As we near the end of 2020 (finally!), we can reflect on the many events that the year served up. But, with hardly anytime between the end of the last set of fixtures and the start of the next, let’s all hope we are as happy about 2021, as Big Sam was last night.
Before Bawa get’s philosophical about how the upcoming year of the vaccine has got to be better for his FPL team, than the one that just went by, let’s get on to this week’s fixtures:
Crystal Palace vs Leicester City
Despite having a man advantage, Palace was well beaten by Villa. The games are coming thick and fast and Palace is slipping down the table faster; Uncle Woy will have to do something to stop the rut.
The Foxes continued their amazing run against the top 4 and surprisingly drew for the first time this season against an in-form United (repeat United that was playing away!). Vardy just goes on about doing his business when it counts the most and one wonders what he could’ve achieved if he was introduced to the PL early.
Bawa’s Verdict: Foxes to continue their impressive form and take this one.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
The manner in which Chelsea lost to an out of sorts Arsenal must be a matter of concern for Frank. With 3 losses in the last 4 games, Chelsea currently sit 8th in the table and looking at their squad that definitely isn’t good enough.
Dean Smith must be over the moon with his teams performance this season. They go into this match as the favourites but the suspension to Tyrone Mings might be problematic at the back. Watkins has been unlucky as he has more assists than goals and this might be the right game to change that.
Bawa’s Verdict: An exciting draw.
Everton vs Man City
Everton brushed aside Sheffield to move to the 2nd spot in the table after going on a 5 game unbeaten streak. Sigurdsson’s return to the first team due to injuries to others has been a boon in disguise and his quality in the final third is making the difference. However, Carlo indicating that he will have to rotate for the City game, to avoid burnout, might cause some heartache to the Toffee faithful.
City laboured to another win against Newcastle but will have to play a lot better in this one. Ruben Dias has been a rock at the back since making his debut but Bawa feels that City has lost its attacking edge in trying to stabilise their defence.
Bawa’s Verdict: One goal to settle this in City’s favour.
Brighton vs Arsenal
Despite being the better team, Brighton let a lead slip twice against West Ham for their 7th draw of the season. Maupay scored a good goal but its the defence that continues to struggle. Adam Lallana and Tariq Lamptey are set to miss this fixture due to a groin and hamstring issue respectively.
It was a Christmas miracle at the Emirates as a youthful Arsenal side beat Chelsea. Goals from Laca-Xhaka-Saka eased the pressure off Arsenal and have bought Mikel some time. While his game of percentages and probabilities seemed enough to stun Lampard, Mikel will be hoping that this result also helps them regain some much-needed confidence to go on a winning run.
Bawa’s Verdict: Arsenal to win this one.
Burnley vs Sheffield
Sean Dyche must definitely be on the naughty list amongst the PL referees as he had issues with a few decisions against Leeds. Burnley played well but weren’t able to find a way past an inspired Meslier.
Another game, another loss and Chris Wilder’s team remains in a precarious position. His team is huffing and puffing but can’t seem to buy a win even if they wanted to, and there seemed to be no presents on offer on Boxing Day either.
Bawa’s Verdict: A boring draw.
Southampton vs West Ham
Saints were held to a goalless draw by Fulham despite putting the ball into the net twice. VAR for once correctly chalked off the goals due to offside. Ings and Vestergaard will miss out again and Bawa hopes that Che steps up and scores a few.
Soucek saved West Ham again by scoring their equaliser. Haller really hasn’t really stepped up in Antonio’s absence and the big man’s form must be a worry for Moyes.
Bawa’s Verdict: Saints to win this one.
West Brom vs Leeds United
Big Sam did his thing and his team followed his tactics to the T to secure a draw against the in form Champions. As expected in two weeks the West Brom defence looks solid and if they can get a big man upfront another mission impossible is on the cards.
Patrick Bamford’s penalty and an inspired Meslier in goal helped Leeds to a 1-0 win over a stout Burnley. The Leeds team seems to be running out of gas but their endurance and grit will see them run miles before they are beat.
Bawa’s Verdict: Leeds to outrun West Brom into submission in this one.
Man Utd vs Wolves
Another Bruno Fernandes master class put United in the drivers seat only to be thwarted by Vardy. An incredible save from Schmeichel and poor finishing denied Marcus Rashford for what should’ve been a hat-trick.
A draw against Spurs with Jimenez watching from the stands must’ve been remarkable for Wolves. A point was nothing more than what Wolves deserved and if Nuno can get Traore firing then they will definitely pose a threat to the uninspiring United defence.
Bawa’s Verdict: United to win this one.
Spurs vs Fulham
Mou Mama must be extremely displeased with his team for another docile show at the Molineux. Despite scoring early, the Spurs attacking unit seemed subdued and needs a little refreshing if they are to beat teams playing a low block.
Fulham managed their fourth consecutive draw against an in form Saints. Scott Parker will still not be available on the sidelines and his team will have to put up one helluva performance if they are to come away from this game with anything.
Bawa’s Verdict: Spurs to return to winning ways.
Newcastle vs Liverpool
Newcastle were lucky that they only let two in against City as they couldn’t have played more poorly. Steve Bruce might use Big Sam’s tactics and hope that Wilson catches the opposition on the break.
As Liverpool’s run of wins came to an end at Anfield, Jürgen Klopp received a yellow card and a lesson in humility. The attacking threat of Mane, Salah and Firmino was neutralised by the West Brom defence and teams might use that tactic going forward. Injury to Matip means more games for the inexperienced Rhys Williams.
Bawa’s Verdict: Liverpool to thrash Newcastle.
The FPL Corner:
Goalkeepers: Pope/Meslier
Defenders: Taylor/Dias/Robertson
Midfielders: Son/Salah/Fernandes
Forwards: Kane/DCL/Aguero
From the Leagues of Yonder…
The transfer window is around the corner, and world football’s biggest pantomime begins again. Alert: Man City, PSG and now, the MLS!
Staying on Lionel Messi, someone at Santos, seems to have not liked goalkeepers getting all the beers and have made a claim to rewriting Pele’s record, and how!
While Messi takes the controversies, the Madeira Monster makes all the right noises, as he was named the Player of the Century (2001-2020) for winning 3 out of the Big 5 leagues in Europe on multiple occasions, and adding a handful of UCL titles to go with as well. Real Madrid were named the Team of the Century, and Pep Guardiola (currently managing the 6th placed side in the PL) was named as the Manager of the Century.
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