses, the latest defeat, being against Man City at the Etihad by a 4-0 scoreline.
Palace sit 13th in the table, with 23-points from the 19-fixtures, 9-points behind today’s opponents. West Ham are up there amongst the form teams at the moment, gaining 11-points from the last 5-fixtures.
Man City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton and Leicester are above West Ham in the form guide. In the overall standings, the Hammers sit 7th in the Premier League table with 32-points from 19-fixtures completed.
Last time out David Moyes got one over the ex-Bubbles boss Sam Allardyce, gaining a great victory over West Brom by a 2-1 scoreline, with Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio scoring West Ham’s goals. Michail got the winner after the Baggies had equalised.
At the London Stadium back in mid-December, both teams left with a point from a 1-1 draw.
Christian Benteke scored a rare goal for the Palace just before half-time with Sebastian Haller replying for the Hammers 10-minutes into the 2nd-half and with no further goals, the two London clubs shared the spoils.
Both Big Ben and Big Seb have 3-Premier League goals this term which for a striker, isn’t the best.
Mr Haller won’t be adding to that tally in England as him and Tracy are now residing in Amsterdam where Sebastian is plying his trade for Ajax and Tracy is working part-time as a checkout girl in Lidl’s. Loves the place and gets some great bargains for her and the hubby, Seb loves a Big Daddy Steak with some oven chips and a tin of Marrowfat peas.
Bet 365 offer Crystal Palace at 21/10, the draw at 12/5 and 13/10 for West Ham to come away with all 3-points.
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SOUTHAMPTON v ARSENAL
Tuesday 26th
The week of football on BT Sport continues with a 20.15 start time in England.
These two meet at St Mary’s, 3-days after the same fixture in the 4th-Round of the FA Cup that the Saints came out on top. It will be interesting to see how different the 2-lineups look between the Premier League and the Cup competition.
Southampton gained a victory in the FA Cup tie with Kyle Walker-Peters scoring the solitary winning goal against the Gunners. Unfortunately for young Kyle, the goal was then credited as an Arsenal OG but KWP will still tell his mates, ‘That one’s mine!’
Come kick-off time, this will be Wreck-It Ralph’s boys 4th-game in 10-days as the Saints played against Leicester in the Premier League on the 16th, then Shrewsbury in the rearranged 3rd-round of the FA Cup on the 19th, then Arsenal, in the 4th-round, on the 23rd. So Southampton will either be extremely fit and ready for action or very tired and ready for bed.
The Saints sit 10th, with 29-points, a place and 2-points more than today’s opponents but significantly have only played 18-games so far, not 19 that Arsenal have.
Arsenal comfortably beat Newcastle last week gaining the victory by a 3-0 scoreline.
The Gunners took on and beat Newcastle in the 3rd-round of the FA Cup, then beat the Magpies in the Premier League.
Now Arsenal have lost against Southampton in the FA Cup then immediately play the Saints in the Premier League hoping that the pattern isn’t continued in reverse. That being a victory in the Cup, then a victory in the league and a defeat in the Cup, followed by a defeat in the league. Mikel Arteta was hoping to include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against Southampton on Saturday but a complication occurred.
The forward missed the FA Cup 4th-round tie at St Mary’s, which Arsenal lost 1-0. Aubameyang had been with the squad on the South Coast but had to leave earlier on in the morning, with Arsenal explaining it was due to personal reasons.
Against Newcastle in the Premier League, Pierre-Emerick scored twice, both in the 2nd-half with Bukayo Saka getting the other in between Mr Aubameyang’s brace, to give the Gunners the victory.
Arsenal sit 11th in the table, with 27-points, as mentioned, 2-less than the Saints but having played a game more. At the Emirates, this was another 1-1 draw, with a 2nd-half Mr Aubameyang goal cancelling out a 1st-half Theo Walcott opener. Theo notching against his old employer’s that would have pleased the lad.
Bet 365 offer Southampton at 11/5, the draw at 12/5 and 5/4 for Arsenal to come away with all 3-points.
