The highlight games for this week’s action are LIVERPOOL versus CHELSEA and ARSENAL versus MANCHESTER UNITED. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these and all game week 21 matches as well as 2 rearranged Game Week 7 fixtures 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-7
Wednesday 18th
CRYSTAL PALACE v MANCHESTER UNITED
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Crystal Palace, as mentioned in last week’s EveryTip column, are lovely to watch and play some scintillating football but don’t have a cutting edge and struggle to score.
As played out in the fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, where Patrick Vieira’s Eagles suffered a defeat by a 1-0 scoreline.
If Palace had a goal scorer, things could have been different but the neat ‘cage’ football doesn’t produce goals.
Crystal Palace won’t be relegated, there are too many teams vying at the minute for that privilege but Patrick’s Eagles need to start scoring, as that is the whole point of the game.
Palace sit in 12th place with 22 points from 18 games played.
Not many predicted a Manchester United victory on Saturday, in the Manchester Derby, unless one read this EveryTip column last week.
John Newsome predicted a home win which is exactly what happened, granted only by a 2-1 scoreline, not the 3-1 stated.
After a cagey 1st-half where both teams negated each other, Man City scored to take the lead on the hour mark.
In a bizarre moment that could be considered controversial, Marcus Rashford was put clean through on goal by Casemiro but was around 3 yards offside, however, it was Bruno Fernandes who slotted home to equalise.
The linesman immediately flagged but the dreaded VAR overruled and awarded the goal as Marcus didn’t touch the ball.
Although there were protests from the City players, by the letter of the law, the correct decision was given and Manchester United had indeed equalised.
Alejandro Garnacho had a brilliant cameo and was instrumental in the winning goal, passing to the inform Marcus Rashford who tapped home to earn United all 3 points and the Manchester bragging rights.
It was a brilliant tactical performance by Erik Ten Hag who decided to start Fred as an extra Midfielder whose job was to man-mark Kevin De Bruyne.
Whilst it’s commonly known as to what this EveryTip contributor’s opinion is of the Brazilian, credit where credit is due with the Fredster having a good game.
Whilst not wanting to pour cold water on Fred’s display, which was good, the lad was tasked with marking KDB, however, it was Kevin who was let free in the penalty area and provided an assist for Jack Grealish to head home and give City the lead.
Luckily for United, the comeback occurred and the points gained leave the Red Side of the City, in 4th place, on the same 38 points as Newcastle but with a slightly inferior goal difference, now just a point adrift of the Blue Side.
Manchester United complete this Game Week-7 fixture that effectively could put them 2nd in the table before the fixture against Arsenal on Sunday.
Most regular readers of this column will know that John Newsome is a big music fan.
Over the past week, the World has lost two beautiful people, who whilst one hasn’t a clue what football was, the other is a phenomenon in the community.
Lisa Marie Presley sadly died aged 54.
As the name suggests, Lisa was the daughter of the King, Elvis!
Rest in Peace Lisa Marie Presley!
Jeff Beck gets a homage in the Aston Villa and Wolves preview.
The 2021/22 fixture at Selhurst Park was the final one of the campaign that saw Manchester United’s sorry season coming to an end with a defeat against Crystal Palace by a 1-0 scoreline.
Wilfried Zaha with the solitary winning goal giving Patrick’s Eagles the victory over Ralph’s Roadsters.
Betfred offer Crystal Palace at 10/3, the draw at 13/5 and slight Odds On 5/6 for Manchester United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 23/20 that Marcus Rashford Scores Anytime and slight Odds On 5/6 that there are Under 2.5 Goals.
Away Win 2-0- Get 22/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Thursday 19th
MAN CITY v TOTTENHAM
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
The Battle of the Heavyweight Goal Scorers as absolutely no one is billing this fixture.
Erling Haaland v Harry Kane.
Who can score the most?
Man City remain in 2nd place following the defeat on Saturday against Manchester United but potentially could be 3rd come kick-off tonight if United get the victory over Crystal Palace.
After a cagey 60 minutes at Old Trafford, Jack Grealish who had just been introduced as a substitute, headed home a great cross from Kevin De Bruyne to give City a lead.
Then a moment of controversy, where Manuel Akanji let Marcus Rashford run offside and although Casemiro’s ball looked to be heading for Marcus, Bruno Fernandes ran on and scored a great goal.
City were rightly concerned when the dreaded VAR overruled the linesman who flagged offside and awarded the goal.
By the letter of the law, the goal was allowed to stand as even though Marcus was offside, Mr Rashford never actually touched the ball and as Bruno was onside, United were level.
The law states,
‘Preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of the opponent to play the ball’
If one was a United fan, happy!
If one was a Citizen, not happy!
City then conceded a 2nd and ultimately suffered a defeat in the Manchester Derby by a 2-1 scoreline.
Before these Game Week-7 rearranged fixtures, Man City remain in 2nd place with 39 points from 18 games played.
There wasn’t any further good news that Pep Guardiola and his Blues could take from the weekend’s football, as his old mate Mikel Arteta and the Gunners gained a great victory against today’s North London rivals Tottenham, meaning Man City are now 8 points adrift of Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title.
As already stated, Tottenham suffered a home defeat against Arsenal on Sunday by a 2-0 scoreline, leaving Antonio’s Spurs in 5th place with 33 points from 19 fixtures played.
