THE first piece of silverware is up for grabs for English sides and SunSport tactician DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM is on hand to give you his tips.
The Sky Sports pundit and ex-Premier League star has analysed Manchester United vs Chelsea, Arsenal vs Man City and Bournemouth vs Newcastle.
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Bournemouth vs Newcastle
CALLUM WILSON is a fantastic centre forward. He’s got it all.
He’s strong, he’s quick, he leads the line really well and he takes up great positions in the box. It’s about time he got the credit he deserves.
They way Newcastle are going, yes, they are defensively strong. But they will leave chances and Wilson has the pace to get in behind.
He is thriving under Eddie Howe. I’ve got so much respect for the Bournemouth boss – he never panics and has faith in his system.
I’ve been in dressing rooms as a player and when the manager goes ‘flippin’ heck, we’re going to have to change the system’ that leaves doubts in the players’ minds.
It’s different with Howe. I love him as a manager and Bournemouth are reaping the benefits.
Man United vs Chelsea
- Manchester United to win 2-1 – 15/2
PAUL POGBA is getting a bit of stick but he just needs to be given the freedom to go forward.
He needs to be able to express himself.
I said in my column in The Sun last week that box-to-box midfielders don’t exist anymore – you’re either a defensive midfielder or an attacking midfielder. Simple as that.
It seemed to go down pretty well.
Pogba’s strength is the way he glides with the ball, the way he leaves opposition midfielders in his wake and the way he opens up the space for the forwards.
So I’m hoping to see United go in a 4-3-3 on Sunday.
That would give Pogba the chance to go further forward, create chances and would relive him of his defensive duties.
It’s a big game and I think he’ll take the game by the scruff of the neck.
I’m going for a Pogba assist – he’ll have the space to get in behind Cesar Azpilicueta.
Arsenal vs Man City
THIS is a different Arsenal. They don’t have to go toe-to-toe with Man City.
They’ve got great pace in the team, particularly with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and so I’m expecting them to sit back, be compact and look to play on the counter.
City love to get forward and, although I expect them to win, I really fancy Aubameyang to get one on the break.
Both teams will score against most opposition and it should be a great game.
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