This season has no chill. While we are all just recovering from the gargantuan gameweek that just went by us, here we are on the brink of another. Bawa is also struggling to keep up with the sheer volume of matches but then again; here we are!
The Cityzens march on and the rest of the teams are so far behind that its getting quite ridiculous now and the rest of the league are floundering in its wake. However, we fully expect this gameweek to throw up some shocking results as has been the theme this season.
So without much ado, onto this week’s fixtures:
Burnley vs Arsenal
Sean Dyche has always had a soft spot for City and Spurs. This was evident and in full display at Turf Moor, as Mou Mama’s men outclassed the Clarets in all departments to romp home to a 4-0 win. The Clarets threatened enough to make Dyche wonder what’s gotten into his team, which could also be good news against a shaky Arsenal defence.
The Gooners had only one game – against their nemesis Leicester. Leicester started in prompt fashion, with Tielemans putting the Foxes ahead early. However, to AFTV’s delight, the Gunners turned in a performance that would have had them purring at the start of the season. David Luiz and Willian on the scoresheet. Tierney’s return definitely bodes well for Lego Hair, with the Scotsman driving his team forward with intent. However, the erratic Arsenal attack would have their task cut out against a sturdy Claret defence.
Bawa’s Verdict: Arsenal to nick this one.
Sheffield United vs Southampton
With Wilder agreeing that his side has to prepare to play the Championship, the Blades were well on their way down, breaking records enroute. The loss to Liverpool was regulation, and then the Blades did the unthinkable. They put one past Emi Martinez, and held onto an unlikely 3 points. That should not give their hopes of any great escape though. This is just another game before Wilder prepares his side for life in the Championship.
The Saints were one of the few sides that did not play twice in the last GW. They make it up by playing twice this week. Ralph however, would be wondering what changed from the squad that beat Liverpool at Anfield. With just 1 win out of their last 14 games, the once top of the table side would be hoping to hit the reset button against the Blades.
Bawa’s Verdict: Blades to fight hard for a point.
Aston Villa vs Wolves
Dean Smith’s boys started on point with Martinez making the customary 10 saves per game, to help the Villans to a win over Bielsa’s Leeds. However, their second fixture turned out to be a shocker with bottom of the table Blades taking 3 points. They’d be hoping that their talisman i.e. Grealish, comes back sooner rather than later.
Wolves nicked a point at Tyneside and then got absolutely hammered by City inspite of dominating large parts of the game. Wolves just don’t seem to impress. This was a side that excited the neutrals last season, and in the absence of Jimenez, they seem to be a pale shadow of that side. With Villa starting to shut out teams and grind out wins, this is going to be a very difficult task for Uncle Nuno’s boys.
Bawa’s Verdict: Villa to edge this one. Just about.
Brighton vs Leicester
The most important point of discussion in the Bawa Says boardroom after Brighton managed to miss two penalties in their game against the Baggies was, “How long do we go before we start calling them a shit side?”. For the nth time, Brighton could not be faulted for not creating enough chances, however their finishing has been horrible, and is definitely not the kind of finishing that is going to keep them in the Prem.
Leicester clearly can’t catch a break with injuries. But they seem to be picking themselves up time and again. This will be the respite that they needed after losing to Arsenal and drawing at Burnley the last week. They can be assured that their defensive injuries wouldn’t hurt them much and that they can focus on the attacking third.
Bawa’s Verdict: Fearless Foxes for the win.
West Brom vs Newcastle
This is quite the battle of the helpless. Big Sam will be heaving a sigh of relief that the Baggies managed to not concede to Brighton (if that was even a possibility). A game against Newcastle can’t come at a better time. With a little bit of luck, the Baggies could pick up three valuable points and build some momentum despite their narrow defeat to the inform Everton.
While Newcastle might be kicking themselves for having let a tame Wolves side take a point away from St. James Park. Off the field there have been some serious punches flying around the Newcastle training ground with Brucey and Matt Ritchie reportedly flying into each other. Inspite of all their injury worries, Brucey must be hoping his squad finds this fighting spirit on the field to add 3 points in their journey towards safety.
