The False 9

It’s funny how a team’s identity can change so rapidly from one season to another. Whether it’s a new signing that lifts a club or the signing of a new manager who brings in new ideas (for better or for worse), a whole teams philosophies can be turned completely upside down. The best example of this is the new sparkle that Roberto Martinez is putting into a talented Everton side. Under David Moyes, Everton always punched above their weight and they always troubled the top sides with their tenacious hustle and sheer philosophy of ‘the harder you work, the luckier you’ll get’. You have to give credit to Moyes for that. However Martinez has bought something a bit different to Goodison Park. This team plays with a hell of a lot more attacking vigour! From a team that sat back and used to try hit teams late, Everton now play an entertaining brand of footy that has them still surprising all the big teams. With the likes of Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman and Gerard Deulofeu, this young brigade are playing with a sense of fearlessness that hasn’t been seen from the Toffees in many years, although whether they have the stamina and mental strength to push for a CL spot come May, could be a touch too far. Everton fans were treated to a side who put in 110% every match in the last few years, however having a side with first thoughts to attack, is something completely new and puts Everton in a new and exciting era with Martinez. If I was an Everton fan I would be feeling pretty happy with the way in which the team is heading under new management. Unfortunately with both Deulofeu and Lukaku only on loan for the season from Barcelona and Chelsea respectively, if they do go on to higher honours, next season they may have to rebuild again to fill their gaps. However Martinez has always been shrewd with his loan signings after experiences with Wigan and could come up trumps like he did this year. It’s not easy taking over a new team and installing a philosophy that the whole team buys into. So far it looks like Martinez is doing it, and doing it well.

Manchester City vs Arsenal

5 points clear and riding a wave of optimism, the Gunners will be looking to put more space between them and the pack. After only taking a point at home against Everton and having to travel to Italy midweek for CL football, this is going to be the sternest test they have faced this year. Worryingly they looked a tad fatigued on the weekend and three days rest isn't a lot when you're facing a team who have scored 16 goals in their last three home games and are coming off beating the defending CL champs in their own back yard. I can’t deny feeling slightly nervous about this game, as a Gunner fanatic. With Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Mikel Arteta having played most of the games, the likes of Theo Walcott, Thomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini become vital in providing the star quality when those players go through their slumps. Considering Ramsey’s start to the season, I think he can be cut some slack. The pressure may be off Arsenal as they are not expected to win this encounter, however a point or 3 here would be critical to keeping the big spenders away. With Szczesny in career best form, he will be well aware that he will have to be at his best to stop the form strike combination of Sergio Aguero and Negredo. He will be hoping he is given adequate protection from his back 4, which has been very consistent lately, and keep City quiet for the majority of the match. This without doubt is not a task any defender would like to be in, considering City’s form at the Etihad recently.

City held on for a draw with Southampton on the weekend in a match that had a bit of everything. Back at home City will feel they have the capacity to blow Arsenal away. Their high pressing game will cause Arsenal problems, but they have to ensure they don't concede the soft goals they have of late. You can’t ask for much better preparation for this match, than beating Bayern Munich in Germany this week. The confidence gained from that worries me, as the last time a team did that they went on a streak of 28 points from a possible 30 in the league to finish the season. That side was coincidentally Arsenal last season. If City can perform a streak like that post Germany, they will be more than happy. The key is the performance of their wingers in my eyes. Ex-Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri is in his best spell of form since leaving the Emirates and should worry Carl Jenkinson down Arsenal’s left side all game. Exploiting this weakest link in an otherwise settled back 4, will give City a major advantage. With Navas, Milner or Silva on the other side, any one of those 3 can prove difficult to handle and thus both wing backs will need to be on song. It will be interesting to see if City decides to play David Silva twice in a week after just returning from injury, or play James Milner to combat Kieran Gibbs' marauding runs from left back. With Aguero and Negredo up front, if half chances come along, they have enough quality to put Arsenal to the sword. A more expansive approach at home could be what is called for. Those who never try, will never get.

The Deciding Factor
Down the flanks. Nasri or Walcott. I believe whoever has a more positive influence on the game, will lead their side to a much needed 3 points.

Prediction:
Sadly i’m going with my head not my heart. The fatigue factor will be too much for Arsenal. City 2-1.

Tottenham vs Liverpool

Back to back hard fought wins from Spurs have suddenly released the pressure on under siege boss Andre Villas Boas. The way in which they have ground out the results was the perfect antidote to being flogged 6 zip a fortnight ago by a rampant City side at the Etihad. This resilience is exactly what AVB wanted to see and for the first time may be feeling a little more rosy about life this season. Am I saying that all their problems are solved? Not at all. They still aren’t playing the fluent, attacking football they would like, but grinding out results when not playing well is a trademark of past champions. I believe AVB is starting to understand his players more, after months tinkering with his side, especially in the midfield area. With a more settled line-up, playing the way he wants, I’m sure Spurs will keep steadily improving. Though you’d hope so after spending 100 million in the transfer window! This team was never going to gel straight away, however being in 6th place after only scoring 15 goals in 15 games, is pretty impressive. I wouldn’t count Spurs out just yet, the title may be out of their reach, but that doesn’t mean they can’t put a cat amongst the pigeons later on in the season. They will hope that starts at home against Liverpool this weekend.

Two words. Luis Suarez. My goodness what a fortnight. Seriously all I can think about was that performance against Norwich where (like I pointed out could happen) he single handily pulled off one of the greatest performances in EPL history. All 4 goals oozed nothing but class. I haven’t been that excited to see a four goal haul since Arsenal’s Russian maestro, Andre Arshavin, shelved 4 against Liverpool in the 4 all thriller. I don’t think there is much more to say about Liverpool. If Suarez plays too his potential, then Spurs have no chance of stopping the Reds this weekend. Full stop. If he has a sub par game, the likes of Victor Moses and Coutinho, who have looked better in recent weeks, will need to come to the party and pull them through. Missing Steven Gerrard (hamstring strain) will be a massive loss with his leadership and improving form in the last month, but gives a chance to the likes of Jordan Henderson and Lucas to put their hand up and show Brendan Rodgers what they are made of. With positive results being accumulated since being beaten by Arsenal, the scalp of Spurs will add to their London collection and quite potentially throw them back in to the title race, depending on Arsenal’s result with City.

The Deciding Factor:
I’ve said it once and I will say it again. Luis Suarez. Stop Suarez and Spurs will happily take the points at White Hart Lane. Give him the freedom of the land and good luck stopping the diminutive Uruguayan who will score from 30 yards or 3 with no invite needed.

Prediction:
I’m really worried for the Spurs back 4, but I think they will band together to slow Suarez down enough to reduce his impact. In saying that, they can’t seem to score heaps themselves so i’m going to say it will end up all square after an exciting 90 minutes. Draw.

Further Predictions

Cardiff vs West Brom – Draw
Chelsea vs Crystal Palce – Chelsea
Everton vs Fulham – Everton
Newcastle vs Southampton – Draw
West Ham vs Sunderland – West Ham
Hull City vs Stoke – Hull City
Aston Villa vs Man United – Draw
Norwich vs Swansea – Draw