Everton 1-0 West Ham
Every time I look at Silva on the touchline I see someone who looks nervous, which doesn’t fill you with confidence. While buying some talented players they don’t have that individual who has the mentality to step up when things are going wrong. For example, they spent 35 million on Iwobi who we know from experience when the pressure is on, you can’t rely to deliver in the final third. West Ham are equally capable of an off day. I think Everton will win but we are now going from game to game in terms of the manager’s future.
Aston Villa 3-1 Brighton
Villa had played well in certain games but couldn’t finish things off in the final third, which is why the Norwich win might be the turning point. It could be the game that gives Wesley the confidence boost he needs, If you have someone who can get you 12-15 goals that keeps you up
Cherries 3-1 Norwich
Think this will be ‘you play we play’ which will suit the home side. It’s not in Norwich’s DNA to park the bus, they will always give it ago, but having conceded 5 at home to Villa, the likes of Wilson, King and Fraser might be too much firepower.
Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle
So much has been made of what defeat at Newcastle means from Man United’s perspective, and not enough about how much it means to Steve Bruce. It could be the moment he looks back on keeping him in his job. One of the nice guys in the game, no one will begrudge him a feel-good moment. A result at the Bridge is asking too much though.
Leicester 3-0 Burnley
If they are serious about being top 4 contenders, Leicester have to win these type of games. Burnley will be physical and well organised with the incentive on the home side to break them down. The earlier the first goal to easier the afternoon will be.
Wolves 1-0 Saints
Big week for Wolves who again will see their squad stretched due to the Europa League. Winning at the Champions will have fans showing up expecting a win. The home side don’t always cope well with expectation so I can see them making this hard for themselves.
Spurs 2-1 Watford
Given that they conceded 7 at home to Bayern then 3 at Brighton it’s been a long 2 weeks for Spurs, normally after a heavy defeat you want to play as soon as possible. Because of that if Spurs could have handpicked a fixture it would be this one.
Palace 2-2 City
A lot of focus on Anfield but I think this is a nightmare game for City. You had 2 weeks of players travelling round the world, suddenly everyone is writing you off and you have to play at quite an intimidating venue, you must win just to stay in the title race. With their defence how much of a shock would it be? if Traore can just sit on the last defender and use his pace, imagine what Zaha can do?
Man United 0-0 Liverpool
Game of the season, not in terms of quality as this never lives up to the hype but in terms of the knock-on effect. Do United have a response in them where they don’t let their rivals come to Old Trafford and rub it in their face? If not, what does it mean for Ole’s job? As for Liverpool can they cope with now being the hunted? This is where we will learn about United’s personality. Are they hurting enough, if they can’t rise for this, they won’t for nothing. I think the fans will help them, realising they are not confident. We know they don’t have a Keane, Scholes or Neville in the dressing room, so this is where we learn about the personality of the likes of Rashford. Injuries to Pogba and De Gea could be too much of a mental blow to overcome?
Sheffield United 1-0 Arsenal
I say this every time we are away from home, but these are the games which will decide if Emery is our manager next year. Has he improved our mentality enough where we show up and battle? Or will our attitude be poor, will we be complacent and get bullied? This reminds me of Bolton or Stoke in their prime where we get kicked off the pitch and we get bombarded by set pieces. I have often accused Emery of being negative in his team selection but for once I think he should prioritise physicality over flair. Not a game for Ozil or Pepe…