Football
Chris Sutton faces Kaiser Chiefs bassist
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10 months agoon
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Maidstone United play Coventry City on Monday, hoping to become only the second non-league side to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals since 1914.
BBC Sport’s football expert Chris Sutton has made his prediction for that game and the rest of the fifth-round ties, to be played on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
For all eight games he is up against Kaiser Chiefs bassist and Leeds fan Simon Rix.
Kaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album is released on 1 March.
Leeds take on Chelsea on Wednesday – the first time the two clubs have met in the FA Cup since their bruising encounter in the 1970 final, when the Blues won a legendarily brutal replay.
Chelsea are looking to respond after losing the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool on Sunday, while Leeds are in brilliant form in the Championship – their win over leaders Leicester on Friday was their ninth league win in a row, equalling a club record from the 1931-32 season.
“We are actually smashing it for a change, which is really, really rare,” Rix told BBC Sport. “Even in other successful seasons in recent years, we haven’t done as well as this.
“So, it’s uncharted territory. Every game is a big one for us at the moment and, traditionally, I would be quite worried about it but this season, and particularly in 2024, we seem to be coping really well.
“Even so, with my promotion head on, the Chelsea game is just a distraction. I kind of wanted us to throw the game versus Plymouth [in round four] but I know that’s not how footballers or football works.
“I guess it is almost like a reward for their great form for our players to get a chance to take on a big team… but then after that we have got Huddersfield at home on Saturday, then we play Stoke on Tuesday and Sheffield Wednesday the following Friday.
“That’s four games in the space of 10 days, all of which are important, and the Chelsea game is probably the least important, but also the one that some people – including the players, I guess, will want to win the most.”
Leeds have been starved of FA Cup success in recent years and, if they do win at Stamford Bridge, their prize is a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2003.
“It is a sort of standing joke with Leeds fans that we always get two cup ties a season – one in the League Cup, and one in the FA Cup – before we get knocked out,” Rix explained.
“We did actually get to the fifth round last season too, where we lost to Fulham, and we counted that as cup run.
“Last year, we were not getting results in the Premier League – we ended up getting relegated in the end – and the FA Cup felt like a chance for us to use some different players, try some new ideas and maybe get a bit of confidence and form, but that obviously did not work in the long term.
“Now we’re at the same stage and it’s funny to compare the way we are feeling this time, with us playing so well. Our manager Daniel Farke has been quite committed so far in cup ties, and has always put out a pretty strong team, probably slightly stronger than we’d want as fans, really.
“Because it is about injuries, isn’t it? One of the things that was pinned on Jesse Marsch when he was in charge last year was that in the fourth round of the FA Cup, he brought on our top scorer Rodrigo with 20 minutes to go, when we were 3-0 up against Accrington.
“Rodrigo got injured in that game and was out for weeks and weeks, and basically never got fully fit for the rest of the season. It was totally unnecessary to bring him on, and that decision was one of the many reasons we went down.
“So, we are all worried about a repeat of that, and if either Crysencio Summerville, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon or Georginio Rutter got injured then it would be terrible.
“But, if something like that happens again then part of me feels like Farke could find the solution, because he has already dealt with a lot of issues – for example, he put Ampadu back into defence when we were short of centre-backs, and his partnership with Rodon has been superb.
“Even so, I would rather not find out, so hopefully this game won’t be as violent as the 1970 final, and there won’t be as many injuries.”
Chris Sutton and Simon Rix were speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
You can listen to the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, here.
When? | Gap | Result | Chris | Simon |
---|---|---|---|---|
MONDAY, 26 FEBRUARY | ||||
Coventry City v Maidstone Utd | 95 | x-x | 3-1 | 0-0 HP |
TUESDAY, 27 FEBRUARY | ||||
Bournemouth v Leicester City | 7 | x-x | 2-1 | 1-2 |
Blackburn v Newcastle | 27 | x-x | 1-3 | 0-2 |
Luton v Man City | 16 | x-x | 1-2 | 1-3 |
WEDNESDAY, 28 FEBRUARY | ||||
Chelsea v Leeds Utd | 11 | x-x | 2-0 | 1-2 |
Nott’m Forest v Man Utd | 10 | x-x | 1-1 AP | 1-1 AP |
Wolves v Brighton | 1 | x-x | 0-1 | 1-0 |
Liverpool v Southampton | 23 | x-x | 3-1 | 2-1 |
Gap = league places between the two teams.
