In this derby weekend edition of the Friday 5iver, Desh Parthab highlights Marcus Rashford’s ongoing redemption arc, Harry Kane’s unwavering consistency and more from the Premier League.
It has been an action-packed return to league action post-Qatar.
Liverpool recorded a 2-1 victory over Leicester without any of their players finding the back of the net. Brentford went undefeated against Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool, scoring two or more goals on each occasion. Southampton have lost their previous six league outings, but sent Manchester City crashing out of the Carabao Cup!
I for one can’t wait to see what drama unfolds this weekend which sees two of the biggest derbies in the English game take place. Ahead of this round of fixtures, no topflight club is on a longer winning streak than Erik Ten Haag’s Manchester United (4). The Dutch tactician will have his work cut out for him, as Pep’s Citizens put six past their not-so-noisy neighbours in the reverse fixture.
A draw in that one will suit Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal just fine. The table-topping Gunners are currently unbeaten in their previous 5 fixtures, across all competitions, winning four of those.
If there’s one thing I know, form means nothing in these fixtures and it’s all to play for! Let’s get stuck in!
Wasteful Bailey must find shooting boots at Villa
Leon Bailey is one half of an attacking duo that Unai Emery has put forth since assuming the reins at Aston Villa. In his new position, Bailey has attempted seven shots across his previous three league outings, missing 2 big chances (including a shocker against Wolves). During that period, he created three chances and attempted 31 ground duels. There is some history between these managers. Emery’s Villarreal outfit dispatched Marsch’s RB Salzburg team 4-1 over aggregate in the 2020/21 edition of the Europa League.
Rashford’s Redemption
Marcus Rashford has hit the ground running since returning from Qatar. The 25-year-old has found the back of the net in each of his six appearances (across all competitions). Furthermore, he is on penalty duty and I back him to get on the scoresheet on derby day! City have kept just a single clean sheet across their previous five league outings – I can’t see Ederson adding to that tally this weekend.
Everton in dire straits, but Gray’s form provides some hope
Few can make a better case than Everton for the most volatile club in the land. Following a smash-and-grab performance at the Etihad, Lampard’s charges came away with a point before getting demolished by Brighton on home soil. Demarai Gray has been the Toffees’ standout performer in recent weeks. Indeed, Gray drew Everton level in Manchester with a second-half equaliser and netted their solitary goal against the Seagulls. Furthermore, he did hit the woodwork in cup action against Manchester United and faces bottom club Southampton in this weekend’s round of action.
Wilson to break drought against Fulham?
Callum Wilson could end his scoreless streak against Fulham. The Newcastle hitman is yet to provide an attacking return since parting ways with the England squad that did battle in Qatar. The forward had delivered six goals across his 11 league appearances prior to the World Cup. The Magpies are undefeated across their previous 13 league outings (W8 D5) and may very well extend that this weekend against Fulham.
Kane’s consistency key to Spurs’ top-four hopes
Kane was the only player to score two or more goals in the previous round of league action. The Englishman’s brace against Crystal Palace saw his tally rise to 15 goals in 18 topflight appearances this term. If there is one thing the prolific marksman fancies, it’s a good old-fashioned NLD! The hitman is the top scorer in North London derbies, netting 14 times in 16 Premier League meetings between the two clubs.
