By PaulT
Hi everyone and welcome once again to the preview of the weekend's fixtures.
Whilst all the games are big for one reason or another, the landscape of the weekend is dominated by the Derby in Manchester. It is also Remembrance weekend and all the games will be marked with a minute's silence for the Fallen � Lest We Forget.
Let's jump into the action…..
Cardiff City v Brighton & Hove Albion
Two sides that lost last weekend meet in Wales and both will hope for better fortunes this weekend. Cardiff had the unenviable task of trying to beat a Leicester side most of the country were rooting for, and they ultimately lost out despite being in the game for long spells. Paterson started up top in that game and the Scotsman could lead the line again here, supported by the likes of Camarasa from the middle of the park. The worrying thing is that this was yet another goalless game for the Bluebirds, the 6th time this has happened in 11 games. Brighton were well beaten at Everton, but they will have confidence they will be able to get something here. This is despite a record of only 1 win in their last 19 away EPL games. Glenn Murray is the main goal threat, but he was kept quiet, so Brighton need to get support to the big man. Dunk's goal from the set piece shows they can mix it up.
Prediction CAR 1-1 BHA
Huddersfield Town v West Ham United
Huddersfield finally managed a win at home to Fulham on Bonfire night, even if the goal was less rocket and more damp squib. The Terriers fans didn't seem to care and neither they should, it was a must win and they delivered. Hogg played extremely well in the engine room, and he will need to lead on again this weekend. Pritchard was played in a more advanced role and Wagner could deploy him there again. The Hammers were impressive in their victory at home to Burnley, but they seem to be a side much more suited to playing at home. Arnautovic continued his good form this season and Felipe Anderson's 2 goals showed his quality too. Snodgrass has also been a key man in the past few weeks, and he is one to watch here again.
Prediction HUD 1-2 WHU
Leicester City v Burnley
After the events of the past 2 weeks, this will be an emotional homecoming for the Foxes players and fans. The outpouring of emotion after the win in Cardiff where fans, staff and players were united was one of those moments that will stay with any fan of any sport who saw the pictures. Kasper Schmeichel said it was not just physically draining but mentally too, and the worry must be that after travelling to Thailand as well that this will take its toll. Chilwell continued his good run at the weekend and Gray got on the score sheet. Maguire picked up a knock so may not be risked here. Burnley were well beaten at West Ham in the end but did do well to level the match twice. Dyche's men can be stuffy and hard to break down, and they will hope to take advantage of any fatigue on their hosts part. Gudmundsson again scored and he is fast becoming a vital player for the Clarets. Wood also scored and the choice up top for Dyche is one of his only selection headaches.
Prediction LEI 3-1 BUR
Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth
The Magpies finally got their 1st 3 points of the season at home to Watford last time out, but they weren't entirely convincing despite winning the match. Perez scored the only goal and the set piece delivery of Ki shows that they can create. Rafa's side came under intense pressure but will take heart from grinding out the win and will hope to kick on here against a Bournemouth side that will have been upset to have lost a late goal to lose at home to Man Utd after dominating the 1st half. Wilson scored the early goal that gave them such hope and the Cherries will be looking to him again here. The late collapse will be a concern and they will hope for Begovic to be a rock here for them.
Prediction NEW 1-2 BOU
Southampton v Watford
The Saints will be looking to bounce back from a 6-1 trouncing at the hands of the Champions last weekend in Manchester. Hughes will have been disappointed that his side collapsed but, as has been said in this column before, they won't be the last to suffer that kind of score line at the Etihad this season. They face a Watford side that lost in the North East after what had looked like a return to their early season form. Key players in this game will be Ings for Southampton and Success for Watford. The 2 front men are the focal points for their respective sides and are vital to give their teams footholds in the opposition half of the field. Look out for big games from Redmond and Gray supporting the main men as well.