There are no replays. HP or AP = home or away team win on penalties after extra-time.
SUTTON’S FA CUP FIFTH-ROUND PREDICTIONS
Key: | |
---|---|
PL = Premier League | C = Championship |
L1 = League One | L2 = League Two |
NL = non-league | r = won after replay |
H = Home | A = Away |
MONDAY, 26 FEBRUARY
Coventry City v Maidstone United (19:45 GMT)
Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Championship (9th) | v | National League South (8th) |
---|---|---|
Who did they beat? | ||
4R: Sheff Wed (C) Hr | 4R: Ipswich (C) A | |
3R: Oxford Utd (L1) H | 3R: Stevenage (L1) H | |
2R: Barrow (L2) H | ||
1R: Chesham (NL) A | ||
4QR: Torquay (NL) A | ||
3QR: Winchester City (NL) A | ||
2QR: Steyning Town (NL) A |
My old club, Lincoln City are the only non-league side to have reached the last eight of the FA Cup since 1914 – they reached the quarter-finals in 2017, where they lost 5-0 to Arsenal.
Can Maidstone emulate them? They looked disappointed with the draw, and they will probably be disappointed with the result.
Coventry got walloped at home by Preston on Friday night but they have been in decent form under my old Norwich team-mate Mark Robins, and I am going with them to bounce back.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Simon’s prediction: It’s a shame Maidstone did not get one of the bigger boys but they should still have a nice time. Hopefully it will be a close game but I just cannot see them doing over another Championship team away from home. 0-0 and Coventry to win after extra-time and penalties.
TUESDAY, 27 FEBRUARY
Bournemouth v Leicester City (19:30 GMT)
Watch live on the BBCiPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Premier League (14th) | v | Championship (1st) |
---|---|---|
Who did they beat? | ||
4R: Swansea (C) H | 4R: Birmingham (C) H | |
3R: QPR (C) A | 3R: Millwall (C) A |
Bournemouth have gone seven games without a win in the Premier League but they were unlucky to be beaten by Manchester City on Saturday.
Despite that run of results, the Cherries have still got a bit of breathing space above the bottom three, and have only reached the quarter-finals twice before in their entire history, so why wouldn’t they go strong for this one?
I fancy Andoni Iraola’s side here. Leicester have had a brilliant season in the Championship but they have lost their past two games and still have some work to do to secure automatic promotion.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Simon’s prediction: I am going for heart over head here. For starters, Leeds fans dislike Bournemouth at the moment because they have been nicking our players – Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra have both gone there recently. It used to be Norwich who did that but now it’s Bournemouth – it’s fine if it’s Manchester City or Liverpool taking your players but it’s not so good when it’s teams you think you should be beating. And I’d also like Leicester to stay in the FA Cup as long as possible, to keep them distracted from their promotion bid. 1-2
Blackburn v Newcastle (19:45 GMT)
Watch live on BBC One and the BBC Sport website. Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Championship (16th) | v | Premier League (9th) |
---|---|---|
Who did they beat? | ||
4R: Wrexham (L2) H | 4R: Fulham (PL) A | |
3R: Cambridge (L1) H | 3R: Sunderland (C) A |
I scored in an FA Cup tie for Blackburn against Newcastle a few years ago – it was a wonderful finish, but we ended up losing in a replay, and I can see the Magpies getting through this time too.
Blackburn drew at the weekend in the ‘Chris Sutton derby’ against my first club, Norwich, but they are yet to win in four games under new manager John Eustace, and I don’t see him getting a first victory here.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe really needs the FA Cup now, to recover a bit of faith with the fans after some disappointing results, including their heavy defeat by Arsenal on Saturday.
Howe’s side should win, because they have got the superior players and I actually feel as if they will run away with this one a little bit.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-3
Simon’s prediction: Newcastle really need to do something in the FA Cup this season – they are out of Europe as well as losing in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, and they are not doing so well in the league. So, I can see them putting out a strong side and I don’t see Blackburn coping with it. 0-2
Luton v Man City (20:00 GMT)
Premier League (18th) | v | Premier League (2nd) |
---|---|---|
Who did they beat? | ||
4R: Everton (PL) A | 4R: Tottenham (PL) A | |
3R: Bolton (L1) Ar | 3R: Huddersfield (C) H |
I didn’t expect Manchester City to start reminding me of George Graham’s Arsenal side of the 1990s, but they are winning ugly at the moment, with back-to-back 1-0 wins.
