Leicester have won their last two games after going four games with a victory and will look to mount a win streak and climb the table.

Southampton, on the other hand, come into the game having been torn apart by Liverpool’s fluid football and are aiming to stop their two-game skid before it gets out of control.

Leicester’s recent upturn in fortunes has seen them rise to the top of their Europa League group and get back on track in the league.

The season has seen them start poorly as their woes from the end of last season trickled into this season.

On top of this, their old three-man defensive system leaked goals without Wesley Fofana in the eleven – Fofana is recovering from an injury.

Brendan Rodgers and his coaching staff made the decision to switch to a four-man defence six days ago for their match against Legia Warsaw and the extra man has helped them pick up two wins, albeit, conceding three goals in the process.

Southampton have looked impressive at times this season but their defence was exposed against Liverpool and massive improvements at the back will be needed if they are to stop the rot.

On the plus side, their attack has looked threatening on occasion this season but consistency is needed for success to be found – that being said, Che Adams and Adam Armstrong are finding their rhythm together.

Leicester’s Youri Tielemans will miss the game through injury while Stuart Armstrong will not be available for Ralph Hassenhuttl to select – Mo Elyounoussi and Ibrahima Diallo are however.

Teams

Southampton (4-2-2-2): McCarthy; Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters; Romeu, Ward-Prowse (C); Redmond, Tella; Armstrong, Adams.

Subs: Forster, Lyanco, Perraud, Valery, Smallbone, Elyounoussi, Djenepo, Long, Broja.

Leicester City (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel (C); Castagne, Evans, Soyuncu, Thomas; Soumaré, Ndidi; Lookman; Maddison, Barnes; Vardy.

Subs: Ward, Vestergaard, Amartey, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall, Albrighton, Pérez, Iheanacho, Daka.

Odds

Southampton 13/10

Draw 12/5

Leicester City 19/10

Where To Watch

The fixture will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.

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Chelsea v Southampton will kick-off at 19:45 tonight, Tuesday 25th October in Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel has built a nearly impenetrable side this season but will likely shake things up this evening. Since the international break, the Blues have won four matches on the bounce, scoring 15 goals and conceding only two.

Chelsea were lucky to reach this stage of the competition after they drew 1-1 with Aston Villa before a Reece James penalty won the subsequent shootout.

Southampton have not been as strong this season. The Saints have only won a singular match this season and now sit in 16th in the league.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side still have hope in the cup after opening the competition with an 8-0 win over Newport County. Last round, they needed to win in a similar fashion to Chelsea as they overcame Sheffield United in a tense penalty shootout.

This has become a very common fixture in the last decade. In their last 21 meetings, Chelsea have won 12 matches while Southampton won a rare three, most recently in 2015. Their most recent game ended 3-1 to the Blues back at the start of this month.

"We will make it as tough as possible for them."

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl says he will make changes to his side for their Carabao Cup tie at Chelsea pic.twitter.com/mYnn4AwbPF

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 26, 2021

Chelsea v Southampton Probable Starting Teams

Chelsea

Formation

3-4-2-1

Probable Starting 11

Arrizabalaga (GK), Chalobah, Christensen, Sarr, Alonso, Kovacic, Saul, Hudson-Odoi, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Havertz

Injuries / Suspensions

Pulisic (Ankle), Kanté (Muscle injury), Lukaku (Sprained ankle), Werner (Hamstring)

Southampton

Formation

4-4-2

Probable Starting 11

Forster (GK), Perraud, Salisu, Lyanco, Valery, Redmond, Tella, Romeu, Diallo, Armstrong, Djenepo.

Injuries / Suspensions

Broja (Ankle), Stephens (Knee), Elyounoussi (Head)

Southampton’s goalscorers against Burnley this afternoon:

Tino Livramento
Armando Broja

They need to sign more players from Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/5S9A0kpZof

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 23, 2021

Chelsea v Southampton Match Betting

Chelsea to win: 4/9

Draw: 10/3

Southampton to win: 6/1

Score Prediction

Even though Tuchel will most likely play a weakened side in this cup fixture, the depth of his squad should be enough to qualify for the next round of the cup. Rotation players Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek showed their capabilities in their latest league fixture and they will play a big part in tonight’s game.

