While the double game week was amazing, these week day 1:30 & 1:45 am IST matches are really becoming irksome. Burnley’s win at Anfield brought Liverpool’s run of 68 games unbeaten to an end and has to be the result of the week. While the week has just started, the most eventful piece of news is the sacking of Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard. In his 18 months as manager, his only achievement was leading Chelsea to UEFA Champions league qualification (but is that even an achievement some would ask?)
With less than a week for the winter transfer window to close, Bawa expects some action on that front as the impact of COVID and injuries will have to be factored by managers for the rest of the season. So without further ado, Bawa takes a look at the matches this week:
Crystal Palace vs West Ham
City took the primitive approach and Stoned Palace into submission. Without Zaha, Palace provide nothing up front and this is a concern for Woy. They have signed Jean-Philippe Mateta from Mainz on an 18 month loan to help solve this issue and only time will tell if he turns out to be another version of Batshuayi.
Michail Antonio returned from injury to score 2 goals in 2 games and earn the hammers a much deserved 6 points. The only question now remains is if Antonio can play the rest of the season without getting injured, which going by his history won’t be the case. Nonetheless, the Chosen One will want to continue his teams fine run in the New Year.
Bawa’s Verdict: West Ham to continue their winning run.
Newcastle vs Leeds United
After a fine start to the league, Newcastle find themselves 16th on the table without a win in 10 matches. The news of Rafa Benitez becoming available again definitely adds more pressure on Steve Bruce who wouldn’t want to get dragged into a relegation battle.
The 1-0 loss to Brighton must’ve been hard to take but Bielsa magic is starting to wane. His players are always willing and put in a lot of effort but unforced errors and the quality upfront has been lacking. However, a 10 day break would have helped and Bawa can see them running amok at Tyneside.
Bawa’s Verdict: Leeds to get back to winning ways.
Southampton vs Arsenal
In a repeat of the FA Cup fixture from Saturday, Saints host Arsenal again at St. Mary’s. The 1-0 win without any threat from the gunners will make Ralph and his team confident going into this one. This Saint team prides itself on the high press and hard work and will pose questions of the Arsenal defence.
Arsenal’s love affair with the FA Cup is over before it started and it comes as no surprise as players like Willian and Pepe who played the whole game can’t seem to be bothered. Auba might miss the game due to personal reasons and that makes its harder for Arteta as his offensive players just aren’t showing the skills/class they’re meant to possess.
Bawa’s Verdict: A score draw.
West Brom vs Man City
After their surprise 3-2 win against Wolves, Big Sam’s men lost 2-1 to West Ham. The return to form of Pereira and the astute addition of Robert Snodgrass bodes well for the Baggies. There are rumours linking them to Benteke and while that deal might not happen before this game, this a move that could benefit both parties.
The injury to KDB comes as a big blow to City’s charge. His quality will be missed but if there is a team that has the bench strength to compete then its City. With the assured Stones at the back and Gundogan chipping away at the goals, its the forgotten men that have come to the party. Bawa fully expects the likes of Sterling, Foden and Mahrez run riot at the Hawthorns.
Bawa’s Verdict: City to win big.
Burnley vs Aston Villa
Sean Dyche and his team pulled off a miraculous win against a misfiring Liverpool ending a 68-match unbeaten streak at Anfield. Barnes scoring must bring a relief to the Burnley strike force but its Nick Pope, a god-send for the clarets who does the business week in week out by single handedly keeping them in games.
The Villans were unlucky against City but ran riot against a hapless Newcastle and are a really uncomfortable opponent to play against. Dean Smith must be really happy that Watkins got on the score sheet on this one. With this team close to full strength Bawa fully expects Villa to fight for the European spots.
Bawa’s Verdict: Villa to win this one.
Chelsea vs Wolves
Chelsea narrowly beat Fulham and were outclassed by Leicester at the King Power. Frank’s expensively assembled Blue brigade haven’t delivered and finally cost him his job. Rumours suggest that it wasn’t just the average football, Frank had some issues with director, Marina Granovskaia, who we all know is the one not to mess with. Bawa couldn’t care less who replaces Frank as till the time Roman own’s the club, “russian” roulette will continue.
