EPL Game Week 22 – 2021/22 Season Premier League Tips – John Newsome

John Newsome Football Betting Tips - everytip

The highlight games for this week’s action are MAN CITY versus CHELSEA and LIVERPOOL versus BRENTFORD. Our feature columnist, John Newsome previews these as well as all game-week 22 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-18

SOUTHAMPTON v BRENTFORD

January 11th

Rearranged Fixture

19.45 in England

Southampton gained a great point last time out at St Mary’s against Tottenham.

James Ward-Prowse scored the opener, a rare non-free kick/penalty goal before Mohamed Salisu had 2-moments of madness.

A 1st-Yellow Card was received for persistent fouling, then Mohamed dove in on Son Heung-Min, that not only conceded a penalty but saw a 2nd-Yellow and ultimately a Red. The penalty was converted meaning the scores were level. That also meant the Saints had around 50-minutes with a man light.

Fortunately for Wreck-It Ralph’s boys, Tottenham couldn’t take advantage, however, the Saints were helped by the dreaded VAR, who overturned a 2nd and 3rd Spurs goal.

Harry Kane’s armpit was adjudged offside so his strike didn’t count and then, the on-field referee, Anthony Taylor, thought that Fraser Forster was fouled whilst attempting to catch a cross.

Most of the so-called pundits thought it wasn’t a foul and the goal should have stood but in truth, it was and most teams would be upset if a goal was conceded after that incident.

The point from a draw by a 1-1 scoreline, leaves Southampton in 14th-place, with 21-points from 19-fixtures complete. Halfway through the season for Wreck-It and the Saints.

Brentford came from a goal down against Aston Villa last Sunday to inflict a defeat on Steven Gerrard’s Claret and Blues by a 2-1 scoreline.

Yoane Wissa equalised an earlier Villa goal to take both teams in level at the break. Then Mads Roerslev Rasmussen scored the Brentford winner in the 83rd-minute to earn the brilliant home victory.

Thomas Frank’s Bees sit 12th in the table, with the same 23-points as Crystal Palace.

Palace have completed the full set of 20-fixtures, whereas Brentford have only played 19.

It’s just over 11-years ago, the 11th of December 2010, when the Bees last visited St Mary’s, for a league game between Southampton and Brentford.

However, it wasn’t a Premier League fixture, nor a Championship game, the tie was in League 1, the equivalent of the old 3rd Division.

Brentford got the away-day victory by a 2-0 score, with goals coming from Gary Alexander and Charlie MacDonald.

Some notable players on display 11-years ago, were Morgan Schneiderlin, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.

Morgan went on to fail at Manchester United and all of Alex, Adam and Rickie were signed by Liverpool.

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EVERTON v LEICESTER

Rearranged Fixture

20.00 in England

Sky Sports

Ex-Chelsea boss, Rafa Benitez, who’s not the most popular person at Goodison Park at the moment, somehow got his Toffees to gain a point, against his old employers, by a 1-1 score, just before Christmas.

Before the game, at Stamford Bridge, the travelling Toffees, unfurled a banner which read, ‘Rafa Benitez, get out of our club’. Nice.

It was unlikely that the draw would change the fans perspective of Mr Benitez but it wasn’t a defeat and that’s all that matters.

Unfortunately, in the following fixture, some 2-weeks later, against Brighton, the first of this New Year, Everton suffered a defeat by a 3-2 scoreline.

What compounded the loss was Dominic Calvert-Lewin, back in the starting eleven for the first time since August, missed a 1st-half penalty.

Dom’s last game coincidentally was against the Seagulls at the Amex. The Toffees were trailing by 2-goals at the time of the missed spot-kick.

Anthony Gordon pulled a goal back just after the break but Brighton quickly restored the 2-goal advantage.

Anthony, known as ‘Flash’ in the dressing room, added his and Everton’s 2nd but with no further goals, the home side succumbed to the loss.

The defeat leaves Everton with 19-points, 15th in the table from the 18-fixtures. Toffee Rafas and this morning’s papers say, ‘Get a booster jab!’

Leicester ruined a few midweek post-Christmas/pre-New Year’s Accas, hosting Liverpool at the King Power Stadium and getting the home victory by a 1-0 score.

Brendan Rodgers had to pick Wilfred Ndidi and Daniel Amartey, both Midfielders, as his Centre-Backs.

It looked like the decision had backfired when Wilfred brought down Mo Salah to concede a 1st half penalty.

The Egyptian King, who is usually deadly from the spot, had his effort superbly saved by Kasper Schmeichel, to keep the scores level.

