Premier League Gameweek 13: Preview, Betting tips and Predictions - The return of Mourinho and his emotional baggage…
The return of Jose Mourinho and his emotional baggage
Welcome back, we had 10/10 the last time, we go again but that was a long international break and the events that took place while premier league football was off the TV kept us wondering in amusement if this would be the craziest ever season.
Yes as expected, the headline news would be the sack of the modern manager with sharp suits and sleek attacking football style that helped his team to the finals of the UEFA champions league last season.
The sack of Mauricio Pochetino by Tottenham came as a huge surprise to many but it was inevitable.
14th place and lots of uncertainties with dressing room unrest amidst claims there won’t be funds available for winter transfer, something has to give.
But with the acquisition of the most controversial manager in Europe, whose best years were of the days with players born in 1985 or before and loads of cash from the vault, you have to ask if this union of Jose Mourinho and Daniel Levy would survive time.
Speaking of time, in two seasons, Spurs might get to know what it means to win a trophy, but at a price.
My money is on the sale of players like Dele Alli and Erik Lamela, Heung Min Son at wing-back anyone?
One thing is certain, Jose will prioritize, he most likely will let go of the Champions League and focus on top 4 finish which is still very much within his reach.
First up for him is a trip to West Ham, Manuel Pellegrini is under pressure, the money spent in the summer isn’t yielding on the pitch yet, having to face the legendary Jose Mourinho on his fourth coming in England, seemingly cool-headed and calmer than he used to be known for isn’t what you’d wish for especially with rumors that the ageing manager has few games to turn fortunes around, this would be fun to watch.
The last five is pretty even between the two with two wins apiece and a 1-1 on the 4th of January 2018, Pedro Obiang’s long-range screamer comes to mind.
Manchester City went into the break on the back of a defeat to league leaders Liverpool.
A game that many would remember for yet another VAR questions but in all, Liverpool were the better side and it would take a capitulation of epic proportions to see them lose this advantage;.
The Citizens would focus on the UEFA Champions League, that’s where their priorities lie but they won’t mind doing it again on domestic fronts.
They have a chance at the Carabao cup already and would be favorites when FA Cup kicks off but things are not the same again with the introduction of the legendary Portuguese manager.
Next for City is the visit of Chelsea to the Etihad, a cracker in the offing with the Blues very likely to upset the odds, the form before the break was terrific for Frank Lampard and Chelsea and as long as the squad stays fit, it’s upward and forward for them.
If there’s another team outside Liverpool that can take Pep Guardiola’s side to the cleaners, it’s Chelsea, it remains to be seen what version of Manchester City we’d see this weekend.
Norwich are at the foot of the log, scary and disappointing at the same time for a team that shocked everyone after beating Manchester City almost two months ago.
From being unable to find the back of the net to being unable to keep opponents from scoring.
And with Everton, another team under the spotlight up next, it could be the end of either manager; Norwich wins, basement club with little joy, Marco Silva gets fired, Everton wins, Norwich are very much likely to part ways with Daniel Farke, interesting stuff there.
Speaking of Farke, himself a former Norwich star, his expansive approach seems to be calling the opponents to counter and hit them briskly.
Injuries have been unfair to him but every team has a story to tell.
The last time these two met, it was in the Carabao Cup at Goodison Park, erstwhile Everton star, Steven Naismith was the star of the day as Norwich ran out 2-0 winners.
Leicester City are the team to watch this season, sensational, precise, direct and a joy to watch.
The Foxes beat Arsenal cleanly last time out and are away at Brighton this weekend.
Another opportunity for Brendan Rodgers to continue the good works, no disrespect to the Seagulls but this is Leicester’s to lose.
International break hangover sets in especially on big clubs who have players traveling from different parts of the world.
Fatigue and complacency have a way of creeping in but not sure Brighton will have much joy against the Foxes who lie second on the table, eight behind runaway league leaders and with lines falling into places, Leicester can dream big this season.
Liverpool are away at Crystal Palace, another team punching well above their weights and doing it one game at a time; just two points separate them and Sheffield in fifth and that only means they’re on the right track.
Liverpool know it’s only consistency that can land them the title, yes they’re nine points clear but they lost an eight-point lead last season after playing consecutive draws.
They must ensure that doesn’t happen this season, while they’re still very active on all fronts, the premier league title remains the holy grail for them, they will never get a better chance to land it and they know it, it’s now or never.
Few injury concerns for the Kops with Mo Salah and Andy Robertson said to be struggling and out of the trip to Palace, potential banana peel but the leaders should be able to find a way around it at Selhurst.
Arsenal fans would wonder what Emery needs to do to get fired, he doesn’t seem to understand the right combination during team selections.
He has a vendetta against players that can help him, without mincing word, he isn’t the right man for the job but he won’t be fired soon, live with it Arsenal fans.
Southampton are next in line for Arsenal, a struggling team with lots to improve, flirting with the drop zone as always and have never really been strong anytime they visit Arsenal.
Although the form of the gunners is quite horrendous but doesn’t give much joy to the Saints, like Pellegrini, there are rumors that Unai Emery has six games to keep his job, anything other than a win against Southampton should trigger his sack.
Manchester United may have turned the corner, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are finally kicking together, if they both stay fit, this might be a good time for the Red Devils to catch up on lost points and hit the ground running.
Sheffield will be hosting United on Sunday, with the hope of continuing their awesome ride in the league.
Their confidence is out of this world, taking it one game at a time and showing teams how to defend compactly while also launching fierce attacks.
If any name from the bunch is going to come up in your conversation, it has to be that of John Lundstram, highest scoring defender in the championship last season and he has followed that up with yet another fascinating stats in the top flight…
Beware of the Blades, beware of Lundstram.
Great to be back and we’re buzzing, always remember to gamble responsibly while finding below the predictions for gameweek 13.
Fixture
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Verdict
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Player to watch
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Westham vs Spurs
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Spurs to win or draw
|
Heung Min Son
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Bournemouth vs Wolves
|
Over 7.5 corners
|
Ryan Fraiser
|
Arsenal vs Southampton
|
Arsenal to win
|
Alexander Lacazette
|
Brighton vs Leicester
|
Leicester to win or draw
|
Jamie Vardy
|
Palace vs Liverpool
|
Liverpool to win or draw
|
Sadio Mane
|
Everton vs Norwich
|
Everton to win or draw
|
Richarlison
|
Watford vs Burnley
|
Over 7.5 corners
|
Ashley Barnes
|
Man City vs Chelsea
|
Man City to win
|
Sergio Aguero
|
Sheffield vs United
|
Sheffield to win or draw
|
David De Gea
|
Aston Villa vs Newcastle
|
Over 7.5 corners
|
Jack Grealish
|
Strictly writer's opinion.
Written by @Komtrolla
