GLEN JOHNSON: BETDAQ Brand Ambassador Glen Johnson previews Sheffield United v Liverpool, as well as the big Monday night game between Manchester United and Arsenal. The former England international also shares his weekly accumulator picks for key fixtures in this weekend’s Premier League action.
VAN DIJK CAN STILL WIN BALLON D’OR
Earlier this week we saw Lionel Messi crowned Best FIFA Men’s Player, and it’s hard to argue against him winning it, isn’t it? Virgil van Dijk has every right to be upset, but how can you argue against Lionel Messi winning the award?
Any three of those players could have won it and you’d probably think it’s the right decision, but I think it’s right that an attacking player should win it – and that’s coming from a defender!
For a defender to win it, they must be the best by miles. Van Dijk hasn’t put a foot wrong, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are streets ahead of everyone. It would’ve been nice to see someone else win it for a change, but you can’t have complaints when one of those two win it.
Virgil will be a Ballon d’Or candidate for sure, and potentially for many years to come, but he might have to wait for Messi and Ronaldo to retire first before winning that accolade!
REDS CAN’T UNDERESTIMATE BLADES
I’ve been impressed with Chris Wilder and the way he’s gone about his business setting up Sheffield United this season. It’s admirable, and they are getting results here and there, but at the end of the day everyone associated with the club will just want them to stay in the Premier League.
Liverpool will still need to be at their best, and I don’t expect them to have many problems. I think they’ll put on a show and be ruthless against Sheffield United.
Last week against Chelsea we saw Jurgen Klopp’s side can battle and get results when up against pressure. In previous years they might have drawn those types of games, so it’s pleasing to see them do things the hard way when they need to.
I’m backing the Reds to win this one 4-0 on Saturday.
STRAIGHT FORWARD WIN FOR CITY
Manchester City were unstoppable against Watford, and it’s almost as if their indifferent league results and defensive issues are forgotten about now. Their confidence is absolutely sky high and they have sent a message out to other teams that they are still the team they were last year.
They take on Everton, who have been struggling, and the pressure looks like it’s getting to boss Marco Silva. I don’t think they’ll get rid of him if they lose to City because anything there is a bonus, but he needs to get results from somewhere soon.
BRENDAN TO SPURS? POSSIBLY…
I said at the start of the season that Leicester are a potential top six team and I’m impressed with how Brendan Rodgers has them playing. Their win against Spurs was well deserved.
There’s been talk of Mauricio Pochettino leaving Tottenham, and while I’m not sold on that, I do think Brendan would be a natural replacement as he’d bite at the chance to work with the players Tottenham have.
Brendan is a good manager and gets the best out of players, so if he had the chance to do that at Tottenham then I’m sure he’d do very well. Should he secure a top six finish for the Foxes then that could be a possibility.
MONDAY NIGHT GAMES? NOT FOR ME…
Monday night’s game between Manchester United and Arsenal should be interesting. Both have had tough periods in the early stages of this season, and I think it’ll be difficult to split the teams.
Monday night games are tough for players – I always hated playing them. It always seemed miles away from a Saturday afternoon and for the players it kills your weekend. After Saturday night games players have the chance to unwind and see their families and friends on a Sunday. Monday night games put that all to one side and not many players enjoy it.
WEEKLY ACCUMULATOR
⚽ Sheffield United 0-4 Liverpool
⚽ Everton 0-2 Manchester City
⚽ Leicester 2-1 Newcastle
⚽ Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
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