Will Thomas silence his doubters? Will Man utd survive the Blades? Will Maresca pass Anfield test?… Questions!!!
The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England boss has raised a lot of dust in the last 24 hours. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming at all. There had been relative silence for months since Southgate resigned – Lee Carsley took over as interim and very little was heard about any likely names to take over; no shortlists, no real links. Nothing.
After 4 games, England seemed to suddenly wake up and Thomas Tuchel’s name came out of “nowhere”. Until he was official, I still felt it was a rumor.
No matter what many said about Southgate, he’s been England’s most successful manager in a long time, reaching 3 major finals in 8 years. It’s just unfortunate he couldn’t get over the line. So it’s definitely trophy or burst for Tuchel.
Just to put this out there – I am a huge Tuchel fan. As Chelsea manager, I (with many Chelsea fans) fell in love. Till date, he has the best press conference sessions I’ve seen in England. His carriage, passion, attention to details, tactical expertise and in-game adjustments stands him out and endear many people like myself to him. The England job is the most scrutinized in National team football without doubt and a lot has been said already, loudest of which is, “He’s German. Indigenous coaches would do better.” Whatever is said, despite the pressure, I hope he silences his doubters. More importantly, I hope he never doubts himself. Good luck, Thomas.
Thomas Frank who has been linked to the Man utd job as Ten Hag remains underfire would be at Old Trafford on Saturday hoping to smatch a win with his Brentford side. Man utd went into the international break with an infamous 0-0 draw vs Aston Villa while Brentford were ruthless, thumping Wolves 5-3.
Man utd has the highest xG compared to number of goals scored differential in the league. Their major problem is scoring/ converting chances. Young strikers Højlund and Zirzkee have made many fans question the decision to opt for youth and prospect instead of experience in the window. Amad has been the only spark in Man utd’s attack as Rashford and Garnacho continue to battle inconsistency while Antony remains in the shadows. Bruno has been a shadow of himself, the usual goals and assists stats have dried up. Man utd should also thank Onana for his vital saves contributing to the little points Man utd have gathered so far.
There’s news Mainoo is injured and may likely miss the game. Ugarte has to stamp his feet as early as possible and De Ligt can’t make mistakes at this crucial times. Ten Hag needs a win. Man utd needs a win. It just can’t get worse that it already is.
It’s a very tricky game. Man utd need a win desperately but Brentford know how to frustrate top teams.
My prediction: 1-1.
Anfield is that stadium you have very little confidence of getting a point not to talk of three. To have just two loses there in over 3 years says it all. Slot hasn’t looked back since he took over from Klopp as Liverpool sit top of the log with superior points and goal difference. A stable XI more possession-based, less direct unlike Klopp’s, anchored at the back by the veteran Van Dijk with a very dynamic midfielder trio of Gravenbach-Mac Allister-Szoboszlai, Salah leading the attack, it’s looked like a very smooth transition so far.
Chelsea on the other hand are having a decent season, too. Maresca has stamped his philosophy very early on with the players buying into it and executing accordingly. Palmer has been the star man as he was last season with 11 goal contributions so far, the highest in the league. It’s 1st vs 4th separated with 4 points at Anfield this weekend. Though early, these are the kinds of fixtures that give an idea of how each side would end after 38 matches and how well they are ready to challenge Arsenal and City for the league this season. It’s Maresca’s biggest test so far (first match vs City wasn’t a test at all) and he surely would want to make a statement.
Liverpool will score against this leaking Chelsea side but their high line will be food for Chelsea.
My prediction: 2-2.
Football is back and like I say, “It’s no weekend if the week doesn’t end with Football”
Let’s have it. ⚽⚽⚽
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