By Opeyemi Babalola
Ahead of the ninth round of the Barclays Premier League, I sat down and came up with a list of possible questions that’ll be on every fan’s mind going into this round of fixtures.
1. Will Klopp live up to the Kop’s expectations?
Liverpool sacked Brendan Rogers last week following a 1-1 draw in the Merseyside Derby. However, less than a week later, Jurgen Klopp was named as the Reds new manager.
Klopp immediately won over the love of the Kop faithful after labelling himself as “the normal one” during an interview. Klopp’s first Premier League test comes up this Saturday against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. The question on everyone’s mind now is ‘Can he restore the Reds long lost glory?’
2. Will Mourinho rebuild his Bridge against Villa?
Mourinho experienced a meltdown after Chelsea’s 3-1 loss against Southampton last time out at the Bridge. He poured out his heart for seven minutes after being asked just one question by a Sky Sports reporter. The Portuguese is under a lot of pressure right now, despite receiving club backing in an official statement recently. But let’s not kid ourselves, we all know if results don’t improve starting from this week, Jose may find himself unemployed.
3. Are Crystal Palace top 6 material?
Crystal Palace currently find themselves in an unfamiliar 4th position after their 2-0 win against West Brom last time out. Alan Pardew seems to be on course for a top 6 finish if Palace can keep up their current momentum. Ride on Palace, ride on!
4. Is the Philosophy failing?
Manchester United were welcomed back to reality last time out after the Gunners got the better of this fixture in a 3-0 win, with all goals coming within the first 20 minutes of play. Questions are now being asked of Van Gaal and his team as to whether they have what it takes to compete for the title after faltering at their first big step.
5. Can City handle the pressure?
Manchester city made a blistering start to the season winning their first five games. The pressure already seems to be mounting on the favourites for the title as was seen in their 4-1 loss against Spurs. They face Bournemouth, a walk in the park right? But we’ll see how they do especially with the glut of injuries sustained during the international break
6. Can Leicester City go all the way?
Leicester got back to winning ways against Norwich last time out after Arsenal humiliated them to end their unbeaten run. A trip to Southampton is the ideal test to validate their top 8 credentials. But do they have what it takes?
7. Is this Arsenal’s year?
Arsenal made a massive statement at the Emirates last matchday against Manchester United by beating the red devils 3-0, a win that showcased the Gunner’s attacking quality. Despite their poor form in the Champions League, I’d bet every fan will be happy to get the Premier League trophy that has eluded them for 11 years in place of a spot in the knockout stages of the UCL.
8. Can the Magpies rally despite Krul shocker?
Not much to say here, Newcastle are rock bottom of the Premier League with 3 points from 8 matches. Now their goalie, Tim Krul has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Let’s hope Newcastle don’t get relegated- a 17th place finish doesn’t sound so bad right now.