• The sooner Jurgen Klopp realises that the 4-3-3 system is rubbish, the better.
• To be honest, Manchester United are playing better without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI.
We are back! I mean this week has been good especially after a bad end to last week. I literally had an eyesore watching Liverpool being toyed around by a Nottingham Forest side that is languishing in the relegation zone.
They don’t even have a shirt sponsor. From beating Manchester City then West Ham and losing to the bottom team is very ‘Liverpool’. A disjointed performance with a complete lack of composure or class around the opponent’s box.
This was incredibly frustrating once again. But a change in formation in the Champions League ensured that the six-time European champions routinely beat Ajax Amsterdam for a place in the round of 16.
Well this weekend, the Reds are at home and will be facing Leeds United.
The Blue side of Manchester, however, recovered after the loss to Liverpool to claim maximum points against Brighton. This week, we focus on Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Liverpool vs Leeds United
Saturday 9:45 pm
Prediction 4-0
The sooner Jurgen Klopp realises that the 4-3-3 system is rubbish, the better. This system fizzled out with Sadio Mane, the current attackers are not fit for the system. Against Manchester City, he used a 4-2-2-2 (an advanced 4-4-2) system with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez high up the pitch.
This worked well in the 1-0 win. When Klopp reverted to the traditional 4-3-3 system at Nottingham Forest, it failed terribly and he had to change again during the Champions League. Against Leeds, I expect Klopp to maintain the new system and, of course, a routine win for the Reds at Anfield.
Manchester United vs West Ham United
Sunday 7:15 pm
Prediction 2-1
To be honest, Manchester United are playing better without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI.
The Hammers, however, travel to Manchester on the back of a 2-0 win over Bournemouth and that should raffle a few feathers at Old Trafford.
United were last week handed a boost with the news that captain Harry Maguire is fit again for selection but Rafael Varane is out of action after an injury sustained during the 0-0 stalemate with Newcastle United. Being a home game for United, this will be a lucky win for them.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Sunday 5 pm
Prediction 3-0
The Gunners were on a roll before meeting Southampton at St Mary’s. Despite taking an early lead, they were outdone in the second half, dropping two vital points against a struggling side. They welcome Nottingham Forest, who got a rare win in the league against Liverpool.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has insisted that the “goals are coming back soon”.
The summer signing, from Manchester City, scored five goals in his first eight Premier League matches but has now gone five matches across all competitions without finding the back of the net.
Jesus’ profligacy in front of goal contributed to Arsenal ending an eight-match winning run by drawing 1-1 with Southampton on Sunday, hitting four shots without success.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, have the bullish Taiwo Awoniyi who seems to be settling in well. This is a fixture that might favour the Gunners. Expect a rain of goals here.