In this week’s edition of the 5iver, Desh Partharb takes a look at Salah’s dip in form, Mitrovic’s outstanding numbers and more from the Premier League.
Liverpool welcome Everton on Valentines Day eve and there will certainly be no love lost between the Merseyside clubs. Sean Dyche restored faith in even the most pessimistic Everton supporter, with the Toffees 1 nil victory against table topping Arsenal.
Indeed, the former Burnley boss became just the second manager in Premier League history to beat a side starting the day at the summit of the table. There’s another derby which kicks off this round of action when West Ham host Chelsea.
The London Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for the Hammers of late, with Moyes’ men losing 3 of their previous 4 league outings on home soil. Elsewhere, Wolves’ resurgence under head coach Julen Lopetegui has borne fruit.
The Molineux Stadium has been a lowly scoring ground for the home team (9 – the fewest from all top-flight clubs) but its spectators were treated to an impeachable performance in their 3-0 romp over an unrecognisable Liverpool.
Saka’s form can reach new heights
Saka could restore the gap at the top of the table. The Arsenal academy graduate has been steadily moving up the league scoring charts, where he currently ranks in the top 10. Across his previous 3 league outings, Saka has attempted 10 shots – from which he bagged 1 goal and hit the woodwork once.
Furthermore, he created 10 chances during that period where he delivered an assist. Prior to their trip to Goodison Park last time out, the Gunners had only dropped points in 3 league fixtures (D2 L1) – emphasizing their near perfect record.
Mitrovic to end goal drought in mid-table clash against Forest
Aleksander Mitrovic will end a spirited Forest outfit. The Serbian striker has turned heads this season, as seen by his 75 shots – only Harry Kane (83) has attempted more from all topflight players. With those kind of numbers, its only a matter of time before one lands in the back of the net! The dangerman has scored just once since the turn of the year and I think he snaps his 5 match goal drought in front of the Craven Cottage faithful.
Wolves fixing to feast on Saints
Matheus Cunha could open his account this weekend. Across his 3 top flight appearances, the forward has registered 4 shots and created 2 chances. The ex-Atleti striker was Lopetegui’s first signing as head coach of the West Midlands side and could be the one to lead the line for the remainder of the season. Wolves travel to the Saint Mary’s stadium this weekend where Southampton have registered just 6 league points – the fewest from any side across England’s top four divisions.
Enigmatic Grealish wants to silence critics in Villa clash
Grealish to welcome former club with open arms. The current City marksmen came off the bench to open the scoring in the Manchester Derby and was rewarded with 4 starts across the Citizens ensuing 4 fixtures – where he has returned just a single assist. Despite this, I think Pep sticks with his frontman. Afterall, who know’s the ins and outs of Aston Villa better than their academy graduate.
Mo goals asked of Salah
Salah to seal the deal! The Egyptian forward has had a toothless run of form for the better part of the season, but nothing like a good ol fashioned Merseyside Derby (at Anfield) to get him back to his best. Whilst he has not found the back of the net in a league fixture since the turn of the year, Salah remains Liverpool’s top scorer in the league.
