The Premier League did not disappoint its fans after a two-week break and surely it must be the most entertaining football league in the world. Barring 2 matches, 3 or more goals were scored in the remaining fixtures with West Brom beating Chelsea 5-2 at the Bridge and Newcastle gaining a point against Spurs as the major surprise results. The make or break part of the season is upon us and Bawa fully expects plenty more out of whack results coming with a relegation battle, mid table obscurity and the scrap for the Champions League spots coming to the boil.
So without further ado, let us take a look at Bawa’s predictions (most comical) for the week:
Fulham vs Wolves
Things looked good for Fulham until the 78th min after which their defence capitulated and allowed Villa to score 3 goals. A first start for Mitrovic since Christmas was justified when he gave them the lead but the manner in which they played the last 15 minutes will irk Parker. It’s time to play cautious but fearless football and Fulham fans will hope that their team can go on a good run to avoid relegation.
The 3-2 loss to West Ham will be a tough one to swallow as Wolves had enough opportunities to draw or even win the game. Nuno will be extremely disappointed with his defence to allow 3 easy goals on the counter without players putting their foot in to stop the danger. Offensively the lesser we talk of Willian Jose the better, the striker is so devoid of confidence that hypothetically if he was one on one with the GK he would try to pass the ball to his teammate and miss that pass as well. Yes, even worse than Timid Werner of Chelsea.
Bawa’s Verdict: A stalemate.
Man City vs Leeds
City brushed aside the Foxes with ease and are well on their way to lifting another PL title. They are still pushing for the quadruple and while Bawa hates to admit it, it is a real possibility for this squad, where Pep is ridiculously spoilt for choice. Their fortunate 2-1 win against Dortmund will force the Pep roulette despite knowing fully well that this Leeds team will give his men a run for their money. On e side note, KDB has signed a new deal and will remain at City till 2025 to destroy all records possible.
Leeds currently stand 11th in the table behind Arsenal on goal difference. While they turn up for big matches, Bielsa will hope that his team can take their chances and cause an upset. They gave City a tough game in the reverse fixture and were unlucky to just earn a point but the City team is a different beast now and Leeds will do well to come away with a point.
Bawa’s Verdict: Another entertaining draw on the cards.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Three away wins on the trot have brought some life back into the Liverpool side. They ran Arsenal ragged and totally outclassed them. Despite that unfortunate injury, Jota could still be the signing of the season and adds that sharpness to the Liverpool forward line that they were missing in the last few months. The defensive partnership of Kabak and Philips was fully exploited by Madrid and while the 7-2 isn’t fresh anymore, it will be interesting so see how they hold up against the Villans.
Grealish’s injury setback must have come as a big blow to this teammates as they failed to get going in the first half against Fulham. Credit to Dean Smith as his substitutes completely flipped the game on its head with 3 goals in 15 minutes. Liverpool’s form at home hasn’t been the best and after a tough mid-week fixture against Madrid, Villa will try their best to exploit any weaknesses.
Bawa’s Verdict: Liverpool to smash Villa.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel endured his first defeat as Chelsea manager and it was quite the humbling, losing 5-2 to a relegation threatened West Brom side. Thiago Silva must hate the sight of West Brom as he had another nightmare to forget. News of handbags between Kepa and Rudiger have been doing the rounds and while it’s the first set of thorns in the huge bed of roses for Tuchel, he would want to sort this out sooner rather than later.
The Eagles owe a huge thank you to Guaita, who had a stormer in the goal to keep Everton to just one goal. Palace is such an unpredictable team and players like Zaha and Eze embody this spirit completely to make them exciting on occasion.
Bawa’s Verdict: Chelsea to return to winning ways.
Burnley vs Newcastle
Sean Dyche must be seething to see his side lose 3-2 after taking a 2-0 lead against the Saints. Burnley pride themselves on their defensive strength but it was nowhere to be seen on the day. Wood and Vydra scoring is a good sign but Dyche will have some strong words reserved for his side to ensure they don’t drop points from winning positions.
No one in their right minds thought that Newcastle would get something out of their match against Spurs but to everyone’s surprise the Arsenal loanee, Willock scored a late equaliser that earn his side an important point. Bruce will be hoping that Saint Maximin’s injuries are behind him and a soon to be fit Wilson can help secure their time in the PL.
