EVERY FRIDAY, FOOTBALL writer John Brewin – who has clocked up countless air miles covering the European game over the past decade – looks ahead to five key fixtures from the Premier League, the Championship and around the continent.
As well as explaining why you need to know about these matches, he’ll also pick out a tip for each one along with the latest William Hill prices.
Over the international break, Newcastle United fans finally got rid of Mike Ashley but the arrival of the club’s new owners has brought both celebration and controversy on Tyneside.
Newcastle United v Tottenham, Premier League – 4.30pm Sunday
When was the last time Newcastle United were the hottest ticket around? Sometime in the mid-1990s? Perhaps when Bobby Robson’s boys were in the Champions League almost two decades ago. At the latest it was that flurry of excitement in 2008 when Mike Ashley all too briefly captured the dreams of the Geordie nation and restored King Kevin Keegan to the throne.
And yet here we are. Sunday’s match with Tottenham threatens to be the biggest Tyneside love-in since Sting took his The Last Ship musical to Broadway and installed Jimmy Nail in the lead role.
Just don’t mention the unpleasantness surrounding the new regime at St James’ Park, where the money that shunted Mike Ashley out came from, the less than opaque picture of whether the club is owned by a foreign state or not, or start discussions on whether human rights abuses have a place in football.
Though actually do, since these matters are important whatever happens on the field of play.
Though perhaps the coldest dose of reality amid the reverie will be dealt out by an actual football match being played out. Newcastle kick off their new era second-bottom in the Premier League table, while having conceded the joint-most goals of anyone in the division. Steve Bruce’s presence in the dug-out in lieu of a replacement would also be a buzz kill for those who want to celebrate new-found freedom and getting their club back.
The new manager, when they should come in, must overhaul a squad low on both numbers and talent. Wild dreams of Harry Kane being the successor to Alan Shearer on Tyneside must wait.
For the moment, the hope must be that a returning Jamaal Lascelles can keep the Spurs striker quiet and that a returning Callum Wilson can line up in the striker’s role. Newcastle, with 10 weeks until the transfer window opens, must try and amass enough points that January’s expected splashing of cash is not good money after bad.
And a squad that knows it will be supplanted by brighter, shinier players has been tasked with keeping the club out of danger until such reinforcements can come in. How motivated might they be?
Tottenham have lost just once to Newcastle in five years and eight matches, and Nuno is still to convince their supporters, even if last time out beating Aston Villa was welcome. Kane is on his longest goal drought for six years, and was not impressive for England on Tuesday, but has a record of scoring once in every two matches against Newcastle. With confusion reigning amidst the revelry, St James’ could be the place to find himself back in form.
John’s bet: Tottenham to win with two or more goals scored @ 6/4
Barcelona v Valencia, La Liga – 8pm Sunday
In the performances of Gavi during last week’s Nations League finals, there was a glimpse of Barca’s future, someone who may be the club’s next Andres Iniesta. Meanwhile, Pedri is in the process of signing a new deal with a buyout clause of half a billion euros. There’s one in the offing for Ansu Fati, too.
The problem being that Barcelona must live in this actual moment. A moment in which Pedri will not be fit to play against Valencia, and central defender Ronald Araújo is also missing. Fati is still making his way back from a long-term injury. Last month, Valencia ran Real Madrid close, only losing in the dying embers. Another Barca disaster cannot be ruled out.
John’s bet: Valencia to beat Barcelona @ 11/2
Juventus v Roma, Serie A – 7.45pm Sunday
When Jose Mourinho last managed in Serie A, with Inter, he really enjoyed getting one over on Juventus, the establishment club at that time fallen on harder times. And he will be determined to do so again with Roma, who are four points and four places ahead of Juve going into the weekend.
Mourinho has been employing a drone to watch over his players in training while has concerns over the fitness of Tammy Abraham, his star striker having sprained an ankle on England duty. Juventus’ recent revival under Max Allegri, with three consecutive wins, may be a deeper cause for worry.
John’s bet: Juventus to win and both teams to score @ 5/2
Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich, Bundesliga – 2.30pm Sunday
Last time out, the Bayern machine malfunctioned and lost at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, one of the shock results of the season so far as Julian Nagelsmann suffered the first defeat of his tenure and a 30-match undefeated Bundesliga home run came crashing to its end.
Leverkusen are behind Bayern only on goal difference, and have only lost to Dortmund this season, that coming in a 4-3 thriller.
In Florian Wirtz, 18, who played for Germany this week as the senior team reached the World Cup finals, they have one of the prime talents in the country. He has scored four goals, and supplied five assists. Such players usually end up at Bayern one day, so here’s a chance to show them what they might soon be missing.
John’s bet: Florian Wirtz anytime scorer @ 16/5
Real Sociedad v Mallorca, La Liga – 8pm Sunday
Alongside Gavi, another player asserted himself in Spain’s rather impressive Nations League showing, Mikel Oyarzabal, the winger who scored his team’s goal in the final before France surged to take the trophy.
La Real are third in the Liga table, level with leaders Atletico Madrid on points, and Oyarzabal is a leading reason for that. Only Karim Benzema, having the season of his life, is ahead in the top scorers’ table of the Basque’s six strikes, while the 24-year-old scored the equaliser at Getafe in La Real’s last Liga outing. “Big Foot” is in fine form and the islanders from Mallorca could be the next victims for a team who don’t concede many, either.
John’s bet: Mikel Oyarzabal to score any time and Real Sociedad win @ 11/8
William Hill odds above correct at the time of writing. New online customers get €30 in free bets when they bet €10 with William Hill. Just use the promo code H30. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
