Weekly Newsletter
Manchester City v Newcastle
This fourth v fifth clash will come at important times for both clubs – Manchester City will be wanting to advance in the Champions League with a play-off against Real Madrid midweek. While Newcastle United are looking to maintain their top four hopes ahead of this clash.
Newcastle United have come off securing themselves into a Carabao Cup Final after beating Arsenal 4-0. The Magpies have not won a trophy in 70 years. They will be a rejuvenated team ahead of their Etihad trip. However, Howe’s side in recent years have struggled against the current champions with his last win in the Premier League coming in 2019.
January is often a quieter period in this era of Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Profit and Sustainability Rules. (PSR) For City to spend big outlines their intentions of salvaging what remains of this season. Guardiola’s side will have to play 8 games in 35 days. All of which are crucial to City’s top four, and Champions League hopes.
Manchester City will hope their new January signings in which managed to make up 44% of the Premier League net spend will ease the match load of their players. Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis have all arrived at a total of £178million.
 At the time of writing City sits fourth level on points with Newcastle United. Highlighting not only the uncertainties of Champions League for City, but the competitiveness of the Premier League this season with 9 points separating fourth to tenth.
Aston Vila v Ipswich
Both sides have had a high turnovers of players in the January transfer window. Comparatively to the 2-2 fixture in earlier in the season, there will be a handful of new faces set to make their debuts.
Aston Villa bringing in the likes of Andres Garcia, Marcus Rashford, Marcos Asensio, Donyell Malen, and Axel Diasi. Emery will hope that he can continue to work his magic on attackers, the signings of namely Rashford & Asensio are a huge upgrade on Duran and Buendia. The increased quality will not only increase their Champions League hopes but this seasons transition between Champions League and Premier League fixtures. Which often saw the side fail to produce domestically against after midweeks fixtures in Europe.
Due to Liverpool’s recent progression to the Carabao Cup final, Unai’s side now must play four successive home games in all competitions. With potential of a fifth home game dependent on the FA Cup Fourth Round Draw tonight. Totalling five games in 20 odd days.
Meanwhile at the other end of the Premier League table, Ipswich are future proofing with a £24 million spend on highly rated talents with the likes of 2023/24 Championship Golden Glove Winner Alex Palmer, Ex-Everton and Atalanta loanee Ben Godfrey, Puskas-nominee Jaden Philogene, and Seagull-loanee Julio Enciso.
McKenna will be hoping that these new signings boost the Tractor Boys’ chances of survival. Enciso is expected to bring creativity between the lines as a top playmaker, while Philogene will support Hutchinson in providing balance on the wings both aiming to create opportunities for the club’s top scorer, Liam Delap.
Spurs v Manchester United
This game will entail much different set of comparatively to the previous fixture early in the season. A result which saw Spurs go to 8th while Manchester United remained 13th
18 game weeks later Spurs sit 14th and Manchester United remain 13th, with both teams as close to relegation as they are to the top four.
Postecoglou’s men have struggled in recent weeks, with one win in five. They seemingly have succumbed to their high-intensity style of play.
Tottenham make more runs with intensity and press more than anyone else in the Premier League. They rank first among all 20 teams this season for sprints (180.7 per game) (Opta)
The intensity has caused Postecoglou’s men to struggle with injuries of late with the Lilywhites out with 11 first team players. This has caused the side to dip into the transfer window this winter and bring in the likes of Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, and Kinsky. All of which will be likely to start this game. Although, it remains to be seen whether the absence of key players and recent results, may force them into a more pragmatic approach, but their high-intensity style always remains a threat.
Meanwhile those at Manchester United have struggled with consistency as they attempt to adapt to Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3. Much like Postecoglou’s system requires high intensity sprints. Although Manchester United’s current squad seemingly cannot match the demands that the system places on them.
 Meaning Manchester United were forced to bring in players who are more suited, the likes of Patrick Dorgu signed from Lecce. The left footed, left wing back will provide the side with a much-needed player who can provide the energy to consistency attack and offer options to the left sided 10. Prior to his arrival Amorim has selected an eleven of 5 defenders which has significantly nullified the squads attacking output.
This matchup will be one for tactical intrigued with a depleted Tottenham squad and an acclimatising Manchester United squad it will be a tough one to call.
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Poor Results, Injuries and Fading Intensity: Can Ange Postecoglou’s Football Ever Work at Spurs?