Prediction SOU 2-1 WAT
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday evenings match is at Selhurst Park as Hodgson's men welcome their London neighbours Spurs. Palace started brightly before succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at the Bridge last time, and they will hope to be able to draw on the atmosphere to put a bloody nose on North London's other giant after drawing with the Gooners 2 weeks ago. Without sounding like a broken record, Zaha again will be the man to look out for in the Palace frontline but Townsend showed he can take some of the burden with a lovely finish last week. McArthur was also good in the engine room, and he is maintaining his form from the tail end of last season. Spurs were impressive 1st half vs Wolves but were hanging on a bit in the 2nd. Moura continues to be the man in form with another goal and Trippier knocked another assist onto the board as well. Spurs will have been boosted by their Kane inspired win in the Champions League and will look to win again here
Prediction CRY 1-3 TOT
Liverpool v Fulham
Super Sunday kicks off at Anfield, where the Reds have been almost untouchable this season. However, a shock defeat in the Champions League in Belgrade during the week shows that they are not infallible. Klopp will want a reaction from his team and playing a team in Fulham who appear to be struggling defensively will be a boost to their chances. Milner scored at the Emirates and kept up his amazing stat of never losing an EPL game that he has scored in. Mane has come back to form I recent weeks and he is pulling his weight as part of that talented front 3. Fulham sit bottom of the table after defeat at Huddersfield, and the concerns are that whilst they create chances, their defence is proving too leaky at present. Sessengnon needs to figure out if he is a left back or a left winger, but the boy has talent and the Fulham fans will hope he can inspire them going forward this season. Big performances will be needed from Bettinelli in goal and the likes of Odoi in defence if they are to get a result here.
Prediction LIV 4-0 FUL
Chelsea v Everton �Onto the Bridge, and Chelsea continue their revival under Sarri as they remain undefeated this season. A good win at home to Place followed by a win in the Europa (where Hazard got 60 mins fitness in his legs) mean they come into this game high on confidence. They welcome an Everton side who are in good form themselves and won ell last weekend at home to Brighton as well. The game will be won and lost in the centre of the park and Jorginho is quietly assuming the role of midfield general for The Blues this season. His passing ability and ability to always seem to have time on the ball is crucial, and he will be a key man on Sunday. Up top, Giroud broke his scoring duck with the winner in the Europa but expect Morata to be given the nod. For Everton, their talisman Richarlison is making many eat their words with regards to the £40m price tag. HE looks like a real top-drawer player on his day and backed up by Sigurdsson the could prove a handful for the Chelsea back line.
Prediction CHE2-1 EVE
Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers
The Emery revolution continues apace at the Emirates, the Gunners showing steel to come back from a losing position again this season to draw last time out vs Liverpool. They look to be a team buying into their managers philosophy and are reaping the rewards thus far. Aubameyang and Lacazette seem to be vying for one spot most weeks but could be deployed as a 2 here against a Wolves side that have stuttered in form these past few weeks. Torreira is finally showing the form in the middle of the park that prompted Arsenal to splash out on him, his tireless display against Liverpool winning him man of the match in many eyes. Wolves were much better 2nd half against Spurs but were already 3 down at that stage having been blown away in the 1st. Nuno's issue here is that they had started the season so well that the expectations are now higher, making their dip in form seem more pronounced. The backline including Boly and Patricio in nets will have to be solid to repel the red tide that will sweep towards them. Pace on the counter may see Traore start.
Prediction ARS 3-1 WOL
Manchester City v Manchester United
The biggest game of the weekend and a real Premier League cracker pits the 2 Manchester sides against each other at the Etihad. Pep's City have looked imperious so far but will have revenge on their mind after Utd spoiled their title party here last term. 6-1 and 6-0 wins in their 2 games this week should see them coming into this with great confidence. Sterling has been on fire and is ably backed up by the consistent Aguero and David Silva pulling all the strings in behind. The Red Devils come into the game having secured a great 2-1 win in Turin, and Jose may feel that after weeks of turmoil his side may be turning a corner and the Derby is a perfect platform for his players to show that they can take the pressure. Mata came off the bench to inspire in Turin and may get a run from the get-go here. With injuries looking like claiming both Lukaku and Sanchez, Rashford will likely start and he will hope to add to the goal he scored last week at Bournemouth. A massive match, one I cannot wait for.
Prediction MNC 3-1 MNU
Hope the weekend treats you well in terms of the FPL and until next week…
LETS GO!!!!
PaulT
Follow @fplbet for weekly fantasy features, guides and tips. Follow @fplbet
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type="1_6" layout="1_6" spacing="" center_content="no" hover_type="none" link="" mer_position="all" padding="" dimension_margin="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_offset="" last="no" element_content=""][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
