Alan Smith’s Expert Analysis: Premier League GW17 Predictions & Analysis

Mason Mount’s Form

I’m really pleased that he is finding some form because that quality he had, you don’t lose it, that kind of quality we saw at Chelsea and England. I gave him Man of the Match against Wolves the other night, when he was superb. It’s not easy for him because he’s got Cunha and Mbeumo in those kinds of wide positions that, in Amorim’s system, he’d probably fit into.

But, no, he’s coming back to something like his old self. I think he’s got his work cut out to get into that England squad. When you look at the competition, those forward positions, Saka, Eze, Bellingham, Gordon, Foden, all these players, he’s kind of got a lot of ground to make up. But you never know, as you say, Thomas Tuchel knows all about him. So if he carries on like this, who knows?

Man United’s Defence

When I saw that back three, you did notice there was a lack of experience there with Yoro and Heaven, so they’ll want to get Maguire and de Ligt back in. Lisandro Martinez as well, he’s back involved in the squad, and he’s a solid defender. So it’ll be interesting to see what three would be Amorim’s first choice. But to get those experienced lads back in will be a big bonus.

Villa’s Form

Villa definitely deserve to be where they are in the league. You can’t knock clinical finishing, can you, if they’re exceeding their XGs. But no, they’re on a great run. They have conceded a few, though, six in the last three. So that’ll be a concern for Emery. But going the other way, Watkins is getting really back to his old sharpness. So, no, they deserve to be where they are.

Prediction

Good game. I think 2-2, entertaining one, this.

Aston Villa 2 – 2 Manchester United

Mo Salah’s Future

It’s the big question, isn’t it? He got a good reception when he came on the other day from the Anfield fans against Brighton. So that would have buoyed him and maybe buoyed Arne Slot and the hierarchy to think that perhaps he could come back and kind of pick up where he left off at the end of last season.

The AFCON break might do both parties a little bit of good. So I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s over, but who knows if he fancies a move, Saudi perhaps, and there’s a lot of money offered. Liverpool might be tempted to take it if the player wants to go.

Florian Wirtz Improvements

He’s getting towards starting to prove his value, isn’t he? Still not scored. So he’s got to add that to his game. But as Liverpool just settles down a little bit, he’s come to grips with the Premier League and his new teammates.

We’ve not seen a £116m player yet. You’ve got to go some way to justify that kind of price tag. But he’ll be a little happier, I think.

Prediction

I’m going to Liverpool, away win. So Spurs’ home form and misery continue, I think 2-1 Liverpool.

Tottenham 1 – 2 Liverpool

Viktor Gyökeres Concerns

The team didn’t play well in general against Wolves, obviously, and Wolves defended deep in numbers, so it wasn’t easy for him. But he has struggled to show his Sporting Lisbon form, that’s for certain. He’s not a sophisticated type player that Arsenal have elsewhere, the kind that we normally see. He’s a bit more forthright, and he needs the service, and he hasn’t been getting it quite so much as you would like, as he would like.

So, the jury is out, I think. It’s only half a season. So, give him a bit more time and then we’ll see what we’ve got. But he does offer something different to what the other forwards do offer. So, from that point of view, he can be an asset to the squad.

Mikel Merino as Striker

I think Gyökeres can make runs behind and push that opposing defence back a little bit. With Merino, they could squeeze because he will drop off. But he’s done brilliantly well, hasn’t he? The Spaniard. Surprisingly well, I think none of us thought because he’s converted into a striker from a midfielder, so the options there, which is great for Arteta.

Havertz isn’t too far away, I think so, and that might help Gyökeres. He doesn’t want to be sat on the bench, so it might spur him into action to have that competition. Nice problem to have for Arsenal, having talent like that.

Arsenal vs City Top at Year End

I think Arsenal will be top. They’ve got an extra game before the turn of the year. City have got two, Arsenal have got three. So that might be the deciding factor. But I think they will be top.

Prediction

Could be a tough one for Arsenal, but I’m going to go 3-1 to the Gooners.

