Premier League Bits: Pick 3.
As a very memorable international break comes to a conclusion; (thanks , USMNT.), its finally time for Premier League football. It seems like a very long time ago for that.
Here are three matches I picked out for the weekend.
Manchester United (19 points; 2nd) @ Liverpool (12 points ; 7th)
Anfield
Saturday; 7:30
The biggest match of the weekend is the first one. Manchester United travels to Anfield to face Liverpool, for the 199th meeting between these two English rivals. Jose Mourinhos' side have been running neck and neck with their crosstown rival at the top of the table. Top scorer; Romelu Lukaku, has had an ankle problem, but should be in the lineup to attempt to be the first United player to register eight goals in the first eight league games. United has clean sheets in every league match except their draw at Stoke. They have won three of the past five matches at Anfield.
Mourinho may be tempted to play a three man back three due to the injuries and height loss of Paul Pogba, (hamstring) and Marouane Fellaini, (knee).
This is a game that Liverpool must have if it wants to stay in the race. I know its only mid-October, but potentially being 10 points off the pace is not a favorable position to be in anytime. They will have to help Simon Mignolet by defending this United attack. They have conceded 12 goals in the past seven league matches. With a run of one win in the past seven matches in all competitions, another loss here would have to shelve Liverpool from any consideration of catching the Manchesters. A loss would also drop manager, Jurgen Klopp's record to match his predecessor, Brendan Rogers' when he was sacked.
More bad news for the Reds is that Sadio Mane will be out for up to six weeks. They will also be missing Adam Lallana, (thigh) and Nathaniel Clyne, (back).
I believe Liverpool has enough fight in them to scratch out a point.
Tie 2-2.
Arsenal (13 points; 5th) @ Watford (12 points; 8th)
Vicarage Road
12:30 Saturday
Watford has been playing well in an industrious fashion so far this season. Their 12 points in seven games is their finest Premier League start ever. But; historically, Arsenal has been their boogeyman. Watfords' win over the Gunners back in January, was their first league win over Arsenal since 1988.
The dark clouds over Arsene Wengers' head have lightened somewhat. His Gunners are on a bit of a roll as of late. They are on a four game unbeaten league run. Goaltender; Petr Cech, has a run of four consecutive clean sheets. More good news is that Laurent Koscielny will be back from an Achilles injury.
Mesut Ozil was rested during the international break from a knee problem. He may be available, but it will be difficult for Wenger to bust up the front three combination of Alex Iwobi, Alexandre Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez.
Wenger is 8-2 all time against Watford. I think he will make it nine
Arsenal 3-1.
Newcastle (10 points; 9th) @ Southampton (8 points; 12th)
St. Mary's Stadium
Sunday; 11:00
St. Mary's Stadium is a house of horrors for Newcastle over the years; and so close to Halloween. They only have one win there in 16 tries and don't have a victory against the Saints in the past six meetings.
The Southampton goal production has also been sort of a horror movie, with only five goals so far this season. No Saint players has more than one goal to his credit.
Newcastle hasn't exactly been lighting it up either, but seem to have a bit more firepower with Joselu and Lescelles.
Steven King may be able to write a novel about this match. Then again, this could be the best match of the weekend, for all anyone knows.
Tie 1-1.
