Every week, Sportsnet.ca will chat with Sportsnet soccer commentator James Sharman about the big stories and issues in the Premier League, and preview the weekend’s games.
Aston Villa went the entire month of October without scoring a league goal. What’s going on with the Villains?
First, Christian Benteke just returned from a lengthy layoff and is suddenly expected to be the saviour, when in reality it will take him weeks to discover his form after such a serious Achilles injury. More important, though, Aston Villa has endured an nightmarish schedule in recent weeks. Imagine facing Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton in consecutive games? Frankly garnering three points from those matches is not a bad return.
The loss to QPR was a surprise, and then they were unfortunate in a 2-1 loss to Spurs last week. West Ham is next this weekend—that’s another tough one and then they have Southampton. After that the schedule becomes much easier again. This season is going to be a roller coaster ride for Villa. They are not as good as we thought they were in August, but not as bad as we think they are now.
Saturday programming alert: Watch Liverpool vs Chelsea on the four main Sportsnet channels and Sportsnet World at 7:30 am ET, West Ham United vs Aston Villa on the four main Sportsnet channels at 9:30 am ET, and Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers on the four main Sportsnet channels and Sportsnet World at noon ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || TV schedule
Theo Walcott is back after being sidelined since January with an injury. How do you see him fitting in now at Arsenal?
When Alexis Sanchez signed with Arsenal in the summer, it led to questions as to what that might mean to another right-sided winger in Walcott. Perhaps he would finally get his dream of a central role? Indeed he might, but it looks more likely that Sanchez will instead operate centrally in Arsene Wengers new 4-4-2 alongside Danny Welbeck, so likely it will be back to the wing again for Walcott.
Aleksandar Kolarov has bee ruled out for at least a month with a calf injury. How badly does this hurt Manchester City?
Kolorov is a far more dynamic fullback than Gael Clichy, and given Clichy’s performance this week in the Champions League, Kolorov is just the far better fullback period. Still, the least of City’s problems is at the left back position. This is a team in crisis; a broken team, but a team that can still hit the re-set button and maintain decent League form with a gimme against QPR this weekend.
Sunday programming alert: Watch Tottenham vs Stoke City on Sportsnet World at 8:00 am ET. || Watch West Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle United at 8:00 am ET online at Sportsnet World NOW || TV schedule
Liverpool hosts Chelsea on Saturday. Steven Gerrard is out of contract at the end of the season, and recently hinted that he might leave Liverpool. Should the Reds re-sign him?
Yes. It reminds me a little of the Frank Lampard situation at Chelsea—a star midfielder slowly given a reduced role after inking one-year renewals. The only reason for Gerrard to leave, though, is so that he could finally win the Premier League title, but if he joined Chelsea or Manchester City he would be a bit part player and I don’t see him as the sort to accept the role as a sub. He could have left for Chelsea or Real Madrid in his prime and walked into those starting XI’s, so why would he leave now?
Stoke City visits Tottenham on Sunday. What have you made of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign so far as Spurs manager
I read a great article this week suggesting that Southampton’s success is down to a club philosophy and its youth policy, rather than the coach. At Spurs, Pochettino has been given a disjointed squad that doesn’t really work. It’s too early to judge him. Still, START HARRY KANE IN THE LEAGUE!