Expect this game will end 4-1 to Chelsea.

The Kova pass.
The silky Cal finish. pic.twitter.com/BYjVAqLH8z

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 24, 2021

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Premier League and international club football news, click here.

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Southampton v Leeds will kick off at 15:00 on Saturday 16th October in St. Mary’s Stadium. David Coote will take charge of this round-eight tie.

Southampton is a club on the verge of trouble, although they surprised some in the early games, they are still without a win. Problems have been getting worse with their captain James Ward-Prowse now suspended for three games due to a red-card challenge on Jorginho against Chelsea.

Manager Ralph Hasenhutl will need to reinvigorate his squad or their two-game losing streak will grow.

This international break has brought good and bad news to the white side of Yorkshire. Days after their first win of the season, the squad was split up with some players flying to other ends of the world.

A few Leeds talents have shown their quality with winger Raphinha exciting for the Samba squad but leader Kalvin Phillips also picking up an injury while in England training.

This fixture has been evenly contested in the last ten years. In the last ten years, Leeds has won three of the five games while Southampton has won two. Last year, the Whites stole the show winning both matches 2-0 and 3-0.

Leeds United

More analysis https://t.co/3HCrQ3d8lx pic.twitter.com/3B9kNbCWyN

— The Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) October 13, 2021

Southampton v Leeds Probable Starting Teams

Southampton

Formation

4-4-2

Probable Starting 11

McCarthy (GK), Walker-Peters, Salisu, Bednarek, Livramento, Redmond, Romeu, Diallo, Walcott, Armstrong, Elyounoussi.

Injuries / Suspensions

Broja (Personal reasons), Adams (Muscle injury), Stephens (Knee), Smallbone (Crucriate ligament), Ward-Prowse (Suspended)

Leeds United

Formation

4-1-4-1

Probable Starting 11

Meslier (GK), Firpo, Cooper, Llorente, Shackleton, Dallas, James, Klich, Roberts, Raphinha, Rodrigo.

Injuries / Suspensions

Forshaw (Hamstring), Summerville (Illness), Phillips (Knock), Ayling (Ankle), Bamford (Ankle), Koch (Groin)

Happy Birthday Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7)

He scored Premier League goals for Southampton… most of them bangers.

Well worth watching some of his best goals! #LeGod pic.twitter.com/3x8gnYOidu

— Football Remind (@FootballRemind) October 14, 2021

Southampton v Leeds Betting

Southampton: 13/10

Draw: 12/5

Leeds United: 15/8

Score Prediction

Southampton has the home advantage but the absence of their star player could be costly. Both clubs will hope that the international break may have caused a minor reset in their teams and form.

Expect this game to end 2-1 to the away side, Leeds.

Liverpool are reportedly showing an interest in Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips & two other players, Raphinha & Illan Meslier (FootballInsider) pic.twitter.com/hfghF96soK

— RedBird News (@Anfield__Irish) October 13, 2021

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Premier League and international club football news, click here.

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Chelsea v Southampton will kick off at 15:00 on Saturday, 2nd October in Stamford Bridge with Martin Atkinson as referee.

Chelsea is in desperate need of a win. They have had two poor 1-0 losses in the last week against Juventus and Manchester City. They still stand in third place in the league, only one point off Liverpool in the top spot.

The Blues’ injury list is not too long but they will be without Ngolo Kanté (Covid-19) and Mason Mount (Knock) who also missed the Champions League tie midweek.

Ralph Hasenhutl has managed to form a solid Premier League squad after the loss of Jannik Vestergaard and Danny Ings. They are still without a win in the top-flight this season but have ground out four draws, including against Man City and West Ham.

Southampton most recently lost to Wolverhampton last week and the game showcased their main problem; their lack of composure in front of goal.

Southampton fans have not been looking forward to this fixture. In their last 20 meetings, Southampton has only won three matches and Chelsea has been victorious 11 times. This game will also be a precursor for the EFL Cup Round 4 match taking place later this month.

