1
Villa can make statements against City
Approaching the halfway mark, it is difficult to assess where Aston Villa stand. Regardless of Manchester City's prolonged wobble, a result at home against Pep Guardiola's side will go a long way to giving an indication. It was always going to be a big ask for Villa to improve or even match last season's achievements but, with automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League a clear possibility and a top-four finish within reach the hand, has been another solid, although imperfect. , begin. Only once this season did Villa record a victory after a European night, in September after beating Young Boys. This time last season Villa were third in the division, two points off the top, with 35 points. They may now be 10 points worse off, but, despite the defeat in Nottingham Forest Last time they are still in a good position. ben fisherman
2
Brentford must plan forest breaks
Despite Nottingham Forest's success this season, their possession percentage of 41% is the second lowest in the world. first division. Don't expect Nuno Espírito Santo to turn things around for the trip to Brentford, as Forest's 14 points away from home this season are only bettered by Chelsea (19) and Liverpool (17). Brentford should enjoy the ball a lot, but must be wary of Forest's counter-attacking threat – Thomas Frank's team have conceded more goals on counter-attacks (five) than any other team. Forest's speedy forwards Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White will be licking their lips. michael butler
3
Ipswich cannot rest on its laurels
Kieran McKenna will tell anyone who will listen that Ipswich are “focusing on themselves” but with a quick glance you will know that the pool of relegation candidates appears to be dwindling. Both Palace and West Ham have improved in recent weeks and, although neither are without problems, they appear to have the quality and experience in their teams to move away from the bottom five. Ipswich aside, the other four: Everton (new owners), Leicester (new manager), Wolves (new manager) and Southampton (looking for a new manager) – they are all in a state of flux. This would be the ideal time for Ipswich to pick up points and build on last week's victory at Molineux. As Newcastle travel up the east coast, a first home win in the Premier League in almost 23 years would be very welcome for the hosts. MEGABYTE
4
It's time for Lopetegui to unleash Füllkrug
Niclas Füllkrug has had a slow start to his West Ham career. The German did not score in his first four games and then was missing for three months due to an Achilles tendon injury. However, he's now back in contention and has shown promise in a couple of brief cameos. Füllkrug got West Ham a consolation against Leicester and should have opened the scoring in the draw with Bournemouth on Mondays. He lacks speed but is lively in the area. Will Julen Lopetegui start against Brighton? Füllkrug would like to have chances in the air after seeing Brighton's defensive difficulties against Palace last week. Jacob Steinberg
5
Can Palace stop the kings from set pieces again?
Crystal Palace may have found Arsenal's big guns too hot to handle during the second half of Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final match, but Oliver Glasner will have been encouraged by the way his team performed against the threat of set pieces. While Arsenal were not as precise with their deliveries before Bukayo Saka was introduced late, part of Palace's plan was to leave three players on the field to give their opponents something to think about at the break. Glasner did not reveal whether he will employ the same tactics for Saturday's game at Selhurst Park but admitted he expects Arsenal to mix things up. “We will observe them and they will observe them and find new ideas,” he said. “It's always about what do they do and what do we do? Let's see.” Ed Aaron
6
Everton players in high-risk audition
How does the saying go? When a deal is closed, a window opens. The Everton takeover means there are plenty of January transfer questions in the air. The Friedkin group has promised “an exciting new era” but stopped short of promising Sean Dyche substantial funds for next month. However, many Everton players are now risking their future at the club, that is, those whose contract ends next summer. Abdoulaye Doucouré, Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye are three reliable but aging players who, despite their performances, will be at risk. Dominic Calvert-Lewin's contract also expires in 2025 and, although some suggested he was trying to cancel his contract and leave for free, he may now want to be part of Everton's future, with new owners in a new stadium. But whether Calvert-Lewin is trying to secure a new contract or impress potential suitors, he must find the net as he has not scored since September. Chelsea's visit to Goodison on Sunday is an ideal opportunity. MEGABYTE
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7
Saints must abandon arrogance and get ugly
Southampton have suffered from a lack of common sense this season. Russell Martin's failure to pay attention to the basics cost him his job. Martin wanted to play expansive football but his inflexibility has left Southampton rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and should not be seen as a positive. Managers have to adapt to their circumstances and make the most of the resources at their disposal. Martin couldn't do that and Southampton ended up giving away too many soft goals. Now you have to get rid of arrogance. Interim coach Simon Rusk has to make his team harder to beat when they visit Fulham. Playing from the back is all well and good, but would any fans object to Southampton recording an ugly 1-0 win at Craven Cottage? js
8
The reliable Aït-Nouri, a big mistake for Wolves
Much of the attention this week has focused on Matheus Cunha being accused of misconduct following a post-match incident in Wolves' defeat to Ipswich and looks likely to be suspended for Sunday's crucial trip to fellow strugglers Leicester. The Brazilian is his team's talisman, but a bigger absence could be that of Rayan Aït-Nouri, who was sent off last weekend after the final whistle. No Wolves player has played more minutes, provided more assists or had more touches this season than the Algerian international, who also ranks in Wolves' top three for passes, tackles and goals scored. Many Wolves fans were disappointed with Aït-Nouri's performance and behavior during and after the defeat at Ipswich, but the 23-year-old must return to the fold. new coach Vítor Pereira for the Boxing Day match against Manchester United, with whom Aït-Nouri has previously been linked. MEGABYTE
9
Cherries plan to storm Old Trafford again
Just six points separate Manchester United in 13th place and Nottingham Forest in fourth. There are also nine teams between Rubén Amorim's men and a guaranteed place in the Champions League and Sunday's visitors are one of them. Bournemouth are sixth with 25 points, three more than United, so a win for the hosts would be the perfect boost as the festive calendar begins. Bournemouth pose a potent threat thanks to the excellent management of Andoni Iraola, so don't be surprised if they leave Old Trafford with a win. After all, this is United; Last time at home, Forest beat them 3-2 and a year ago Bournemouth were furious. a famous victorythe first at Old Trafford. Jaime Jackson
10
Tottenham must pray for Forster
Both Tottenham and Liverpool have suffered injuries to their first-choice goalkeepers this season, with Fraser Forster and Caoimhín Kelleher excellently replacing the sidelined Guglielmo Vicario and Alisson. While Liverpool were lucky to emerge unscathed from Alisson's injury (Kelleher performed well and avoided an injury of his own), Tottenham now face an anxious few months as Vicario recovers from a broken ankle. Tottenham's substitutes for Forster include Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman, who have one senior appearance for Spurs between them. Ange Postecoglou will be desperate to ensure that Forster, 36, whose contract expires at the end of this season, can maintain his own form and fitness, or else the manager could have another problem to deal with. MEGABYTE
