Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and having an excellent start to the weekend, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. This weekend sees Rodgers face off against Vieira, Spurs welcome Everton, Newcastle travel to Old Trafford, and the big one at Anfield between Liverpool and Man City.
Fixtures - Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weekends round of fixtures will see the games kicking off on Friday evening and finishing on Sunday evening.
Friday 14th October 2022
Brentford - Brighton 8pm KO (Kick Off)
Saturday 15th October 2022
Leicester - Crystal Palace 12.30pm KO
Fulham - Bournemouth 3pm KO
Wolves - Nottingham Forest 3pm KO
Tottenham - Everton - 5.30pm KO
Sunday 16th October 2022
Aston Villa - Chelsea 2pm KO
Leeds - Arsenal 2pm KO
Manchester United - Newcastle 2pm KO
Southampton - West Ham 2pm KO
Liverpool - Manchester City 4.30pm KO
Predictions
Now for the most exciting part, as I go through the latest info regarding each team to make an attempt at predicting the results for this weekends matches. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee.
Brentford - Brighton
These two sides meet with both looking to end poor runs of form. Brentford have not won any of their last three, leaving them 11th in the table, while Brighton have yet to win under new manager De Zerbi and sit in 7th position. Being trashed 5-1 by Newcastle last time out will have done nothing for Frank's sides confidence, and have won only one of their last seven Premier League matches. Their home form in this tie does not make for any better reading, having and they have won only one of their last six home league meetings against Brighton meaning this will be a big task for them, but they are only 4 points behind their opponents going into this game. Brighton lost Potter to Chelsea and since have drawn with Liverpool and lost to Tottenham as De Zerbi was unable to make a winning start to life at the Amex Stadium. They have slipped out of the top four but are only two points behind Chelsea. Their home and away form is equal, having gotten seven points on the road and at home so far this season. Brentford will be without Norgaard and Strakosha while Jansson is a doubt. Brighton will be missing Moder and Mwepu. Brentford have been better at home so far this season but their recent form and their past results with Brighton make for poor reading. Brighton have lost only two of their last 13 Premier League games and will fancy themselves here. Its difficult to separate these sides, therefore I am going for a 2-2 draw.
Leicester - Crystal Palace
The Foxes have fallen back to the bottom of the table and welcome Vieira's side who sit in 15th, five points ahead of their opponents. Leicester had hoped after their big victory over Forest they would use it as a springboard to kickstart their season. That hope did not last long as they lost to Bournemouth last time out. Rodgers is under pressure, with the club having to cancel half time birthday announcements as some fans tried to get names like 'Zak Rodgers' and 'Brenda Nout' called out. The Foxes are three points adrift of safety but have three home games in a row ahead to try turn things around. Palace beat Leeds last time out to end a four-game run without a win in the Premier League. They are not where they would like to be in the table, but have faced four of the big six so far this season. They are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League matches against teams starting the day in the relegation zone but they have failed to win any of their last six meetings with the Foxes. Leicester will be without Ndidi, Pereira, Bertrand, with Castagne, Evans and Mendy also all doubts. Palace will travel without Richards, McArthur, Butland, Clyne, and Ferguson for this one. With the pressure on Rodger's side and their lacklustre defence, it is difficult to look past Vieira's side for this one. They should have enough about them to secure a 1-2 away win.
Fulham - Bournemouth
The top two from the Championship last season meet here, with Fulham sitting in 9th and Bournemouth in 8th, with just a point between them. Silva's Fulham are in a bit of a dip of late, having suffered heavy loses in their last two games. Mitrovic has been a huge miss, but their defence is where they need big improvements having kept only one clean sheet in nine league games so far. This weekends opposition are not easy for Fulham, as they have won only one of their last 10 league meetings against them way back in April 2019. Since Parker left after the destruction caused by Liverpool, O'Neil has overseen quite the turnaround for Bournemouth. They are on a a five-game unbeaten run and managed their third win of the season at home against Leicester City last weekend. Sitting six points clear of the relegation zone, their confidence will be sky high and fancy themselves going forward. They have also managed a win in each of the last five Premier League meetings between Bournemouth and Fulham, although have lost seven of their last eight top-flight games in London. Injuries wise, Fulham will be without Da Silva, Kurzawa, Solomon, Chalobah, and Tete, while Mitrovic is a doubt As for Bournemouth, they will travel to London without Brook and Kelly, while Pearson, Stanislas, and Rothwell are doubts. Momentum is on Bournemouth's side, but if Fulham can get Mitrovic back anything is possible. Therefore, I am going to go with a 1-1 draw here.
