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The Scout: EPL Week 20 Preview

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Manchester United v Manchester City

October’s Manchester Derby produced 9 goals, with City running out comfortable 6-3 winners at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side were out of sight by half time, leading 4-0. Since then, United have taken massive strides under new coach Erik ten Hag so expect this clash to be a lot closer.

Marcus Rashford has been in outstanding form lately for United with 7 goals in 6 games since returning from the World Cup and this has contributed to the club being able to move on very quickly from the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

United’s midfield has been transformed since Casemiro has become a regular starter, and his chemistry with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen makes for a formidable trio. Anthony Martial is over his injury woes, although Donny van der Beek is expected to miss significant game time due to a knee injury sustained against Bournemouth.

City, meanwhile, looked back to their ruthless best as they recorded a resounding 4-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup. Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Joao Cancelo, and Iklay Gundogan all warmed the bench in that game but could come into the starting line up at Old Trafford.

Haaland has netted 21 times in 16 league games so far and should lead the line, although Julian Alvarez is an option again. The Argentine’s stock rose massively at the back end of 2022 thanks to his 4 goals at the World Cup and he provides a different but equally exciting alternative to the Norwegian.

After a mixed start to the season, both Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish have found form and the duo combined for the only goal when City beat Chelsea 1-0 in their last Premier League game.

City go into the Derby as favourites, but United’s recent form gives them a chance to claim what would be a statement win.

Everton v Southampton

The weekend’s biggest game at the bottom sees Everton host Southampton at Goodison Park with both sides in desperate need of a win to work their way out of the relegation zone. Between them they have no wins and a solitary draw in their last 10 games combined.

Frank Lampard’s Toffees claimed a surprise 1-1 draw away to Manchester City but followed it up with a turgid showing as they were thumped 4-1 at home by Brighton & Hove Albion. A FA Cup exit followed at the hands of Manchester United so a game against the league’s bottom side is the perfect opportunity to bounce back.

Few Everton players have done themselves and the fans justice this season, but Demarai Gray has been a bright spot. The winger has 3 goals to his name, including a stunning equaliser against City, and should be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Southampton interim manager Nathan Jones saw his side claim a morale boosting 2-1 win in the FA Cup against Crystal Palace last weekend, however they have lost their last 6 in the league. Without significant January signings, they look set to drop to Championship having just avoided relegation last season.

Everton are favourites to win the game on home soil, and Lampard badly needs three points to ease the pressure from an increasingly restless supporter group.

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

League leaders Arsenal have impressed everyone this season, but their title credentials face a stern test against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. The Gunners have lost just once in the league, against Manchester United way back in September, and at the time of writing are five points clear of second place Manchester City.

Striker Gabriel Jesus is sidelined due to an injury sustained while on international duty with Brazil at the World Cup, but Eddie Nketiah has been an impressive replacement. The 23-year-old has scored 4 goals in his last 4 games across all competitions.

Martin Odegaard continues to pull the strings in midfield and has chipped in with 7 goals and 5 assists. There were eyebrows raised when he was appointed club captain, but the Norwegian has repaid Mikel Arteta’s faith and is one of the Premier League’s top performers.

For their part, Tottenham Hotspur remain hot and cold under the guidance of Antonio Conte, as evidenced by their last three outings – a 2-2 draw against Brentford, a surprising 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa, and a resounding 4-0 win away to Crystal Palace.

Harry Kane continues to find the net on a regular basis with 15 goals in 18 league games, but his supporting cast has struggled for consistency. Richarlison, who has yet to score for Spurs outside of the Champions League, Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min have had their injury setbacks and been sidelined for multiple games.

Despite being the away side, Arsenal are the much better team at the moment and should at least avoid defeat to their rivals.

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