As usual, after every big game, the losing team come under scrutiny, however, Arsenal are simply better than Tottenham at the moment, with better players.
It really is as simple as that.
Tottenham sitting in 5th place, are about in the right position, as the teams immediately above are better and the teams below are not as good.
Harry Kane is on the verge of scoring his 200th Premier League goal, having 198 at the moment and will achieve that particular target in the next few weeks.
However, if and when Harry achieves Alan Shearer’s current record of 260, will it be at Tottenham or can another club prise the lad away?
Manchester United would be the ideal club for Harry Kane.
HK will be 30 years old come the start of the 2023/24 campaign, with just a year left on his current contract.
Daniel Levy will still want his pound of flesh and £60-£70 Million could be the sum.
Tottenham did the double over Man City last season with Antonio’s Spurs inflicting a defeat on Pep’s Low Flying Blues at the Etihad by a narrow 3-2 scoreline.
It would be easy to say that Antonio Conte has the wood over Pep Guardiola but it was actually Nuno Espírito Santo that was in charge of Tottenham for the first victory at the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium in the 2021/22 season opener.
The phrase ‘got the wood on someone’ means that a person constantly has the advantage over someone else.
At the Etihad, Dejan Kulusevski opened the scoring for Spurs after 4 minutes with Ilkay Gundogan equalising for City half an hour later.
Harry Kane restored Tottenham’s lead on the hour mark before Riyad Mahrez once again equalised for the home team in the 92nd minute which looked like it would earn City a point.
Not so, as that man, Harry Kane went up the other end and scored the winner giving Tottenham the victory and knocking the stuffing out of the Citizen faithful.
Betfred offer Man City at Odds On 1/3, the draw at 9/2 and 13/2 for Tottenham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/4 that Erling Haaland Scores First and 9/5 that Harry Kane Scores Anytime.
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Game Week-21
These Game Week-21 fixtures are the reverse of Game Week-6 and 8, from September 2022.
Saturday 21st
LIVERPOOL v CHELSEA
12.30 in England
BT Sports
This relegation battle sees last season’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup Finalists face each other for the first time this campaign.
If one remembers, the two should have played at Stamford Bridge back in September 2022 but due to the sad passing of our beloved Queen Elizabeth, that particular fixture was cancelled.
Liverpool are struggling at the moment and although the ‘relegation battle’ quote was just a bit of fun, both teams are not exactly performing as one would expect.
Jurgen’s Reds suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats on Saturday with the latest coming at the Amex, Brighton getting the victory by a 3-0 scoreline.
In truth, there weren’t any real complaints from Klipperty Klopp as the Seagulls were simply better than the Liver Birds.
Virgil Van Dijk is a big miss from the defence, however, the team sent out by Jurgen at the Amex should have been good enough to at least match Roberto De Zerbi’s men.
The defeat leaves Liverpool in 9th place with 28 points from 18 fixtures played.
(9th!)
The same 28 points as today’s visitors.
Chelsea come into this fixture off the back of a defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage and a victory against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Last Thursday, the pressure mounted on Graham Potter following the defeat against Fulham by a 2-1 away day score, as predicted in this EveryTip column.
After conceding a goal, scored by the ex-Blues star Will-I-An, Kalidou Koulibaly equalised just after the restart but then a moment of madness from the new boy Joao Felix saw Chelsea reduced to 10 men.
Joao was shown a straight Red Card for a challenge on Kenny Tete.
The Portuguese youngster is reportedly on £280,000 a week (a week!) for the short loan spell until the end of the season.
Now the lad will be missing for 3 games.
Chelsea have also paid around £90 Million for Mykhailo Mudryk in an 8-year deal!
(8!)
Chelsea conceded a late goal to ultimately lose the West London Derby.
The fixture against Crystal Palace produced a victory by a 1-0 scoreline, Kai Havertz with the solitary winning goal, midway through the 2nd-half.
That leaves the Blues in 10th place, with 28 points from 19 games played.
(10th!)
Has the £22 Million that Chelsea paid to Brighton for Graham’s service on top of the £60 Million contract been worth the money?
John Newsome is putting this out into the ether, is that value?
Since Graham took over at Stamford Bridge, the New Blue Wizards’ record is,
Premier League- 13 played, 5 wins, 5 losses, 3-draws
FA Cup- 1 played, 1 loss
Carabao Cup- 1 played, 1 loss
Champions League- 5 played, 4 wins, 1 draw
20 fixtures in total, producing 9 wins, 7 Losses and 4 draws, considering also that 4 of the victories were in the Champions League.
Once again, is that value for money?
This EveryTip contributor isn’t a UEFA Qualified Coach and neither are most of the Chelsea faithful but there’s an argument that a lot (a lot!) would put out a Chelsea team that could at the worse match that record, if not improve it.
Emma Hayes would certainly have!
Plus, the hierarchy wouldn’t need to have paid anywhere near the money they have.
John Newsome has no affiliation with the Blues but just watching the games, the players don’t look to have any idea.
Added to that, it’s clear that the team is ageing quickly.
Thiago Silva is simply brilliant but is 38 years old and whilst is predominantly a step ahead of most players, does get beat in a foot race which is all an opposing Manager has to tell his players.