Luton gave City a good game at Kenilworth Road before Christmas, when they led 1-0 at half-time before losing 2-1, and I think Hatters boss Rob Edwards will go for it again here, despite having Premier League survival to think about.
I am expecting City to edge it again this time, although I am not quite sure what team their manager Pep Guardiola will put out.
He killed my Fantasy team at the weekend because I had picked Kyle Walker, Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku, and all three started the game on the bench.
One of City’s strengths is the way they can rotate and still be so strong. Luton have got a goal in them, but it won’t be enough.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Simon’s prediction: Luton have been doing well recently but how does Guardiola feel about the FA Cup? He probably wants to win it again, so he is going to pick a strong side. Luton might get a goal because it’s a cup-tie, but City will win. 1-3
WEDNESDAY, 28 FEBRUARY
Chelsea v Leeds United (19:30)
Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Premier League (11th) | v | Championship (2nd) |
---|---|---|
Who did they beat? | ||
4R: Aston Villa (PL) Ar | 4R: Plymouth (C) Ar | |
3R: Preston (C) H | 3R: Peterborough (L1) A |
Chelsea really need to win this, after the way they lost the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. It was their display in extra-time that let them down against Liverpool’s kids, when they had the chance to really have a go at them.
Leeds are going very well under Farke but he might prioritise their promotion bid over this tie.
I hope he doesn’t, but this is one of the rare occasions where I would understand if he makes some changes, because of how tight it is at the top of the Championship – they have got Ipswich and Southampton breathing down their necks, but will also feel like they can catch Leicester.
It is really unfortunate, because otherwise Leeds could have a real go at this. The pressure is all on Chelsea and, if they don’t win, it is really going to mount on their manager Mauricio Pochettino.
I remember being part of a Chelsea team that lost 2-0 to Leeds at Stamford Bridge in the year I was there – thinking back, it was probably largely down to me. I’m going with the same scoreline again, but a home win this time.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Simon’s prediction: I really don’t know what to go with here. As well as thinking I’d quite like Leeds to get knocked out, I also feel that Chelsea had picked up quite a lot recently before the Carabao Cup final, and seemed to be just starting to click. They might be dispirited after losing at Wembley, but maybe that defeat means they think they have got to win the FA Cup now.
So, it’s whether to be realistic here, or do I just go for it? You sometimes see mascots being asked what the score will be before games and they say ‘1-1’ and I am thinking well, you’re eight-years-old, you should be going for a 4-0 win or something – it’s different for me but I suppose if the question is ‘do I think Leeds can beat Chelsea?’ then, yes, I think we can beat them, we are on such a brilliant run. Go on then, I am going to go for it and say we will win. 1-2
Nottingham Forest v Man Utd (19:45 GMT)
Watch live on BBC One and the BBC Sport website.
Premier League (16th) | v | Premier League (6th) |
---|---|---|
Who did they beat? | ||
4R: Bristol City (C) Hr | 4R: Newport County (L2) A | |
3R: Blackpool (C) Ar | 3R: Wigan (L1) A |
When it comes to predictions, Manchester United are my new Chelsea – I get all their results wrong.
I honestly don’t know what to expect from Erik ten Hag’s side. Even when they were on a winning run, they were not controlling games.
I backed United to win at the weekend too, but the worst thing about their home defeat was that Fulham fully deserved the three points.
Nottingham Forest beat United at the City Ground at the end of December, and they have still got a goal or two in them although their league form since then has not been great.
In contrast, United offered little against Fulham without the injured Rasmus Hojlund to lead their line. I put Marcus Rashford in my Fantasy team, and he barely had a kick.
United are good on the counter, but they need someone to finish their chances, and Hojlund is such a big miss.
This tie feels like it going to be very close, and it could go the distance, but I think United will find a way to edge it.