Bet 365 offer 15/4 that Danny Ings Scores First and 10/3 that Southampton Score in Both Halves.
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WEST BROM v MAN CITY
Tuesday 26th
Late Tuesday night football with another 20.15 kick-off in England.
The words ‘Good’ and ‘Luck’ spring to mind to preclude West Brom’s task against Man City. Sam Allardyce is trying to prevent one of his teams being relegated from the Premier League for the first time ever and after a great victory against Wolves, suffered a setback last time out against West Ham at the London Stadium.
Matheus Pereira did equalise a Hammers opening goal but then the Baggies conceded again to ultimately lose the tie against the Hammers.
That was Matty’s 4th-goal of the season and the lads 3rd since Big Sam arrived. There was also another notch by Matheus in the FA Cup defeat against Blackpool that left West Brom to concentrate on the league.
Sam’s Boys sit 19th in the table with 11-points, from the 19-fixtures played. The Baggies need to make up 6-points on Brighton to try and get out of the drop-zone and that’s dependent on the Seagulls not increasing the margin.
It is tight at the bottom with survival for Sheffield United, looking a step too far but Sam Allardyce has never had a team relegated under his watch and will go all out to keep West Brom in the Premier League.
Man City are the form team from the last 5-fixtures winning all 5, gaining 15-points and like Frankel, are in the slip-stream of the Numpty Neighbours, United. In last week’s midweek fixtures, the team at the summit of the Premier League table changed 3-times.
On Tuesday, Leicester beat Chelsea to go top, on Wednesday, with City kicking off at 18.00 in England, their 2-0 victory against Aston Villa, gave them the same 38-points as the Foxes but with a better goal difference that took the Blue Moons to the summit.
A couple of hours later, Manchester United got the victory against Fulham to give Ole’s Zebras 40-points and took the Red Devil’s back to the top of the table.
City were frustrated against Villa but eventually wore Dean Smith’s Claret and Blues down scoring a bizarre opener in the 79th-minute.
Bernardo Silva scored a superb goal after Rodri appeared to be in an offside position, then became active giving the ball to Bernardo to score.
Whilst it looked offside, the laws were checked by the dreaded VAR and the goal stood.
City were awarded a late penalty after a Villa handball.
Raheem Sterling was politely told to ‘do one’ after missing his last 3-spot-kicks, with Ilkay Gundogan (tra-la-la-la-lar!) stepping up to convert in the 90th-minute to give Pep’s High Flying City the 6th-Premier League victory in a row, with 5 of those ‘Winning To Nil’. In all competitions, Man City have won their last 10-games, with 7 of those not conceding a goal.
Chelsea in the Premier League, Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and Cheltenham (yes the mighty Cheltenham Town) are the only teams to have scored against the Blues in those 10-fixtures. Man City have only played 18-times and have a game in hand over the Numpty Neighbour so will jump above United if that game is a victory.
The cardboard faithful at the Etihad in December saw a goal apiece in another 1-1 draw, which saw 3, Game Week-13 fixtures finishing in a 1-1 scoreline and 5, results that ended as draws.
The irony from this draw, overseen by Slaven Bilic, is Big Slav was sacked after the game.
West Brom got a point away against Pep’s High Flying Blues and then sack the gaffer.
Man City actually scored both goals in the game with Ilkay Gundogan (tra-la-la-la-lar!) scoring 1st for City, then Ruben Dias was credited with the West Brom equaliser, all before half-time.
Bet 365 offer West Brom at a massive 14/1, the draw at 6/1 and Odds On 2/11 for Man City to come away with all 3-points.
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BURNLEY v ASTON VILLA
Wednesday 27th
An 18.00 kick-off in England.
Burnley did what no one else have done in 68 attempts and almost 4-years and that is gain a victory against Liverpool at Anfield last Thursday. It could be argued that Jurgen Klopp had an under-strength eleven out but Sean Dyche won’t bother about that.
