Premier League Preview

It’s getting towards the business end of the season and this weekend will feature some big clashes at both ends of the Premier League table. This could be the fixture that teams look back on come May.

Manchester City v Leicester City – Saturday, 12:45pm

There is no better place to start the weekend off than with this huge game at the Etihad. Man City sit three points behind table toppers Leicester and a victory for City will guarantee them top spot on goal difference for the first time since early December. The Foxes will go into this game with bags of confidence after an impressive midweek win over Liverpool. Both teams have been scoring goals for fun, but also have been letting them in at the other the other end, so the likelihood of a goal-fest is high. This match up also contains two of the top three goalscorers in the league, Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero.

I think Leicester will give as good as they’ve got in this game, but Man City will have too much strength in depth and will run out winners.

My Prediction: Man City 3 Leicester 1


Aston Villa v Norwich City – Saturday, 3pm

This is a match-up which could almost certainly decide which division Aston Villa will be playing in next season. Norwich currently occupy the spot just outside of the relegation zone, a position Aston Villa would love to be in, but unfortunately for Villa they have ten points fewer than their opponents and they can ill afford to let that gap open up further. Villa failed to make any signings in the January transfer window, a potential sign of resignation to their position. Norwich on the other hand managed to bring in several new faces which they will hope can make an impact on their chances of avoiding the drop.

As both teams are very low on confidence at the moment I don’t see either of them coming away from this game with a victory.

My Prediction: Aston Villa 1 Norwich 1

Liverpool v Sunderland – Saturday, 3pm

Both of these teams could desperately do with a win this weekend, one for a much needed confidence boost and the other to help them in their fight against relegation. Liverpool have been performing very poorly in the last few games, in particular against Leicester the other night. It’s about time Christian Benteke started to justify that hefty price tag and do what he was brought in to do, score goals. Sunderland’s main problem is they just can’t seem to keep a clean sheet. They did bring in two new defenders during the transfer window, so they will have a positive impact. After Steven Fletcher’s shock departure to Marseille, Jermaine Defoe will more than likely lead the line for the Black Cats.

I can see this game being a bit scrappy, without much quality, but I believe Liverpool are going to just shade it.

My Prediction: Liverpool 2 Sunderland 1

Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion – Saturday, 3pm

This is another big game at the bottom of the table where both teams could do with picking up points. This is probably a bigger game for Newcastle than it is for WBA. The Magpies they find themselves two points from safety. West Brom have only won two of their last twelve outings so they will be looking to put in a good performance and a win against Newcastle. It was a highly successful transfer window for United as they managed to pick up some real quality, including England Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey. West Brom will also be happy with their window after they once again maintained the services of Saido Berahino. Newcastle had a bid of £21 million turned down on Monday for the striker. Could Berahino show Newcastle what they are missing on Saturday afternoon?

With the impressive acquisitions Newcastle required last month and West Brom’s severe lack of form, I believe Newcastle will run out comfortable winners.

My Prediction: Newcastle 2 West Brom 0

Stoke City v Everton – Saturday, 3pm

It doesn’t get any more mid-table than this, as tenth faces eleventh. However, both teams will be hoping they can propel themselves up the table towards the European places over the coming months. It is hard to predict which way this game will go as they have each been relatively unpredictable this season. Stoke fans will be excited to see the probable debut of new record signing Giannelli Imbula. Everton will also be hoping new £13.5 million striker Oumar Niasse will be available to make his debut. If there’s one thing to expect from this game, it’s goals. Everton have been involved in the most goals (77) in the Premier League this season.

I expect to see an open, free-flowing game with plenty of interesting match-ups. As I can’t split the two, I’m going for a score draw.

My Prediction: Stoke 2 Everton 2

Swansea v Crystal Palace – Saturday, 3pm

A recent upturn in form has allowed Swansea a bit of breathing space from the teams below them. They now sit five points above relegation zone after two wins from their last three. It is quite the opposite for Crystal Palace as although they may not be in any trouble of getting sucked into a relegation battle, they have gone seven games without a win. In the previous encounter neither side managed to impose themselves on the game, which resulted in a goalless draw. Emmanuel Adebayor will once again be hoping he can score in his first start for a club, having done so for his three previous Premier League teams (Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur).

