Another enthralling week of Premier League action is upon us with intriguing encounters such as the title champions of last year Leicester taking on their closest competitor in that race Tottenham, and Crystal Palace taking on Liverpool which is always a fiery encounter filled with big moments. This is The Mastermind‘s Preview for Gameweek 10 in the English Premier League.
Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal
Sunderland have been dreadful so far this season and that is extremely likely to continue against an Arsenal side that currently sit 2nd in table only behind City in goal difference by a single goal. Although Arsenal have had no difficulty in thumping the sides towards the bottom of the table so far this season, Sunderland’s defence may be able to put up a better fight than they would be expected to. It took West Ham 93 minutes to break the deadlock against David Moyes’ side last week and Arsenal’s London rivals also only managed to pull of a 1-0 win so don’t think this is going to be a walk in the park for Arsenal at all. However, with Walcott, Ozil and Oxlade-Chamberlain all on show, the Gunners will defeat the Black Cats by a score of 2-0. Sanchez and Ozil will grab the goals.
Man of the Match: Mesut Ozil
Predicted Lineups:
Sunderland (4-5-1) – Pickford, Manquillo, Kone, O’Shea, Van Aanholt, Khazri, Rodwell, Ndong, Pienaar, Watmore, Defoe
Sunderland’s injury woes continue as seven major first team players continue to sit out. With Adnan Januzaj, Fabio Borini and Jan Kirchhoff still recovering, Duncan Watmore, Wahbi Khazri and Steven Pienaar will continue to get their chance to turn things around for their side as Moyes names an unchanged eleven from last week’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) – Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Elneny, Coquelin, Walcott, Ozil, Chamberlain, Sanchez
Arsenal have their injury concerns of their own as they always do and they aren’t getting any better as now both Monreal and Walcott are doubts. If neither can achieve match fitness in time, Kieran Gibbs and Alex Iwobi will be their replacements in the side. Lucas Perez picked up an injury in midweek action against Reading and will not feature while the in-form Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be pushing for a place in the side and might knock Alex Iwobi out of the lineup.
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 48,000
Tottenham 1-1 Leicester City
In the most exciting encounter of the weekend, last year’s third place finishers Tottenham will take on last year’s Champions Leicester City. Leicester picked up four points against the Spurs from two matches last season and there’s no reason to think that this season should be any different. With the Foxes heading in to this match in good form and Tottenham slowing down in the absence of Harry Kane a draw could be a likely result. Jamie Vardy will be back to his best and grab a goal as he makes a return to the side while Tottenham’s Dele Alli manages to find his name on the score-sheet for the third time this month.
Man of the Match: Jamie Vardy
Predicted Lineups:
Tottenham (4-1-4-1) – Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Wanyama, Son, Dembele, Alli, Eriksen, Janssen
Toby Alderweireld should make a return to the side after returning to training from injury last week while Eric Dier moves back to the bench with the brilliant Victor Wanyama continuing in the anchor role of Tottenham’s midfield. Vincent Janssen will also be hoping to start having netted his first goal in Tottenham shirt in midweek with Erik Lamela dropping to the bench. Moussa Sissoko will not feature having picked up a three match ban for elbowing Harry Arter last weekend.
Leicester City (4-4-2) – Schmeichel, Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs, Mahrez, Amartey, Drinkwater, Musa, Vardy, Slimani
Jamie Vardy looks likely to make a return to the side despite Shinji Okazaki’s positive performance against Crystal Palace last weekend but Ahmed Musa will retain his place ahead of Marc Albrighton after he scored against the Eagles as well. Daniel Amartey continues in midfield in the absence of Nampalys Mendy despite impressing no one in that position.
Referee: Bobby Madley
Attendance: 36,000
West Bromwich Albion 1-3 Manchester City
Although Manchester City have not had the best of times lately, they still sit top of the table and West Brom could be the perfect opponent for Guardiola’s team to turn things back around again. David Silva will likely star for the blue side of Manchester but an interesting start could be handed to 19-year old Pablo Maffeo as Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta sit out injured. In the end City, should be able to roll over the Baggies but will not keep a clean sheet.