I don’t know why, because there is more pointing towards it going the other way – I guess this is probably why I get so many United scores wrong.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1 and United to win after extra-time and penalties
Simon’s prediction: This is roughly the time when Premier League teams start taking the FA Cup seriously, right? That’s definitely going to be the case with United because, once you get to the quarter-finals, you feel like it is something you can win – and they are not going to win anything else. Forest are pretty unpredictable anyway, but I think this one will go all the way to penalties. 1-1 and United to win after extra-time and penalties
Wolves v Brighton (19:45 GMT)
Watch live on the BBCiPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Premier League (8th) | v | Premier League (7th) |
---|---|---|
Who did they beat? | ||
4R: West Brom (C) A | 4R: Sheff Utd (PL) A | |
3R: Brentford (PL) Hr | 3R: Stoke (C) A |
Wolves were not too pretty against Sheffield United but they got the win anyway. Brighton, meanwhile, scored very late to stop me being right about Everton winning that game.
Both teams are in a situation in the league where you would hope they will go for it in the FA Cup, but I can see this game being quite cagey. I am backing Brighton, but it is going to be close.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-1
Simon’s prediction: This is a very tough one to call. I haven’t watched either of these teams very much this season, unsurprisingly, but I like the fact Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is sort of sticking it to Bournemouth for ditching him. I haven’t gone for many home wins so far, so let’s go for one here. 1-0
Liverpool v Southampton (20:00 GMT)
Premier League (1st) | v | Championship (4th) |
---|---|---|
Who did they beat? | ||
4R: Norwich (C) H | 4R: Watford (C) Hr | |
3R: Arsenal (PL) A | 3R: Walsall (L2) H |
Southampton have hit a bit of a sticky patch but they are still going to play the same way, and be open and expansive.
They will give Liverpool room to play and the fact the game is at Anfield should help Jurgen Klopp’s side too, whether he goes with the kids again, like he did at Wembley, or not.
We don’t know if any of the big guns will be back for Liverpool after missing the Carabao Cup final, but we know that, as a team, they are hungry for trophies.
In fact, Klopp will be gluttonous, and want to win everything in his final season in charge of the Reds.
Saints will be brave but Liverpool just love to press teams and are so good at it. That will probably be the difference.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Simon’s prediction: Similarly with Leicester, I would love Southampton to have a long and fruitful FA Cup run so they are not thinking about promotion, but I really can’t see it happening for them. You’ve got the ‘Jurgen Klopp farewell’ factor because I definitely think everyone is doing it for him at Liverpool at the moment, but also Saints have now lost three of their past four games in the Championship after being on that long unbeaten run, so they are not in particularly good form. 2-1
How did Sutton do in round four?
Sutton correctly picked the winner in 12 of the 16 ties in round four, a success rate of 75%.
He was up against Justin and Arni from indie band The Vaccines and, while he fared better than Arni (10/16 = 63%), he was beaten by Justin (14/16) who managed an impressive 88%.
Sutton also correctly picked the winner in 22 of the 32 third-round ties, meaning he has an overall record of 34/48 or 71%, compared to his guests’ combined score of 85%.
- Our coverage of your Premier League club is bigger and better than ever before – follow your team and sign up for notifications in the BBC Sport app to make sure you never miss a moment
— Reports /TrainViral/
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Argentina beat Colombia to win a record 16th Copa America but the game was marred by the kick-off being delayed by 80 minutes because of trouble outside the ground in Miami.
Lautaro Martinez struck in the second half of extra time from Giovani lo Celso’s through ball to secure the win.
Captain Lionel Messi was left in tears when he had to be replaced midway through the second half after injuring himself while chasing for the ball – but was celebrating his country’s third successive major tournament at the final whistle.
Kick-off was delayed because of chaos outside the Hard Rock Stadium.
Organisers said ticketless fans tried to get into the ground, leaving some fans waiting for hours in the Miami heat for the gates to open.
Fans and police officers and security clashed with several arrests made. Several supporters needed treatment from paramedics.
On top of that the half-time break lasted for 25 minutes because of a concert by Colombian popstar Shakira on the pitch, a move that was criticised by Colombia boss Nestor Lorenzo beforehand.
It was a game of few clear chances in hot, humid conditions, with Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba hitting the woodwork in the first half.
Argentina thought they had taken the lead with 15 minutes to go but Nicolas Tagliafico’s effort was ruled out for offside.
