Alan Smith’s Expert Analysis: Premier League Matchday 9 Predictions

False Nine Systems Are Always Difficult to Get Right

I suppose in hindsight, it didn’t work not starting Welbeck vs Spurs, did it? These false nine systems, I think they’re always difficult to get right. You’ve got to practise them a lot and understand each other’s roles. Clearly it didn’t work, so there’s a fair chance, I would imagine, that Welbeck would play against his old team. A decision there for Xabi Alonso to make.

Bruno Fernandes Would Still Command 70-Odd Million

The thing is with Bruno, a new manager could mean a different attitude. Maybe he likes the new manager, he’s willing to give him a chance, as it were. We shouldn’t really have to say that. But it could all change if Carrick does go.

I think he’s only got about a year left on his contract, with United having an option for another year. He’s 32. He’d still command a very good fee, I think. For somebody like Bruno, you’re still looking at 70-odd million. Crazy as it sounds. But a transfer would depend on, I think, whether a new manager comes in and who it is.

Dowman Isn’t Scared of Big Games, Whatever the Rooney Comparisons

The comparisons with Rooney and Dowman, it’s the age and the ability. Obviously, the physical stature is a lot different. Rooney was a man at about 14, wasn’t he? He looked like it. So there are differences there.

But temperamentally, I know, coming off the back of the red card last night, we say temperamentally, but I think he’s not scared of big games or of pulling on the famous Arsenal shirt. And it might be now that he plays a bit more regularly with Saka out, if the manager thinks he’s ready for that. So we’ll see.

The Red Card Doesn’t Change Much, Arteta Still Wants Width

I don’t know if the red card changes things. People made a lot of what Arteta said as he walked off. I don’t know whether he was giving him a rollicking. He might have just said, ” Get yourself in the shower and get changed quickly”. You don’t know. He wouldn’t have been happy, the manager.

But you’d still want width, and I think somebody like Madueke – the manager seems to trust him, and he gives you a different sort of threat. As does Eze, although Eze’s a little bit more similar because he plays more narrow. I think Dowman should get more games with Saka being out and Tzolis not being there as well.

I Can See What Farke Means About European Football

I don’t think he lacks ambition, but they played Sunderland, didn’t they? I was up there on Sunday, and Sunderland are obviously having to juggle the two challenges of Europe and the Premier League. And it’s been tough so far. Maybe Farke looks at that and thinks we’ll do without that, because there’s not much money to be made, certainly in the Conference.

The Europa League, I think you’ve virtually got to get to the final before you come out in profit. So it’s a big drain on your resources. So I can see what he means. He’d probably take mid-table, just outside those European places, at the moment.

Harry Wilson Has to Fulfil Farke’s Exact Requirements

It was interesting to hear Daniel Farke talking about him in his press conference the other day and saying he’s still got things to learn. I think Farke is the kind of manager where you’ve got to fulfil his exact requirements, what he wants from you. And maybe Wilson hasn’t done that yet.

And it’s a different role for him compared to Fulham. He was a bit wider at Fulham, and now in this system he’ll be tucked in a bit more. So that’s something he’s got to learn. But yeah, he’s on the way to doing it. It was quite hard for him at Sunderland, with the wind blowing, but I think he’ll get there. He’ll get there.

Coventry Need to Instil a Bit of Belief After Losing to Fulham

I don’t know about six-pointer, it is early for that, but it’s a big game, isn’t it, for both teams? Coventry disappointingly losing at home to Fulham, that would have hurt Frank Lampard and his team. So this is massive for them. They need to instil a bit of belief. They’ve lost that momentum after beating Newcastle at home. But yeah, it’s a big one for both sides.

Yann Gboho Won’t Have to Wait Long for His Chance

I don’t know much about Gboho, but I know Lampard, he wants pace and power on the flanks. I think Brandon Thomas-Asante’s done okay actually on the right-hand side normally. I don’t know what Gboho’s like in terms of his physical attributes and that.

But listen, if they’re losing and not playing particularly well, he’ll get a chance. They’ve shelled out a few million for him. He’s got that experience from France. So it shouldn’t be too long, I would imagine.

Letting Vuskovic Go Might Come Back to Bite Spurs

There were a lot of Spurs fans disappointed when he was allowed to leave. He hadn’t made an appearance for Tottenham, but they’d heard about him. Of course, Spurs bought Senesi and Van Hecke, and then there was very little room for the teenager. But such a shame, because he’d been off to Hamburg on loan, hadn’t he, so he’d gained some experience and he was ready to come back and vie for a first-team place. But the fact they brought in those other lads meant that he had to go.

It might come back to bite Spurs, that one. It’s great news for Brighton, and we know how good they are at recruitment, and it looks like a solid signing, even though it’s a lot of money for somebody that hasn’t played in the Premier League previously.

It’s Amazing What a Top-Class Coach Can Do, and Emery Is on Another Level

Jackson looked like he was going nowhere at Chelsea. He didn’t look like a top-class striker, and it’s amazing what a top-class coach can do for players. You know, Unai Emery, talking about Daniel Farke demanding specific things, Emery’s on another level, I think. But it works for the players, and it’s working for Jackson. He understands his role, and he scored a couple of goals early on, and then his confidence has just mushroomed. So I think he’s surprised everybody, actually, who’ve watched him in action. So great news for Villa. Obviously they’ve lost a few, so for him to be performing like that is great news.

Brennan Johnson Never Looked Like a David Moyes Signing

It never looked like a David Moyes signing, did it, Brennan Johnson? But it was chaotic towards the end of that transfer window, wasn’t it? And maybe it was just another body to get in the door. But he’s not played well at all, really.

Tyler Dibling’s a funny one. You saw him at Southampton, and you thought, oh, he’s a real talent. I know he’s only 20 still. And I don’t know what David Moyes thinks of him, because he hasn’t started many games at all. So it might be a case of putting him in and seeing what he can provide, because he’s talented.

Newcastle Need Joelinton for the Protection He Offers

Joelinton is so important. He understands the role in there. He gives you physical presence. Obviously, sometimes he oversteps the mark with his tackling. But I think he and Gonzalez in the middle there are a good combination, and he offers protection. So yeah, he is a very important player. They brought in Steur, but he’s a teenager. Joelinton, they need him in there.