The scoreline read Liverpool 0 Burnley 1, not ‘an under-strength’ Liverpool 0 Burnley 1. There was a bit of handbags at half-time between Sean and Jurgen over something and nothing but Big Dyche had the last laugh when Ashley Barnes earned and then converted a late penalty to give Burnley the record-busting victory by a 1-0 scoreline.
Although it might have been a shock to everyone that the Clarets beat Liverpool at Anfield, last term, Sean Dyche’s Boys were the only team to come away with anything after a 1-1 draw, with Liverpool gaining victories in the other 19-home games. The 3-points earned gives Burnley 19-points that leaves them just outside of the relegation places.
Significantly, Sean’s men have only played 18-times, not the 19, that others around them have.
Ollie Watkins got back to scoring ways on Saturday, getting the 1st for Villa after just 13-minutes. That’s Ollie’s 1st goal in 10-games.
Bertrand Traore added the 2nd for the Claret and Blues just before the break and with no more goals, Villa ran out comfortable winners, heaping more pressure on Steve Bruce.
Dean Smith had to watch the victory against Newcastle on Saturday evening in the stands after being sent off following a conversation with John Moss, the referee in the game against Man City (not the drummer from Culture Club!)
In a bizarre moment that resulted in a goal by City following a player coming from an offside position, Dean confronted Mr Moss and asked whether he had been given some new juggling balls for Christmas. To those not sure what that means, basically, Deano is calling the referee’s, both on the pitch and the VAR, clowns.
Big John didn’t take too kindly to that and promptly showed Dean a Yellow Card quickly followed by a Red. What Smithy probably shouldn’t have done is squeezed Mr Moss on the nose and gone, ‘oink oink’. Dean definitely wasn’t Karma Chameleon after the game.
Villa’s victory against Newcastle by a 2-0 scoreline, gives them 29-points and lifts the other Claret and Blues up to 8th in the table above Chelsea and Southampton, who both have the same 29 but with Dean’s men having a better goal difference.
This reverse fixture at Villa Park ended in one of the 5-draws that occurred in Game Week-13, finishing in a very entertaining 0-0 draw. Not much else can be added to that.
Bet 365 offer Burnley at 11/4, the draw at 5/2 and Evens 1/1 for Aston Villa to come away with all 3-points.
Bet 365 offer 11/2 that Chris Wood Scores First and 11/2 that Burnley Win To Nil.
Home Win 1-0
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CHELSEA v WOLVES
Wednesday 27th
Another early Wednesday evening game with a start time of 18.00 in England.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea are closer to being renamed Chelsea after another defeat in the Premier League.
Frank’s Blues suffered a 2-0 loss against Leicester at the King Power Stadium last Tuesday that saw Chelsea slip to 9th in the table with the same 29-points as Aston Villa and Southampton.
This EveryTip column predicted Frank Lampard’s Chelsea to win the Premier League and whilst it’s still only halfway through the campaign, Chelsea are way off the mark and definitely won’t win the title this term.
What is a definite is Chelsea do have the players to contend for a top-4 finish but it appears Frank doesn’t know his best eleven.
A victory against Wolves will be uplifting for the Blues but a defeat could see Frank ringing Steve Bruce asking if he wants to share an Uber to the Job Centre.
**BREAKING NEWS**
Chelsea have sacked Frank Lampard!
Just as this column was going to print, it was confirmed that Frank Lampard has been sacked and is down the concrete. Whilst a legend at Stamford Bridge, winning is the only thing that matters for Roman Abramovich.
Legend Frank spent £220 Million of Roman’s dollar but languish 9th in the Premier League table, which is simply not good enough. Uber for Frank!
Now Wolves take on the renamed Chelsea team and not Frank Lampard’s Chelsea. Wolves have suffered defeats in their last 2-Premier League games, the latest being 11-days ago against the Black Country rivals West Brom.
Nuno’s Gold and Blacks did get a victory in the weekend’s FA Cup but laboured in the tie against a team that are 6-Divisions lower than Wolves.
The Portuguese midfielder Vitinho scored the solitary goal against Chorley and has only been a bit-part player for Nuno, this term, so after the goal, will be hoping for more game time.