N'Golo Kante has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Chelsea's upcoming UCL game against Juventus and their Premier League match with Southampton. pic.twitter.com/N0E3IsjQcz

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 28, 2021

Chelsea v Southampton Probable Starting Teams

Chelsea

Formation

4-3-2-1

Probable Starting 11

Mendy (GK), Chalobah, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso, Saul, Jorginho, Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech, Havertz, Lukaku.

Injuries / Suspensions

Pulisic (Ankle), Mount (Knock), Kanté (Covid-19), James (Ankle)

Chelsea have conceded 3 goals all season:

Jesus
Mohamed
Chiesa (Meaning Church in Italian)

They play the Saints next… pic.twitter.com/9VwsHblTGd

— FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) October 1, 2021

Southampton

Formation

4-4-2

Probable Starting 11

McCarthy (GK), Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Pieters, Djenepo, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Redmond, Adams, Armstrong.

Injuries / Suspensions

Broja (Personal reasons), Stephens (Knee), Armstrong (Calf), Smallbone (Cruciate ligament injury)

Betting

Chelsea 1/3

Draw 15/4

Southampton 8/1

Score Prediction

Hasenhutl may still be looking for his team’s first win of the season but that will be very hard to come by away in Stamford Bridge. Tuchel will have drilled his players and they will be looking for nothing less than 3 points well-secured.

Expect this game to end 3-0 to Chelsea.

Two 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 #OnThisDay in 2016!

's pic.twitter.com/eZiAeszkHg

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 1, 2021

To read more in-depth and up-to-date national and Premier League football news, click here.

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Southampton will face off against West Ham United at Saint Mary’s on the Gameweek 4 of the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

This game will be an interesting game for both teams. The last time these two sides met was in the last game of last season tie at the London Stadium where David Moyes’s side came out 3-0 victors. West Ham also took 4 points from 6 from Southampton in the 2020/2021 season.

Southampton Retrospective

The Saints are slowly coming into some form after a second draw Newcastle United.

Coming from behind twice to take a point, with James Ward-Prowse scoring from the penalty spot in injury time.

Notching up 2 points from 9 is relegation form but if getting a win here, it will give them confidence for the month of September.

West Ham United Retrospective

The Hammers enjoyed a surprisingly successful 2020/2021 season, finishing sixth, only missing out on Champions League football by 2 points.

This season so far, they have carried on last season’s fine form into their first two fixtures of the current season.

Beating Newcastle away from home 2-4 and on Monday night, hammering European hopefuls Leicester City 4-1 at home to go top of the Premier League with two wins from two.

In their last outing, West Ham came back from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace.

In form, Michail Antonio continued to notch up his stats with a goal and an assist, contributing to 7 goals in 3 games.

Date, kick-off time and venue

This game between Southampton and West Ham United will kick off at 3 pm BST (British Summer Time) on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Saint Mary’s.

Where to watch West Ham United v Crystal Palace.

The game will not be televised live on any UK channel.

West Ham United v Crystal Palace team news

Winston Reid and Arthur Masuaku are major doubts for this game, with but sustaining knee injuries in recent weeks.

For Palace, Michael Olise is reportedly out until mid-September with a lower back injury.

While Eberechi Eze is suffering from lower leg problems and will be ruled out for the foreseeable future with no confirmation on his return.

Southampton v West Ham United prediction

Given the form of both teams, Southampton should lose this game sparingly. But, football is a crazy sport and sometimes the favourites don’t always win.

Southampton is in need of a win, a victory here would kick-start their season and stop the talk of relegation.

West Ham, on the other hand, will know what they have to do. Looking shaky at times against Crystal Palace, they managed to salvage a point after Conor Gallagher put Palace in front.

While I do think Southampton will cause problems, I can only see a West Ham win here.

Prediction: West Ham United 1-3

Predicted Line-Up

Southampton XI – (4-4-2)

A. McCarthy, K. Walker-Peters, M. Salisu, J. Stephens, V. Livramento, M. Djenepo, O. Romeu, J. Ward-Prowse, M. Elyounoussi, A. Armstrong, C. Adams

West Ham United Predicted XI – (4-2-3-1)

L. Fabianski, V.Coufal, C. Dawson, A. Ogbonna, A. Cresswell, T.Soucek, D. Rice, J. Bowden, P. Fornals, S. Benrahma, M. Antonio

Southampton v West Ham United – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Betting Odds

Southampton To Win: 2/1

Draw: 12/5

West Ham United To Win: 5/4

For more news and stories on all things, Premier League click here.