Martinez would end up as the hero – and win the Golden Boot with five goals.
What now for Messi after Copa America glory?
Messi had never won a senior international tournament until the age of 34 and now he has won three in three years after the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.
The final was played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami – which is just over 20 miles from the city of Fort Lauderdale, where Messi’s Inter Miami club play.
The 37-year-old said before this tournament he had yet to make a decision on whether he will play on for his country until the next World Cup, which is also in the US – as well as Canada and Mexico.
His powers seem to be waning and his only goal of the tournament came in the semi-final win over Canada. He missed a penalty in the quarter-final shootout against Ecuador.
In this game he was hurt by a tackle in the first half and hobbled off in the second period, holding an ice pack on his ankle on the bench.
Is this his final major tournament appearance of a legendary career?
It was certainly the final appearance of Angel di Maria’s international career. The 145-times capped player had already announced he would retire from the international stage after this.
Trouble before the game
The delays before the game were more bad news for organisers – with the Hard Rock Stadium due to host games at the 2026 World Cup.
In the semi-finals in Charlotte, Uruguay players clashed with Colombia fans after the final whistle – because they were worried about the safety of their families.
Players’ families were affected too in Miami.
Roberto Garnacho, brother of Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, wrote on social media: “What a shame CONMEBOL, the families not being able to enter the stadium, unbelievable.
“We were with [Argentina defender Marcos Acuna’s] family outside, getting away from the fights… Argentina’s security had to come get us, children of players crying, people entering without tickets.”
Colombia’s wait goes on
Colombia had been unbeaten in 28 games, a run stretching over two years going back to a World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
But their only Copa America triumph remains the 2001 success in their home country.
They had chances against the Argentines, most notably when Cordoba hit the post early on with a hooked volley.
Writtes /BBC/
Reports /Trainviral/
I know from my own experiences as a Liverpool player that, when you are losing at Anfield then equalise straight after half-time, it does more than give you momentum – it can change the whole feel of a game.
That is what exactly what happened in Sunday’s draw with Manchester City. As soon as Alexis Mac Allister’s spot-kick made it it 1-1, Liverpool put on a real powerhouse performance and they looked like they would go on to win.
Their work ethic, tenacity and intensity in the second half was incredible and It was Darwin Nunez who helped instigate that, firstly by winning the penalty for their equaliser.
Yes, it was a mistake by Nathan Ake, whose poor backpass let him in, but Nunez was switched on and ready for it – and he did not stop there.
Lots of Liverpool players did well after the break but Nunez was the one who really made the difference when they were on top. Like so many other teams this season, City struggled to cope with his physicality and all-round play.
I really do believe his display was as good as any I’ve seen from him since he joined Liverpool in the summer of 2022, which is a strange thing to say about a striker who didn’t score.
I loved his energy and his willingness to run without the ball, hassling City’s backline and stretching their defence, but he also showed great quality with it too. He slipped Luis Diaz in for one of his big chances and was involved in almost all of them in some way.
Nunez was unselfish with so much of his play but he was also unlucky not to get a goal himself when he got a toe to Andy Robertson’s cross. City keeper Stefan Ortega made a great save and, on another day, that goes in.
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‘Van Dijk is the one player Liverpool cannot afford to lose’
You don’t get anything against City without defending well too, and I was also really impressed by that side of Liverpool’s performance.
I expect a lot of Reds fans were nervous when they saw the teamsheet before the game, because out of their first-choice back five – including goalkeeper Alisson – only Virgil van Dijk faced the defending champions.
Ibrahima Konate’s injury this week meant the whole right side of Liverpool’s defence was very young, with Jarell Quansah next to Conor Bradley. Jurgen Klopp again showed his faith in the kids by playing them, and they both did really well in what was arguably the biggest game of their careers.
It was another example of the brilliant togetherness and belief that has got Liverpool so far this season, and kept them in this title race, and in with a chance of winning four competitions despite being affected by so many injuries.
By that I mean, when the chips are down and some big players are not around for the big games, they do not falter or feel sorry for themselves.
They also don’t sit back, whoever they are playing. One of the big strengths of this team is they don’t change they way they play even when some star names are missing – and still look to play on the front foot.
At the heart of it all, though, is Van Dijk. Some of his passing against City was phenomenal, as always, but on top of that, his last-ditch defending was outstanding.