The Gold and Blacks have 22-points, from 19-fixtures played and sit 14th in the table.
Wolves beat Frank’s Chelsea at Molineux getting a great victory by a 2-1 scoreline. After a goalless 1st-half, the game kicked into life with the Blues taking the lead through Olivier Giroud.
Daniel Podence equalised for Nuno’s men midway through the 2nd-half. Wolves left it very late to earn the points with Supermarket man Pedro Neto scoring the winner in the 95th-minute.
Nuno’s Boys haven’t won in the Premier League since, in 6-attempts but have progressed to the 5th-round of the FA Cup and will face Southampton in that tie.
Frank’s Chelsea have 2-victories since the defeat against Wolves in 6-fixtures, with the Blues also progressing to the 5th-round of the FA Cup and a trip to Oakwell. However, will visit the Yorkshire Town, once again without Frank Lampard.
(See EveryTip’s Game Week-18 Preview for a story about Chelsea’s last venture to Barnsley)
Bet 365 offer Chelsea at Odds On 3/5, the draw at 16/5 and 17/4 for Wolves to come away with all 3-points.
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BRIGHTON v FULHAM
Wednesday 27th
This game starts at 19.30 on Wednesday night in England.
Graham Potter’s Seagulls got a great away-day victory against Leeds United last time out, beating Marcelo’s Whites by a 1-0 scoreline.
Neal Maupay scored the solitary winning goal early on in proceedings and with no further goals, gained a valuable 3-points to give Brighton 17 for the season from 19-fixtures.
Harry does need to look over his shoulder as the Seagulls are just outside of the relegation places, with 5-points more than today’s opponents who will be looking to close the gap.
Sam’s Baggies are 6-points adrift of Brighton so would probably want this tie to end in a draw, to try and catch both teams.
Fulham have suffered defeats in their last 2-fixtures and are without a victory since surprisingly beating Leicester at the King Power back at the end of November. That’s 8-Premier League games ago but the Cottagers have 5-draws from those 8-fixtures with 3-losses.
The latest defeat was against Manchester United on Wednesday, Fulham lost by a 2-1 scoreline but did actually take the lead through Ademola Lookman after just 5-minutes. Unfortunately, the current Premier League leaders were too strong throughout the 90-minutes and scored twice to inflict the defeat on Scott Parker’s Boys.
The Cottagers are 5-points adrift of today’s opponents so will look to close the gap to just 2, however, will know that a defeat would make that gap wider.
Fulham have achieved draws against Liverpool, Tottenham and Southampton so can compete with the top boys. Same as the Burnley v Villa fixture, this Game Week-13 affair finished in a drab draw by a 0-0 scoreline. Again, not much else to be said. Don’t expect many goals tonight.
Bet 365 offer Brighton at 21/20, the draw at 12/5 and 11/4 for Fulham to come away with all 3-points.
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EVERTON v LEICESTER
Wednesday 27th
A slightly later kick-off on Wednesday evening starting at 20.15 in England.
Everton are up there as one of the form teams at the moment that will not only please the Toffees faithful but will irk the Red half of Merseyside. Although Liverpool are above Everton in the table and have 2-points more, Carlo’s men have only played 17-fixtures, whereas Jurgen’s Reds have completed 19-games.
Everton haven’t played a Premier League game since the 12th of January, which come kick-off against Leicester, will be 15-days. The Toffees had a run out in the 5th-round of the FA Cup with Carlo picking a strong eleven against Sheffield Wednesday to give his boys a run-out.
Everton comfortably beat the Owls, who are languishing near the foot of the Championship, by a 3-0 scoreline. Sheffield Superstar 2, Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in the 1st-half against his hometown club, with Richarlison and Yerry Mina adding the others after the break.
Leicester briefly went to the summit of the Premier League last Tuesday after gaining a professional victory over Chelsea by a 2-0 scoreline.
Wilfred Ndidi opened the scoring early in the game against the Light Blues with James Maddison adding the 2nd, just before half-time. With no more goals after the break, the Foxes got the win that took them to the top of the table for 24-hours.