Brendan then outthought Jurgen, introducing Ademola Lookman in the 2nd-half that resulted in the Foxes winning goal.

Ademola was given the ball by the youngster, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and the substitute smashed past a helpless Alisson to score the solitary Leicester goal, giving Brendan’s Wonderful’s the victory over Jurgen’s Reds by a 1-0 score.

Young Kiernan has been at the King Power since he was 8-years old. There is a Dewsbury Hall up near where John Newsome lives, a nice drum.

Leicester didn’t play in the New Year fixtures with the game against Norwich being postponed. Leicester have 25-points from 18-fixtures and leaves them in 10th-place in the Premier League table.

Rod Stewart was not happy, taking his Liverpool shirt off, with Candy on the front and ‘Barnes’ ‘10’ on the back, an old Reds shirt from back in the day, that Penny got Sir Roderick out of a vintage shop. The shops are called Vintage in London, everywhere else, they are Charity.

Lennon the puppy was nowhere to be seen as the pooch had scarpered lively, once Kasper had saved the penalty.

Rod’s beloved Green and White Hoops don’t play now until the 17th of January, as the SPL, Scottish Pub League, unlike the Premier League, closes down for a Winter Break. Celtic sit 2nd, in the Pub League, 6-points behind the arch-rivals Rangers.

Sir Roderick will be 77 come this fixture which, is a testament to the Scottish Crooner, looking so good in his late 70s. The wife, Penny, is 50, so it does go to show that you’re only as young as you feel, or who you feel.

Happy Birthday Sir Rod from all at EveryTip.

The puppy was in the backyard, eating a bowl of Scouse, humming, ‘He’s Celtic, United but Brendan has decided that Leicester is the best place to be.’ Woof Woof!

Brendan’s Wonderful’s got knocked out of the Europa League and relegated to the Europa Conference League, which prompted Mr Rodgers to comment that he didn’t really know what that was.

John Newsome has been saying that all season.

The Foxes have been drawn against Randers, that’s Randers of Denmark, not Rangers of Glasgow, with that playoff tie taking place in February 2022.

James (pronounced Ham-Es, apparently) Rodriguez opened the scoring at Goodison Park when Leicester visited last season.

Youri Tielemans equalised after the break and with no further goals, the game finished in a draw by a 1-1 score.

One wonders if it’s Jim or Him, to his mates back in Columbia.

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January 12th

WEST HAM v NORWICH

Rearranged Fixture

19.45 in England

West Ham got the New Year off to a great start, getting a victory over Crystal Palace by a 3-2 away-day score. That was back-to-back wins, over the turn of the year, following the post-Christmas victory over Watford.

What may have upset David Moyes though was after goals from Michail Antonio and a Manuel Lanzini double, had given the Hammers a comfortable half-time lead, Palace scored twice late on to give the Bubbles a nervous final few minutes.

The Hammers sit 5th in the table, with 34-points from 20-fixtures played.

Coincidentally, with the postponement of so many fixtures, Norwich’s last game was against Crystal Palace too, before West Ham’s victory against the Eagles.

Unfortunately, the Canaries couldn’t match the Hammers and succumbed to a defeat at Selhurst Park, suffering a loss by a 3-0 away-day score. The away team conceded all 3-goals before the half-time whistle.

Norwich sit at the bottom of the Premier League table, with 10-points from the opening, 19-fixtures, still 3-away from safety.

That’s Dean’s 5th-defeat in a row, since taking over, following a victory and 2-draws from the opening 3-games in charge. It’s fair to say that the honeymoon period is over.

It was August 2019, when the London Stadium last saw the travelling Canaries fly in. West Ham got the home victory by a 2-0 scoreline.

Sebastian Haller and Andriy Yarmolenko with the Hammers goals.

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Game Week-22

All these Game Week-22 fixtures are the reverse of Game Week-6 that took place at the end of September 2021.

Friday 14th

BRIGHTON v CRYSTAL PALACE

20.00 in England

Sky Sports

The M23 Derby.

Brighton gained a victory in the first game of 2022, defeating Everton at Goodison Park by a 3-2 scoreline. That’s Graham Potter’s Seagulls 2nd win from the last 3, the other being a draw.

Alexis Mac Allister scored the opener on Merseyside, with Big Dan Burn adding number 2.

Everton had the opportunity to pull a goal back when awarded a penalty, however, the Toffees Striker blasted the ball against the bar. The home team did score after the break before Alexis added his 2nd and Brighton’s 3rd.