Everton 1 – 3 Arsenal

Dominic Calvert-Lewin England Chances

He’s behind, you would say, Jared Bowen, Ollie Watkins. So I think the rumours of him being in the squad are asking a lot. But great for him. He’s stayed fit. He’s gained that match sharpness, and Leeds as a team have become more forthright.

He’s had a partner quite often last few games, which may have helped take away a bit of the attention from him. But good to see. Really good header at Brentford the other day. But I think it’s a step too far for England.

Adam Wharton Rumours

Listen, if he went in January, I think Oliver Glasner would explode. He’s not happy as it is, with the lack of funding. I was just having a look. His contract’s up to 2029, Adam Wharton. So, unless it’s a monumental offer, I can’t see Palace accepting something like that because they need to keep Glasner because he’s such a good coach.

But his game, that technical ability, would suit any club really. In Italy, Germany, you see how Michael Olise has gone to Bayern and been different types of players, but Wharton could slot in at most clubs, I think.

Prediction

Tight one, I think, maybe 1-1.

Leeds 1 – 1 Crystal Palace

Burnley’s Relegation Chances

I wouldn’t go as far as to say they are certain for relegation. I think they’re six points from safety, so it’s a sizeable gap. I think they will go down. I don’t think they’ve got enough in terms of quality as a squad. But no, they’ve got to keep going.

They’ve been competitive in matches, Burnley, without winning many. But it’s going to be a struggle, but I wouldn’t consign them to relegation just yet.

Antoine Semenyo Rumours

Most definitely, the top clubs will be fishing about for him in January. We’ve been talking about this 65 million release clause. If that is indeed the case, it could be a scramble to try and get hold of him. We’ve been through the possible clubs before, and it’s basically everyone. But you look at Liverpool, and we’ve spoken about Salah.

If Salah went to Saudi Arabia, and Liverpool were to get £60m for him, and then they could bring Semenyo in for £65m on paper anyway. So that’s going to be a fascinating one to see how that pans out in January.

Prediction

Well, Bournemouth scored four goals at Old Trafford. So I think that’s going to get them back on track in the right direction, because they’ve suffered a bit in the last month or so. 3-1 Bournemouth.

Bournemouth 3 – 1 Burnley

Kostoulas Minutes

The manager, Hürzeler, will be looking at him closely, how he behaves and plays in training and what he does when he comes on as a sub. He’s only 18, so you don’t want to rush a player like that. It’s a big step up for him.

They’ve got Rutter as well, haven’t they, as an option. He played up top last game. But Kostoulas looks like a player who could do well for them. So, as for starting, Hürzeler, only he would know whether the teenager is ready for that at the moment.

Prediction

2-0 to Brighton.

Brighton 2 – 0 Sunderland

Newcastle’s Recruitment

Those two, Elanga and Ramsey, have been in and out. They haven’t really had extended runs in. I’m a big fan of Ramsey’s. He did well at Villa. And Elanga, of course, what he did at Forest shows he can be a real threat. But then you look at Woltemade, been a great success. Malick Thiaw at the back has been really good.

So it’s been ups and downs as far as that’s concerned. The whole Isak situation over the summer didn’t help the recruitment situation, I think. But I don’t think it was a disaster, put it that way, because the boys we just mentioned, two have done really well and the other two have got the potential to do better.

Prediction

2-1 to Newcastle. They’ll bounce back after that Sunderland defeat, I think.

Newcastle 2 – 1 Chelsea

Manchester City vs West Ham

Well, City are on a roll. And I think that’ll be tough for West Ham. Nuno has tightened them up a little bit, but 2-0 to City.

Manchester City 2 – 0 West Ham

Wolves vs Brentford

I think the misery goes on for Wolves and Rob Edwards. 2-1 to Brentford.

Wolves 1 – 2 Brentford

Fulham vs Nottingham Forest

Might be a tight one. Forest obviously beating Spurs so well. But Fulham at home, 2-1 to Fulham, I think.

Fulham 2 – 1 Nottingham Forest