Brendan’s Wonderful’s had a run out on Sunday in the FA Cup, going to West London and beating Brentford of the Championship, at the Bees brand new stadium. The original Sheffield Superstar, Jamie Vardy missed the tie against Brentford.
Jimmy V came off late in the game against Chelsea which looked as though he had a groin injury and will rule the lad out for a couple of weeks.
At the King Power Stadium, the Toffees got a brilliant away-day victory by a 2-0 scoreline, with goals from Richarlison and Mason Holgate, one in each half, giving Carlo a win against Brendan.
Bet 365 offer Everton at 7/4, the draw at 12/5 and 31/20 for Leicester to come away with all 3-points.
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MANCHESTER UNITED v SHEFFIELD UNITED
Wednesday 27th
Another 20.15 kick-off in England.
Manchester United sit proudly at the summit of the Premier League table after a great away-day victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday. Before kick-off, United had seen 2-teams take over at the top, firstly Leicester on Tuesday, then the Noisy Neighbours for a couple of hours on Wednesday.
Ole’s Elephants wearing a fetching grey kit, which makes them look like, well Efelants, fell behind against Fulham early in the game. It looks like this season, Manchester United’s kit designer, is an ex-WWF employee. That’s the World Wide Fund for Nature, not the wrestling.
Edinson Cavanni equalised midway through the 1st-half that took both teams in level at half-time. After the break, United took control over a resilient Fulham team that, although are in the relegation zone, are playing well enough to catch the teams above them.
Paul Pogba having one of his best games in a United shirt, whether Grey, Red or resembling Zebras, scored a superb goal to give Ole’s Wheels the victory that took United back to the top of the table.
Ole included Fred in his starting eleven but left his mate Scott McTominay on the bench.
The Brazilian midfielder really is an enigma and polarisers opinion as to whether he makes United stronger or is the weak link in the setup. As with the narrative of this column, United won’t win anything with Fred in the team, however, only time will tell with that statement.
There’s a story been told in this EveryTip column a few times about Edinson Cavanni which a few have disputed, however, it is true and a couple of clubs in England could have signed the lad back in 2008.
Even the mighty Barnsley FC could have made a cheeky enquiry having been tipped off by John Newsome, however, the Reds administrative department probably just pressed ‘Delete’ when reading the email sent.
The next bit is taken from this EveryTip column published back on the 14th of October 2020 and no apologies are given for repeating a couple of paragraphs.
‘A quick story about the Uruguayan striker, that has been told before but apt now that Manchester United have hit the summit of the Premier League and Edinson is scoring goals. On a trip to Milan, back in 2008, this EveryTip contributor went to see a live game, that of Atalanta v Palermo.
The Pink Devils of Palermo beat Atalanta by a 3-1 scoreline with a young Italian player having a superb game scoring the 1st ‘I Rosanero’ goal and running the Atalanta defence ragged.
The lad’s movement was something of beauty.
On returning to England, this EveryTip contributor contacted several clubs, including Barnsley FC, to advise them that there was a young Italian striker, playing for Palermo that needed to be signed and probably could have been picked up for a couple of Million pound at most.
None of the clubs contacted seemed to be bothered about signing the Italian and certainly, none replied to John Newsome. As it turned out, the Italian, Edinson Cavani, isn’t Italian, he’s Uruguayan. Easy mistake to make, Edinson Cavani, sounds Italian, played for an Italian club and looks Italian.
Whether Edinson Cavani is Italian, Uruguayan or whatever, if a numpty from Barnsley who loves football, can spot a talent playing for Palermo, then the top English clubs should have been able to snap up Mr Cavani back in 2008.
Big EC is 34, on Valentines Day, coincidentally, the same age as Sheffield Superstar Jamie Vardy, so still has life in his Italian, sorry, Uruguayan legs and has definitely enhanced the Manchester United team.
Edinson’s movement is something to behold and any striker out there, whether playing on the local park for a Sunday League side or a team in any of the English and Scottish (Pub) leagues should take the time to watch Mr Cavanni when he takes to the pitch’.