Wolves - Nottingham Forest
Two of the bottom three face off here in this one, as 18th place Wolves sit a point above 19th place Forest. With Lage recently sacked and Lopetegui turning them down, the manager hunt continues. They lost 3-0 to Chelsea last time out, with under-18s head coach Davies taking charge for now. They will be looking up the table knowing Southampton are only a point ahead, and if they can solve their scoring issues then there is plenty of time to climb the ladder. Wolves have only managed to score three goals in the league so far, four fewer than the next two most profligate sides. They shipped eight in their previous three while failing to find the net, but have looked solid at home with Man City the only side to beat them at Molineux this term. Forest have done the opposite and backed manager Cooper by giving him a new contract, and the fans were delighted as voiced at home last Monday night from the stands. With 22 new players still adapting and his side very new to the Premier League, they will be seeking to maintain focus on on-field endeavours. If Cooper can get this side clicking they have plenty of talent available all over the pitch, and while they managed to end their losing streak with a draw at home to Villa last time out, they have a goal difference of -12 away from home. Wolves will be without Francisco Oliveira, Collins, Jimenez, Kalajdzic, and Neto. Nevez will be back from suspension while Traore needs to be assessed. Forest meanwhile will be without Richards, Colback, and Niakhate. Anything could be on the cards here, with a goalless draw very likely as much as a goal fest. Due to Wolves being strong at home this season, and Forest's lack of ruthlessness, I am going to back a 1-1 draw.
Tottenham - Everton
Two former Chelsea managers in Conte and Lampard face off here, as Spurs sit 3rd on twenty points while Everton are in 12th with ten points. Spurs will be going for their third successive win here, and after a narrow win over Frankfurt during the week, they will focus on the league again. Son and Kane are back amongst the goals, and sit top of their European group but four points off the top domestically. They have a perfect home record in the 2022-23 season with a six win from six matches, and their victorious Premier League streak at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium now stands at seven games. They will have to be focused to ensure they maintain that streak against Everton. The Toffess lost last time out when Ronaldo scored for United, but they will have confidence from their performance. They have been slowly building momentum after a challenging start to the season they are exactly four points from relegation and four points from the top four. They will be hoping a return for DCL can propel them further up the table, but all four of Everton's away games in the league this season have seen both teams score. Emerson is suspended for Spurs, while Tanganga is ruled out. Richarlison and Kulusevski will need assessment to see if they are fit enough to take part. Everton are without Mina, Godfrey, Townsend, Patterson, and Gordon, while Holgate needs a bit more time and Doucoure is back after a family issue. Morale will be high in the Everton camp even after their defeat, and while Spurs will be more fatigued having played in midweek, the momentum is definitely with Conte's side. While it will be close, I can just about see Spurs winning this one, and will back them for a 3-2 home win.
Aston Villa - Chelsea
Gerrard's side sit in 16th with nine points so far, and welcome 4th place Chelsea with sixteen points. Villa are on a four game unbeaten run, but it has been the results and manner of performances which have left the fans dissatisfied. According to reports Gerrard is hanging on to his job by a thread. His side has been awful, to put it lightly, when converting chances, but many feel he is being stubborn and unwilling to adapt or change the style of play. They have been solid at the back however, conceding only five goals in their previous six league games, with the only time they conceded more than once being at Arsenal. Potter meanwhile is making his mark at Chelsea, with them comfortably beating AC Milan during the week. They are on a run of three successive wins, and will look to extend it here. Three clean sheets to go with those wins has shown their resilience, as Aubameyang has provided the much need spark upfront. Villa will be without Diego Carlos, Digne, Augustinsson, and Kamara, while Bailey needs assessment ahead of this game. Chelsea meanwhile will be without Fofana, Kante, and James, with Ziyech a doubt. Villa will need to perform for their under fire manager if they wish to get anything from this game. Their lack of goals has been frustrating but the side have been creating, and it is just a matter of applying that finishing touch. Potter will be keen to ensure his side continue with their impressive efforts so far, and the Blues are clear favourites for a reason. Therefore, I will back Chelsea to just about win this one a manage a 1-2 result.
Leeds - Arsenal
Elland Road will look to get behind their side this weekend, who sit in 14th with nine points, as they welcome table toppers Arsenal. Leeds have gone from taking seven points from their opening three Premier League games to failing to win any of their last five, as they have majorly dropped off in form. They are three clear of the drop zone, with a game in hand, and have gone unbeaten at home so far this season. Marsch will require a big effort from his players to ensure they gone five unbeaten from their opening five league games this season. As for the Gunners, they remain one point better off than Manchester City, and beat Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night in their Europa League group. Arteta knows this will be a huge game for them, as a win could put them four clear of City, who play later at Anfield. There was plenty of controversy, especially with the referring, last weekend when Arsenal managed a 3-2 win at home to Liverpool, but regardless, they are showing form and momentum. They have also only conceded three goals away from home so far this season, all of which came at Old Trafford. Dallas, Fuhr Hjelde, Gray, and Forshaw are ruled out, while Junior Firpo needs assessing. Arsenal meanwhile are without Smith Rowe, Elneny, and Zinchenko. Leeds have proven to be a tough nut to crack at Elland Road this term but Arsenal have been equally as strong away from home. Arteta rested a lot of star names during the week, meaning Leeds should expect a strong oppontent this weekend. Arsenal will likely continue their excellent run this season and record a 0-2 away win here.