Watch Darwin Nunez today against Thiago.
That said, Darwin didn’t feature against Brighton due to injury so may be missing tonight.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang-33, Cesar Azpilicueta-33, Kalidou Koulibaly is 31, Jorginho-31, Hakim Ziyech-29, Raheem Sterling-28, Mateo Kovacic-28, these are all good players but all ageing.
As Liverpool are finding out, the older players, whilst still can contribute, need replacing.
One or two in the mix, won’t make too much difference to an overall performance but with the majority being of a certain age, it does take its toll.
Added to that, the youths that are pitted into the team have to be of quality.
Graham started Lewis Hall, aged 18 against Fulham.
Not to just single out young Lewis, who may come good but is the lad needed at the moment when a team is struggling?
Conor Gallagher started on the bench.
It was noticeable that the Chelsea starting eleven against Palace included more younger players.
Mason Mount-24, Trevoh Chalobah-23, Kai Havertz-23, Conor Gallagher-22, Benoit Badiashile-21, Carney Chukwuemeka 19 and Lewis Hall-18.
All started the fixture against Crystal Palace, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Denis Zakaria being dropped to the bench (or rested!)
Obviously, Graham Potter makes the decisions but it doesn’t appear that GP’s decisions are improving a team who finished 3rd in the Premier League last season.
Maybe a trip to the Doctor is needed.
Chelsea won’t finish anywhere near the Top Four this term and unless a 2nd Champions League victory is achieved, then the passports won’t be needed next season.
Money well spent?
It was August 2021 when the Chelsea girls and boys last ventured up to Anfield with the game finishing in a draw by a 1-1 scoreline.
Kai Havertz scored to give the Blues an early lead with Mo Salah equalising on the stroke, of half-time via the penalty spot.
Reece James pulled off a brilliant save just before Mo scored but as most know (hopefully) Reece isn’t the Chelsea goalkeeper so not only conceded the penalty but was shown a straight Red Card for the indiscretion.
Liverpool couldn’t take advantage of the extra man and with no further goals after the break both shared the points.
It’s worth mentioning that the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge finished in a draw (2-2) and the Cup Finals at Wembley also finished in a stalemate, with Liverpool winning both competitions by a penalty shootout.
Betfred offer Liverpool at slight Odds On 5/6, the draw at 11/4 and 16/5 for Chelsea to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/5 that Darwin Nunez Scores Anytime and 6/4 that there are Over 3.5 Goals.
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BOURNEMOUTH v NOTTINGHAM FOREST
15.00 in England
Bournemouth suffered their 4th defeat in succession, this time at the GTech Stadium on Saturday, with Brentford inflicting the defeat by a 2-0 scoreline.
That’s the Cherries 8th defeat from the last 9 Premier League fixtures, with the other being a victory against Everton.
Marcos Senesi could consider himself unlucky conceding a penalty in the 1st-half against the Bees, as it appeared that Marcos hauled down Ivan Toney, however, Ivan did have hold of the Defender and could have had the foul given against him.
Bournemouth conceded a 2nd late on to ultimately suffer the loss.
That leaves Gary O’Neils team in 17th place, with 16 points from 19 games played.
A place and a point above the relegation zone.
Nottingham Forest are on fire at the moment, gaining a great victory on Saturday against their East Midland rivals Leicester by a 2-0 scoreline.
Brennan Johnson with both goals in the 2nd-half of the contest and both from a Morgan Gibbs-White assist.
The two youngsters are starting to show their potential, as well as some of the other players that Steve Cooper has assembled together.
The victory against Leicester, sees Forest jump above the Foxes into 13th place in the table, with 20 points from 19 fixtures completed.
At the City Ground in September, Gary O’Neil was in charge of his 2nd Bournemouth game as Caretaker Manager and saw the Cherries concede 2 goals before the half-time whistle.
Cheikhou Kouyate and a Brennan Johnson penalty giving Forest the lead.
Following an inspirational talk from Gary, Phillip Billing, Dominic Solanke and Jaidon Anthony scored for the away team to give Bournemouth the victory by a 3-2 scoreline.
Betfred offer Bournemouth at 13/8, the draw at 11/5 and 7/4 for Nottingham Forest to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 6/5 that Taiwo Awoniyi Scores Anytime and 3/1 that Nottingham Forest Score in Both Halves.
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LEICESTER v BRIGHTON
15.00 in England
Leicester are struggling at the moment, registering their 4th defeat in a row since the resumption of the Premier League following the World Cup.
Nottingham Forest gained the East Midland bragging rights following the fixture at the City Ground on Saturday, where 2 goals after the break saw the Tricky Trees inflict the defeat on the Foxes by a 2-0 scoreline.
Added to that, Brendan’s not so Wonderfuls were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the Quarter-Final, against Newcastle.
Whilst it does appear that little Brendan Rodgers is under pressure (and he is!) one thing to mention is the lad can’t be responsible for Harvey Barnes missing a couple of great chances to score before Forest take control.
If Harvey puts those away, it’s a different game.
Leicester sit in 14th place with 17 points from 19 games played, the same 17 as Leeds United and Wolves, with Leeds having played a game less than the Midlanders.
