The Premier League juggernaut rolls on and here we are all fit and raring to go for yet another gameweek before we have even had the chance to go to the toilet. This is turning out to be one hell of an anomaly of a season where we are being given massive surprises in every round. From Liverpool losing at home to Brighton to Mou Mama losing 2 consecutive home matches for the first time in his career and to poor ol’ Southampton conceding 9 goals in a match for the second consecutive season!
However, it’s the referees and VAR that are once again under the spotlight. This is possibly the first time in a while that two games finished with a side being reduced to 9 men! Mark Halsey’s comments from 2016 resurfaced on social media, and we can only hope that our beloved game is safe from the menace like spot fixing and institutional favouritism – which plague sport otherwise.
And on that note, let’s dive straight into this GW’s fixtures:
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Villa continue to play some wonderful attacking football but it is their defence that remains very inconsistent. While one could argue that Emi Martinez has been their signing of the season he was at fault for both the goals scored by Lionel Jesse. Grealish, Barkley and Watkins have started to click and will definitely pose a lot of issues for the Arsenal defence.
Arsenal would be licking their wounds from a very questionable red card and subsequent penalty that was awarded to Wolves. However, Arteta should take heart from the fact that he doesn’t have to play Luiz in the next few games, and that his pocket rocket Saka seems to be buzzing post injury as well. As they come up against their old mate Emi, the Gunners front line would want to brush up on some training ground knowledge.
Bawa’s Verdict: An entertaining draw.
Burnley vs Brighton
Bawa seriously wonders if one of Sean Dyche’s quirks also includes conceding goals to Man City. Almost like it was perfectly on cue, Burnley’s reliable defence was breached by Jesus in the third minute thanks to an uncharacteristic Nick Pope error. That they didn’t concede a lot more goes down to good rearguard action and a wasteful City attack. Brighton should pose an easier attacking challenge to the Clarets, and one which they would smother with ease.
Brighton had Klopp’s veins popping out as they joined their opponents in handing Liverpool consecutive defeats at Anfield. Brighton’s attack needs to pick up their game and be more consistent and ruthless if they are to find a way past Pope & Co.
Bawa’s Verdict: Burnley to take 3.
Newcastle vs Southampton
You could have been forgiven for believing that Brucey had found the answers to Newcastle’s troubles as Dr. Evil aka Jonjo Shelvey put them ahead in the second minute against Palace. From there on, it was good old Newcastle – delivering the unexpected and collapsing to a 1-2 defeat. Wilson continues to trouble opponent defences which is some good news for FPL players, especially against a beleaguered Southampton defence.
There’s wreckage all around Ralph. The man hasn’t won a game since going down on his knees at Anfield. His injury list and suspended list are ever growing, their talisman is only slowly feeling his way back into the rigour of the Premier League, and to add to this malaise there is Mike Dean and VAR. While the VAR and Dean struck again, shipping in nine goals twice in two seasons is not justifiable. They will atleast be glad that they can welcome Bednarek back to the squad after his red card was reversed on appeal. And ofcourse, the Saints couldn’t have hoped for a better pick-me-up than a game against Newcastle.
Bawa’s Verdict: A draw between two injury ravaged teams.
Fulham vs West Ham
Fulham didn’t have enough to trouble Leicester. They seem to be worse with Mitrovic spearheading their attack. While doubts will always remain about their defence, the ease with which they concede chance after chance will add to Parker’s list of growing problems.
David Moyes couldn’t have asked for a better start from the on loan Lionel Jesse. A constant menace up front, Lingoo took his chances well and scored two goals on debut and as a neutral it was good to see him back on the field doing things that he is good at. The West Ham defence was solid throughout and did well against an offensive minded Villa.
Bawa’s Verdict: An easy West Ham win.
Man Utd vs Everton
Manchester United have scored 9 goals in a PL game only twice. The first time Ole came off the bench, and the second time he watched his wards unleash misery on the Saints. The questionable refereeing calls egged on United’s momentum, but their performance can’t be faulted. The Red Devils will look to continue to apply the pressure on their noisy neighbours.
Everton were lucky to slip away with the 3 points from Elland Road. The freshly laid pitch didn’t do the players any favours and Everton took full advantage to beat an ever willing Leeds defence. While DCL scored one, he had a few other opportunities that a top class striker should take.
Bawa’s Verdict: Well played blue but Red is the winner.
Spurs vs West Brom
Spurs without Kane look like relegation fodder. While they weren’t battered by Chelsea, they definitely were under the pump throughout the game. If Mou Mama is to be believed Kane is not far away and considering their results he might have to be rushed into playing even if it is for a few minutes off the bench this weekend.