Everton again pulled a goal back but fortunately for the travelling Seagulls, time ran out and Harry’s Wizards got the victory.

Brighton sit 9th in the Premier League table with 27-points from 19-fixtures completed.

Crystal Palace suffered a defeat last time out, by the same 3-2 score.

Having conceded 3-goals before the half-time whistle, Patrick’s Palace scored twice late on, to give the Ultras hope of a comeback.

However, goals from Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise weren’t enough to prevent the loss against West Ham.

The defeat leaves the Eagles in 11th-place, with 23-points from 20-fixtures played.

Patrick Vieira has missed the last couple of games due to isolating because of the Coronavirus situation but should be back in the Amex dugout for this game.

At Selhurst Park in September, Wilfried Zaha converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time to give Crystal Palace a lead at the break.

Brighton left it late, very late to equalise, with Neal Maupay scoring in the 95th-minute to leave the Ultras stunned and gain a point from a draw by a 1-1 score.

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Saturday 15th

MAN CITY v CHELSEA

12.30 in England

BT Sport

A great game to kick off the Saturday football with Pep’s Title Elects entertaining Thomas’s Blue Engines at the Etihad (hopefully full!).

Man City got their 11th-Premier League victory in a row last time out, with a win against Arsenal at the Emirates, by a 2-1 score.

Whilst it was a less than convincing victory, it was, nevertheless, a victory with the winning goal being scored in the 93rd-minute. The Gunners took the lead in the 1st-half but City were awarded a contentious penalty after the break.

Contentious, only because the on-field referee, Stuart Attwell had waved play on.

Sat in the living room in Barnsley, John Newsome thought it was a penalty all day long after Granit Xhaka had not only fouled Bernardo Silva but dragged him down with his shirt.

The girls and boys at Stockley Park were straight on the phone to Stuart to advise the Man in Black to have a look at the pitchside monitor.

Once this was initiated, there was no alternative other than to award a penalty and rightly so, despite what the so-called experts and a certain Sergeant from the Greater Manchester Police had argued.

Whilst the referee was looking at the monitor, Arsenal’s Gabriel started to rough up the penalty spot with his boots and was shown a Yellow Card.

Five minutes later, Gabriel committed a needless foul on the halfway line, bringing down his namesake Mr Jesus, which saw a 2nd-Yellow and ultimately the Red to leave his mates a man light. The injury-time winner was from Roadie Rodri after Riyad Mahrez had converted the 2nd-half penalty.

A great victory to keep Man City at the summit with 53-points from the full complement of 21-fixtures, marching towards their 4th-Premier League title from the last 5-campaigns.

Chelsea have stuttered a little in the Premier League, drawing the last 2-fixtures. The latest being a draw by a 2-2 scoreline against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

In a spectacular game, that saw all 4-goals scored before the half-time cup of tea, the Blues came from 2-goals down, to score twice, taking both teams in level at the break.

After Liverpool had scored 2-early goals, Mateo Kovacic scored one of the best of the season with a superb first-time volley from the edge of the area.

With time almost up in the 1st-half, Christian Pulisic netted an equaliser.

That got everyone’s pulses racing for a potential 2nd-half goal-fest, however, after the break, neither could muster up a winner to leave Thomas’s Blue Engines with a point against Jurgen’s Reds. The draw was actually no good to neither and gave today’s opponents a massive 10-point advantage.

Chelsea sit 2nd-in the table with 43-points from the same 21-fixtures played as Man City.

Liverpool are a point adrift of the Stamford Bridge outfit, however, have played a game less than the 2-Blues.

Gabriel Jesus scored the only goal of the game back in September, to give Pep’s High Flying Blues the away victory over Thomas’s Blue Engines by a 1-0 scoreline.

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BURNLEY v LEICESTER

15.00 in England

Burnley are struggling, it’s fair to say, as not only are Sean’s Clarets sat in the relegation zone but were unable to beat Leeds United and Manchester United.

Most are beating those 2-United’s but Burnley have succumbed to defeats by the same 3-1 scoreline in the last 2-outings.

Maxwell Cornet scored in the 2nd-half at Elland Rd, to equalise an earlier Whites goal, however, the away team conceded 2-further goals to ultimately lose the game. Maxwell’s goal was a superb free-kick.

In the 95th-minutes, Burnley were awarded another free kick in much the same place, however, this time, Mr Cornett couldn’t reproduce and the ball flew over the bar. So basically, just one Cornet! (One can have that for free).

Burnley sit 18th in the table, or 3rd from bottom, with 11-points from 17-fixtures.