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This match will kick-off at 15:00 today, 14th August in Goodison Park.

Everton will be playing their first game at home in front of a full stadium of fans in nearly a year and a half. The club had a very tumultuous start to the transfer window, losing their well-respected manager Carlo Ancelotti on short notice to Real Madrid.

Now the club looks ready for another attempt at finishing top 10 with a new head coach Rafael Benitez and new signings, Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Joshua King.

Southampton have had a similar transfer window as they lost their main attacking threat, Danny Ings to Aston Villa.

The signings they have made so far do not seem like great replacements with Chelsea youngsters and Championship stalwarts some of their signings.

Neither of these sides will make a valuable challenge for the European places and in the Saints case, they may be fighting to stay up this year.

𝐖𝟑 𝐃𝟔 @Everton haven’t lost their opening match in any of the last nine #PL campaigns since a 0-1 loss against QPR in 2011/12#EVESOU pic.twitter.com/HhS4h9Jlzl

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 14, 2021

Predicted Starting 11

Everton

Formation

4-2-3-1

Starting Team

Pickford (GK), Digne, Keane, Godfrey, Coleman, Doucouré, Allan, Iwobi, Rodriguez, Townsend, Calvert-Lewin

Injuries

Gomes, Branthwaite, Gbamin, Kean

Southampton

Formation

4-4-2

Starting Team

Forster (GK), Perraud, Salisu, Bednarek, Walker-Pieter, Redmond, Romeu, Armstrong, Walcott, Tella, Adams

Injuries

Smallbone

Southampton's 2020/21 Premier League season by numbers:

◎ Position: 15th
◎ 12 wins
◎ 7 draws
◎ 19 defeats
◎ 47 goals scored
◎ 68 goals conceded
◎ Most goals: Danny Ings (12)
◎ Most assists: James-Ward Prowse (7)

Where will they finish in the 2021/22 season? pic.twitter.com/CGBMleVZT1

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 11, 2021

Betting

Everton are favourites with odds of 21/20 to win.

A Draw has odds of 11/5.

Southampton are the underdogs with odds of winning at 11/4.

Score Prediction

This is a transition period for Southampton who are starting the league without their talismanic striker, Danny Ings. With 34 goals in his last two seasons, it is hard to see the Saints replacing him with Che Adams and Nathan Tella.

Everton with Benitez will be full of vigor to impress their manager. Expect Everton to win this match 3-0.

Season 2021/22 Let’s go!!! @Everton pic.twitter.com/grnfQBzTTP

— Andros Townsend (@andros_townsend) August 13, 2021

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Jannik Vestergaard will leave Southampton after three years at the club and a total of 79 appearances for the Dane.

He had moved to St. Mary’s in the summer of 2018 from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach for £22.5 million.

Vestergaard will travel to Leicester to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms before the deal is finalised.

The Foxes have been interested in signing a centre-back since Wesley Fofana was ruled out until 2022 through injury in pre-season.

The French defender fractured his right fibula after he was on the receiving end of a tackle from Villarreal attacker Fernando Nino.

The 20-year-old’s leg was caught underneath Nino’s as the tackle occurred and he went down immediately.

The Marseille-born centre-back was stretchered off the pitch and was replaced by Ben Nelson.

Fofana played 38 times for the team over the course of his debut season and was part of Leicester’s historic FA Cup-winning run, playing in the final.

Rodgers recently spoke about the possibility of signing a centre-back to step in for Fofana this season in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

Rodgers told Sky Sports: “Hopefully we can. It’s an area where we are a little light with Jonny out as well for a period of time with a foot injury.

“With all the games we’re going to have over the course of the season, we need to have cover in those positions.

“It is something the club are currently looking at.”

Vestergaard played 32 times for Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side across all competitions last season and scored three times as they finished the league in 14th.

The 29-year-old was also involved in all six of Denmark’s games at Euro 2020 as they made an impressive run to the semi-finals after their talisman, suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.