Graham Potter oversaw his Seagulls team gain a brilliant victory over the Foxes in a 7-goal thriller at the Amex by a 5-2 score back in Game Week-6.
The goals going in as follows,
1’ Kelechi Iheanacho Leicester
10’ Luke Thomas (OG) Brighton
15’ Moises Caciedo Brighton
33’ Patson Daka Leicester
Half-time Pie
64’ Leandro Trossard Brighton
71’ Alexis Mac Allister Brighton
97’ Alexis Mac Allister Brighton
Full-time glass of Wine.
Surprisingly, following the victory, Graham Potter left the Amex and headed to the Job Centre (via 5 months at Stamford Bridge).
The £22 Million that Chelsea paid to Brighton for Graham’s service on top of the £60 Million contract might take away the surprise but the Amex hierarchy are the happier ones at the moment.
Betfred offer Leicester at 5/2, the draw at 5/2 and 21/20 for Brighton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/5 that James Maddison Scores Anytime and 23/20 that Alexis Mac Allister Scores Anytime.
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SOUTHAMPTON v ASTON VILLA
15.00 in England
John Newsome did predict a draw between Everton and Southampton, however, the Saints went one better and gained a superb victory over the Toffees at Goodison Park on Saturday.
After conceding an Everton goal, to trail at half-time, James Ward-Prowse scored a couple to give Southampton the victory by a 2-1 away day scoreline.
James’ winning goal was a superb trademark free-kick that Jordan Pickford didn’t even attempt to save.
The lads’ first wasn’t too bad either.
Regular readers will know the admiration that this EveryTip contributor has for JWP and John Newsome thinks that the Midfielder should be playing at a Top Four/Six club.
It’s thought that if Southampton are relegated then James will be available, however, from watching the Saints’ last two fixtures, John Newsome thinks that the only way is up for Nathan Jones and his Saints team.
Southampton inflicted a surprise defeat on Man City in the Carabao Cup to progress to the Semi-Final.
Nathan set his boys up perfectly against Pep’s Low Flying Blues and were completely dominant throughout the 90 minutes, deserving the victory.
Even denying City a shot at goal, which is a rarity.
What was needed after that superb win against Man City was to follow up with another against Everton, which is what happened.
Southampton remain at the foot of the table, however, have the same 15 points as Everton in 19th and West Ham in 18th.
All having played 19 times.
This fixture against Aston Villa will be another tough one but if the momentum continues then there’s no reason why another victory can’t be achieved.
Aston Villa gained a great victory against a resilient Leeds United on Friday Night Football.
Unai Emery’s Claret and Blues inflicted a defeat on Jesse Marsch’s Whites by a 2-1 scoreline in front of the Villain faithful.
Leon Bailey, who was distraught following last week’s defeat in the FA Cup, redeemed himself by scoring the opener after 3 minutes.
Emiliano Buendia added a 2nd an hour later and whilst a 2-goal lead, the away team did put in a great performance and scored themselves with 7 minutes remaining.
Fortunately, Aston Villa held on for the victory that leaves them in 11th place with 25 points from 19 games completed.
Jeff Beck was an English musician born in Surrey back in 1944.
Whilst most may not know the tunes of Mr Beck, one of the iconic songs is a fan favourite for Wolves, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.
‘You’re everywhere and nowhere baby, that’s where you’re at.
Going down a bumpy hillside, in your hippy hat.
Flying across the country and getting fat.
Saying everything is groovy when your tyres are flat.
And it’s Hi-Ho silver lining and away you go now, baby.
I see your sun is shining but I won’t make a fuss.
Though it’s obvious’
And it’s Hi-Ho Aston Villa!
Rest In Peace Jeff Beck!
Jacob Ramsey scored the only goal of the game at Villa Park back in September 2022, to give Steven Gerrard’s Claret and Blues the victory over Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints by a 1-0 scoreline.
Betfred offer Southampton at 15/8, the draw at 12/5 and 7/5 for Aston Villa to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 2/1 that Sekou Mara Scores Anytime and 7/5 that Ollie Watkins Scores Anytime.
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WEST HAM v EVERTON
15.00 in England
The David Moyes Derby.
There was a rumour going around that Everton are thinking of getting rid of Frank Lampard and replacing the current Everton Manager with David Moyes, the former Everton Manager.
What about this for an idea and this is purely from John Newsome only, why don’t both clubs just swap gaffers?
Frank to West Ham and David to Everton.
Whilst that is just a thought, it would be funny if Mr Moyes gets on the Everton coach for the ride home.
‘Hi, lads!’
With his West Ham tie in his back pocket and his old Everton tie around his neck.
In a game of football, only one team can win and one team can lose, both can draw, however, these two are that bad at the moment, it’s quite conceivable that somehow both will lose today.
West Ham suffered a defeat against Wolves on Saturday, away at Molineux, with the home team getting the victory by a 1-0 scoreline.
After a goalless 1st-half, Wolves scored just after the break and held on for the victory.
That’s now 6 defeats from the last 7 Premier League games with a draw in the other, meaning 1 point from a possible 21 on offer.
That leaves the Hammers in 18th place with the same 15 points as Southampton at the foot and today’s opponents in 19th, all having completed 19 fixtures.
This really is a relegation battle!