Man of the Match: David Silva
Predicted Lineups:
West Bromwich Albion (4-1-4-1) – Foster, Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Nyom, Gardner, Phillips, Chadli, Morrison, Brunt, Rondon
Claudio Yacob picked up his 5th yellow card of the season last time out against Liverpool and as a result will sit out this match against Guardiola’s city. An interesting return could also be handed to Chris Brunt who was very unfortunate to get injured towards the tail-end of last season and miss Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign. Tony Pulis also might decide to match Manchester City’s 4-1-4-1 formation after trying it out himself last week against Liverpool.
Manchester City (4-1-4-1) – Bravo, Maffeo, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Sane, Silva, Gundogan, Sterling, Aguero
Guardiola’s City have been struggling with three defenders at the back and so the Spanish manager might revert back to his 4-1-4-1 formation to get City off and running again. Pablo Maffeo could be handed his first Premier League start after appearing in midweek against Manchester United, while Vincent Kompany might have to drop out of the side again after picking up a knock in midweek as well. Kevin de Bruyne is also out as Leroy Sane continues in the side instead of Nolito.
Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 26,000
Manchester United 2-0 Burnley
Although Sean Dyche does have the potential to rally Burnley towards an upset over Manchester United, Jose Mourinho’s side should be able to come out on top of the Clarets, especially with this match being at Old Trafford. A very interesting Manchester United side could feature as some of United’s key members are out injured. Perhaps this is the week where Henrikh Mkhitaryan finally breaks into the side and makes a difference for the Red Devils. In the end Manchester United will come out on top 2-0 with goals from Pogba and Ibrahimovic.
Man of the Match: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Predicted Lineups:
Manchester United (4-2-3-1) – De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Shaw, Carrick, A. Herrera, Mkhitaryan, Pogba, Martial, Ibrahimovic
WAIT! Before you transfer Luke Shaw out of your fantasy team, Eric Bailly was very unfortunate to get injured last week against Chelsea and looks set to be out for two months. This means that Daley Blind will move back into centre defense alongside Chris Smalling and Shaw will return to the side at left-back. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick and Juan Mata both impressed in midweek against Manchester City but there is probably only room for one of them in the side this time around. Jose Mourinho seems to prefer Paul Pogba in the more advanced role of his midfield triangle which should relegate Mata to the bench but Henrikh Mkhitaryan could feature instead of Jessie Lingard after the Portguese manager insisted the Armenian was part of his plans this week.
Burnley (4-4-2) – Heaton, Lowton, M. Keane, Mee, Flanagan, Gudmundsson, Hendrick, Marney, Arfield, Gray, Vokes
Andre Gray is back after serving his four-match suspension and could make a swift return to the side. Steven Defour, Stephen Ward and George Boyd are all injured so Sean Dyche might need to rely on Liverpool loanee Jon Flanagan to fill in at left back.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 75,000
Watford 1-0 Hull City
Neither Watford or Hull have been particularly amazing so far this season but the Tigers are on a real slide towards the bottom of the table and are unlikely to get one over Walter Mazzari’s side at Vicarage Road on Saturday. Troy Deeney and Etienne Capoue will likely prove to much to handle for Mike Phelan’s side as Watford pick up their third clean sheet in three matches.
Man of the Match: Etienne Capoue
Predicted Lineups:
Watford (3-5-2) – Gomes, Kaboul, Prodl, Britos, Zuniga, Pereyra, Behrami, Capoue, Holebas, Ighalo, Deeney
Walter Mazzarri’s side is really starting to look settled now and it has resulted in the Hornets going undefeated in their last three Premier League matches. The two most notable players out injured for the Hornets are pacey winger Isaac Success and former Newcastle fullback Daryl Janmaat, so Juan Zuniga will retain his place and Odion Ighalo will continue up front despite his poor start to the season.
Hull City (3-5-2) – Marshall, Dawson, Davies, Maguire, Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Mason, Clucas, Hernandez, Keane
The Tigers might decide to match Mazzari’s 3-5-2 on Saturday, especially with all of the injury woes that the squad have at the moment. Robert Snodgrass is the latest casuality with Will Keane starting for the third game in a row, while Michael Dawson makes his return to the Premier League after a little bit of time out with injury. Adama Diomande has been suspended by the FA for appearing to strike Bristol City’s Marlon Pack in midweek and will not feature as a result.
