Football News: Premier League Match Preview Sunday 4th March 2018
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Sunday 4th March 2018
Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal 1:30pm kick off
Skalak (ankle injury) slight doubt
Brown (ACL injury) out
Sidwell (back injury) out
The Seagulls looked to be sinking without trace just 5 games ago, now they are on a run of four games without defeat and have climbed up to 12th in the table and almost to safety. At home Brighton are strong, only losing three there this season. Chrus Hughton will be looking to take advantage of Arsenal's admitted lack of confidence and take the game to the Gunners, knowing they are weak defensively.
Most important player: Dale Stephens. The midfielder provides grit and bite in the centre of the pitch.
Monreal (back injury expected return 8th March) major doubt
Wilshere (ankle injury) late fitness test
Lacazette (knee injury expected return 11th March) out
Cazorla (plantaris injury) out
Arsenal are going backwards visibly under Arsene Wenger now, four defeats in their last six games, a team that is lacking any desire, fight or hunger and little (or no) chance of achieving the top 4 trophy that was Arsenal's for so many years. The Wenger bus has come to a grinding halt and we are witnessing the end of an era.
Most important player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He does not look like the player we were led to believe he was. Some of his runs against Man City looked like those of a player who was looking to avoid getting the ball, as they gave the player on the ball little to no chance of playing him in.
Defining Battle: Brighton will look to soak up Arsenal's attacks then counter with pace, which is the big weakness the Gunners have. They over commit to attacking and leave big gaps in midfield, as well as playing with a high line to allow teams in behind them. Arsenal's midfield needs to be more disciplined and leave cover or they will be exposed at the back.
Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 0-1
Ed003 - 1-3
Ed004 - 1-3
Ed007 - 0-2
Ed018 - 1-2
Ed025 - 2-2
Ed033 - 1-2
Manchester City v Chelsea 4pm kick off
Walker (calf injury) late fitness test
Fernandinho (hamstring injury) out
Sterling (hamstring injury) slight doubt
Mendy (ACL injury expected return 7th April) out
Delph (suspended) out
Man City have yet to be beaten at home, they do not even look like being beaten at the Etihad either. Fifty (50) goals scored and only ten conceded as they have mostly strolled through teams who have almost without fail sat back and waited to be beaten when they go there. Chelsea are a different kettle of fish though and they will, it would be hoped, take the game to a Citeh side missing the key player of Fernandinho. Will that defence, that has been creaky at times, be exposed without their Brazilian protector?
Most important player: Ilkay Gundogan. The German has to fill the huge gaping hole left by Fernandinho's absence.
Ampadu (hamstring injury) out
Bakayoko (knock) out
Luiz (knock) out
Barkley (hamstring injury) slight doubt
Antonio Conte needs a performance, three losses in four games has seen Chelsea drop out of the top 4 and Conte really needs the players to lift themselves. The papers have been sharpening the knives for him since the summer, though his constant snipes at the club in press conferences have not helped matters. It almost has the feel of a manager looking for an out, perhaps with the knowledge that he can return to managing his national team?
Most important player: Andreas Christensen. The Danish defender has been mostly excellent, but there has been the odd little error due to his inexperience. He can ill afford one of those here!
Defining Battle: there is a big gap in front of that Man City defence that Chelsea will have to look to exploit. Maybe playing Hazard off a striker, to allow him to utilise that space, would be the way Chelsea can cause City some problems.
Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 1-1
Ed003 - 2-1
Ed004 - 2-1
Ed007 - 3-1
Ed018 - 3-2
Ed025 - 1-1
Ed033 - 2-0
Editor's Predictions Table
1. Ed002 - 180 points
2. Ed025 - 177 points
3. Ed018 - 173 points
4. Ed007 - 171 points
5. Ed004 - 168 points
6. Ed033 - 167 points
7. Ed003 - 159 points
*1 point is awarded for the correct result, 3 points for the correct score.
**updated 2nd March 2018 (not including results for that day)
Written by Tris Burke March 04 2018 04:18:39