There are times when Bawa wonders why he is trying to predict games this season. Just look at last week, City drop points at West fucking Brom, Aubameyang scores a goal at the right end, Chelsea continue to underperform and the biggest of all, West Brom sack their manager right after he wins them a massive point against City.
But when you look back at previous seasons and put it next to this one, you always realise that inspite of all the upheaval and the turbulence in the world, there are somethings that remain constant: Death, Taxes, Mourinho leaving you in splits with his pressers and…..Big Sam making a comeback to Premier League management.
On that note, on to this weekend’s matches:
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
Benteke did the most Benteke thing, putting Palace ahead and then getting himself sent-off. The Eagles were unfortunate to settle for a point, thanks to an acrobatic stunner from Haller.
Klopp’s “not so injury hampered” squad snatched 3 points at the death, with defensive striker Bobby popping up to nod in the winner. Liverpool must be on a high after beating Spurs in a top of the table clash, and will be looking forward to dealing with an easier affair in the form of the Eagles.
Bawa’s Verdict: Even a rotated Liverpool squad to take home 3 points.
Southampton Vs Man City
It is credit to the stunning job that Hassenhuttl has done that Southampton go into this game as favourites. You could possibly call the draw at Emirates, a blip in the Saints’ run. But the performance of a Saints attack even with their main man Ings being slightly off-colour is a dangerous one.
City will desperately be hoping that Aguero comes back into the line up and stays there for a prolonged period. City had so many chances but were just not able to put more than 1 past the inspired Johnstone.
Bawa’s Verdict: City will be looking to bounce back, but not at St Mary’s. An entertaining draw.
Everton Vs Arsenal
Just when everyone thought that the Carlo train was getting derailed, the Toffees have replied with two impressive performances. And you just can’t keep DCL off the score sheet, can you? Going by current form, Everton can take a breather in a relatively easier fixture.
The way Arteta’s young guns tried to put something together was a welcome change from bombarding the opponent’s box with crosses. But when a team is one man down and mostly out, it shows in the bad positioning and misplaced passes – which is Arsenal now. Saka, Willock, Nketiah and co would be hoping to give their fans some Christmas cheer, taking on from the draw against Soton.
Bawa’s Verdict: Everton to take this, just take this.
Newcastle Vs Fulham
Brucey took the lead against Leeds and must have been happy about it. Then Leeds took them to the cleaners, which gives Bruce a defensive headache. The sight of Leeds comfortably winning and still counterattacking with 6 men, is not going to leave Geordie minds soon.
Fulham definitely look to have turned a corner. A more reliable striker in Cordova Reid, solid defensive organiser in Andersen and the creative juices flowing in the midfield with Lookman and Loftus Cheek bring a welcome relief to Fulham fans. Good boy Parker wasn’t the first to the sack, after all!
Bawa’s Verdict: Teams to share the spoils.
Brighton Vs Sheffield United
Dat boy Welbz was denied a solitary goal against Fulham thanks to VAR. Now the Seagulls host Sheffield – the side with the worst defensive record. Potter must tell his boys, you won’t get anything out of this fixture too, if you scorn VAR or kiss the woodwork.
Despite being gifted a goal by Henderson, Sheffield didn’t really trouble United. This is the worst start ever in the PL and something needs to give if Sheffield are to try and save their skin from relegation. Wilder is on borrowed time and might be the next manager to go!
Bawa’s Verdict: Brighton to add to Blades misery.
Spurs Vs Leicester
Mou Mama was uncharacteristically cool while the post denied them points. Mama would like Son and MC Kane to bail them out against a Foxes defence that gets the job done regularly. How long would the Spurs machine run on these two wheels, is a question that even Mou Mama wouldn’t consider at this point of time.
Madders turned up in style last weekend, and everyone thought that Jamie Vardy was done being a lone fox this season. Not so surprisingly, Leicester blanked against a shaky Everton defence. Inspite of blowing hot and cold all season, the Foxes still find themselves around the top of the table, which speaks a lot about this season.
Bawa’s Verdict: Spurs to just about eke out a win.
Man Utd vs Leeds
United at home and United away are polar opposites, and if at all there is a time to set that right, it was yesterday. With Leeds style of play, the only way for United to stand a chance of victory is to simply out score Leeds, as the Maguire-led defense continues to reach new depths of despair with every match, if that were even possible!
Leeds have shown what the Bielsa brand of football is all about. They absolutely smashed Newcastle for 5, and every neutral would agree that there was more than one occasion this season when they could have done this. The pace of Leeds must be licking its lips at United’s pace-less defence.
Bawa’s Verdict: Its the game that a lot of Yorkshire has been waiting for. Fireworks and an entertaining draw guaranteed.
West Brom vs Aston Villa
Its Big Sam’s first game in charge. Big Sam has never gotten relegated, when club owners have pressed the SOS button. But can he do it with this Baggies squad? Pereira’s last game out suspended is news that the Baggies will appreciate.
This is the beginning of the end of the easy run that Villa have had. You shouldn’t expect the Villans to break any sweat, as they take on Baggies. A Martinez shut out seems inevitable, with Grealish driving *cough* his team forward.
Bawa’s Verdict: A straightforward Villa Win.
Burnley vs Wolves
Burnley are slowly coming into their own and displaying the defensive solidity that they are known for. The Ginger Mourinho’s men will go into this game with more confidence on the back of some decent results and clean sheets against Arsenal and Villa.
Podya, Neto and Co. have finally come into their own, taking their time but managing to fill a Jimenez side hole. It is also probably not a coincidence that the return of Saiss has also brought some much needed stability to the Wolves defence. With their defence not having much to worry against Burnley, this could turn out to be a classic attack v defence scenario.
Bawa’s Verdict: Wolves to take the points.
Chelsea vs West Ham (Match of the Day)
Fun Fact: Chelsea have not won a game against any team ranked higher than 13th this season.
With West Ham sitting in 7th place, Chelsea fans would be justified for being concerned about dropped points. While their left wing is blessed with talent and pace in Chilwell and Werner, having to resort to Giroud to shore up their attack points to bucketloads of bad luck, on the back of a brilliant transfer window.
The Chosen One has been on an absolute roll this season. However, he has also indicated at slight rotation of the squad with Bowen and Cresswell potentially having picked up knocks. Moyes would also be hoping that Antonio finally comes back.
Bawa’s Verdict: West Ham to win, Chelsea’s momentum to pull them down.
The FPL Corner
Goalkeepers: Martinez/Alisson
Defenders: Lamptey/Chilwell/Taylor
Midfielders: Neto/Grealish/Son/Salah
Forwards: Giroud/Kane/DCL
From the Leagues of Yonder…
Youssoufa Moukoko became the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history at the age of 16 years and 28 days when he scored for Borussia Dortmund in their 2-1 loss to Union Berlin on Friday.
A brief summary of The Best FIFA Football Awards:
In much expected news, Dominik Szoboszlai secured a move from RB Salzburg to RB Leipzig. Look away Arsenal fans.
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