EPL Weekend - September 14/15/16

It kicks off on Saturday at 12.30pm with table-toppers Liverpool hosting 14th spot Newcastle, who haven't potted at Anfield in their last two visits. Liverpool's Naby Keita could be fit for the subs bench after his groin problem while Toon could see a return for Gayle and Yedlin. The word on the now almost mythical Andy Carroll is still vague. Having had a glance at his injury report paper I can reveal the nature of his injury as being marked "Other" - a true mystery as always. Pushing for more info I discover that "His ankle has had no ill effects. He's not sore. The early signs are encouraging." With Carroll they always are.

Verdict :



There are five 3pm kick-offs. Brighton come off the back of a 4-0 roasting from Man City to face a Burnley side who have lost their last three EPL outings and sit 12th on GD to Brighton's 16th. The Seagulls' Bissouma could make a return following a shoulder strain and Burnley will be without Danny Drinklagerwater. His injury report reads "Being assessed" with a vague reference to his ankle (not club foot)

Verdict : Burnley.

Man Utd were held by ten man Southampton last time out and at Old Trafford they take on Brendan Rogers Leicester who, to my eyes, have taken on a definite physical turn to their game this season. Youri Tielemans' horror challenge on Callum Wilson v Bournemouth last time out might well have resulted in a red but the Belgian escaped a sending-off. That's something the Foxes will have to keep under control. Wes Morgan may return for the Foxes but it's not good news about Pogba. Looks like they really do want him out. "He twisted his ankle, I think, but he'll go away," said an Old Trafford sick team member at the beginning of this month. Ah, wait, there's more "...and hopefully it's not too bad and he can play for France. I know he loves playing for them." So there it is. There's about 7 or 8 United casualties but it's hit or miss who comes back and when. You feel there's enough about Leicester at the moment to force the draw but on home turf you've gotta go with Ole, although a non home win would be most welcome.

Verdict : Man Utd

Sheff Utd earned a late point in the set-to at Stamford Bridge after the players drew some serious heat from coach Wilder after the home defeat to Leicester the week before. After his post-match slaughter of his men you'd never think he was in charge of a newly-promoted outfit new to the might of the EPL - but this fellow clearly has his sights set on Top Six. McGoldrick should return for the Blades while Southampton will miss Kevin Denso, out on suspension.

Verdict :



Harry Kane scored a couple or three in the internationals and also missed a penalty after some effective Kosovar gamesmanship. But he'll fancy his chances as Spurs line up against Crystal Palace. But wait, it's Palace who sit in 4th, five places above Spurs after cracking results v Man Utd and Aston Villa. Spurs no-shows include Lo Celso ("The end of October" says the club physician) and Foyth who may return at the end of this month. Eric Dier may return after hip hassle and the report on him allows for a 50% chance of being involved. Palace have almost no injury concerns.

Verdict : Spurs 

Wolves have seen a dip in form so far domestically and they are one of two clubs who remain winless. They welcome Chelsea who could see the exciting return of Hudson-Odoi although it will probably be a bench appearance ("He is training and looking sharp. But we want to protect him as he has been out for a while") With Emerson out after picking up a thigh injury for Italy, Chelsea are stretched. Willy Boly is out on suspension for Wolves but their injury list is minimal.

Verdict : Points shared

The 5.30pm set-to is Norwich v Man City. The Canaries will be hoping Pukki can keep firing on all cylinders against a City side whose last two Premier League visits to Carrow Road (2014, 2016) have been goalless affairs. I'm pretty sure another no-pot game would do Norwich but seems unlikely. Norwich could welcome back Grant Hanley and City have given Jesus a 75% chance of returning, along with John Stones.

Verdict :



With 5 of last season's top 6 sides in action on Saturday it's up to Arsenal to stoke the fires for the Super Sunday. But first it's Bournemouth v Everton in the 2pm kick-off. The Cherries will have a long injury list to contend with (about 10 out) while Everton are laughing with only deep midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin unavailable. Everton have won their last six games at Goodison, before that drawing with Liverpool 0-0 in March this year, and will be hoping to step up their away form following defeat at Aston Villa last time out.

Verdict : Draw

Watford, having dispensed of Javi Gracia's services after just four games, are the other team without a win this campaign. They are two points adrift at the foot of the table but earned a point at Newcastle last time out, a point that wasn't enough to save Gracia's neck (which begs the question, would all three points had been enough in these days of early season sackings?) The Hornets will be without Troy Deeney who is out with a knee problem and has no foreseeable date of return. "I don't know anything about him," is the rather apathetic statement from the club's sick ward. "We have to wait." Meanwhile, Arsenal still have about six out but the good news for Watford is that Mesut Ozil has not yet called in sick and will be available. Kick-off is 4.30pm.

Verdict : 



Monday Night Football is Aston Villa up against West Ham. Villa will probably be missing left-back Matt Targett whose thigh is still playing up and the news from the Villa Park surgery is that he will be better fit for the Arsenal game next week. The Hammers are hoping that Winston Reid will return by the end of the month but there is little hope that Antonio will be fit before October.

Verdict : Draw