Sheffield United have 3-victories in their last 4-games, however, 2 of those are in the FA Cup.
After getting a win against Newcastle, the Blades went back to losing ways in the Premier League, succumbing to a defeat against Tottenham by a 3-1 scoreline.
David McGoldrick scored for Sheffield United when the score was 2-0 to Spurs but Jose’s men added a 3rd just after Big Dave’s goal to inflict the 16th-defeat from 19-fixtures, on Chris Wilder’s Blades. Chris wasn’t happy, his face told everyone.
James from Swinton, nowhere near Bramall Lane, wasn’t happy either when asked where he would be watching the game against Tottenham, the little lad replied,
‘From behind the sofa.’
Jimbo hasn’t taken his Barnsley kit off since Christmas and wears it every day under his work clothes when he’s pretending to mend cars. Little Jim’s lovely girlfriend is still waiting for the engagement ring but as James says, Haribo are closed at the moment due to the Coronavirus.
Manchester United’s night out in Sheffield ended in a victory but not a convincing one.
David McGoldrick took advantage of a mistake by the Blades ‘keeper from last season, Dean Henderson, who was on loan at Bramall Lane for the 2019/20 campaign but must have thought he was still a Blunt gifting David the opening goal.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial scored to give Ole’s Wheels a lead at the break.
Marcus then scored his 2nd and Manchester United’s 3rd early in the 2nd-half to cement the lead, however, the cement wasn’t that dry when Mr McGoldrick added his 2nd in the 87th-minute to give the cardboard Zebra Devil’s a nervy last few minutes.
The United from across the Pennies held on for the victory by a narrow 3-2 scoreline.
Bet 365 offer Manchester United at Odds On 1/4, the draw at 5/1 and 11/1 for Sheffield United to come away with all 3-points.
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TOTTENHAM v LIVERPOOL
Thursday 28th
The final midweek fixture concludes BT Sports week of live televised games with a 20.00 kick-off in England.
Tottenham comfortably beat Sheffield United last Tuesday which, although a great away-day victory by a 3-1 scoreline, everyone beats the Blades, so the LilyWhites, shouldn’t get too carried away.
There was an unlikely scorer of the 1st Tottenham goal with Serge Aurier getting the notch, his 2nd of the campaign, following his goal earlier on in the season against Manchester United.
The 2nd goal scorer for Spurs wasn’t a surprise, with Harry Kane doing what Harry does and scoring to take Jose’s men in at half-time, leading 2-0.
Sheffield United pulled a goal back after the break but it turned out to just be a consolation when Tanguy Ndombele quickly restored Tottenham’s 2-goal advantage.
With no more goals, Dracula’s boys got the easy victory that gives them 33-points and leaves Tottenham in 5th-place in the table but significantly from only 18-fixtures played, not the 19, that the 4-teams above them have completed.
At the time of writing this, Dele Alli is still a Spurs player, however, with the Transfer Window closing soon, there may be a move to Paris on the cards for Young Dele. That said, does Dele Alli want to leave London for Paris?
These are some of the factors rarely mentioned when a player potentially leaves a club and a country. Ex-Tottenham boy, Christian Eriksen and his wife wanted to leave London for the bright lights and cosmopolitanism of Milan.
Exactly 12-months ago, that move happened with Christian leaving the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium and arriving at the San Siro, on a reported £15 Million a season. That particular move hasn’t really worked out for Chris and the missus and the lad wants to come back to England, however, the £300,000 a week (a week!) wages, is baulking a few clubs that would like the Dane in their team.
Going back to Dele Alli, the lad should be playing more, whether for Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain or MK Dons. Dele starred for Spurs, in the FA Cup victory against Marine but hasn’t been seen since.
Another Spurs player, that has gone missing of late and should also be playing, is Gareth Bale.
Gareth has played 26-minutes out of the last 6-fixtures, 45-minutes in the game before, both games being in the FA Cup and it appears Jose doesn’t trust the Welsh lad for the Premier League fixtures.