The post Leicester Set To Sign Jannik Vestergaard For £15m appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ings (28) is entering the final year of his current contract at St.Marys, with Manchester City interested in signing Ings, as a successor to parted Argentian striker Sergio Aguero.

Manchester United have also been linked with Ings, but with Edison Cavani signing a one-year extension, any deal looks unlikely.

Danny Ings has turned down an offer of a four-year contract from Southampton.

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 5, 2021

Since signing for Southampton in the summer of 2019 after a successful loan spell with the Saints in 2018. He has scored 34 goals in 67 Premier League appearances.

Scoring 14 goals last season and 25 the season prior. Ings has turned down a four-year contract which would see him stay at the club until 2024.

The deal would have made Ings the highest-paid player in Southampton’s history, but the former Liverpool player is reportedly keen to compete at the highest level.

With Ing’s turning down a four-year contract with Southampton, it suggests the Man City interest has turned his head.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said in May that he expected Ings to put pen to paper on a new contract;

“I think Danny, especially, will stay with us,” “He knows with all his injuries he has had he has a very good spot to perform and come back, and I think this is important for a player.”

“It’s a risk to go into a final year of a contract with the risk of getting another injury, then things can be gone. It’s something every player has to answer for themselves, and we hope he’ll be with us for longer.”

Ings joined the Saints for a then club-record fee of £20 million in the summer of 2019.

He was called up to the England squad in 2020, missing out on the EURO 2020 squad due to injury.

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There are only 12 months remaining on Ings contract at the Saints. Transfermarkt estimates his value to be around €25 million.

Although it seems he has been in the Premier League for a long time, he is still only 28. He has also played for clubs, Liverpool and Burnley.

Ings has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City with manager Pep Guardiola very impressed by him. Tottenham Hotspur might also look for the striker if they lose the talismanic Harry Kane this summer.

He has scored 34 goals in 67 games since joining Southampton permanently in 2019.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl told Sky Sports in April:

“I think Danny, especially, will stay with us. He knows with all his injuries he has had he has a very good spot to perform and come back, and I think this is important for a player.”

Danny Ings has rejected a new four-year deal from Southampton which would’ve made him the best-paid player in their history.

Ings wants to test himself at a higher level and join a team competing towards the top of the table, either this summer or next.

(via @David_Ornstein) pic.twitter.com/L2hn4DadMq

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) July 5, 2021

Danny Ings missed out on making the England squad for Euro 2020 and as he hits the prime of his career. He will need to be at a bigger club to convince Gareth Southgate of his talent.

Southampton has done some business this summer already by making Theo Walcott’s loan move permanent and signing left-back Romain Perraud.

Ings has been the focal point of the Saints attack and has been involved in everything good they produce. It will be important for them to lock down the striker or to find a good replacement or 2021/22 could be a very difficult year for them.

“It’s a risk to go into a final year of a contract with the risk of getting another injury, then things can be gone. It’s something every player has to answer for themselves, and we hope he’ll be with us for longer,” added Hasenhuttl.

When you hear Danny Ings wants to leave Southampton but he wants to test himself ‘at a higher level’. pic.twitter.com/X0LcPY5bO8

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) July 5, 2021

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Premier League football resumed today after a short period of rest over the Christmas period. 6 matches were played on an action-packed St. Stephen’s/Boxing day. Here’s how they played out.

LEICESTER CITY vs. MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester United travelled to the King Power Stadium in today’s early kick off. Much was at stake with the teams sitting 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for Manchester United in the 23^rd minute to give his side the lead. That goal would have come as a relief to Rashford, having missed a sitter earlier in the match. He was played through by a Bruno Fernandes touch before finishing expertly into the bottom corner while one on one with Kasper Schmeichel.

The lead wasn’t to last long though. Leicester struck back in the 31^st minute with Harvey Barnes providing the equaliser. He was given the ball after Manchester United lost the ball in their own half before driving towards goal and unleashing a powerful shot into the corner from just outside the box. Bruno Fernandes was partly to blame for the goal. The Portuguese international was closed down inside the Manchester United half which led to the turnover.