Referee: Jon Moss
Attendance: 21,000
Middlesbrough 1-1 Bournemouth
Normally I might give the edge to Bournemouth against one of their lower-half of the table rivals but Middlesbrough come into this match in decent form including securing a 0-0 draw with Arsenal last weekend. A very interesting battle to keep an eye in this one is Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere coming up against Arsenal’s Calum Chambers as the two of them continue to struggle in their respective loan spells with Bournemouth and Middlesbrough. In the end the two sides will cancel each other out and Boro’s two game goalless run will come to an end as they secure a 1-1 draw.
Man of the Match: Harry Arter
Predicted Lineups:
Middlesbrough (4-2-3-1) – Valdes, Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, de Roon, Traore, Ramirez, Downing, Negredo
Middlesbrough have really struggled to find the back of the net so far this season but that probably won’t stop Aitor Karanka from fielding the same front four that struggled against Arsenal and Watford. Ben Gibson could be a key member at the back in stopping Callum Wilson from scoring.
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1) – Boruc, Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels, Arter, Surman, Stanislas, Wilshere, Ibe, Wilson
Junior Stanislas is still trying to recover from a leg injury picked up last week and may not be fit enough in time to make the starting 11. Joshua King may appear in his place. Otherwise, Eddie Howe’s side remains relatively unchanged as they look continue their positive form.
Referee: Stuart Atwell
Attendance: 35,000
Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool
In a match to definitely keep an eye on this weekend, Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Palace have a history of massive upsets over the Reds, including ending their title dreams in 2013-14 but haven’t had the same success against them recently. This match looks set to end in a Liverpool win but Alan Pardew’s side will definitely give it everything they’ve got to try and cause an upset. One interesting thing to keep eye on in this match is Christian Benteke coming up against the club he failed to make an impression at. I predict that he will score Crystal Palace’s only goal as Mane, Coutinho and Firmino lead the Reds to a 3-1 victory.
Man of the Match: Roberto Firmino
Predicted Lineups:
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1) – Mandanda, Ward, Tomkins, Dann, Kelly, McArthur, Ledley, Townsend, Cabaye, Zaha, Benteke
Scott Dann is still a doubt for this game but may be fit enough in time to start. Alan Pardew’s midfield continue to miss Mile Jedinak who was sold to Aston Villa in the summer but McArthur and Ledley will continue in that spot as Yohan Cabaye starts again for the injured Jason Puncheon.
Liverpool (4-3-3) – Karius, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Moreno, Lallana, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Mane, Firmino, Coutinho
James Milner is a doubt for this game as he recovers from an illness and so Alberto Moreno could make a return to the side and try to reclaim his reputation. Georginio Wijnaldum is also expected to return to the side but may find it hard to take a spot away from one of Klopp’s favourite players Emre Can. Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho will lead the line and will be key in carrying the Reds to victory.
Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 25,000
Everton 2-1 West Ham
Although Everton have been the far superior team this season, these two sides are fairly even on paper and West Ham come into this match in excellent form having knocked Chelsea out of the EFL Cup on Wednesday. The unstoppable Dimitri Payet will be a handful for Everton to have to deal with but perhaps Idrissa Gueye can be that man to try and hinder his abilities going forward. In the end, Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Bolasie will lead Everton to victory, ending West Ham’s good run of form.
Man of the Match: Dimitri Payet
Predicted Lineups:
Everton (4-3-3) – Stekelenburg, Coleman, Williams, Jagielka, Oviedo, Barry, Gueye, Barkley, Bolasie, Lukaku, Mirallas
Leighton Baines continues to struggle to shake-off a knock so Bryan Oviedo looks likely to continue at left-back for the Toffees while James McCarthy also continues his long spell on the sidelines giving Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley a chance to prove their worth to Ronald Koeman.
