From having fixtures and their postponements hitting us from all directions, we all got a nice two week break from Premier League football; but then again, it’s never really nice when the Premier League goes away for too long. That of course did not give us a break from football itself, as the FA Cup kept us all awake into the wee hours of the morning – to see Dele Alli slip on Marine FC’s turf and Leeds crash out at Crawley Town.
The much talked about Blank Game Week is finally here. We have a grand total of 6 matches scheduled to take place having received confirmation that Spurs will now take on Fulham instead of Aston Villa whose squad has been decimated by COVID.
If you haven’t played your ‘Free Hit’ chip yet, we’d suggest y’all hold on till as close to the deadline as possible, as the UK continues to grapple with the deadly second strain. On that note, over to this week’s fixtures:
Sheffield United vs Newcastle United
Sheffield finally managed to break their winless streak with a 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers FC! The fact that Rovers currently ply their trade in the League One is another matter. The Blades would hope that they have finally turned the corner, and hope to put one over the unpredictable Magpies.
How Newcastle first managed to miss sitters and then concede only 2 to Arsenal in the FA Cup is beyond belief? It was one of those days when Brucey couldn’t do anything to inspire his men. That the Toons only had 7 on the bench must be a cause for worry for their fans, who should be hoping that a Wilson led XI should not have much to bother against the Blades.
Bawa’s Verdict: Sheffield to snatch a point.
Burnley vs Manchester United
Burnley needed a shootout to secure a win against MK Dons. That it took a Vydra strike in the death of injury time to keep them in the tie should be a continuing cause for worry for Dyche. While the Burnley defense seems to be in familiar territory, their attack is completely at sea, and might be just what a troubled Man United defense needs.
This is the game in hand, that could put United right on top of the table with Liverpool. But United fans know only too well that you could trust their defense to pull off a horrendous performance to give the Clarets some much needed confidence up top. United, led by Bruno & Rashford have been quite magnificent away from home this season and despite the customary defensive blooper, United will be expected to pick up the 3 points.
Bawa’s Verdict: Top of the table Reds.
Wolves vs Everton
Wolves saw off Premier League opponents in the FA Cup, thanks to an Adama Traore strike. Wolves have a similar problem. Their defence has been solid, especially at home, but their attack inspite of chopping and changing, does not seem to be clicking in the absence of Jimenez. Rumours linking them with Diego Costa, do not seem to be helping their current strike force either.
The return of Hameez in the FA Cup means Everton fans can hope again. This coupled with the mini miracle of Digne returning from injury early means the Blues’ core is back on the pitch. Hameez showed what DCL and Richarlison were missing in the recent weeks, during the FA Cup tie against Rotherham. However Everton’s rotten luck with injuries seems to continue with DCL pulling up injured now.
Bawa’s Verdict: An entertaining draw.
Man City vs Brighton
Man City absolutely outclassed Chelsea the last time around in the Premier League. Then without breaking stride, they went on to outclass Man United in the League Cup semis. All this without an out and out striker. The brilliant form that their midfield is in right now, throws up two questions – first, how deadly would they be with Aguero playing upfront; or on the other hand – do they need an out and out striker at all!
We can all keep Graham Potter and Brighton in our prayers. Potter, like his counterparts at Turf Moor and Bramall Lane, has chopped and changed his attack in the hopes of seeing goals, but the result has been the same.
Bawa’s Verdict: City to blow away Brighton.
Spurs vs Fulham
Bawa doesn’t really know what team Fulham will put out as there is little information on the players affected by COVID. Regardless whatever team Parker puts out, Spurs will be a really tough opponent to face on such short notice.
Mou Mama’s tactical gamble of resting MC Kane for their FA Cup game against Marine FC might just come good against a tired Fulham backline. Most of the Spurs’ side that played Marine FC will not make the pitch against Fulham, but expect Son and MC to pull the strings for Mou Mama as usual.
Bawa’s Verdict: A Spurs win.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (Match of the Weekend)
Arsenal have been on a roll ever since they managed to take 3 points against Chelsea. Saka, Holding, Tierney, Smith-Rowe have managed to breathe so much fresh air into the Arsenal game, that even Lacazette suddenly looks threatening. While Arteta will welcome the win against Newcastle in the FA Cup, playing the extra 30 minutes didn’t allow him to the rest for the likes of Leno, Tierney and Auba.
Palace crashed out to Wolves and continued their depressing run of results. A couple of weeks ago, they would have relished facing Arsenal, but the tables have turned now. They’d need Mustafi to start and a Zaha masterclass if they are to salvage anything against the Gunners.
Bawa’s Verdict: Arsenal to continue their winning run.
FPL Corner
Goalkeepers: Leno/Ederson
Defenders: Cancelo/Tierney/Dias
Midfielders: KDB/Son/Bruno/Rashford
Forwards: Kane/Laca/Wilson
Leagues of Yonder
Some are calling it the Kolasinac effect as his return to Schalke saved the club from breaking a 54 year old unwanted record held by Tasmania Berlin who went 31 consecutive matches without a win. Schalke beat Hoffenheim 4-0 in their 31st attempt.
At the ripe old age of 53, Kazuyoshi Miura recently signed a new contract with Yokohoma FC and is definitely the oldest pro around. Bawa thinks we could all learn a thing or two from Miura San so that we can enjoy the things we love.
In today’s day of disloyal and money grabbing footballers, the Maldini family shows loyalty like never seen before. Daniel is following his father (Paolo) and grandfather (Cesare) in serving the Rossoneri with pride.
Mauricio Pochettino became Paris Saint Germain’s latest manager by signing a 18 month deal with a 1 year option to extend. His time at the Parisians started with a 1-1 draw against St. Etienne followed by a 3-0 win over Brest but things should only get better and we wish him well.
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Bawa Says 