Wolves shock loss to West Brom at the Molineux was a tough one for Nuno to take. He has moved swiftly and brought in the services of a striker in Willian Jose from Real Sociedad on loan. Nuno will be hoping that the trifecta of Traore/Neto/Podence can pose Chelsea the same issues that they did the last time these clubs met.
Bawa’s Verdict: An entertaining draw.
Brighton vs Fulham
Brighton are slowly picking up form and were impressive against Leeds. It came as a surprise to all that they let Matty Ryan move to Arsenal on loan but its the other end of the pitch that they need to do business if they are to get out of this rut.
Fulham were really unlucky to lose to both Chelsea and United despite putting up brave performances. Scott Parker has found a system that works for Fulham and if they can the best of Loftus Cheek and Lookman, they might be able to survive in the PL come end of the season.
Bawa’s Verdict: Another draw for these two teams who could really do with a win.
Everton vs Leicester
Everton was the only club without any fixtures in the double game week and should come in fresh to this one. Digne and James are back and there are reports that DCL might be available too which would make Carlo a very happy man.
Rodgers reported that Vardy will be out for the foreseeable future as he will undergo a hernia operation much to the annoyance of many FPL players and pundits. While this is a big blow, the foxes have shown this season already that they can do the business without their talisman upfront. Maddison and Barnes are in great form and will continue to pose problems.
Bawa’s Verdict: An entertaining draw.
Man Utd vs Sheffield
United come into this fixture at the top of the table and having beaten Liverpool in the FA Cup. Ole has re-invigorated Pogba who has played brilliantly in the last few fixtures taking some pressure off Bruno for the time being. The defense still looks shaky and uncertain at times but that hopefully shouldn’t be a problem against a blunt Blades attack.
Sheffield lost 3-1 to Spurs in the PL but emerged victorious against Plymouth in the FA Cup. Billy Sharp returned to goal scoring form and Chris Wilder will hope that his team can pose a threat to the league leaders.
Bawa’s Verdict: United to win and remain at the top.
Spurs vs Liverpool (Match of the Week)
Mou Mama and team got a well deserved rest and one can be sure that despite his team having to play Wycombe in the FA Cup, he will be primarily focusing on the game vs Liverpool. Despite only being halfway through the season, this game will have huge ramifications as both teams have stuttered in the league recently and will want to get one over their direct rival and get back on track at the same time. Mou Mama will also want to rest both Kane & Son for this one as well.
The team that was scoring goals for fun hasn’t scored a goal in the PL for 4 matches and that will be concerning for most Liverpool fans. Klopp will want to have his team firing again as they desperately try and get their PL campaign back on track. One can expect a relentless attacking & counter attacking game Bawa feels and this could go either way.
Even though Salah scored 2 against United, Firmino/Origi need to put on their shooting boots if Liverpool wants to mount a challenge to retain the title.
Bawa Says: A Liverpool win to ease the pressure.
The FPL Corner:
Goalkeepers: Ederson/Martinez
Defenders: Stones/Cresswell/Cancelo
Midfielders: Maddison/Soucek/Bruno
Forwards: Kane/Ings/Bamford
From the Leagues of Yonder…
Finally some news from the ISL, Bawa brings to you a feisty Robbie Fowler (S.C. East Bengal manager) having a go at Pradhyum Reddy (Star Sports) for his poor punditry and choice of words.
In a really odd occurrence, Eintracht Frankfurt captain, David Abraham swapped shirts with referee in his final appearance for the club. Weird really!
After the signing of another bad boy in Mario Mandžukić, Zlatan has gone all Walter White to intimidate Serie A defenders.
And, finally some news from Turkey; Mesut Ozil has swapped the Emirates for Fenerbahce. Whatever might have been the case, Ozil deserved a better send off after spending 7.5 years of his prime at the London club!
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Bawa Says 