As mentioned, Everton have the same 15 points and sit just below West Ham, purely based on conceding 1 goal more.
West Ham- scored 15 and conceded 25.
Everton- scored 15 and conceded 26.
Two of those conceded were on Saturday against Southampton, after adding 1 to the score column.
Amadou Onana scored for the Toffees just before the break but it was the Saints who came out stronger in the 2nd-half scoring twice to inflict the defeat on Everton by a 2-1 away day score.
Frank Lampard’s Everton may just have to be renamed soon as the girls and boys on the terraces were not happy at full-time.
However, the dogs outside Goodison Park were the only ones that could hear the disgruntled voices of the Scouser’s high pitch protests.
When doing the research for this fixture and looking at previous games between the two, a significant tie sprang up dating back to April 1980.
After the initial FA Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park had finished in a draw by a 1-1 score, West Ham took on Everton at Elland Rd, 4 days later.
With the score at 0-0 after 90 minutes, Alan Devonshire scored to give West Ham the lead in extra time.
Bob Latchford equalised for Everton before a certain person scored the winner for the Hammers in the 119th minute.
That certain person just happened to be Frank Lampard Senior.
Imagine the comments from the Toffee faithful when leaving the famous Elland Rd Stadium,
‘You’ve done us today Frank and in 43 years, your boy Frank Junior will do us again and relegate us!’
As Noel Gallagher would say,
‘It’s all part of a MasterPlan!’
Frank Lampard Junior was almost 2 at the time and whilst stuffing some Rusks down his neck, was heard to gurgle,
‘I hate Everton!’
Back in September for the Game Week-8 affair at Goodison Park, Everton gained the victory by a 1-0 score.
After a goalless 1st-half, Neil Maupay scored a rare goal since his move from Brighton to earn Frank Lampard’s Everton the points against the old Toffees boss David Moyes.
Betfred offer West Ham at slight Odds On 4/5, the draw at 13/5 and 18/5 for Everton to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 5/1 that Jarrod Bowen Scores First and 15/8 that West Ham Win To Nil
Home Win 1-0- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
***Premier League Team of the Week***
GOALKEEPER- Emiliano Martinez- Aston Villa
RIGHT-BACK- Ben White- Arsenal
CENTRE-BACK- Luke Shaw- Manchester United
CENTRE-BACK- Ethan Pinnock- Brentford
LEFT-BACK- Lewis Hall- Chelsea
MIDFIELDER- James Ward-Prowse- Southampton
MIDFIELDER- Solly March- Brighton
MIDFIELDER- Fred- Manchester United
FORWARD- Bruno Fernandes- Manchester United
FORWARD- Ivan Toney- Brentford
FORWARD- Brennan Johnson- Nottingham Forest
STAR MAN- Nathan Jones- Southampton
(Although not a player, the Banarama lad should be put up as the Star Man as not only has he proven a lot of folk wrong, including this EveryTip contributor, he’s put out a team that gained a victory over Everton and knocked Man City out of the Carabao Cup, setting up his boys that were just better of a collective than those sent out by Pep Guardiola, one of the all-time greats)
Nathan Jones will stay around a bit longer!
CRYSTAL PALACE v NEWCASTLE
17.30 in England
Sky Sports
Crystal Palace will have played against Manchester United before this fixture against Newcastle.
Newcastle come into this fixture at Selhurst Park off the back of a professional victory against Fulham at St James Park on Sunday.
After a goalless 1st-half, it was the away team that had the chance to take the lead when Newcastle conceded a penalty.
The ex-Magpie, Aleksandar Mitrovic converted the spot-kick but somehow slipped and managed to kick the ball with his right foot, onto his left foot and into the net.
Unfortunately for Aleksandar and the Cottagers faithful, that’s not allowed and the goal was ruled out.
Not even allowed to retake.
Big Mit wasn’t happy!
The momentum switched to the home team after the penalty and the pressure paid off when Alexander Isak headed into an empty net following great work by Callum Wilson.
With no further goals, Newcastle gained the victory by a 1-0 scoreline.
Newcastle had slipped to 4th following Manchester United’s win on Saturday but the Magpies are back in 3rd place, with the same 38 points as United but with a superior goal difference.
Both are a point adrift of Man City and 9 away from Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League.
At St James Park for the Game Week-6 affair at the beginning of September 2022, the scorer wasn’t needed with the game finishing in a draw by a 0-0 score.
Or as some might say, a goalless draw.
It’s worth noting for betting reasons that these two met in the Carabao Cup in November at St James Park also and that particular fixture finished goalless too.
Betfred offer Crystal Palace at 16/5, the draw at 12/5 and slight Odds On 10/11 for Newcastle to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 2/1 for Under 1.5 Goals and Evens 1/1 that Both Teams Don’t Score.
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Sunday 22nd
LEEDS UNITED v BRENTFORD
14.00 in England
Sky Sports
‘Leeds, Leeds are falling apart again, Leeds, Leeds are falling apart again.’
Whilst that may be a bit harsh, considering the superb performance against Aston Villa on Friday Night Football, it was still ultimately another defeat for Jesse Marsch’s Whites.
Patrick Bamford scored after 83 minutes and despite some great chances, that produced a string of spectacular saves by the World Cup Winning Goalkeeper, Leeds United had conceded 2 goals before Patrick’s strike.
