DON'T you love it when the Premier League plays midweek games in winter?
Where you can see the players’ breath.
Where the players wear gloves (and short sleeves).
And where you can’t feel your toes by the end of the match.
Every team is in action over the course of today and tomorrow. Here are Tuesday’s combatants…
Tuesday 28 November
BRIGHTON v CRYSTAL PALACE
If you’ve ever been to a Brighton v Palace game you’ll know that there’s no love lost between these two sides, but that’s only because there’s absolutely no love to lose in the first place.
The last time these two played each other at the Amex was the ‘Poo-Gate’ game in the Championship Play-Off semi-final back in May 2013.
Two goals from Wilfried Zaha downed the Seagulls as the Eagles went on to win at Wembley and take their place in the top flight.
And when the Palace bus driver left a dirty protest in the Eagles’ changing room and blamed it on Brighton. The seasiders’ unlucky defeat to Manchester United on Saturday was their first in five games but they haven’t actually won a league match since they pinched the points against Newcastle back in late September. It’s going to be frantic and it’s going to be heated. Referee Andre Marriner may have a tough night on his hands.
Altogether now…
Wash your mouth out son…
LEICESTER v SPURS
Hands up who questioned the appointment of Claude Puel as Leicester manager? Well, take it back and take it back now. Just the one defeat for the Foxes since the laid back Frenchman took the reins (and that was against Manchester City so no shame there). Spurs are wobbling once more and just four points from their last four League games has left them 13 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
Their title race is run and it’s not even December. Last time they made the trip to the King Power, they left as 6-1 winners with Harry Kane bagging four goals for his troubles. But they’re going to have to do it without Toby Alderweireld and Victor Wanyama, both still out with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, and also without Erik Lamela.
The Argentinian was due for a recall after his ailments but his wife gave birth last week so he may well be knee deep in nappies instead.
WATFORD v MANCHESTER UNITED (8pm)
This has got banana skin written all over it (not literally, unless Fyffes are sponsoring it and nobody told me).
For United, that is. Watford have a habit of getting themselves up for these kind of games (the 6-0 drubbing against Manchester City aside) and come into the game after back-to-back wins against West Ham and Newcastle.
And you know what? We’re tipping the Hornets to do the business again here. Madness maybe, but United still aren’t clicking, not even with Pogba and Ibrahimovic back in the first team fold. It’s no coincidence that those wins have coincided with the breakthrough Will Hughes into the Hornets’ first team.
The former Derby midfielder has scored in successive games having been given his first start against the Hammers (where he also got an assist) and he’s also provided more key passes (six) than any of his team-mates in those matches.
WEST BROM v NEWCASTLE
With Alan Pardew limbering up in the background, ready to unleash his dad dancing on the good people of the Black Country, it falls to Mystic Megson to take charge of the Baggies once more.
Saturday’s away day at Wembley saw Megson’s men claim an excellent point against Spurs.
A win here will not only give West Brom a much-needed fillip as they bid to climb out of trouble but also boost Megson’s chances of landing the job in the event of the Baggies board coming to their senses and not employing Pardew. Newcastle United, meanwhile, maybe aren’t looking like such an attractive proposition for potential buyers PCP Partners after a dismal run of form that’s seen them lose their last four games on the spin.
If I were Amanda Staveley – and I’m not because I’ve just checked – I’d put the money under my bed instead. Much safer there.
From The Sun
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