Manchester United - Newcastle
Ten Hag's side, currently in5th with fifteen points, welcome Howe's side who sit one place and one point behind them. United have been up and down this season, and managed another narrow win at home in the Europa League on Thursday. It took Ronaldo scoring his 700th club goal to get past Everton last weekend, and the jury is still out on Ten Hag's tenure. They are looking better than last season, and Casemiro is beginning to look like he belongs, but it feels like they are still short despite the major signings over the years. The Magpies meanwhile have managed to win at Old Trafford just once since 1972, but with their financial backing this side is looking strong. Last seasons struggles, of sitting bottom and struggling to get a league win for months, is long behind them. Howe has been astute in the market and all over the pitch they look stronger. They have recorded big wins in their previous two league games against Fulham and Brentford, scoring nine in the process and conceding just twice. United will be without Wan-Bissaka, Williams, van de Beek, Dubravka, McTominay, and Maguire, while Martial will need to be assessed. Newcastle will be Darlow, Krafth, and Ritchie, while Isak and Shelvey are doubts. It will be a difficult game, and Newcastle should be the fresher side going into this one. Howe will be hoping to get one over his opposite number and see Newcastle climb into the top five. They will have ambitions to make it into Europe this season and this would set down a marker to the rest. United will be pushing to get into top four and this would be a major victory for them. Difficult to separate and most likely goal aplenty, I am going to back Newcastle to achieve a 1-2 away win here.
Southampton - West Ham
The Saints are currently sitting in 17th on seven points, and welcome West Ham who are 13th with ten points. Hassenhutl's side were torn apart by Man City last time out, and are on a run of four league defeats in a row. With eight conceded and only one scored in those games, its a run of form the club will be looking to turn around. They are only one point above the relegation zone and could be sitting in the bottom three by the time this game kicks off. West Ham had a difficult start to the season but have managed to secure two league wins in a row, against Fulham and Wolves, and also managed to beat Anderlecht in Europe during the week. Whether or not they will be fatigued going into this one remains to be seen, but their upturn in form has reduced the immediate pressure on Moyes. Bowen is back amongst the goals and Scamacca has started scoring in the league, so it seems to be coming together for him currently. Southampton will be without Livramento, while Lavia and Djenepo will both need to be assessed. Aguerd and Ogbonna are both out for West Ham, while Cornet, Antonio, Dawson, Kehrer, and Zouma need to be assessed. This will certainly be a tough game for both sides, as West Ham look to continue their exceelent form and Southampton try to turn theirs around. The Hammers should be favourites here, but the Saints will be fresher. Therefore, I am going to back a narrow win for the away side and for the game to end 0-1.
Liverpool - Manchester City
The game of the weekends, as 10th placed Liverpool welcome 2nd place Man City with a 13 point gap already between the sides. The Reds have a game in hand but their league form this season has been awful. They did manage a 1-7 away win at Ibrox over Rangers during the week, scoring six in the second half while Salah scored the quickest hattrick in Champions League history. The last half a decade has been a two-horse battle between Liverpool and Man City for the league, and it seems Liverpool have dropped off for now. They are six points off fourth and that will be their aim for the moment, but a win over City could change everything. Klopp's side have now gone 27 top-flight games without suffering defeat at home but this is the opponent who could end that. These games have often ended in draws down the years, and it is the exact sort of game where Liverpool could run Man City off the park after looking off form in so many other games this season. Pep's side drew during the week in Copenhagen, with Haaland left out of the side altogether. They did manage to qualify from their group with two games to spare, and put four past Southampton last time out. They are on a 22-game unbeaten away run in the Premier League and will look to maintain that at Anfield. Both these sides drew in the league home and away last season, but Liverpool came out on top in the FA Cup semi final while they also won in the Community Shield. Klopp has added more names to the treatment room after the game against Arsenal last weekend, with Diaz and Alexander-Arnold joining Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Matip, and Arthur. Jones will need a fitness test ahead of this one. Walker, Stones, and Phillips will all be missing for Peps side. Goals are virtually always guaranteed when this clash happens, and it all depends on which Liverpool turns up. Haaland will be itching to prove himself against the Reds after failing to score against them in the Shield, and if Konate and van Djik will need to be on form here. A win for Liverpool could have Anfield rocking again, but its difficult to see. Jota, Nunez, Salah, and especially Firmino are showing they can do the work at the other end of the field. City are relying on Haaland upfront and missing Stone and Walker in defence. Ake has looked solid, with Laporte and Dias always reliable. Expect plenty of action here, and I am going to back a 3-2 home win for Liverpool to alleviate their poor start to the season and send a warning to the rest of the league that they are far from finished.
Check out my 2022/23 Season Preview and Predictions here: Premier League 2022/23 Prediction
Also check out my review of the group draw and prediction of the Champions League for this season here: Champions League 2022/23 Prediction
Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed the preview of the matches and get to see the games over the weekend.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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