In this week’s edition of the Friday 5iver, Desh looks at the danger Ivan Toney poses to relegation-threatened Everton, Raheem Sterling’s growing influence at Chelsea and more!
7-0 – who could have predicted an outcome like that? Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have silenced their critics, and their season just may have just got going as they hunt down Newcastle and Tottenham in the race for the top four. The Merseyside club are currently on their longest unbeaten home run in the league against the Red Devils.
Elsewhere, Pep Guardiola handed Newcastle their first away league loss of the season. They now face their bogey team in Crystal Palace. But the Eagles are the only club yet to record a league win in 2023.
Bournemouth lost out by the odd strike in a five-goal thriller last week as Reiss Nelson’s stunning 97th minute strike sealed the points for the Gunners.
The division’s lowest-scoring outfits, Nottingham Forest and Everton produced a four-goal thriller as they drew in what was a vital game in the race to avoid the drop.
Sean Dyche’s men are now winless across their previous three league appearances and come into this round of fixtures in the relegation zone.
Zaha and Palace set sights on City
Wilfried Zaha looks to be over the injuries which have hampered him this season. The Crystal Palace hitman was denied a goal on his return to league action by the smallest of margins and I back him to get on the scoresheet in their bout with Manchester City this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s men have kept just a single clean sheet across their previous six league appearances, however, that did come in their fixture against Newcastle.
Toffees should fear Toney’s sting
Ivan Toney is really showing his prowess in front of goal. The Brentford striker calmly dispatched his 15th league goal of the season last time out from the penalty spot. Across his previous three league appearances, he has attempted 11 shots, hitting the woodwork twice and missing one big chance. I reckon he gets on the scoresheet again this weekend against relegation-threatened Everton.
Sterling finally finding his feet at Chelsea
The goals may be flowing for Raheem Sterling in the coming weeks. The Englishman seems to have recovered from a long-term injury and hit the ground running. Across his previous three league appearances, He’s attempted 29 ground duels and registered seven shots, missing 2 big chances. Furthermore, he netted the only goal from open play in Chelsea’s victory over Dortmund – sending the Londoners to the next round of the UCL.
Weghorst top open Premier League account at United?
Wout Weghorst may just open his league account when the Red Devils welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Saturday. The thirty-year-old has returned two assists and a Europa League goal across his previous four appearances (across all competitions). Erik Ten Haag would have been pleased with his side’s Europa League win against Betis but will expect another big result this weekend when the Saints come calling.
Ings to haunt former employers?
Danny Ings may just have the final say when West Ham host his former club Aston Villa this weekend. The forward has returned two goals across his previous three home league appearances for the Hammers. Furthermore, he attempted 17 ground duels during that period so keep an eye out for him.