The Turf Moor Clarets have lost 3 of the last 7, with 4-draws in those and have not earned a victory since the end of October 2021.

Four points from a possible 21, which is simply not good enough and is relegation fodder.

Maybe the only solace Sean Dyche can take from the slump is the rest of the teams around have played more fixtures.

Leicester come into this Game Week-22 fixture following a midweek rearranged game against Everton at Goodison Park. At the King Power earlier on in this campaign, Jamie Vardy opened the scoring for Burnley.

Not to get confused, as most know Jamie is a Foxes player but Jimmy V scored an own goal to give the Clarets an early lead.

The Sheffield Superstar then scored in the right net to make the scores level before Maxwell Cornet notched to give Burnley a lead at the break.

Mr Vardy, scored his 3rd of the game, to give both teams a share of the points from a Desmond 2-2 scoreline. A bizarre hat-trick for Mr Vardy, who turns 35 on January 11th.

Happy Birthday, Jimmy V.

Regular readers of this EveryTip column will know that John Newsome always refers to a draw by a 2-2 score as a Desmond 2-2, after the great Desmond Tutu.

Desmond Tutu, a retired Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, sadly passed away on December 26th at the age of 90. Mr Tutu was at a care facility in his home city of Cape Town.

The legendary Archbishop, known for peaceful protests, had been struggling with illness for several years.

It’s been an honour to regularly use the term ‘Desmond 2-2’ following a draw but as a mark of respect to the great man, the term will be retired and no longer used.

If a team draws against a fellow opposition by Mr Tutu’s favourite 2-2 scoreline, then everyone will know that the great man is looking down and giving a nod of approval to the 4-goal thriller.

Respect Desmond Tutu, Rest In Peace.

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NEWCASTLE v WATFORD

15.00 in England

Newcastle come into this relegation 6-pointer against Watford off the back of a draw against fellow strugglers Manchester United.

The Magpies New Year fixture was postponed due to the Coronavirus situation so this will be the first Premier League game of 2022 and the first since the 27th of December 2021.

There has been an FA Cup tie in between, however, that didn’t go well for Eddie and the Magpies, who were knocked out of the competition, suffering a defeat against Cambridge, by a 1-0 scoreline, in front of 52,000 of the fanatical Toon Army.

It can’t even be said that Eddie Howe picked an under-strength team as most of the regulars were on show against the League 1 opponents.

Kieran Trippier is the first signing of the new Saudi Arabian era, coming in from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £12 Million plus add-ons.

Kieran started his career at Man City and had a successful loan spell at Barnsley back in 2010, before moving to Burnley then Tottenham.

The 31-year olds recent venture to Spain, saw him win La Liga with the Madrid outfit but returns to the Premier League and should be available for this vital game after the runout against Cambridge.

Newcastle are 2nd-bottom with 11-points, from 19-fixtures completed, 2-points adrift of Watford.

The winners could be out of the relegation zone at the end of the game, so as mentioned, this really is a 6-pointer, which means 3-points go to the winners, automatically preventing the losers from gaining 3-points, 3+3=6, hence a 6-pointer.

Watford lost their 6th game in succession on New Year’s Day, succumbing to a defeat against Tottenham by a 1-0 scoreline.

In truth, Claudio Ranieri could consider himself unlucky not to gain a point as it looked for all-purpose that the game was petering out into a goalless draw until the Hornets conceded in the 96th-minute. Ouch, that had to sting.

The defeat leaves Watford, hovering just above the relegation zone with 13-points, from 18-fixtures played. Two more than today’s hosts.

The horizon for both teams will look different come 5.00 PM on Saturday. Both had different managers in charge, back in September 2021.

Sean Longstaff scored in the 1st-half at Vicarage Rd to give Newcastle a half-time lead.

Unfortunately for Steve Bruce’s Magpies, the bad dog walker was on show and Newcastle couldn’t hold on to the lead, conceding an equaliser after the break.

Ismaila Sarr with Xisco’s Hornet goal, to give both teams a share of the points from a 1-1 score.

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NORWICH v EVERTON

15.00 in England

Norwich come into this fixture at Carrow Rd, following a rearranged midweek Game Week-18 affair away at the London Stadium.

As this column will go to print before the result against West Ham is known it’s unsure as to whether Dean Smith’s Canaries won, drew or lost.

However, as this is a prediction site, John Newsome predicts that Norwich suffered a defeat and remain at the foot of the Premier League table with 10-points from 20-fixtures.

If John is wrong about that, (he won’t be!) the Barnsley boy apologises wholeheartedly. James from Swinton, nowhere near Carrow Rd is getting back into the swing of New Year working.