Bawa’s Verdict: A draw for the neutrals.
Liverpool vs Fulham
Thats 5 home defeats in a row now for the Scousers; something which would have been unthinkable at the start of the season but the team looks devoid of confidence and their season is in danger of imploding. Next up for Liverpool is a limited but extremely resilient Fulham side who will want to make life as difficult as possible for Salah & Co.
Fulham played really well and were sucker punched by a VAR decision against Spurs. They are so much better now but don’t seem to have the confidence or players to take the game by the scruff of the neck. The 0-0 drab draw against Palace might come back to haunt them in their battle to stay in the PL. it’s high time that Parker asks his players to go for it rather than hold back as time is running out.
Bawa’s Verdict: Liverpool to Win and pick up 3 precious points
Man City vs Man United (Match of the Week)
This City juggernaut just keeps rolling over teams in its path. The fact that Pep has so much talent that he could finish 1 and 2 with his squad doesn’t help. City did the hard work overcoming the Moyes’ challenge, and then swatting aside Wolves, despite not dominating the game from the go. While they conceded in both games this City team has not trailed in a PL match since their loss to Spurs in November (now that’s a crazy stat).
United pretty much gave up on the supposed title chase with their 6th goalless draw of the season. The Reds are however in good position to finish in the top 4, come the end of the season. Two successive away goalless draws at Selhurst Park and Stamford Bridge is definitely not what Ole would have wanted, but it would all be forgotten if they could stop City’s unbeaten run here.
Bawa’s Verdict: Cannot see beyond City here.
Spurs vs Crystal Palace
Spurs were lucky against Fulham, first with an OG and then with a Maja disallowed goal. This coming after a free flowing Bale masterclass against the Ginger Mourinho’s team seems weird, but it’s a win they will cherish. The return to the starting line up of the prodigals sons aka Bale and Dele bodes well for Spurs fans come the business end of the season.
Palace would be mightily pleased that they managed to get away from last week with 2 points. Uncle Woy had made it clear that the aim was survival and not to blaze any trail. Their dogged defence against United showed us that spirit. If they could bring half of it against a two pronged attack that Mou Mama puts out – Palace could share spoils in this London derby.
Bawa’s Verdict: Mou Mama be happy.
Chelsea vs Everton
The Tuchel story rumbles on with his side picking up a fantastic away win at Liverpool and also keeping a clean sheet. The players also seem to have a better understand of what their boss expects from them and he has also succeeded in completing revitalising the Chelsea defense which now has 6 clean sheets in the last 8 matches. Their next match against Everton will be their next acid test against fellow top 4 contenders.
Everton just continue to grind out away wins and are are seriously challenging for the top 4. Richarlison has stepped up in DCLs absence/loss of form and scored four. Their defence has found their mojo too and three successive clean sheets is something Don Carlo will be really happy with. Everton still have a game in hand and might just pip their city rivals to a top 4 spot.
Bawa’s Verdict: An entertaining draw.
West Ham vs Leeds
The fact that the Hammers and Leeds are extremely well rested before this fixture could set us up for a cracking game! David Moyes has come into his own, and the Chosen One will now be up against the OG Footballing Genius. A well rested Antonio and Co., should be a handful for Bielsa’s boys.
Leeds fans believe that 70% of the Earth is covered by water and rest by Stuart Dallas! Fortune hasn’t favoured Leeds, and the Irons aren’t the fixture where Bielsa is going to have it easy. The Irons have a solid core and Leeds relentless waves of assault would only hope to penetrate them.
Bawa’s Verdict: A score draw on the horizon.
Man City vs Southampton
Man City shouldn’t be breaking a sweat against an out of sorts Saints side. For all his groaning about the fixtures, Pep made a grand total of 1 substitution in their second game, last GW. Aguero is back to fitness and might finally go berserk.
Oh when the Saints, oh when the Saints go marching in! Ralph must be hating every time his troops march into the dressing room, and one can only hope, he can see them through the train wreck that a trip to the Etihad is going to be.
Bawa’s Verdict: Ci-three!
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Bawa Says 