Manchester United were arguably the better side in the second half having created more chances than their opposition. Their pressure finally paid off in the 79^th minute. This time Fernandes turned from provider to finisher as he slotted past Schmeichel in the box. Substitute Edinson Cavani played a key part in the goal as he carried the ball under pressure and timing his pass into Fernandes to perfection.

United are no slouches when it comes to goalscoring but their defensive frailties have been exposed one too many times this season. Leicester didn’t create too much in the second half but all they needed was one chance. That’s all they needed as they equalised again in the 85^th minute. Ayoze Perez pulled back a brilliant low cross to Jamie Vardy who scored – or at least thought he did – with a low finish. Unfortunately for him, and unfortunately for Axel Tuanzebe, the goal was credited as an own goal after coming off the Manchester United defender.

The match finished 2-2 as both teams failed to pick up what could have been a vital 3 points. Liverpool fans would have been satisfied with the scoreline as neither team could close the gap on the title challengers.

FULHAM vs. SOUTHAMPTON

Fulham started the season poorly but have showed steady signs of improvement over the last few weeks. Southampton, on the other hand, have surpassed all expectations so far this season and currently sit in 7^th. The two teams faced each other in one of two 3 o’clock kick-offs today.

Shane Long started his first game of the season, but he was unable to influence the game all that much in the first half. In fact, neither team really got going. Only 3 shots were produced in the first 45 minutes, the lowest tally of any Premier League game so far this season.

The second half produced far more entertainment than the first. That said though, the match ended scoreless. That would probably not have been the case in the pre-VAR era.

Shane Long was the first to put the ball in the back of the net but his goal was ruled offside. He was also involved in Southampton’s second disallowed goal. He played through Che Adams who crossed into the feet of Theo Walcott who then applied the finish. The goal looked legitimate but upon inspection from VAR, Che Adams was just offside in the build-up.

Fulham had their fair share of chances in the second half, also. Ivan Cavaleiro had Fulham’s best chance of the game, by far. He was in space as Antonee Robinson’s perfect cross found his head but he was unable to keep his header down. His chance was similar to Marcus Rashford’s sitter in the Manchester United – Leicester game.

The match finished 0-0 at Craven Cottage. Neither teams could complain too much, both were evenly matched throughout.

ASTON VILLA vs. CRYSTAL PALACE

Aston Villa faced Crystal Palace in the other 3 o’clock kick-off. Aston Villa have been one of the surprise packages of the season so far. Their early season form was particularly impressive, they’ve dipped slightly since but still remain in the top half of the league.

Jack Grealish has been the talk of the town in recent weeks but it was Bertrand Traore who opened the scoring for Aston Villa. He got on the end of a rebound in the 5^th minute to make it 1-0 to Villa.

Crystal Palace had a potential penalty shout in the 23^rd minute after a Matty Cash challenge on van Aanholt. The issue was taken to VAR but after a period of deliberation the decision was no penalty.

Tyrone Mings made life a lot harder for Villa just before half time. The centre back picked up his second yellow of the night to reduce Villa to 10 men going into the second half.

The red card didn’t seem to effect Aston Villa all that much. In fact, they doubled their lead in the 67^th minute. Kourtney Hause scored this time from another rebound. This time Ollie Watkins hit the bar from a header and Hause reacted quickest to make it 2-0.

Villa all but wrapped up the game in the 76^th minute. Anwar El Ghazi stepped up to the plate this time with a scorcher from Anwar El Ghazi. He took a first time shot which hit the far post and went into the net.

The match finished 3-0 to Aston Villa. The Villains currently sit 6^th in the table, but could move up to as far as 2^nd with their game in hand.

ARSENAL vs. CHELSEA

Arsenal took on Chelsea at 5:30 in a vital London derby at both ends of the table. Mikel Arteta in particular needed a win to ease the ever-increasing pressure on his shoulders. Arsenal won just 1 game in their previous 10 Premier League games leaving the Gunners in 15^th. Chelsea, on the other hand, needed a win to pressurize Liverpool at the top of the table. A loss for Chelsea would leave them 9 points behind the leaders, depending on the Liverpool result tomorrow.

Arsenal started the game better than Chelsea before fading for a period. They did, however, contain Chelsea, not allowing any big chances to be created. Rob Holding in particular was impressive during that period, marshalling Timo Werner time and time again.