There was the one-on-one with Erling Haaland where he stayed calm and in control, a crucial far-post header from a Bernardo Silva cross and an important block to deny Phil Foden.
It was a monumental performance, exactly when it was needed, by a guy who was surrounded by several players who had not played in an occasion like this before, and one that some people viewed as a title decider.
Van Dijk has been terrific all season, of course, but this particular game showed the importance of his presence.
Konate could miss a couple of games and Liverpool will be fine. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have been out for several weeks already, and the biggest compliment I can pay to Caoimhin Kelleher is that he never looks like a back-up goalkeeper when he replaces Alisson.
Klopp has also got the numbers to rotate in midfield and all the front players have had injuries at some point this season. But, at the moment, Van Dijk is the one player they cannot afford to lose.
That’s how important he is to their title hopes, and where their whole season goes from here.
Why the run-in will be a rollercoaster ride
Sunday’s game was a brilliant watch, with such quality on show from both sides.
If Diaz had taken one of his chances then, with the Anfield crowd and the momentum Liverpool had at that stage, I feel like they would have probably seen City off.
Credit to City, though, because they hung in there and had a couple of excellent chances in the second half themselves.
Jeremy Doku hit the post after Kelleher had denied Phil Foden at a really crucial time and, for all the opportunities Liverpool created, they could still have been beaten.
When the dust settles, I think they will be content with the result – they have now played and drawn with City twice in the Premier League, and they are still a point ahead of them with 10 games to go.
Liverpool could soon be in an even stronger position, because City play Arsenal in their next league game, on 31 March. At least one of their title rivals will drop points then, but it would be naïve to think that game will decide anything.
We have got three brilliant teams in this title race, who have all got great strength in depth. But I am not convinced any of them will go on from here and win every game in the run-in, which Liverpool and City have both done in previous seasons, because they have all appeared a bit vulnerable at times.
Look at Arsenal – they have been on this amazing goalscoring run but they still needed Aaron Ramsdale to make a couple of great saves in their win over Brentford on Saturday, and had to wait to score a late winner.
There were some nerves involved in their performance, inevitably, and there are plenty more of those to come.
The one team you would not expect to suffer in that way, emotionally, are City because of what they have been doing for so many seasons now. But I still expect it to be a rollercoaster ride for all three teams and it would not surprise me if they are all still involved with a couple of games to go.
It is going to be fascinating to watch it unfold, whoever you support. Even if you have a fondness for one of the teams, every football fan loves watching close competition with jeopardy involved.
— Reports /TrainViral/
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said after Sunday’s Manchester derby that midfielder Phil Foden was the “best player in the Premier League right now”.
And Foden has a strong case for that accolade, having scored six goals and provided an assist in his past seven league games.
Using the past 10 rounds of Premier League matches, BBC Sport look at who might currently be its ‘best’ player.
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Foden scored twice in a 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday as City stayed firmly in the hunt for the title.
The 23-year-old has scored 11 Premier League goals this season and assisted seven – putting him joint-eighth in the rankings for those categories.
Guardiola: “What can I say? He is the best player in the Premier League right now for the amount of things he does. Unbelievable.”
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator John Murray: “If England were playing their first match at the Euros later today, I think you would expect to see Bukayo Saka on the right, probably Phil Foden on the left, Harry Kane through the middle and Jude Bellingham in the number 10 position.”
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland tops the Premier League goalscoring charts on 18 – two clear of everyone else. That is despite missing five matches so far this season.
Having featured in City’s past seven games since returning from injury, Haaland has scored four league goals and set one up in that time, as well as hitting five goals in an FA Cup fifth-round victory at Luton Town.
Guardiola: “With top scorers or strikers who score a lot of goals, don’t criticise because he will shut your mouth, that’s for sure.”
Former City midfielder Michael Brown: “He’s got that power, he’s got that dedication. That hunger to finish. We’ve seen him mix up his goals. It’s difficult to just not let him do what he does.”
Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
City midfielder De Bruyne has been in superb form since returning from a hamstring injury which meant he missed the first five months of the season.
He has scored once and claimed four assists in seven league games, despite only starting four of them. He also got four assists in the FA Cup win at Luton.
