Football journalist Alex Keble analyzes what's at stake in the weekend's matches, including:
- Can Manchester City revive against an Everton lacking in efficiency?
- New coaches at work at Molineux
- Can Ivan Juric make Southampton's defense stronger?
- Nottingham Forest's style could pose problems for Tottenham
- Can Fulham end their poor run against Chelsea?
- Can Bournemouth fuel their European hopes?
- In-form Newcastle and Villa midfielders clash
- Will Mohamed Salah reach the milestone of 100 goals at Anfield?
- Can Brighton get back to winning ways?
- Will Jesus compensate for the absence of Saka?
Everton, perfect opponents for Manchester City?
At first glance, this match promises to be tricky for Pep Guardiola: after recording draws (0-0) against Arsenal and Chelsea, Everton has five clean sheets in its last six matches. However, scoring is not Manchester City's main concern. Even though they have lost nine of their last twelve matches in all competitions (W1 D2), only Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus and Inter Milan have managed to keep a clean sheet against them.
The real problem lies in their defense. City have conceded the first goal in nine Premier League matches this season, which has often damaged their confidence, particularly at this difficult time for the club. Everton, meanwhile, have scored just 14 goals in the Premier League, ahead of Southampton (11) who have had fewer.
They are unlikely to open the score, which could allow Manchester City to take control of the match and regain their rhythm. At the Etihad Stadium, where they have scored seven goals in their last three home games, City should be fine.
Will new Wolves manager highlight Manchester United's lack of one?
The impact of new coach Vitor Pereira was immediate. Tactically, Wolverhampton Wanderers did not fundamentally change in their match against Leicester, but with eight Portuguese players in the starting XI, the men showed a cohesion and liveliness that paid tribute to a new lease of life in the dressing room.
Yet Ruben Amorim lost three of his first six Premier League games, picking up just seven points, and their 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth was a real setback from there. The way Bournemouth breached United's defense was worrying, especially ahead of the trip to Molineux where Matheus Cunha (nine contributions in nine matches) will hope to shine.
A victory for Pereira would make him the first Wolves manager to win his first two Premier League matches since Sammy Chung in August 1977, leaving Amorim to wonder why Wolves players seem to be rooting for a new manager when his do not.
Can Juric make Southampton more robust?
Former AS Roma manager Ivan Juric has been named Southampton manager on an 18-month contract and will take charge of his first match on Boxing Day. It's a fascinating appointment, as Juric's preference for defensive discipline contrasts with the style of his predecessor Russell Martin, a well-timed gamble.
Simon Rusk spurned Martin's philosophy to secure Southampton's first away clean sheet of the season in their final match. Southampton had a passing accuracy of 80%, their lowest rate in a match since the Ruben Selles era.
Juric will have to insist on a defensive approach, asking his players to stay compact and minimize risks, adopting a style that will likely attract criticism from supporters accustomed to more dynamism.
Nottingham Forest target Tottenham's high defense
Nottingham Forest's style under Nuno Espirito Santo is simple: they drop back, absorb pressure and counter-attack, taking advantage of set pieces to feed Chris Wood. It is precisely this sort of strategy that could trouble Tottenham, whose high pressing and attacking commitment have been their recent weakness, as evidenced by their 6-3 defeat to Liverpool.
It's easy to imagine Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi exploiting the spaces left by Spurs' high defense. Additionally, Tottenham face difficulties defending from set pieces, a factor Nottingham could exploit.
Can Fulham improve on their terrible run of derbies?
The west London derby is rarely exciting for neutral observers, especially since Fulham has a sadly poor record against Chelsea: only two victories in 34 Premier League matches (D11, L21). However, if any team had to end this series, it would be this one, showing great fighting spirit with consecutive draws against Arsenal and Liverpool.
With Chelsea suffering a slight setback after their 0-0 draw at Everton, there could be a small window for an iconic Fulham success.
Takeaways
- Manchester City is struggling to regain victory despite its offensive capabilities.
- Wolves' current dynamic under Pereira could boost players' confidence.
- Southampton's defense could undergo a transformation under Juric, aiming to become more robust.
- Nottingham Forest have a clear strategy that could spell trouble for Tottenham.
- Fulham has the opportunity to reverse its historic failing trend against Chelsea.
As the season continues, team dynamics and the impact of new signings are crucial. Each point can be decisive for the struggles at the top and bottom of the table. How will these teams manage the pressure of the challenge and what could be the long-term repercussions?
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