Five games to watch this weekend — and why

The Premier League juggernaut rolls back into town this weekend, with Liverpool versus Arsenal headlining a set of hugely important fixtures. Previewing the action, TODAY’s EPL analyst Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) picks out five story lines to keep an eye on …

Can Arsenal end their Top-Six hoodoo?

The big game klaxon will sound later tonight at Anfield when inconsistent Liverpool do battle with inconsistent Arsenal in a crucial clash beneath the lights. 

Three points would ease the pressure on both managers, but ahead of kick-off, it is Arsene Wenger (above. Photo: Getty Images) who probably has the most to think about

His Gunners side have not tasted victory away from home against any of the current top six for more than two years. Across the past four campaigns, they have accrued just 11 points from a possible 54 on the road to Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City. 

That is a very disappointing return, and it makes you wonder if the Frenchman is willing to change his big-game strategy. To get out of their rut, you sense Arsenal may have to.

This could mean switching to 4-3-3 and adopting more of a deep-lying counter-attacking approach, and do not be surprised if they play more longer passes to avoid being caught out by Jurgen Klopp’s infamous mid-pitch press. 

A little predictable in their shape and style, it feels like the right time to try something different. 

It should be a fabulous match to watch. Klopp versus Wenger has served up 13 goals in just two Premier League head-to-heads. 

Will Shakespeare write his own destiny?

There was no sign of first night nerves for stand-in Leicester City boss Craig Shakespeare (above. Photo: Reuters), who must have been thrilled with a barnstorming 3-1 win at home to Liverpool. As an unassuming No 2, it caught most observers off guard when the 53-year-old confessed afterwards that he wants the job full time. 

While it gave the impression he had maybe knifed Claudio Ranieri in the back, you had to admire his honesty. 

Is he up to the task? 

Given Shakespeare’s lack of management pedigree (he has bossed nobody before), I believe it would be a foolhardy punt to hand him the reins. 

However, in the short term, his popularity inside the dressing room may provoke the kind of positive spike that could rapidly lift the Foxes away from the danger zone. That would be worth its weight in gold. 

With Roy Hodgson hovering in the background, a second straight victory, this time against Hull City, should guarantee Shakespeare makes it to at least a Twelfth Night in charge. That’s on Tuesday by the way. 

There’s a new hot-shot in town

There was not much of a fanfare to welcome Napoli reject Manolo Gabbiadini (above. Photo: Getty Images) to the Premier League last month, but everyone wants to know the Italian international now. 

Scoring five goals in his first three starts for Southampton, including two in the EFL Cup Final, he is a striker you cannot take your eyes off. 

The Saints are at Watford this evening (Saturday, Singtel Ch102 & StarHub Ch227; 11pm), and Walter Mazzarri’s training sessions this week have focused hard on how to stop his compatriot from extending that hot streak. 

Appearances are deceptive. He looks a bit scraggy and does not get involved in a lot of build-up play, but once inside the penalty box, Gabbiadini’s ears prick up and he comes alive. 

His movement is sensational. Sharp, intuitive and completely natural, the two players he most reminds me of are Filippo Inzhagi and a young Michael Owen. The 25-year-old’s nose for goal and snappy left boot will be a worry for the Hornets. 

How good is Howe?

Eddie Howe’s (above. Photo: Reuters) Bournemouth are on a wretched run that is damaging their young manager’s reputation. 

Yet to win in 2017, they have shipped goals at a rate of three a game  this year — so all eyes will be on their 39-year-old boss to see if he has a clever plan up his sleeve to stem the tide at Manchester United. 

As well as he has done on the south coast (and let us be fair — he has been phenomenal), Howe will not be considered for a bigger job until he proves that defensive acumen is a quality he possesses. With the Cherries looking like they are lambs heading for slaughter at Old Trafford, it is an opportunity for Howe to remind everyone how tactically smart he can be. To get any kind of result, he will have to be. 

Will Barca’s bosses be at White Hart Lane?

Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman are regarded as managers who might one day manage the mighty Barcelona, so in the wake of Luis Enrique’s resignation plans this summer, Spurs versus Everton (Sunday, Ch102 & Ch227; 9.30pm) has suddenly become a Nou Camp audition of sorts. 

It should be a terrific, fast-paced game. Both sides won easily last time out, and they each have front men who are in quite scintillating form. 

My money would be on Harry Kane to outscore Romelu Lukaku (above. Photo: Getty Images), though. 

Remarkably, since August 2014, the Belgian has scored only one goal away from Goodison Park against the big boys currently in the top six. That was this term at the Etihad when bagging an outstanding solo effort — but it was the exception, not the norm. 

I like Lukaku as a striker and admire his qualities, but to become world-class, the Toffees centre-forward must deliver in games like this. 

Big Match Predictions

Manchester United v Bournemouth (Saturday, Singtel Ch102 & StarHub Ch227; 8.30pm)
Cup final hangovers are commonplace so don’t be shocked if this one doesn’t go all Manchester United’s way. On paper, they should blow Bournemouth out of the water, but Eddie Howe’s men need to show a response to recent poor form. It will be closer than you think. 
Score call: 2-1

Liverpool v Arsenal (Sunday, Ch103 & Ch228; 1.25am)
This English classic has served up some right royal entertainment in recent years, but I have a hunch both teams might be a little more circumspect than usual. It is such a pivotal game, that neither will feel they can afford to lose it – and for that reason I’m tipping a draw
Score call: 1-1

Sunderland v Manchester City (Sunday, Ch103 & Ch228; 11.50pm)
After years of dodging the bullet, the Black Cats are going down. I can feel it in my bones. So they won’t relish the visit of a Manchester City side that’s producing some unbelievable attacking brilliance. Pep’s men will dominate, and I suspect Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero will tear them apart. 
Score call: 1-4