The sixth round of the Premier League looks promising. Manchester City will look to adapt without Rodri and test run their new setup against Wolverhampton. Arsenal wants to bounce back after a heartbreaking draw against title rivals while Liverpool and Chelsea seek to keep up their momentum!

Red Cards and Set Pieces, Operation Lockdown

It was a weird game. One of the weirdest in a while. Manchester City suffered an enormous loss, with Rodri walking out limping after just 21 minutes of the pitch. This came just after the midfielder complained about the busy schedule filled with European and international games.

Trossard was out after the first half, receiving his second yellow card from referee Michael Oliver after delaying the game. This looks like it’s becoming a common theme for Arsenal. After his elimination, Arsenal entered “Operation Lockdown” trying to keep their 1 goal advantage. They defended deep, and it almost worked. But, unfortunately for the Gunners, John Stones scored in the last minute. From a set piece nonetheless.

Newcastle Looking for Their Fourth Win Against City

Newcastle will seek to take advantage of a Rodri-less Manchester City and put pressure on the midfield to launch counterattacks. They will rely on Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes and their pace. Gordon has not been happy with being deployed on the right wing, and it hindered his performance. We will see if he goes back to his usual spot.

Meanwhile, Guardiola must rethink his strategy for dealing with low blocks. Against Arsenal, he relied on shots from outside the penalty area. He needs to exploit the width of his formation and produce cutbacks and crosses. Or, if he wants to rely on long shots, have players like Foden take them, not Ruben Dias.

Chelsea and Brighton Face Off at Stamford Bridge

Nicolas Jackson is flying high. He and Cole Palmer are becoming one of the league’s best and most productive duo. The Blues have been lethal on the counterattack, looking like a wolf pack rushing to their prey. Averaging 2 shots per game from counterattacks, Brighton needs to be careful and not let openings.

This will be tough. As soon as they break through Chelsea’s frail first line of pressing, they will face former colleague Moises Caicedo. Last game, against West Ham, Caicedo has been all over the pitch winning the ball back. I’m looking forward to seeing young Jack Hinshelwood play. He was superb in midfield and it will be interesting to watch where Hurzeler will deploy him this time.

Liverpool Keeping Their Momentum Against Winless Wolves

The Wolverhampton Wanderers did not have a single win this season. Although, according to OPTA power rankings, they had the most difficult fixtures so far; they conceded two or more goals in almost every game (2,8 goals conceded on average). They will look to press, be physical, and not shy away from fouling to break up Liverpool’s rhythm.

Liverpool meanwhile has it really well. Luis Diaz is the second best goalscorer in the league, outclassed just by Erling Haaland and Cody Gakpo is also in big shape. It’s a hard decision about whom to start. Liverpool will dictate the play, look for the vertical passes and showcase their offensive width.

Arsenal Looking to Stay in The Race after a Heartbreaking Draw

Arsenal is looking to get the title, since last year they were so close. They will not let easy points unclaimed, especially against accessible teams such as Leicester. Leandro Trossard will be available after seeing a red card against City, since he served his suspension in the EFL Cup game this week.

The Premier League hasn’t been quite welcoming for Leicester. The freshly promoted team has yet to get three points from a game. Still, they manage to frustrate and annoy their opponents and they are ranking 1st in the league for blocks and tackles in the attacking third.

Closing Notes

We have a lot to see this weekend. Will City manage without Rodri? Will Leicester finally get their first win upon their return in the Premier League? Are Chelsea and Liverpool going to keep up their momentum, and will Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson continue to be on fire for their teams?

We’ll find out and discuss next week, but until then, thank you for subscribing to the “Simple Football” newsletter and I wish you a marvelous weekend filled with goals!