The defeat against Villa by a 2-1 scoreline, leaves the Whites in 15th place, with 17 points from 18 fixtures played.
A few of the away fans are still in the Birmingham area arguing with the Security Guards at the East Midlands Airport.
The West Yorkshire puddings are trying to get home but can’t understand why there are no trains thinking that the airport is the station.
Some even asked if they could get on a flight to Ibiza and be dropped off at the Leeds/Bradford Airport.
Puddings.
Marching On Together!
Brentford achieved their 3rd Premier League victory in succession following the late Saturday Afternoon kick-off against Bournemouth that saw the home team gain the points from a 2-0 scoreline, as predicted in this EveryTip column last week.
Thomas Frank’s Bees are now unbeaten in 7, with 4 draws coming from the other games.
That’s 13 points from a possible 21, which is a great return for Brentford that sees Thomas’s Boys sit in 8th place with 29 points from 19 fixtures played.
Ivan Toney won a dubious penalty against Bournemouth which looked like a foul, however, Big Ivan wasn’t totally innocent in the incident with Marcos Senesi which saw IT grappled to the ground.
The on-field referee pointed to the spot but didn’t see Ivan holding Marcos’ arm.
As is the new stipulation now, from the head of the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) who is the respected ex-referee Howard Webb, the dreaded VAR isn’t used as much.
Supposedly the Video Assistant Referee is only to be used if a clear and obvious error is made and for offside decisions which are definitive, not subjective.
Once the on-field referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot there wasn’t any need for the dreaded and if Ivan Toney is on the pitch, the outcome is inevitable.
IT converted to calm the Bees faithful nerves and Mathias Jensen added a 2nd after the break to give Brentford the points which lifts them above Liverpool and Chelsea.
Ethan Pinnock had a great game and kept his old mate Kieffer Moore quiet for the 90 minutes.
Both played together at Forest Green then both moved to Oakwell and starred for Barnsley.
All the best Ethan, Kieffer and Ivan.
At the GTech Stadium back in September, this reverse fixture was a 7-goal thriller with the Bees gaining the victory over the Whites by a 5-2 scoreline.
33’ Ivan Toney (penalty) Brentford
43’ Ivan Toney Brentford
46’ Luis Sinisterra Leeds United
Half-time Water
58’ Ivan Toney Brentford
79’ Marc Roca Leeds United
80’ Bryan Mbeumo Brentford
91’ Yoane Wissa Brentford
Full-time Gin and Tonic
Jesse Marsch was sent to the stands in the 64th minute for his usual Drama Queen antics.
Betfred offer Leeds United at 7/5, the draw at 13/5 and 9/5 for Brentford to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 23/20 that Rodrigo Scores Anytime and 6/5 that Ivan Toney Scores Anytime.
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MAN CITY v WOLVES
14.00 in England
Man City will have played their Game Week-7 fixture against Tottenham before hosting an in-form Wolves side.
The last time these two Spanish Managers met each other was a fixture in the Champions League back in September between Seville and City in Spain.
Man City gained the victory by a 4-0 scoreline.
In the return leg back at the Etihad, Julen had left Seville and was in between jobs, before heading to the Black Country.
Both these two played together at Barcelona with Julen being the Goalkeeper (albeit not many times between the sticks) and Pep the Midfield Maestro.
Depending on results over the weekend, Man City could come into this game in 4th place in the table.
Wolves are in the ascendancy since Mr Lopetegui has arrived, with just 1 defeat in the 7 games Julen has overseen and that was against an inform Manchester United team by a narrow 1-0 scoreline.
In those 7, which includes 2 Carabao Cup ties and an FA Cup game against Liverpool, Wolves have 3 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss.
Granted, Wolves were knocked out of the Carabao Cup, however, that was after a penalty shootout following the game against Nottingham Forest finishing in a draw.
In the latest outing against West Ham, Daniel Podence scored a superb goal just after the interval, to give Wolves the victory by a 1-0 score, as predicted in this EveryTip column.
The points gained against the Hammers lift Wolves out of the relegation zone and up to 16th place with 17 points from 19 games played.
Wolves face Liverpool on Wednesday, in the FA Cup 3rd Round Replay, with the winner set to face Brighton at the Amex.
The Jeff Beck tune is also sung by the Gold and Black faithful.
‘You’re everywhere and nowhere, baby that’s where you’re at.
Going down a bumpy hillside, in your hippy hat.
Flying across the country and getting fat.
Saying everything is groovy when your tyres are flat.
And it’s Hi-Ho silver lining and away you go now, baby.
I see your sun is shining but I won’t make a fuss.
Though it’s obvious’
And it’s Hi-Ho Wolverhampton!
Rest In Peace Jeff Beck!
The Owls think so too.
In the Game Week-8 contest, Pep’s High Flying Blues gained a professional away day victory over Bruno’s Gold and Blacks by a 3-0 scoreline.
Jack Grealish scored after a minute with Erling Haaland adding a 2nd, 15 minutes later.
Nathan Collins was then shown a straight Red Card for a challenge on Jack Grealish leaving Wolves a man-lite for over an hour.
Phil Foden completed the scoring in the 69th minute to give Man City all 3 points.