Nobody enjoys going back to work after the festive period, Jim more so as he’s not sure whether he still has a job after the shenanigans of the Christmas party, where the Little Blunt got very drunk on the alcoholic fruit stuff.

Jim’s first footballing love, Barnsley haven’t played much over the holidays due to the Covid postponements of fixtures and James beloved Blades are the same.

Barnsley are struggling at the foot of the Championship looking like relegation to Division 3, is on the cards, whereas Sheffield United have won their last 4-fixtures and are pushing for a playoff spot.

Barnsley did progress to the 4th-Round of the FA Cup, getting a victory over the mighty Barrow, at Oakwell by a 5-4 score. Yes, 5-4 and Barrow had 10-men for most of the game.

Jimbo’s only recollection of the Christmas party was chasing his boss, the lovely Danielle, around the pub, dressed as a little bird, shouting,

‘Yellow Canary, Yellow Canary!’ The daft Little Blunt.

Everton themselves completed a Game Week-18 affair before this trip to Norfolk, taking on Leicester at Goodison Park.

Again, as this is a prediction site, John predicts a defeat for the Toffees against the Foxes, however, isn’t as confident in that result, as of thinking that Norwich will lose.

Everton got a rare victory back at Goodison Park, with an Andros Townsend penalty in the 1st-half and an Abdoulaye Doucoure strike after the break, giving the Toffees the points from a 2-0 scoreline.

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***Premier League Team of the Week***

GOALKEEPER- Jose Sa- Wolves

RIGHT-BACK- Mads Roerslev Rasmussen- Brentford

CENTRE-BACK- Conor Coady- Wolves

CENTRE-BACK- Ethan Pinnock- Brentford

LEFT-BACK- Davinson Sanchez- Tottenham

MIDFIELDER- Joao Moutinho- Wolves

MIDFIELDER- Roadie Rodri- Man City

MIDFIELDER- Mateo Kovacic- Chelsea

FORWARD- Manuel Lanzini- West Ham

FORWARD- Alexis Mac Allister- Brighton

FORWARD- Yoane Wissa- Brentford

STAR MAN- Manuel Lanzini- West Ham

WOLVES v SOUTHAMPTON

15.00 in England

Wolves got a comfortable victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford last time out.

For those who didn’t see much of the game, it could be perceived that the win by a 1-0 score was a smash and grab away-day affair.

However, that wasn’t the case, Bruno Lage’s Gold and Blacks simply outplayed a very poor United team, who at the minute are bereft of confidence and ideas.

More on Rangnick’s Roadster’s later, for now, praise must be heaped on Wolves, whose eleven plus the excellent Adama Traore, Fabio Silva and Leander Dendoncker were superb on the night.

Joao Moutinho, whose midfield display, should be put on a VHS Video and given to Fred and Scott to watch as homework, rounded off a great night, scoring the solitary winning goal with 10-minutes remaining.

Manchester United spent £80 Million on Harry Maguire, Wolves paid £2 Million for Conor Coady. Wow!

The former starts regular for United and England, the latter starts every game for Wolves, however, is seen as a back-up to Harry in the Three Lions setup.

Conor never lets Wolves down, constantly putting his body on the line time after time to prevent an opponent from scoring.

When Gareth Southgate allows Mr Coady to play, usually in the meaningless International fixtures, Conor never lets England down and the opposition never score. Fact!

Whilst not wanting to compare or bring Harry Maguire down too much, (he can do that himself) would Manchester United be a better team with Conor Coady than Harry Maguire?

The Old Trafford hierarchy have forked out £114 Million (£80 Million for HM and £34 Million for Rafael Varane) for their Centre Backs. Wolves paid £5 Million for their Defensive pairing, of Conor Coady and Romain Saiss.

As someone who’s not got any allegiance to either Manchester United or Wolves, John Newsome would have Conor Coady as the first choice Centre Back for both Manchester United and England, ahead of Harry Maguire.

Bruno’s Midfield Lage’s outplayed Ralph’s Middlemen with Ruben Neves, Daniel Podence, Trincao and Joao running rings around Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and the other 2, from the 4-2-2-2 boys.

The victory leaves Wolves in 8th, with 28-points, just behind Manchester United who have 3-points more, both having played the same 19-times.

Southampton come into this fixture at Molineux off the back of a midweek rearranged game against Brentford.

At St Mary’s back in September, Raul Jimenez scored on the hour mark to give Wolves the away day victory by a 1-0 score.

