Premier League Preview: Pressure On Richarlison As Haaland Targets Liverpool

‎Everton needs more edge up front, Freddie Potts uplifts West Ham’s stagnating midfield, while Liverpool confronts an in-form Haaland.

‎Richarlison Needs to Step Up for Spurs

‎Time is running out for Richarlison at Tottenham Hotspur. Injuries to Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani offered the Brazilian a golden opportunity to cement his place in Thomas Frank’s starting XI, but he has failed to seize it.

‎Since scoring on the opening weekend, he’s scored just once in the league, and his recent penalty miss against FC Copenhagen summed up his struggles.

‎Now that Kolo Muani has returned to full fitness, Richarlison finds himself back on the bench and short on confidence. Spurs’ attacking output has been alarmingly poor, with their 0.1 expected goals (xG) against Chelsea being the lowest recorded by any Premier League side this season.

‎With January approaching and Tottenham linked to strikers like Ivan Toney (formerly under Frank at Brentford) and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahović, the pressure is mounting.

‎If Richarlison wants to secure his club future and a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for next summer’s World Cup he must rediscover his scoring touch fast.

‎Everton Set for a Forward Shake-Up?

‎Everton’s attacking woes are a recurring theme, and despite Jack Grealish flourishing on loan at Goodison Park, the lack of a reliable striker continues to undermine their progress.

‎Grealish has found rhythm and fan affection in Merseyside, but his creativity is being wasted. Thierno Barry’s struggles in front of goal, with no shots on target in 10 league appearances despite a £27 million transfer from Villarreal, emphasize the problem.

‎Barry’s missed sitter against Sunderland encapsulated Everton’s frustrations. David Moyes has rotated options relentlessly but found no solution, and with Iliman Ndiaye nearing fitness, a tactical rethink in attack feels inevitable.

‎Grealish deserves a clinical forward to convert his supply, and Everton’s upcoming clash with Fulham could mark a turning point in how Moyes reshapes his frontline.

‎Potts Powers West Ham’s Midfield Revival

‎West Ham’s youthful spark is being reignited by academy graduate Freddie Potts, whose recent emergence has transformed their midfield.

‎Overlooked early in the season by Graham Potter, Potts finally got his chance under Nuno Espírito Santo and took it emphatically. In West Ham’s vital win over Newcastle, he outshone Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton, injecting dynamism and energy into the Hammers’ engine room.

‎Nuno seems to have found a winning formula, with Potts playing behind Mateus Fernandes and Lucas Paquetá.

‎However, the challenge now is consistency. Burnley’s visit to the London Stadium will test whether Potts can sustain his high level in matches where West Ham are expected to dictate play rather than disrupt.

‎Granit Xhaka’s Redemption Arc Continues

‎Granit Xhaka’s story is one of the great footballing redemptions. Once booed off by Arsenal fans and stripped of the captaincy, the Swiss international has rebuilt his career through sheer determination.

‎His revival began in North London but has soared since moving abroad. After leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title, Xhaka is now shining at Sunderland under Régis Le Bris.

‎Xhaka’s experience has been instrumental in Sunderland’s surprise rise to the top of the table. Arsenal fans and even politicians like New York mayor and lifelong Gooner Zohran Mamdani may recall criticizing him years ago, but few can deny his transformation.

‎When Sunderland hosts Arsenal’s rivals this weekend, expect Xhaka to play with his usual mix of control, grit, and quiet vengeance.

‎The João Pedro–Delap Partnership at Chelsea

‎At Chelsea, manager Enzo Maresca may have stumbled upon a potentially potent pairing in João Pedro and Liam Delap. Injuries have prevented the duo from building chemistry earlier in the campaign, but both are now fit and eager.

‎Delap’s return from a hamstring injury and suspension gives Maresca an intriguing tactical option heading into Saturday’s clash with Wolves.

‎Deploying João Pedro as a roaming No. 10 behind Delap could finally provide the cutting edge Chelsea have lacked against defensive opponents.

‎Delap’s physicality and João Pedro’s creativity might prove the perfect blend to break down low blocks a challenge that has frustrated the Blues all season.

‎Bournemouth’s Quiet Revolution

‎Few managers in the league deserve more credit than Andoni Iraola. Despite losing over £200 million worth of talent in the summer, Bournemouth remain on course for another stellar season and potentially a European push.

‎Much of that resilience comes from intelligent recruitment and the emergence of young stars, notably Alex Scott.

‎Signed from Bristol City in 2023, Scott has seized his chance amid injuries to Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie. Partnered with U.S. captain Tyler Adams, the 22-year-old has become central to Bournemouth’s smooth transitions and high-pressing style.

‎Having lost only to Liverpool and Manchester City, Iraola’s side looks poised to surpass last season’s points tally and continue their climb.

‎Thiaw Rising for Club and Country

‎At Newcastle, German defender, Malick Thiaw, has quietly become one of Eddie Howe’s most dependable players.

‎Since his first start in September, he’s played every minute, showing maturity, anticipation, and physical dominance.

‎His performances have earned him a long-awaited recall to the German national team under Julian Nagelsmann, who described him as “a key player for the future.”

‎Thiaw’s consistency has been vital for Newcastle, particularly alongside new signings like Nick Woltemade.

‎After months of pursuit, Howe’s patience in signing Thiaw from Milan has been vindicated his defensive stability has laid the groundwork for Newcastle’s strong recent form.

‎Haaland vs Liverpool

‎Finally, all eyes turn to Erling Haaland as Manchester City prepare to host Liverpool in one of the season’s defining fixtures. The Norwegian striker has scored 27 goals for club and country already, including 13 in the league.

‎Yet, the timing of this match might actually favor Arsenal, who lead the table by six points over City and seven over Liverpool. A win for the Gunners against Sunderland would make any result at the Etihad beneficial to them though a draw could be the perfect scenario.

‎For Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, the mission is simple yet monumental: stop Haaland. The Reds pulled it off twice last season, completing a memorable league double over City.

‎But with Pep Guardiola’s men chasing ground in the title race, expect fireworks at the Etihad once again.