Bawa’s Verdict: Looney Toon win!
West Ham vs Leicester (Match of the Day)
David Moyes and his West Ham side must’ve thought of deja vu as they nearly scuppered another 3-0 lead against an out of sorts Wolves. Lionel Jesse just can’t stop bamboozling defenders, adding a Berba pirouette to his list of exploits. The race for Top 4 is heating up and West Ham are well placed for securing it but injuries to Rice and Antonio could spoil the Hammer’s game plan.
The Foxes hardly had a look in their game against City who were successful in neutralising any threat that BR’s team posed. The return of Maddison was a good sight for Leicester fans as he will be key to unlocking defences. This is a crucial game for both these teams in their pursuit of the Top 4.
Bawa’s Verdict: An entertaining draw.
Spurs vs Man Utd
After failing to beat Newcastle Mou Mama turned on his players and all is not well in the Spurs camp. Kane continues to do the business upfront but needs support from his midfield and defence of Spurs are to salvage some pride this season. It is no longer a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ Kane decides to leave Spurs in pursuit of silverware.
United might consider themselves lucky to beat Brighton for a second time this season despite playing some dire football. A season ending injury to Martial might actually help the Red devils as they can use the skill and pace of Greenwood and James upfront. Their UCL qualification is pretty much guaranteed and Ole will try to focus on winning the Europa to silence his doubters.
Bawa’s Verdict: A score draw.
Sheffield vs Arsenal
Players at Bramall Lane seem disinterested and can’t wait for the season to end it seems. They don’t seem to be playing for their futures or for pride and that is certainly not expected of professionals. If they can put in some application this is a fixture they might be able to get something out of as this Arsenal team when pressured seem to be their own biggest enemy.
Mikel Arteta was at a loss of words after watching a poor Arsenal performance yet again. His players couldn’t put a string of passes together and completely forgot the basics of football. Credit to Liverpool for getting their tactics right but fans expect a lot more from experienced players like Auba and Laca. Mikel seems to be losing the dressing room and might have to put faith in his youngsters to bail him out after faltering again to keep a CS in the last few minutes of their Europa home leg.
Bawa’s Verdict: Arsenal to nick it.
West Brom vs Southampton
Big Sam along with most Baggies couldn’t believe what they witnessed at Stamford Bridge. A 5-2 drubbing of a high flying Chelsea is one of the results of the season so far and shows that there is some fight left in the Baggies. Big Sam will hope that his team doesn’t rest on its laurels and has the desire to beat a plucky Saints side at home.
Ings return to rescue the Saints on Easter Sunday was quite the miracle. With players returning from injury Hasenhuttl can go back to his aggressive footballing ideology and will hope to move further up the table.
Bawa’s Verdict: Another Baggies win to spice things up at the bottom.
Brighton vs Everton
Brighton were unlucky to not come away with a point from Old Trafford. Danny Welbeck was a menace throughout and should’ve earned a penalty but Mike Dean (as expected) and VAR thought otherwise. Potter will want to get a result against Everton to ease the pressure and distance between the Seagulls and the relegation spots.
If it wasn’t for DCL and Richarlison’s profligacy in front of goal, Everton would’ve been out of sight in the first 30 minutes against Palace. While Guaita made a few good saves, poor finishing led Don Carlo down. The fact that Everton has a game in hand keeps their hopes for a top 4 finish alive but by looking at their recent performances it might not be a reality.
Bawa’s Verdict: Another draw.
FPL Corner:
Goalkeeper: Mendy/Pope
Defenders: Shaw/James/Lowton
Midfielders: Bruno/Raphinha/Lingard/Neto
Forwards: Ings/Kane
Leagues of Yonder:
At 22, the French World Cup winner, Kylian Mbappe has decided not to renew his contract at PSG but definitely seems to be on a mission to win the UCL before he leaves the Parisians.
Bayern’s loss to PSG means that the Manchester United team (2007-2009) continues to hold the record for the longest unbeaten streak in UCL history.
It’s happened again! It’s happened again, Antoine Greizmann, it’s happened again!
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