West Ham (3-4-3) – Adrian, Reid, Kouyate, Ogbonna, Antonio, Noble, Obiang, Cresswell, Payet, Zaza, Lanzini
Five major first team players will sit this one out for the Hammers including bullish striker Andy Carroll and former Olympiacos fullback Arthur Masuaku. Slavan Bilic has turned his side back into match winners since changing his formation to a back-three almost out of necessity. Now they look set to continue that with a few players playing slightly out of position including Cheikhou Kouyate at centre half and Michael Antonio at right-wing back. Brazilian defender Emerson Fernandes could come into the side instead of Aaron Cresswell after scoring the game winning goal against Chelsea in midweek.
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 39,000
Southampton 1-2 Chelsea
Southampton have been looking practically unbeatable since bringing Charlie Austin back into the fold but Claude Puel’s side will likely succumb to the pace and power of Chelsea’s front men and the tactical brilliance of Antonio Conte. In EFL cup action this week, Southampton advanced to the next round while Chelsea crashed out so Cluade Puel’s side may be hoping that their high flying form can continue and can knock the Blues down another peg in the process. However, Eden Hazard and Willian will lead Chelsea to victory as Antonio Conte loses his voice from screaming so much.
Man of the Match: N’Golo Kante
Southampton (4-3-3) – Forster, Martina, Fonte, Van Dijk, McQueen, Davis, Romeu, Clasie, Tadic, Redmond, Austin
Sofiane Boufal may come into the side having scored the only goal in Southampton’s 1-0 win over Sunderland in EFL Cup action on Wednesday but Claude Puel may continue with the 4-3-3 formation that has worked so well for him in recent times. Sam McQueen has done well in the absence of Matt Targett and Ryan Bertrand and will retain his place as the pair still sit out injured. Chuco Martina will also continue at right-back with Euro 2016 winner Cedric Soares still out injured as well.
Chelsea (3-4-3) – Courtois, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Moses, Matic, Kante, M. Alonso, Willian, Costa, Hazard
Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation has been working to perfection so far and there is no reason why he will divert away from it anytime soon. Kurt Zouma and John Terry could both make a return to the side soon but Cahill and Luiz look set to continue for the time being as Conte is always careful not to rush players back from injury too soon. Everyone’s favourite player, Willian, will also make a return to the side despite Pedro’s good form against Manchester United.
Referee: Mike Jones
Attendance: 32,500
Stoke City 2-1 Swansea City
This will be an enthralling fixture to end Matchday 10 in the Barclays Premier League. Both Swansea and Stoke are hungry for a win as they attempt to climb back up the table and avoid the relegation zone but Bob Bradley’s side might find it far too hard to cope with Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri, fashionista Marko Arnautovic and complete midfielder Joe Allen. For some reason I have a strange feeling that someone will get sent off in this match but that it won’t make much of a difference as Stoke continue their rise towards the top half of the table and win this match by a score of 2-1.
Man of the Match: Xherdan Shaqiri
Stoke City (4-2-3-1) – Grant, Bardsley, Shawcross, Indi, Pieters, Whelan, Cameron, Shaqiri, Allen, Arnautovic, Bony
Gianelli Imbula will continue to sit on the bench as Geoff Cameron continues in midfield and Joe Allen gets pushed further forward to support the goalless Wilfried Bony in attack. The two men on the wing, Arnautovic and Shaqiri, will be the key to Stoke’s success and will grab the goals in this one.
Swansea City (4-2-3-1) – Fabianski, Naughton, Van der Hoorn, Mawson, Kingsley, Britton, Ki, Barrow, Sigurdsson, Routledge, Baston
Alfie Mawson came out of nowhere last week to make his first Premier League appearance in Swansea’s 0-0 draw against Watford and is likely to retain his place in the side against Stoke. Bob Bradley has made several surprise inclusions to his lineup since coming in as Swansea manager including benching two of their best performers in last week’s match against Watford, Leroy Fer and Jack Cork. Stephen Kingsley and Mike Van der Hoorn also look set to keep Neil Taylor and Federico Ferandez out of the side as Jefferson Montero and Nathan Dyer are the only doubts for this one.
Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 28,000
So there it is! The Preview and Predictions for Gameweek 10 in the Barclays Premier League? What do you think will happen this week? Will Guardiola manage to turn things around and keep his side at the top of the table or will Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool finally overtake them? Let us know in the comment section below.
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