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ASTON VILLA v MANCHESTER UNITED

17.30 in England

Sky Sports

Aston Villa somehow snatched a defeat from the jaws of victory in their last Premier League outing.

After seemingly outplaying Brentford at the Wellard Stadium, which initially produced an opening goal by Danny Ings, the Bees had 2-inspired moments, firstly equalising before the break then scoring the winner in the 2nd-half to inflict the defeat on Stevie G’s boys.

Mr Gerrard couldn’t believe his Claret and Blues had lost a game that they were in control of.

That’s not necessarily the case of being in complete control as Brentford played well for the victory and are a match for any team. The defeat leaves Villa in 13th, with 22-points, from 19-fixtures played.

Back in 2013, the gaffer, Steven Gerrard, whilst at Liverpool, played a few games with a certain Brazilian called Philippe Coutinho.

Little Phil then left Anfield in 2018 and signed for Barcelona for a staggering transfer fee of £142 Million.

It’s fair to say that Mr Coutinho’s career at the Nou Camp, or Camp Nou stalled somewhat.

Now Steven Gerrard has brought his little mate back to the Premier League, bringing Philippe Coutinho into Villa Park, initially on loan but with a view to a permanent signing.

Although the lad’s career in Barcelona didn’t take off, that doesn’t detract from the fact that the Brazilian is class and the Claret and Blues should be excited.

Manchester United and Aston Villa will have met at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, prior to this Premier League fixture. Where does one start, when doing a preview of Manchester United?

It will not come as a shock to regular readers of this column, regards the failings of the Old Trafford outfit.

John Newsome has documented what is wrong at one of the biggest clubs in the world, never mind England, over the past 4-years of writing this column.

Sir Alex Ferguson won the Premier League title, 13-times, the last being in 2013, before retiring.

Sir Alex was 80 on New Year’s Eve and should be afforded tremendous respect for turning around the fortunes of the great club that went 26-years, from 1967 to 1993 without winning a Top Flight league title.

This will be the 9th-season since Manchester United’s last league title win and there is simply no evidence to suggest that United will win the Premier League anytime soon and could go longer than the 26-years.

After the great man left Old Trafford in 2013, David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and now Ralph Rangnick have all come in to try and continue Sir Alex’s legacy.

In the recent display against Wolves, where Rangnick’s Roadster’s were completely outplayed, it was like Groundhog Day. A film where Bill Murray relives the same day over and over again.

That appears to be the case at Old Trafford, where Bill Murray plays David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Double R.

David is proving his worth at West Ham, finally, although it wasn’t and never would have worked in Manchester.

Louis Van Gaal is a proven winner, as was Jose, however, in the case of Dracula Mourinho, football has moved on from the Special One’s heyday.

Louis could have been given more time, as for David, he started on the wrong foot at United, by coming in and immediately getting rid of Rene Meulensteen and Mike Phelan, 2-stalwarts of Sir Alex Ferguson’s coaching staff.

Maybe if Mr Moyes had kept Rene and Mike, then things could have been different.

Cut to 9-years later on January 3rd 2022, Bill Murray’s Manchester United eleven are playing the same game day after day.

Whether it’s 4-2-2-2, 4-4-2 or 1-9, Moyes/Van Gaal/Mourinho/Solskjaer or Rangnick’s Red Devil’s are just the same.

There is no direction, players such as Arron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Fred, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo, are decent individual players and no doubt good human beings, yet for some reason are not being cohesive as a unit. What is the reason?

The defeat against Wolves by a 1-0 scoreline, in truth, is neither here nor there as in the whole scheme of things, it’s a ripple in an ocean.

Manchester United appear to be using a dustpan and brush to clean up an earthquake.

The Equaliser, Ed Woodward is leaving his role as Chief Executive at the end of the month, with Richard Arnold taking over.

Richard is not a new brush and like Triggers road sweeper, is just a replacement head on the old handle, which could mean that United’s problems continue.

It’s difficult to criticise Cristiano Ronaldo, as the guy is an exceptional footballer and the ultimate professional, however, Manchester United, as a team, didn’t need Cristiano.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had just purchased Jadon Sancho and already had Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford, plus Edinson. To bring back CR7 has in a way, taken Manchester United backwards.

It’s not Cristiano’s fault, the guy still pitches in with his fair contribution to the game but casts a massive shadow over the Old Trafford youngsters.

Just one example of this and there’s more was in the game against Wolves, where Ralph Rangnick took off Mason Greenwood on the hour-mark when Mason was having a good game.