I can see this being a fairly even game, with few chances, just like the game earlier on in the season. Although, I do believe there will be goals.

My Prediction: Swansea 1 Crystal Palace 1

Tottenham Hotspur v Watford – Saturday, 3pm

I don’t see this Watford defence being able to contain a rampant Spurs, who have won three in a row, scoring ten goals in the process. Spurs will be hoping to close the gap on the top two, who play each other this weekend. Watford have been faltering a little bit of late, having only won one of their last seven games. Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo will be looking to reignite their partnership and get back to scoring ways for the Hornets.

With the form Tottenham have been in recently I can’t see anything but a home win in this one.

My Prediction: Spurs 3 Watford 1

Southampton v West Ham – Saturday, 5:30pm


This has the makings of a very good game as both teams are in good form and play with an expansive style. Southampton have kept four clean sheets in a row, but West Ham score goals so something has to give. The Saints got a good point at Arsenal in midweek and will be hoping to get the three points and close the five point gap on West Ham. A point will take the Hammers above Manchester United into fifth place. Although, with the way they have been playing this season they will be hoping to beat Southampton.


I think this will be a good game, with plenty of chances for both teams. I see the quick, counter attacking football of West Ham just giving them the edge.


My Prediction: Southampton 1 West Ham 2

Bournemouth v Arsenal – Sunday, 1:30pm

Arsenal simply have to win this game to keep their title hopes alive, they can’t afford to lose more ground on the teams above them. The Gunners have now gone four Premier League games without a victory and find themselves in fourth place. Opponents Bournemouth are three games undefeated and got a valuable win at Crystal Palace in midweek. Both teams play high tempo, attacking football so goals should be expected. The Cherries will fancy their chances after already picking up the scalps of Manchester United and Chelsea this season. Striker Benik Afobe will be hoping he can show Arsenal why they were wrong to sell him just over a year ago.

With Arsenal in desperate need of three points I think their quality will just about see them through for the win.

Bournemouth 1 Arsenal 2

 

Chelsea v Manchester United – Sunday, 4pm

It’s strange for these two teams to be facing each other with neither side in the race for the title. Chelsea are still undefeated under Guus Hiddink, a run which has stretched to nine games after drawing with Watford. United fans left Old Trafford more than satisfied in midweek for the first time in months. Their team displayed some of the attacking football Manchester United has been renowned for with a 3-0 win over Stoke City. When the sides met in late December they played out a goalless draw, since then they have both been finding the net on a more regular basis.

This isn’t an easy fixture to predict a result for so I’m going to sit on the fence and go with a score draw.

Chelsea 2 Man United 2

Why Blake Griffin Should Be Traded

After the news breaking that Blake Griffin punched assistant equipment manager, Matias Testi, an incident that took place at a restaurant in Toronto and left the Clippers franchise forward with a broken right hand and 2 further months on the side-line, there has been a lot of discussion on the future of the Los Angeles Clippers, and Blake Griffin in particular.

The Clippers think the healing process might actually take two months, in which case Griffin would return with only two short weeks before the start of the playoffs.  This however, has absolutely no bearing on whether the Los Angeles Clippers should trade Blake Griffin.

Since Blake’s injury back in December, Chris Paul has played as well as I have seen him play in a long time. With Blake out the team, all of a sudden CP3 has the greenlight and Doc Rivers has pushed him to go-ahead and shoot the basketball!  Not only is CP3 scoring more, but he has been able to move the ball more efficiently.  Rivers has given Griffin’s minutes to extra 3-point shooters in small-ball line-ups.  This has allowed CP3 to run the pick-and-roll with DeAndre Jordan, which is still Lob City, whilst having 3 snipers out on the perimeter.

Over the past two seasons, the Clippers are 22-9 without Blake Griffin, including a 13-3 mark since Griffin tore his quadriceps muscle in December. They have played better on both ends as the numbers show:

The main reason Blake Griffin should be traded? It has nothing to do with this incident. It has nothing to do with Chris Paul…

It has everything to do with DeAndre Jordan!

DeAndre Jordan has improved his game immensely over the past 2 seasons. He is a highlight reel waiting to happen. He is more than capable of grabbing 12-15 rebounds a night whilst blocking 2.5 shots per game.  DeAndre’s numbers are significantly increased when Blake isn’t on the floor.

