The Reds and Gunners just alike: Preview of weekend games

Liverpool v Arsenal

This appears to be the most exciting match up this weekend. The two clubs are similar in many ways. They are both great going forward, they have fast and skillful players. They are both not so good defensively especially at set pieces mainly because they both employ zonal marking as against man- to-man. They both conceded three goals on the first day of the season, Arsenal managed to win 4-3, while Liverpool escaped with a 3-3  draw.

However, last weekend Arsenal suffered 1-0 loss at Stoke and the Kops beat Crystal Palace at Anfield with the same margin. One of the highlights of last season was the 4-3 thriller between both sides. I won’t be too surprised if they serve us the same high scoring game on Sunday as well. Both clubs may be involved in transfer battle with their key players, Sanchez for Arsenal and Coutinho for Liverpool, but they still have enough exciting players to give us a game lively enough to keep us on the edge of our seats.

Manchester United v Leicester

Not so long ago, Leicester were the defending champions. But these days, they are just a team not good enough to win the league but good enough to embarrass the big boys on their day. Although they lost to Arsenal on the first day of the season, the Gunners were well and truly embarrassed. Shakespeare’s boys will take confidence from the 2-0 win over new boys Brighton last weekend. Manchester United on the other hand are riding high, the swagger is back as it sure should, two games, six points, eight goals scored, none conceded. How this game unfolds will depend on which Leicester comes to play, the one that won the league or the one that struggled to avoid relegation last season?. It will also be decided by how the new look Manchester United is able to cope with pressure and control a game.

Chelsea v Everton

Having given a good account of themselves against fellow big spenders, it will be interesting to see how Everton measure up against another big spender who just happens to be the defending champion. Chelsea may appear short staffed at the moment, but they still have enough big time players in the team to win the league. Also, there are indications that talisman, Eden Hazard will be taking some sort of part in the game. If he doesn’t start, it is very likely that he will come on as a sub. Everton appear to be settled and well organised defensively, what is lacking is creativity in attack. They need a Barkley or if new signing Sigurdssonis considered match fit, he can make the difference.

Fabregas should be back from suspension for this one, the question now is whether Chelsea manager Conte will stick with the midfield trio that quite effectively defeated Spurs at Wembley on Sunday or he will opt for a more attacking one. That decision will determine where David Luiz will be playing. He has been Chelsea’s best player this season.

Newcastle v West Ham

This has been billed as a game of losers. Both clubs have lost their opening two matches. It is too early to say either of the managers will be under pressure now. A third loss for any of them could change the story though. Newcastle manager, Benitez will not hesitate to leave the club if there is too much pressure mainly because the board has not really supported him in getting the players he wants and also because he knows his worth and he knows he will always get a top notch job.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, on the other hand feels this is the best job he can get right now and if he is sacked, he may not get a club in the top ten of the English premier league. The pressure will be more on him. Which may be a bad thing, because if the manager panics, the whole team panics.

Other fixtures for the weekend include Bournemouth v Manchester City, which all things being equal, will be three points for City.

Crystal Palace v Swansea, (draw)

Watford v Brighton  (home win)

Huddersfield v Southampton  (tough one, most likely home win)

West Brom v Stoke City  (tough to call)

Spurs v Burnley  (home win, maybe. Remember Burnley beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge)