Major talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

• Following a brief FA Cup break, Premier League football is back again.
• We look at the major talking points ahead of the weekend fixtures.

Following a brief FA Cup break, Premier League football is back again.

We look at the major talking points ahead of the weekend fixtures.

Newcastle face the Champions test

On Saturday night, the Premier League champions Manchester City will go to Newcastle in an attempt to maintain their perfect start to the new year.

The Citizens appear to be regaining their form as they have won five straight games across all competitions, while their championship rivals appear to be in danger as the club’s big players are returning. After missing four Premier League games due to a foot injury, Erling Haaland is very close to making a comeback, while Kevin De Bruyne commemorated his first appearance in five months last weekend with an assist off the bench against Huddersfield.

Together with Phil Foden’s excellent recent play, Pep Guardiola’s team is a formidable opponent with that combination combining well in the closing third. To stop the champions, who have only lost one of their previous 32 Premier League encounters against the team, Newcastle will need to step up their defensive efforts.

Last time out, Eddie Howe’s team allowed a Premier League-record expected goals (xG) statistic against Liverpool. The Brazilian will be missed for his robust presence in midfield while Joelinton is off for six weeks due to a thigh ailment.

Spurs new signings

Timo Werner joins Tottenham. Photo/ Daily Sabah.

The pace with which Spurs have moved this winter, adding much-needed reinforcements in the first few days of the January transfer window, has definitely made Ange Postecoglou happy.

This week, Spurs finalized the acquisition of Radu Dragusin from Genoa in a transaction estimated to be around £30 million. The Romanian was brought in to provide further defensive depth. Dragusin may start for the North Londoners against Manchester United this weekend since Eric Dier and Ashley Phillips are free to depart and Cristian Romero is now injured.

After Genoa’s promotion to Serie A this season, the 21-year-old made an impression, leading all defenders in aerial duels won and ranked second in the division for clearances.

Timo Werner was also signed by Spurs on loan from RB Leipzig. The German performed poorly throughout his two seasons at Chelsea in the Premier League and lost favor at Leipzig this year, even though he scored 16 goals across all competitions in 2022–2023. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old’s adaptability, quickness, and work rate seem perfect for Postecoglou’s scheme, especially without Son Heung-min.

Will Bayindir finally get his debut?

Altay Bayindir. Photo/ Manchester United

Altay Bayindir must have been thinking about what steps he has to take to be considered for a Manchester United opportunity. While Andre Onana has struggled this season—the Turkey international hasn’t played in any tournament in his first half-year at Old Trafford—the team’s backup goalkeeper has looked on.

To pitch Onana in the team’s FA Cup third-round match against Wigan on Monday, Erik ten Hag even requested special permission from Cameroon—a move that does not bode well for his confidence in Bayindir.

But in the upcoming weeks, when Onana plays in the Africa Cup of Nations, the 25-year-old will have his opportunity. Bayindir has an essentially unfettered shot at breaking into the team, with the pressure lessened in part due to Onana’s performance this season. The first real test for the summer signing will be a trip to Tottenham.

Fulham’s poor away record

Fulham players celebrate a goal in the Premier League match against West Ham, December 10, 2023.
| PHOTO: Sky Sports |

This Saturday, Fulham will go to Chelsea to improve on a dismal record against their West London rivals. Since 1979, the Cottagers have only triumphed once in 23 home and away Premier League encounters against Chelsea.

Recently, Marco Silva’s team has also had difficulty traveling; they have dropped their previous four away games. Over that stretch, Fulham has given up ten goals, and with Calvin Bassey playing in the Africa Cup of Nations this weekend, their defense has been severely weakened.

The Nigerian played a brilliant role in the victory over Arsenal the other night, controlling his duels in a commanding defensive performance. Tim Ream, who is 36 years old, is a capable alternative for Bassey, but he lacks the athleticism that made Bassey an essential member of Silva’s team.