DeAndre Jordan’s problem, aside from his flat-out pathetic free throw shooting (which is a HUGE problem), is that he is extremely limited on offense. He’s a good finisher from CP3’s pick-and-roll lobs but that’s about it. He can’t hit anything beyond 5ft!

Why this effects Blake is because DeAndre is so limited on offense, he clogs up the middle and rightly so. Therefore Blake is forced to operate, whether it is backing you down off-the-dribble from the wing or stepping out and hitting long 2pt jump shots.  Although Blake has hugely improved his 15-18ft jump shot, this isn’t his game and he is far from a consistent 3pt shooter.

Another reason I believe Blake Griffin should be traded…  These LA Clippers aren’t beating the San Antonio Spurs or the Golden State Warriors.  The championship window for the Clippers is now, if you want to be a good team, don’t trade Blake! If you’re trying to win a Championship, make the trade.

 

There is one thing we cannot ignore… Blake Griffin is a superstar! 

He is averaging 24pts, 9rebs and 5asts whilst shooting 50% from the field.  In the postseason last year, he averaged 24pts and 12rebs. There is no doubting Blake’s ability. There is an argument to be made that he is the best player on the Clippers roster.

If the Clippers are going to trade him, they should look to get a first tier superstar or at the very least, a second tier superstar along with another valuable piece to improve their roster.

Taking all of this into consideration, here are some potential options for the Clippers to consider if they were to trade their All-Star power forward.

 

Potential trades

New York Knicks receive: Blake Griffin, Lance Stephenson

Los Angeles Clippers: Carmelo Anthony, Arron Afflalo

This is a trade that has been rumoured for years. I love this trade for both teams.

Carmelo Anthony is one of the deadliest scorers in the league. This would give the Clippers a perfect scenario to play small ball with Carmelo Anthony at the PF. Carmelo looked at his best in New York when playing with big man Tyson Chandler. Chris Paul would love to play with one of his friends in Anthony.

Blake Griffin would fit nicely next to Kristaps Porzingis, a big man who can protect the rim and space the floor, providing a perfect compliment. I don’t like the idea of Porzingis playing the 4 for the rest of his career; I don’t think he can chase round these new 6’6, 6’7 hybrid stretch fours all game. He needs an NBA body, but I’ll give him a pass because he’s a rookie. He’ll be fine!

Griffin also would fit nicely in the triangle. Because Anthony is older, the Clippers could ask for Afflalo, who has his faults but this would give them a more reliable wing than they have already, and the Knicks could take back Stephenson (#FreeLance) as payment for getting Griffin.

 

Miami Heat receive:  Blake Griffin

Los Angeles Clippers receive: Chris Bosh, Justice Winslow

This gives the Clippers what they need – spacing.

Chris Bosh has proved over the past few years he is a reliable 3pt shooter. He wouldn’t get in the way of DeAndre Jordan as he mostly operates outside the paint, he can play the 5 if teams are going to hack-a-Jordan (intentionally foul him to shoot FT’s) and Justice Winslow gives you a young wing  defender with a lot of promise.

The idea of Blake Griffin in South Beach seems a very exciting and realistic prospect. The Heat would be adding a legit superstar to go with Dwyane Wade, Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic etc. that would boost their chances of a deep play-off run in the Eastern conference.

 

Boston Celtics receive: Blake Griffin, Paul Pierce

Los Angeles Clippers receive: Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, David Lee, 1^st Round pick (via Brooklyn)

Having Paul Pierce back in Boston to see out the remaining year(s) of his career would be great!!

But as a Celtics fan, that’s all I like about this trade. I really do NOT want to give up that Brooklyn pick. If there is any chance that it turns into #1, which is likely and we miss out on getting our hands on Ben Simmons (see Matty Lindley’s upcoming post on Draft prospects), I would be disappointed. However, Danny Ainge has been accumulating assets to make this sort of trade. With all the picks and assets Boston have, they need to go and get a franchise player; Blake Griffin could be the answer!