Guardiola: “He is a special player. He is a legend.”
Former City defender Micah Richards: “We talk about lots of players being world class but Kevin is different. He always seems to gauge exactly what the game needs – and he delivers, all the time.”
Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri has always been capable of producing big moments when it matters – and the midfielder is on a 59-match unbeaten run in City colours.
Naturally a defensive midfielder, he has added more going forward of late, with three goals and three assists in his past 10 league games.
Guardiola: “He’s the best midfield player in the world currently by far because he is able to do everything.”
Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer: “It’s just a joy to share a football pitch with him. You don’t say that about a lot of players.”
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Liverpool captain Van Dijk has been one of the few mainstays in a title-challenging Liverpool side blighted by injuries.
In the Reds’ past 10 league games, Van Dijk has scored once, helped keep three clean sheets and also scored the winning goal in last month’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: “Virgil van Dijk, from the first day since he stepped into Liverpool FC, is absolutely outstanding.”
BBC Sport journalist Luke Reddy: “Van Dijk has been a ‘colossus’ in recent weeks.”
Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Uruguayan striker Nunez has been in fine form for the Reds of late, and scored the last-gasp winner at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
In Liverpool’s past 10 league games, Nunez has played nine, scoring six goals and getting an assist.
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Ljinders: “Each game, he can create six chances just by himself.”
BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty: “I think Nunez has loads of ability and his stats alone tell you what an impact he has on games. Not one goes by where he does not have influence of some sort.”
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Since a British-record transfer to Arsenal in the summer, England midfielder Rice has been a key part of the Gunners’ title challenge this season.
Despite his defensive responsibilities, he has scored once and provided four assists in the Gunners’ past 10 league games.
Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown: “Declan Rice can do every bit of being an all-round midfielder.”
BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone: “I am a huge Declan Rice fan and he could turn out to be the difference between Arsenal fading away in the title race, as they did last season, and really going for it.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
A strong contender for the Premier League’s most in-form player is England winger Saka.
In his past 10 league outings, Saka has scored eight goals, including two apiece against West Ham and Burnley, and added an assist.
BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone: “[The best player in the league] is between four – Haaland, De Bruyne, Salah and Saka. Whoever wins the title is the best.”
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin: “There were plenty of players who caught the eye in Arsenal’s win at Turf Moor, but Bukayo Saka being back close to his best was as important as anything else.”
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Watkins is a player who can go under the radar but is certainly a contender. He is ranked top for direct goal involvements and joint-top for assists this season.
In Villa’s past 10 league games, he has seven goals, four assists and is the only player to pass into double figures in both categories this season.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery: “His commitment is brilliant and the consequence is this when he works hard every day.”
Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer: “He’s having the season of his life. The form he is in, he is not hoping to score, but expecting to score.”
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
One of the few bright sparks for Chelsea this season has been midfielder Palmer. He has scored four times and provided the same number of assists in the Blues’ past 10 Premier League matches.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino: “He is an important player for us. He is a decisive player. I am so pleased with him.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: “It is not just goals and assists, it is the quality. He is an incredible threat for Chelsea.”
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
West Ham winger Bowen is having his best ever Premier League scoring season. having netted 14 times so far.
In the Hammers’ past 10 league matches, Bowen has scored five goals and provided two assists – including his first career hat-trick against Brentford.
West Ham United manager David Moyes: “Some of his performances recently have gone unnoticed because we haven’t won.”
Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes to TNT Sports: “You can see Real Madrid, Man City, Arsenal all wanting him. He is a unit and reminds me a bit of Eric Cantona.”
Alphonse Areola (West Ham)
A left-field shout, but from a numbers perspective it is hard to ignore Areola.
In the past 10 games, he’s kept three clean sheets and averaged 5.8 saves per game. He also has the highest save percentage in the Premier League, has made more than 100 saves, conceded four fewer goals than his expected goals against tally suggests he should have, and is the only goalkeeper to save multiple penalties so far this season.
West Ham manager David Moyes: “Our goalkeeper played brilliantly well. He made several saves today that probably stopped Everton getting a result.”
And the rest…
Among those to narrowly miss out are forwards Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United) – all overlooked because of recent injury issues.
Honourable mentions also go to John Stones (Manchester City), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Ross Barkley (Luton Town), Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool) and Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur).
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