Instead of Where’s Wally? it should be Where’s Gareth? If only to see how his hair is coming on in his competition with Andy Carroll for Barnet of The Year.
Relegation-threatened Liverpool haven’t won a Premier League game, this side of Christmas and had their brilliant, unbeaten 68-game, home record, broken on Thursday, succumbing to a defeat by a 1-0 scoreline against Burnley.
Following a goalless 1st-half, that saw Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino sat on the bench, Jurgen Klopp introduced the pair to try and continue the unbeaten run. Unfortunately, late in the game, Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson brought down Burnley’s Ashley Barnes, to concede a penalty.
Big Ash promptly dusted himself down and scored the spot-kick, inflicting the first defeat on Liverpool, at Anfield, in almost 4-years.
Crystal Palace were the last team to get a victory at the home of the Reds, back in April 2017.
When a shock result happens like that, the fans of the team that weren’t expected to win always get annoyed that the so-called pundits talk more about Liverpool losing, than Burnley winning.
Unfortunately, that’s just a natural reaction.
Liverpool are the current Premier League title holders (not for much longer!) and have just gone 68-games unbeaten at Anfield, Burnley are just excited that they are in the Top Flight, so of course, the so-called’s will discuss Jurgen’s Reds more than Sean’s Clarets. It’s a natural pecking order, post-match, procedure.
What was strange is that Jurgen included Mo and Sadio in the starting eleven against a bunch of youths sent out by Aston Villa in the 3rd-round of the FA Cup, due to the Coronavirus taking a grip at Villa Park, instead of giving his front Fab-3 a rest. Then, in an important Premier League fixture against Burnley, Klipperty leaves 2 of the Fabs on the bench. Choosing Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri instead.
Not to tell the manager of the Premier League Champions his job but JK should have given Sadio, Mo and Roberto, the night off against Villa and played them all against Burnley.
The most important factor in Liverpool’s demise this term is the loss of Virgil Van Dijk.
In an unpredicted twist of fate, an Everton player may have cost Liverpool the chance of back-to-back titles.
Obviously, the line about relegation-threatened Liverpool was just a bit of fun but it’s now 5-Premier League fixtures since Jurgen’s boys have gained a victory and have just been knocked out of the FA Cup by their arch-rivals, from down the East Lancs Rd, Manchester United.
With the Blue half of Merseyside on the Reds coattails, both the real and cardboard Rouge Scousers are becoming restless, some even suggesting Jurgen has taken the club as far as he can.
Those saying that were given extra medication in the care home and told to rest up.
Bless ‘em. Son Heung-Min equalised an early Mo Salah goal at Anfield to take both teams in level at the break.
Liverpool left it late to score the winner, with Roberto Firmino scoring in the 90th-minute to give Jurgen Klopp the victory over Jose Mourinho by a 2-1 scoreline. In the 6-Premier League fixtures since the Champions have only 1-victory and have since lost their 68-unbeaten home record at Anfield.
Tottenham have 2-victories from 5-fixtures since the defeat at Anfield with one of their games being postponed.
There is only a point difference between the two teams so Spurs will go above Liverpool with a victory or Jurgen’s Reds will extend the gap to 3-points, with an away-day win. Obviously, a draw keeps the difference at 1-point.
Bet 365 offer Tottenham at 11/5, the draw at 5/2 and 6/5 for Liverpool to come away with all 3-points.
Bet 365 offer 10/3 that Harry Kane Scores First and 3/1 that Tottenham Score in Both Halves.
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Ex-professional footballer known affectionately as The Beast, Jon Parkin has kindly given his predictions for Game Week-20.
Newcastle 1 Leeds United 2
Crystal Palace 1 West Ham 2
Southampton 2 Arsenal 1
West Brom 0 Man City 3
Burnley 1 Aston Villa 1
Chelsea 1 Wolves 1
Brighton 1 Fulham 1
Manchester United 2 Sheffield United 0
Everton 2 Leicester 2
Tottenham 2 Liverpool 1
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