With Bradley and Crowder, the Clippers would get a pair of guys who can defend and shoot 3-pointers, and would fit nicely in the starting lineup alongside Paul, Jordan and J.J. Redick.  David Lee could be a good role player for these Clippers, coming off the bench.

Meanwhile Brooklyn’s pick this summer, which will likely wind up in the top five, would give them either another trade chip or a bridge to the next era for the franchise.

Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Blake Griffin

Los Angeles Clippers receive: Kevin Love

Who remembers when there was a discussion over who the better Power Forward was between Love and Griffin? Yeah, I think we all know the answer to that. Although Kevin Love’s performances have improved this year, he is not Blake Griffin!

However, Kevin Love on the Clippers could be interesting. The floor-spacing would be much better, with Kevin Love being the knock-down 3pt shooter that he is. This helps out CP3 to facilitate, make plays and gives him the greenlight to score the basketball, as mentioned previously.

Griffin’s athleticism would be a better fit for Cleveland, with the high-tempo, pushing the ball up the floor style of basketball, the way new coach Tyronn Lue wants them to play. Imagine a small ball Cavaliers line-up with LeBron James and Blake Griffin vs the Golden State Warriors in the NBA finals…

Indiana Pacers receive: Blake Griffin, Lance Stephenson

Los Angeles Clippers: Paul George

This would be perfect for the Clippers. Whether Indiana does this trade, I’m not so sure about. But hey, it’s worth a shot!

Paul George would be the ideal player to add to this Clippers roster, one of the premier wing players who has turned into a 3pt gunner this year as well as one of the better defenders in the NBA. If the Clippers have any chance in getting Paul George for Blake, they should pull the trigger.

The Pacers see Paul George as their franchise player and rightly so. But would they be tempted with Blake Griffin as well as Lance Stephenson returning to Indiana? Lance Stephenson played at an all-star level in his final year in Indiana.  If Lance could return to his Indiana form, this could be a very good trade for the Pacers!

- Charlie Wilson (@CharlieWilson21)

Who is Dele Alli?

Tottenham Hostspur’s Dele Alli has gone from being a relatively unknown League One midfielder to a Premier League star in less than a year. The vibrant youngster came through the ranks with his hometown club Milton Keynes Dons and went on to make 88 appearances since his debut back in 2012. It is believed Alli was keen on a switch to Anfield, having been a Reds fan all his life. However, old boss Brendan Rodgers and the Liverpool transfer committee focused their attention elsewhere. Spurs decided to take a gamble by signing Alli during last year’s January transfer window for what now looks to be a measly £5 million. They then loaned him straight back to the Dons and he went on to become the League One young player of the year.

Alli made his top flight debut on the opening day of the season, coming off the bench against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Two weeks later he registered his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw against Leicester City. On 8 November, Alli started his first North London Derby against Arsenal where he was accompanied in midfield by fellow young Englishman Eric Dier. The two have since nailed down a regular place and managed to form a formidable partnership.

Alli has now gone on to make 31 appearances, in which he has scored 7 goals alongside 5 assists. One of them goals came against rivals Crystal Palace where he showed real star quality with a spectacular 25 yard volley. His form in this outstanding breakthrough season has led to him being rewarded with a new five and a half year deal, taking him through until the summer of 2021.

The 19 year old has represented England from Under 17’s all the way through to the senior squad. Former Wimbledon captain John Fashanu attempted to persuade Alli to change allegiance to Nigeria. Fortunately for England manager Roy Hodgson the midfielder opted to stick with the country of his birth and was handed his first international cap in a Euro 2016 Qualifier against Estonia back in October. Following this he was promoted to the starting line up for the friendly clash against this year’s European Championship hosts, France. Alli went on to put in a stellar performance in which he scored a long range effort, beating club team mate Hugo Lloris.

Looking towards the future, Alli is quite possibly the best English midfielder to emerge on the scene since Steven Gerrard came through the ranks. His talents are spread right across the board. He can score goals, he can create chances, he can tackle, he has great composure and doesn’t get pushed off the ball easily. Alli may be the driving force Spurs need to take them to the next level and challenge for trophies. In addition to this he will more than likely be a crucial member of the national squad for at least the next ten years. It will be very interesting to cast an eye over the career of Dele Alli and there is no reason as to why he can’t go right to the top.