It was the one game that West Brom could have gone into with confidence. But the return of Fleck seemed enough to inspire the Blades to a result. The Baggies’ attackers need to pull up their socks, especially if they are to have any hope against a well drilled Mou defence.
Bawa’s Verdict: Mou Mama might not be crying at the end of this game.
Wolves vs Leicester
Wolves were lucky to get three points against the Gunners. They’d possibly need more than luck against the Foxes though. Willian Jose has looked sharp, and could possibly be the solution that the Wolves’ faithful have been longing for in the absence of Jimenez. He will have to start taking his chances to justify the tag though.
Maddison’s resurgence just as Vardy got injured has worked well for the Foxes. The return of Ricardo means they now have two solid fullbacks and should assuage some of Brodgers worry in attack and defence. With Vardy all set to return, Brendan would also be hoping that he can get Barnes and Madders to put together productive performances at the same time, and it could be just what they need to put pressure on the Manchester clubs.
Bawa’s Verdict: Fearless Foxes for the win.
Liverpool vs Man City (Match of the Week)
Liverpool couldn’t have hoped to be in worse form when the Cityzens come visiting. They definitely wouldn’t have imagined hosting City after back to back defeats at Anfield! Injury to Mane, Salah running dry and Bobby doing Bobby things has left Klopp on the edge. He’d desperately be hoping that the sense of occasion drives his team to perform in a game that could possibly define the remainder of their season.
Pep’s machine is rolling, and seems to be getting meaner by the game. They picked up a regulation win against Burnley with Jesus netting for the second week in a row. The absence of Allison must be a major relief for City. They would be glad to take on Liverpool in the form that they are in currently, but will also know that they can’t take anything for granted.
Bawa’s Verdict: City to edge it.
Sheffield United vs Chelsea
The Blades seem to be back. They have won 2 out of their last 3 games, and very few would disagree that they deserved atleast a point against City. The return of Fleck from injury seems to have given their attack purpose. The Baldock-Bogle-Lundstram axis seems as threatening in attack, as in defence. Wilder would be a more relaxed man these days.
Chelsea under Tuchel have kept three clean sheets in a row, first time a manager has done so since “The Special One” himself. While Marcos Alonso, Hudson-Odoi and Jorginho have found a new lease of life under the German, he will be hoping that his fellow countryman, Timo Werner can find his shooting boots sooner rather than later. The shackles seem to have been lifted and this team definitely has the potential to go on a winning run as their squad depth is scary i.e. 9 full internationals on their bench.
Bawa’s Verdict: Three-point Tuchel.
Leeds United vs Crystal Palace
The freshly laid pitch at Elland Road was as problematic to the players as was their passing early on. Leeds always make a fight of it but like Bielsa’s beverage they can’t keep blowing hot and cold. Bawa doesn’t see where the consistency will come from but they definitely need to defend better.
Woy would have feared the worst going down a goal in the third minute against a resurgent Newcastle. Palace stuck to their guns and thanks to some woeful finishing from their opponents took away the crucial 3 points. Bawa really likes Eze and the exuberance and directness that he brings to this Palace team.
Bawa’s Verdict: An entertaining draw.
The FPL Corner:
Goalkeepers: Mendy/Fabianski
Defenders: Dallas/Evans
Midfielders: Bruno/Grealish/Son/Maddison
Forwards: Ings/DCL/Antonio
From the Leagues of Yonder…
One can’t make this up…Poor Sebastien Haller has been left out of Ajax’s Europa League squad, not because he has forgotten where the goal is but due to a clerical/administrative mistake.
Another one who has been left extremely disappointed thanks to a club’s management is Andre Villas Boas who has resigned from his role at Marseille over them signing a player (Olivier Ntcham) that he didn’t want. Nice of him to leave the $$$ behind.
Moving to Spain, Granada and Barcelona played out a thriller with the La Liga giants prevailing 5-3 to go through to the Copa del Rey semi finals. Antoine Griezmann was instrumental with 2 goals and 2 assists for this comeback win.
Last but not the least Ajax’s #1 GK, Andre Onana has been banned for 12 months by the UEFA for a doping violation. As Mr. Mackey from South Park always said, “Drugs are bad, Mkay?”
Now that you have reached the bottom of the post, do comment and don’t forget to subscribe (we get to know the numbers easily). Also please do share a word about good ol’ Bawa with folks around you. Cheers 🍻
Bawa Says 