Alan Smith’s Expert Analysis: Premier League GW22 Predictions & Analysis

Returning AFCON Players & Tactical Fit

It’s a boost to get those players back. With a likely change of formation to something like a 4-3-3, it frees up another attacking spot and gives Michael Carrick more options. That creates more goal threat than when they were playing with a back five. It’s a positive, but also a challenge to get the shape and personnel right.

Xabi Alonso as a Managerial Option

You can’t ignore what he achieved at Leverkusen. The Real Madrid job is difficult with the egos involved, but his reputation hasn’t been damaged.

City Title Pressure

There are still plenty of games left, but City have drawn three recently. They’ll want to get back to winning ways and were impressive against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. You’d expect them to start another winning run.

Prediction

City away win, 3-1.

Manchester United 1 – 3 Manchester City

Brian Brobbey’s Development

He’s making a very strong case to be Sunderland’s first-choice striker. He’s only 23, lively, physically strong, and centre-halves don’t enjoy playing against him. He had a good scoring record at Ajax and has adapted well to this league, so he’s a genuine option now.

Competition to Reignite Isidor

Having another strong option available now, like Brobbey, can help players like Isidor rediscover form. Lebris has some good attacking options now.

Eliezer Mayenda Potential

He’s only 20 and getting valuable minutes. You don’t want to overexpose young players, but he’s being managed well and looks like another exciting prospect.

Prediction

1-1.

Sunderland 1 – 1 Crystal Palace

Carabao Cup Prediction

Chelsea almost had one over Arsenal in the league, even though Caicedo got sent off; they were very physical. I think Arsenal might just edge the first leg 1-0.

Martinelli vs Trossard Selection

Arteta probably sees Trossard as more reliable tactically, although there may be a fitness doubt. Martinelli offers something different. He obviously had a difficult time after the Liverpool game, shoving Conor Bradley, got lots of stick, and rightly so, but he bounced back – he’s quick and direct. If Trossard isn’t fully fit, Martinelli is a great option.

Linked with Marc Guéhi

I was a little surprised to hear this, because Arsenal already have good cover for Gabriel and Saliba with Hincapie and Mosquera coming in, plus Timber can play in the middle. Whether there’s any substance in the rumours I don’t know, but if a top-class centre-back is available on the cheap, it’s always tempting. Other clubs like Man City and Liverpool will be interested too.

Eze Lack of Progress

Sometimes he’s played without really impacting games. It’s been difficult fitting him into the same team as Ødegaard, but there’s no reason they can’t play together if they understand each other’s movements. He’s hugely talented, and Arteta will need to persist to try and find a way to get more out of him.

Prediction

2-0 to Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest 0 – 2 Arsenal

Xabi Alonso Pressure on Arne Slot

Alonso is a Liverpool legend, and Slot has been under the microscope all season. The performance against Arsenal was better, but now they need consistency.

Ashley Barnes’ Role

He’s 36, but he brings experience that many Burnley players lack at the Premier League level, so perhaps he could play more of a part. He’s never been prolific, but he knows how to lead the line. Scott Parker might use him more.

Prediction

2-0 to Liverpool.

Liverpool 2 – 0 Burnley

Newcastle Champions League Ambitions

They’re on a good run. They’ve won the last three in the league, so I think they’ll fancy their chances at qualifying. They could benefit from five Champions League places and are only a point off fifth. Given the ownership and ambition, missing out would feel like a big blow.

Lewis Miley’s Potential

He’s right up there with the best English youngsters, and he’s only 19 years old. Eddie Howe trusts him, and he’s very versatile, which is unusual for someone so young. That variety of experience is excellent for his development.

Prediction

3-1 to Newcastle.

Wolves 1 – 3 Newcastle

Leeds Defensive Reinforcements

Daniel Farke will know that with a back three, you need depth. Leeds are in a better position than many expected; they’ve got a great chance of staying up, so strengthening in January makes sense. Adding a quality defender to help keep clean sheets would be a sensible move.

Prediction

2-1 to Leeds.

Leeds 2 – 1 Fulham

Managing Centre-Back Depth

Great to be able to bring in Coppola and Boscagli and see them do a good job, but Fabian Hurzeler isn’t going to cast aside someone like Lewis Dunk because of what he brings both on and off the pitch. Although he is 34, those two young defenders are going to be the successors and will be introduced gradually; we’ll likely see more of them as the season goes on. But Brighton are holding their own right now with Dunk and Van Hecke.

Prediction

1-1.

Brighton 1 – 1 Bournemouth

Tottenham vs West Ham

1-0 to Spurs.

Tottenham 1 – 0 West Ham

Chelsea vs Brentford

Chelsea win, 2-1.

Chelsea 2 – 1 Brentford

Aston Villa vs Everton

2-0 to Aston Villa.

Aston Villa 2 – 0 Everton

Nico Williams

Nico Williams is well known, but he stood out again in the Champions League for Bilbao. He’s only 23 and has long attracted Premier League interest. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move over at some point.