Double R, introduced Bruno for Mason when it was apparent to everyone that either Edinson or Cristiano needed a rest. Marcus Rashford’s brother came on for Jadon Sancho, with 15-minutes remaining.

It must be Marcus’s brother as the real Mr Rashford who plays for United has gone missing.

Scott McTominay had a decent game against a poor Burnley team and was supposedly the new Midfield General.

Scott returned to type against Wolves, being run ragged by Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho. Joao is 10-years older than Scott!

The VHF recorder should be wheeled out and given to Scott as a present to watch a replay of the display.

The youths won’t remember the old video recorders where a tape the size of a brick was put in and then programmes were recorded or ‘taped’ so that they could be watched over and over again.

Ruben Neves, Daniel Podence and Joao Moutinho’s display against Manchester United should be shown to Scott and Fred on whatever medium, to give the two an idea of how a Midfielder should perform. Get the ball, pass it forward, get the ball, pass it forward.

Granted, Fred didn’t play in the defeat against Wolves, which then throws up the narrative, that John Newsome is wrong and United missed Fred.

Not so, it’s easy to say that after the event but Fred and Scott McTominay are not the answer for Ralph Rangnick and Manchester United.

If Ralph wants to improve his Roadster’s immediately, then he needs to get some dollar from The Equaliser before he leaves and buy a couple of Midfielders. Yves Bissouma could come in straight away if Brighton want to sell.

Marcos Llorente currently at Atletico Madrid could jump on the plane that Kieran Trippier was on and head to Manchester Airport.

There are options out there, the Defence needs protection and the Forwards need supplying. Scott and Fred won’t do that.

Nemanja Matic has been a good one but the ‘Sell Buy’ date is like a packet of rice noodles in John’s cupboard, 3-years past their best.

One or two anomalies that need to be explained are why isn’t Donny Van De Beek getting a look in? and why was Jesse Lingard not allowed to leave, yet also doesn’t get a look in?

When a question was asked as to why isn’t Jesse playing? the answer given to John by his mate, was ‘because he’s rubbish’ Bit harsh!

Also, that opinion is subjective and if Mr Lingard is considered rubbish, is the lad any worse than the current incumbents of the United shirt? John Newsome suggests not.

Phil Jones came in against Wolves, starting for the first time in exactly 2-years. Whilst Phil had a decent game and was probably United’s best player, the bar wasn’t set particularly high.

It’s debatable whether Ralph will stick with Phil or bring back Harry. To be honest, it’s irrelevant if the Midfield stays the same. That’s the problem that needs addressing first.

Also, that’s not hindsight, this column has been saying for over 2-years.

United won’t win anything with Fred and Scott McTominay!

There are 4-years of back previews on this EveryTip site, that can be looked at, stating this narrative regularly.

If only Manchester United could tempt the Basmati Busquets to head North to Old Trafford.

That’s if West Ham would even consider selling Declan Rice but United could certainly do with the Doctor.

Both come into this fixture at Villa Park with different managers from the ones in charge, back in September.

Dean Smiths Claret and Blues got a brilliant away-day victory at Old Trafford, against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United, by a 1-0 scoreline. Kortney Hause with the solitary winning goal.

If one remembers, United had the chance to equalise following the award of an injury-time penalty.

Unfortunately for Red Devil faithful, Bruno Fernandes tried hitting a plane, that had just taken off from Manchester Airport and completely missed his spot-kick.

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Sunday 16th

LIVERPOOL v BRENTFORD

14.00 in England

Liverpool will be without the services of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane who are both on international duty for Egypt and Senegal respectively at the African Cup of Nations.

Jurgen’s Reds have surprisingly gone 2-games in the Premier League without a victory, following the New Year draw against Chelsea by a 2-2 scoreline.

Sadio Mane and Mo Salah gave their team a departure goal apiece to give Liverpool the early lead, however, Chelsea scored twice themselves before the break to take both teams in for the half-time cuppa, level.

After an exhilarating 1st-half, the fans in attendance and the armchair faithful were all set for more goals but no more materialised and the game finished in the 4-goal stalemate.

In truth, the real winners were Man City, with Pep Guardiola sitting at home with a nice glass of Rioja in hand, watching his nearest rivals fail to gain 3-points.

Liverpool sit 3rd in the table, with 42-points, a point adrift of Chelsea and 11-points away from Man City at the summit.

Jurgen’s Reds have played a game less than the other 2, however, it’s always been a narrative of this column that it’s felt better to have the points on the board than the games in hand.

As mentioned, Sadio and Mo will miss the next few weeks, depending on how far Senegal and Egypt progress in that tournament.

