GW17 Premier League Preview: New Man Vitor Pereira to Turn Wolves' Woes Around?

Welcome back to the weekly Premier League Preview! With only 6 sleeps (5 if you're Latino!), the festive action is coming fast. So, let's not delay, Father Christmas will want you to be a good kid and read my Premier League Preview!

Time of writing 17:20 19/12

The Meaty One:

Spurs vs Liverpool 16:30 22/12

Set to be an intriguing affair, high-flying Liverpool travel to North London to take on an inconsistently stylish yet frustrating Spurs side.

Following progressing to the EFL Cup Semi-finals whilst omitting several first-team players, Liverpool will be looking fresh and rejuvenated for their trip. They faced a more difficult match last weekend, securing a 2-2 draw with a confident Fulham side. It's worth keeping in mind that Liverpool played the bulk of the game with 10-men. Yet, the way in which The Reds continued to hound the Fulham goal was quite marvellous. It demonstrates Slot's fearless tactics and, regarding the circumstances, the draw with Fulham was a good result for Liverpool.

Spurs got back to winning ways following a convincing 5-0 demolishing of Southampton. Being the nail in the coffin for Russell Martin, Spurs swept through The Saints like a tsunami. The gaps left for them were alarming, as James Maddison stole the show. The second half, Spurs were able to bring on youth to give the big hitters a rest but, on another day, The Lilywhites could've decimated Southampton.

The Liverpool game will be a completely different affair. Regardless of the result against Manchester United in the EFL Cup Quarter-final, Spurs will only have one full day to prepare. This will likely have a huge affect on the game, especially as Liverpool will be raring to go to ensure Chelsea don't close the gap any more on them. I sense Spurs will start this game very slowly, as Liverpool may have the potential to run away with the game, particularly with the prospect of Mo Salah charging down the right against Spence/Gray (gulp).

Jack's Prediction: Spurs 1-3 Liverpool

The Goals Fest:

Fulham vs Southampton 14:00 22/12

A confident Fulham side take on a miserable Southampton side in a game which looks to only be going one way. As aforementioned, Fulham have been full of confidence of late, overcoming some tough opponents.

Since their shock defeat to Fulham in GW12, The Cottagers have been on a strong run against fierce opponents. Draws against Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool as well as victory over Brighton demonstrates the tremendous work Marco Silva has done. Their recruitment in the summer was top notch, turning the team into a much more solidified unit, being very hard to break down.

In particular, the consistency of Antonee Robinson has been excellent to watch. Notching 2 assists against Liverpool, Robinson has been a prudent defensive and attacking asset for Fulham this season, building on his fine 23/24 season last time out. He kept Mo Salah largely quiet last game and, with 0.13xA per 90, he shows his attacking output matches his defensive capabilities. If he keeps up his current form, I could see the likes of Spurs, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool or Chelsea paying big bucks for a player who is getting better and better with every game.

Southampton, on the other hand, are struggling immensely right now. With Russell Martin sacked and seemingly no manager wanting to captain a sinking ship, they will be low on confidence this weekend. A 2-1 loss to a rotated Liverpool in the EFL Cup will give them a marginal boost, showing they can stay in games. But, trying to attract a new manager will prove to be difficult. Names from the Championship and abroad have been mentioned but these managers will need to be realistic with the task at hand, setting an expectation of being relegated and being ready to build to challenge for promotion next season in the Championship.

Fulham will enjoy welcoming Southampton to Craven Cottage and fans should be expectant of goals. Southampton will aim to sure up at the back and limit Fulham's chances, but how much it'll do I'm not sure. End of the day, The Saints need to start picking up points fast and must come out and challenge mid-table sides.

Jack's Prediction: Fulham 4-1 Southampton

The Six-Pointer:

Leicester vs Wolves 14:00 22/12

A massive game in the relegation battle, The Foxes take on The Wolves in a Midlands derby. Ruud van Nistelrooy's promising start was quickly squashed as they were put to the sword by Newcastle, losing 4-0. Leicester had only 1 shot on target, being easily pushed aside as The Magpies dominated, taking 27 shots during the game.

But, the Dutchman will be aware that in order to stay up, his side must beat those around them, hence the game on Sunday against Wolves will have major importance on this year's relegation fight.

Following another car crash game, seeing Wolves break into fighting yet again, Wolves sacked Gary O'Neil. O'Neil, seemingly exasperated and stating that there is not much more he could do with the club, was relieved of his duties. The club is in a dire position and have turned to abroad to salvage the situation: Vitor Pereira.

The Portuguese is a seasoned manager with experience across a variety of leagues and countries. He hasn't been a manager with trophies in abundance but, his record at FC Porto and Olimpiacos is impressive. As a manager who tends to not spend long at clubs, his appointment on an 18 month contract seems to me like a temporary fix for Wolves. His philosophy, prioritising defensive solidity in a 3-4-3/3-5-2 formation is exactly what the club needs right now.

This game will be a very unknown match as both teams have new managers at the helm. The home side will be seeking to take advantage of Wolves' disarray, specially as star man Matheus Cunha could be facing a ban. For Wolves, a positive result is needed, even a clean sheet would do. Pereira will be drilling in discipline and structure into his players as they seek to get out of the rut they are currently in.

Jack's Prediction: Leicester 1-1 Wolves