Their defensive quality paid off in the 35^th minute when Kieran Tierney was fouled in the box leading to an Arsenal penalty. Alexandre Lacazette stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake from the spot to give Arsenal an unexpected lead.

That goal gave Arsenal a newfound confidence. They began to control the game and looked more dangerous in the final third than they have been in recent months.

They doubled their lead just before half time from another dead ball situation. Bukayo Saka won a free kick from well outside the box. Granit Xhaka stepped up to take and the distance of the free kick was no problem for him as he rifled the ball into the top corner.

Arsenal held a shock – but deserved – 2-0 lead going into half time. Frank Lampard, clearly not happy with his team’s performance, brought on Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jorginho for the second half.

Chelsea’s substitutions did nothing to disrupt Arsenal’s momentum. In fact, Arsenal were arguably better in the second half.

They made it 3-0 in the 56^th minute through Bukayo Saka. Although *probably* intended as a cross, Saka lofted the ball over Mendy into the Chelsea goal from an acute angle. He deserved a goal for his performance on the night, whether it was deliberate or not.

Chelsea got a goal through Tammy Abraham in the 85^th minute to give them the slightest bit of hope. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but after deliberation from VAR the goal was deemed to be legitimate.

Chelsea were given a chance to make it 3-2 in the 90^th minute as Pablo Mari gave away a penalty. Jorginho, normally so reliable from the penalty spot, stepped up to take it. Bernd Leno had other ideas as he saved from an unusually weak Jorginho penalty to relieve the increasing pressure.

Arsenal’s defence stood firm thereafter as the match finished 3-1 to the Gunners. The win was much needed, particularly from Mikel Arteta. This evening’s result could be the catalyst to a much-needed winning run for Arsenal.

SHEFFIELD UNITED vs. EVERTON

Sheffield United had picked up just 2 points all season, meaning a win is much needed at this stage of the year. They took on high flying Everton in one of two late kick-offs. Contrastingly, Everton have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season finding themselves in 4^th prior to the match.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin had the best chance in a lacklustre first half. He brilliantly controlled Michael Keane’s long pass before taking the shot on the volley which went just wide of the post. It would have been one of the goals of the season had it gone in.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first half. Both teams struggled to create opportunities with the final ball being especially poor.

It took until the 79^th minute for either team to get a shot and target. Unfortunately for the struggling Sheffield United, that shot resulted in an Everton goal. Gylfi Sigurdsson finished accurately into the bottom corner after some neat interplay in the box involving Bernard and Doucoure.

The match finished 1-0 to Everton in a match of few chances. Sheffield United’s winless run continues as they sit bottom of the league while Everton move up to 2^nd, just behind their rivals Liverpool.

MANCHESTER CITY vs. NEWCASTLE

The odds were firmly stacked against Newcastle as they took on a Manchester City team stacked with quality, despite a less than impressive start to the season. Newcastle’s confidence would have also taken a hit on Tuesday given their elimination from the EFL Cup at the hands of Brentford.

City, as expected, opened the scoring in the 14^th minute. Raheem Sterling should receive huge credit for the goal as he evaded a number of defenders in the box before squaring to Ilkay Gundogan who applied the finishing touches.

Manchester City largely controlled much of the remainder of the half after the goal. Kevin De Bruyne had a great chance to make it 2-0 after a Man City break but his shot from close range was saved well by Karl Darlow.

Newcastle still had reason to believe going into the second half with the scoreline at 1-0. City were far from their best, despite controlling much of the half.

That hope quickly faded away, though, as City made it 2-0. Ferran Torres tapped it in from close range after Fernandez’s block/clearance fell straight to his feet. Joao Cancelo did brilliantly in the build up to create the goalscoring opportunity.

Raheem Sterling, although a very capable goalscorer, is inclined to miss the odd sitter. He had a nearly unmissable chance to make it 3-0 in the 59^th minute but he failed to hit the back of the net. He blocked his own shot as his standing leg got in the way of a certain goal. Bernardo Silva had another good chance from the follow up but he was also unable to apply the finish.

Manchester City enjoyed near total domination in the second half and always looked good value for the win. The match finished 2-0 to City who move up to 5^th following the victory.

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