Betfred offer Man City at Odds On 1/6, the draw at 13/2 and 16/1 for Wolves to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/1 that Erling Haaland Scores a Hat-Trick and slight Odds On 4/5 that Man City Win To Nil.
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ARSENAL v MANCHESTER UNITED
16.30 in England
Sky Sports
Arsenal inflicted a devastating defeat on the North London rivals Tottenham on Sunday with a Hugo Lloris error from a Bukayo Saka cross-come shot somehow being bungled into the net by Lettuce Hands Lloris.
Martin Odegaard scored a superb 2nd and despite no further goals and a little bit of expected pressure from Tottenham, Arsenal held on for the victory by a 2-0 scoreline.
The Gunners sit proudly at the Top of the Premier League table with 47 points from 18 fixtures played.
It’s now at the point that the Gunners should be seriously considered as real Premier League Title contenders, following a lot of pundits (including John Newsome!) thinking that there will be a bad run and Man City will overtake Arsenal.
Manchester United take on Crystal Palace on Thursday and more than likely will stay in the Capital for this short trip over to the Emirates and the late Sunday afternoon clash.
Depending on the result at Selhurst Park, United could actually be sitting in 2nd place, before the Game Week-21 set of fixtures begin.
It’s worth considering that if United get a victory against Palace and then inflict a defeat on Arsenal today, there will be just 3 points separating the two teams.
If one remembers, Manchester United gained a great victory over Arsenal by a 3-1 scoreline at Old Trafford back in September 2022.
A goal from Antony and a double by Marcus Rashford gave the Red Devils the points with Bukayo Saka getting a consolation for the Gunners.
It’s worth noting that Arsenal haven’t suffered a defeat in the 12 Premier League fixtures since, with Manchester United having 2 losses against Man City and Aston Villa.
Arsenal’s record from the 12 fixtures since,
10 wins, 2 draws and 0 losses.
Manchester United,
8 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses.
Betfred offer Arsenal at slight Odds On 19/20, the draw at 13/5 and 11/4 for Manchester United to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 8/5 that Martin Odegaard Scores Anytime and 7/5 that Marcus Rashford Scores Anytime.
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Monday 23rd
FULHAM v TOTTENHAM
20.00 in England
Sky Sports
Fulham come into this fixture off the back of a narrow defeat against Newcastle at St James Park last Sunday.
Probably the annoyance of the occasion was that the ex-Magpie, Aleksandar Mitrovic had his penalty ruled out, midway through the 2nd-half, before Newcastle scored.
Most looking will just see that Big Mit missed a penalty, however, the ball did go into the net but the kick was ruled illegal because somehow Aleksandar kicked the ball twice, which does take some doing.
Fulham sit in 6th place with 31 points but have played 20 times now.
Tottenham face Man City in the rearranged Game Week-7 affair before heading the short distance over to Craven Cottage for Monday Night Football as the Yanks would say.
Tottenham gained a narrow victory against Fulham at the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium back in September 2022.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scored just before the interval to give Spurs a lead at the break.
Harry Kane added a 2nd, midway through the 2nd-half with Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring for the away team.
Unfortunately for Big Mit, that was just a consolation with Tottenham holding on for the victory by a 2-1 scoreline.
Betfred offer Fulham at 2/1, the draw at 13/5 and for 5/4 Tottenham to come away with all 3-points.
Betfred offer 7/5 that Aleksandar Mitrovic Scores Anytime and 13/5 that Fulham Score in Both Halves.
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Sunday 28th December 1997
Game Week-21
BARNSLEY v DERBY COUNTY
Game Week-21
After a run of 5 fixtures that reaped 2 points from a possible 15, the Super Reds ended a brilliantly scintillating, unforgettable 1997, both from a football perspective and a personal journey in John Newsome’s life, with a brilliant victory against Derby County by a 1-0 scoreline.
Danny Wilson sent out the following,
Barnsley-
David Watson, Nicky Eaden, Darren Barnard, Arjan De Zeeuw, Adie Moses, Neil Redfearn, Darren Sheridan, Eric Tinkler, Georgi Hristov, Clint Marcelle and Ashley Ward.
Substitutes-
Andy Liddell for Georgi Hristov 61st Minute
Martin Bullock for Clint Marcelle 73rd Minute
The Derby County Manager at the time, Jim Smith started the following,
Derby County-
Mart Poom, Jacob Laursen, Gary Rowett, Dean Yates, Chris Powell, Lee Carsley, Stefano Eranio, Darryl Powell, Dean Sturridge, Paulo Wanchope and Ron Willems.
Substitutes-
Matt Carbon for Jacob Laursen 67th Minute
Francesco Baiano for Chris Powell 76th Minute
Deon Burton for Paulo Wanchope 76th Minute
Nowadays players who score against a former team try to play it down and don’t want to celebrate, as with the recent goal by Willian for Fulham against Chelsea the other night.
Will-I-An didn’t want to acknowledge the goal.
Ashley Ward had started the season at Derby County but came over to Barnsley in August of that year.
Big Ashley scored the solitary winning goal against his old club Derby back in December 1997 and did the boy celebrate?
Of course, Ashley did, he’s in Red now and whether there was any animosity between him and Derby is unsure but after scoring the goal that gained Barnsley the points, the Real Househusband of Cheshire went berserk.