Brentford play a rearranged Game Week-18 affair against Southampton in midweek, before this trip to Anfield.

This reverse fixture back in Game Week-6 produced brilliant late Saturday afternoon entertainment for the watching millions.

Ethan Pinnock opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark with Diogo Jota quickly equalising to take both teams in level at the break.

Mo Salah scored soon after the restart to put Liverpool in front before Vitaly Janelt equalised for Brentford.

Curtis Jones gave Jurgen’s Reds the lead once more but that wasn’t the end of the goals, with Yoane Wissa scoring late for Thomas’s Bees to earn a point from a very entertaining draw by a 3-3 score.

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WEST HAM v LEEDS UNITED

14.00 in England

Sky Sports

West Ham complete their Game Week-18 fixture against Norwich before hosting Marcelo’s Whites on Sunday.

Leeds United finally got a victory after a draw and 3-defeats, getting the win against Burnley at Elland Rd, last time out.

Jack Harrison scored before the break to give Marcelo’s Whites a half-time lead.

Burnley equalised just after the restart before Stuart Dallas scored a superb individual goal and then Dan James notched with a rare header to give the home side the victory by a 3-1 score. The win gives Leeds United 19-points and leaves the Whites in 16th-place from 19-fixtures completed.

The Marching On Together crew were at the London Stadium on Sunday for the FA Cup 3rd-Round tie. That game saw West Ham progress following a Bubbles victory by a 2-0 score.

No doubt the girls and boys will be again on the rattler, Marching On Together, back to the Big Smoke for this clash a week later.

Raphinha scored early at Elland Rd back in September, to give the home side a lead at the break.

Unfortunately for Marcelo’s Whites, Junior Firpo scored an own-goal to even the scores, before Michail Antonio got the winner in the 90th-minute giving West Ham the points from a victory by a 2-1 score.

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TOTTENHAM v ARSENAL

16.30 in England

Sky Sports

Tottenham left it late, very late, last time out against Watford, with Davinson Sanchez scoring the solitary winning goal in the 96th-minute, to give Antonio Conte’s Spurs the victory by a 1-0 score.

Antonio is unbeaten in the Premier League, in his tenure at the Chas and Dave Memorial Stadium, from the 8-fixtures overseen.

That said, Tottenham have lost the 1st-leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-Final against Chelsea and a couple of Europa Conference League fixtures, against Mura and Rennes.

The fixture against Rennes, never actually took place, due to Covid, with UEFA awarding the tie to the French club by a 3-0 score, which resulted in Tottenham being knocked out of that particular farce.

All in all, a great start for the great Italian, with a lot of Manchester United fans left reeling that the Bald One isn’t at the Old Trafford helm.

Most will be thinking, ‘The Bald One?’ ‘Antonio has a lovely head of hair.’ Correct but it’s not all his!

Tottenham sit 6th in the table, with 33-points, a point less than West Ham and 2-adrift of today’s North London opponents, however, Spurs have only played 18-fixtures, whereas the other Londoners have completed 20.

Arsenal come into this fixture off the back of a defeat against Man City, last time out.

That was the first loss in 5-Premier League games, which is a great return for Mikel Arteta who surprisingly, still isn’t fully backed by the Gooners.

The excellent Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal the lead on the half-hour mark against City at the Emirates.

After the break, Granit Xhaka dove in on Bernardo Silva, not only fouling the City man but dragging the lad down with his shirt.

For some reason, the on-field referee, Stuart Attwell just waved play on, until the intervention of the Stockley Park gang, advising Mr Attwell to have a look at the monitor.

As everyone now knows, once this occurs, a decision is usually up-graded and thus a penalty was awarded to Man City.

Whilst a lot said it wasn’t a foul, a lot are wrong, John Newsome, sat in front of the 55-inch, immediately saw it as a penalty. The correct decision Gooners! The penalty was converted, early in the 2nd-half to put the score level.

When it looked like Arsenal would hold on for a point, Man City scored in the 93rd-minute to inflict the defeat on Pep 2’s men by a 2-1 score.

The Gunners sit 4th in the table, with 35-points from 20-fixtures played. Two points above today’s hosts but having played 2-games more.

If Tottenham beat Arsenal, Spurs will jump above the North London rivals. Arsenal hammered Tottenham back in September at the Emirates.

Goals from Emile Smith-Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners a half-time lead.

Son Heung-Min did pull a goal back for Nuno’s Spurs midway through the 2nd-half but the damage had already been done with the 1st-half strikes giving Mikel’s Arsenal the victory by a 3-1 scoreline.

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