Go on Ashley!
That really did bookend a great year which saw the final Championship game of 1996, against Man City produce a sublime victory and the final fixture of 1997 playing in the Promised Land, a victory also.
In the fixture against Man City at Oakwell, on the 28th December 1996, exactly 12 months before the Derby game, goals from Jovo Bosancic and Adie Moses gave Danny Wilson’s Red and White Army a great post-Christmas, pre-New Years night on the source in the beautiful town centre of Barnsley.
The game against City was probably one of the best ever at Oakwell that saw an almost perfect performance from Barnsley produce the victory over Man City who were now under the guidance of Frank Clark, having started the season with Alan Ball and a few Caretakers then Steve Coppell.
Alan was sacked before August was out and Steve lasted 33 days claiming the job was too much for him.
It’s common practice at most football games that a Man of the Match is announced just before the final whistle.
On most occasions, it’s a player from the home team unless someone in the opposition has had an outstanding performance.
Against Man City back in December 1996, the Oakwell announcer started his usual routine over the tannoy,
‘Todays Man of the Match is,
The whole of the Barnsley team!’
Which produced a tremendous round of applause from the 17,000 or so at Oakwell, the largest attendance of the season up to then.
That attendance was only surpassed on 3 occasions in the remaining 10 home fixtures of the promotion season.
John remembers being at Oakwell on a cold October Tuesday night when Barnsley hosted Oxford United and both shared the points from a goalless draw.
There were just over 6,000 in the ground, to witness the Super Reds miss a penalty that should have produced a victory.
At the time, against Oxford, there wasn’t any thought of gaining promotion to the Promised Land but momentum grew after the Man City victory that set up a brilliant second half of the Championship campaign.
Regarding the Man of the Match, a horrendous phenomenon is slowly being introduced into the game, where commentators are now saying,
‘Player of the Match!’
This is obviously to appease the PC brigade who are so desperate not to upset anyone, however, if one looks at this logically, ‘Man of the Match’ is not an offending term.
As far as one knows, a Man’s football game is competed by Men and a Woman’s football match is played by Women.
So it should be either Man or the Match or Woman of the Match.
Player of the Match is an insult to the intelligence of people.
Barnsley are nicknamed the Tykes and have Toby Tyke (a giant dog!) as the Mascot.
Against Man City, the brilliant pooch got on all fours and walked down the side of the Citizens in attendance and pretended to relieve himself over the away fans.
Granted, not funny for the away end but hilarious for the Red and White Army in the West Stand, the Ponte End and the East Stand.
All the stands have sponsors’ names now but the old faithful will always refer to them as the above.
Twelve months later, against Derby in the Top Flight, if one peruses the Derby team, the substitute coming on for Paulo Wanchope, Deon Burton played for Barnsley on loan from Derby back in the 1998/99 Championship campaign, following the year in the Premier League.
It’s fair to say that Deon didn’t want to come up to Yorkshire and wasn’t a success only featuring 3 times for the Oakwell outfit.
One particular fixture John Newsome remembers was a game against Stockport County at Edgley Park on Boxing Day 1998.
After the previous day in the house, it was a ride over the Woodhead Pass into Stockport to attend the fixture, in the away end of Edgley Park watching the planes fly overhead coming to and from Manchester Airport.
It’s wondered how many balls that have been kicked up into the air have almost hit the planes.
Barnsley gained the narrow victory over Stockport with Arjan De Zeeuw scoring the winning goal.
Deon didn’t have a particularly good game and wasn’t really bothered about turning out in the rain on Boxing Day, which is fair enough.
On leaving the ground following the victory, one of the comments offered up by the Red and White Army members was,
‘Deon Burton? I’d rather watch Celine Dion!’
Nowt like terrace banter as long as it’s not offensive.
All the best Deon!
As mentioned, 1997 was a great year not only for football reasons but on a personal level in the life of John Newsome and a couple of his long-time mates who all 3 became first-time dads that year.
The Serg had his little girl in July, John Newsome had his little girl in August and the loveable OzScot had his little girl in December of 1997.
All 3 tough guys, having their hearts melted by their beautiful girls.
You Reds!
15-Crystal Palace 23 pts (minus-8 goals)
16-Sheffield Wednesday 23 pts (minus-12 goals)
17-Bolton 21 pts (minus-14 goals)
18-Everton 20 pts (minus-11 goals)
19-Tottenham 20 pts (minus-18 goals)
20-Barnsley 18 pts (minus-32 goals)
Home Win 1-0
The leaders of the SPL had the weekend off and concentrated on the Scottish Pub Cup.
Celtic gained a victory against Kilmarnock (who?) and Rangers inflicted a defeat on Aberdeen (who?) to set up an Old Firm Derby (another one!) in the League Cup Final at Hampden Park next month.
The Blue half of Glasgow did have to work for the victory, eventually prevailing following 30 minutes of extra time.
Kylie, over in Melbourne, dressed as Braveheart, was out spinning around at the thought of his beloved Teddy Bears once again facing the Green and White Hoops in the prestigious competition.
The Final does kick-off at 19.45 in Scotland which is a better time for the loveable OzScot who will be up and at them by then which is about 06.45 in the Morning in Ozland.
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