Good day everybody,
Welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. Today we are going to look at the upcoming Match Day 5 for the twenty teams in the Premier League. After an exciting midweek seeing seven teams involved in European adventures, how will they fare on the return to domestic action?
Fixtures - Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weekend's fixtures will take place over 3 days, from Saturday lunchtime until Monday evening.
Friday the 17th September 2021
Newcastle v Leeds - 8 pm Kick-Off (KO)
Saturday the 18th September 2021
Wolves v Brentford - 12.30 pm KO
Burnley v Arsenal - 3 pm KO
Liverpool v Crystal Palace - 3 pm KO
Manchester City v Southampton - 3 pm KO
Norwich v Watford - 3 pm KO
Aston Villa v Everton - 5.30 pm KO
Sunday the 19th September 2021
Brighton v Leicester - 2 pm KO
West Ham v Manchester United - 2 pm KO
Tottenham v Chelsea - 4.30pm KO
Current Standings
Predictions
Now for my favorite part, as I go through the latest info regarding player availability, form, and media to predict the scores for this weekend. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee.
Newcastle v Leeds
The weekend starts tonight with a mouth-watering clash between two former giants of English football. While both sets of fans will argue they are still big teams, they are a long way behind the Big 6. Leeds, currently 17th, will stick with Bielsa and his style, in the hopes that it can reap the rewards of last season again. Newcastle meanwhile is in need of some form and fast. Only Norwich are below them in the table, and Bruce will know the sooner he gets points on the board the easier it will be to appease the fans. I think it will be a close game, most likely finishing as a 2-2 draw.
Wolves v Brentford
Wolves did well to get the points against Watford last weekend and will be hoping to bring that confidence into this round of fixtures. Brentford on the other hand has one of the best defensive records in the league so far, with only Man City expected to concede less than them so far. This should make for a very interesting game, and I think Wolves will have their work cut out. I will go for a 1-1 draw.
Burnley v Arsenal
A clash between possibly the toughest defensive team in the league, and an Arsenal team still trying to find their identity. Sean Dyche has penned a new long-term contract to continue his wonderful work at Burnely, while Arteta will really be starting to feel the heat if Arsenal does not emerge as victors from this match. Burnley have struggled at the start of this campaign, but Arsenal is in a worse way I think. No offence but any team should be picking up points against Norwich. I think Arsenal will struggle and Burnley should hopefully get their first win of the season in a close-fought 1-0.
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Liverpool showed to everyone during the week that even without Van Djik they can mix it with the big names of European football in AC Milan. It was an excellent game, with players all over the pitch contributing to goals and assists. Palace will be hoping Edouard can follow on from his wonderful debut and hit the back of the Reds net. I feel Liverpool will be too strong at Anfield and barring any shock, it should end 3-0 to the Reds.
Manchester City v Southampton
The champions are looking for more fans to go to the games, according to Pep. Possibly not what the supporters needed from the manager, as the stadium has been quite full on their weekend matches. Either way, the players will be alright, and with Grealish hitting blistering form, City looks like a formidable threat. Where will the goals come from? All over it seems. Southampton meanwhile is a team still looking for their first win this season, and I don't think they will get it this weekend. Man City for the win, comfortably 2-0, or 6-0 depending on how they feel on the day.
Norwich v Watford
Norwich and Watford might not be the glamour tie of the Premier League, but both these promoted teams will want to lay down a marker and show they belong in the top flight. At home and with Pukki on form Norwich can take a chance against anyone, and with Watford having little upfront besides Sarr, it could either be a long bore game or a fiery battle of two teams determined to get points on the board. I will back the home team to scrape a 2-1 victory.
Aston Villa v Everton
The Saturday evening game sees two teams made of decent players looking to stamp their mark. Everton are currently flying high, and Villa will want to put a dent in their ambitions. With Ings and Watkins upfront, Villa is looking very dangerous. Everton under Rafa is exactly as expected, tight, compact, and very effective. I expect Everton to take the points, just, and leave Villa Park with a 3-2 victory.
Brighton v Leicester
Leicester had a great start to their Europa League campaign, although were somewhat unfortunate to draw 2-2 against Napoli. It was one of their tougher group games so they can look forward to an interesting campaign ahead. Barnes is hitting form again which fans will hope can transpire into his domestic form. Brighton meanwhile has made an excellent start to the season and will hope to continue their form and maintain a top 6 position. Unfortunately for them, I think Brendan Rodgers' team will be too much, with the final result being 1-3.
West Ham v Manchester United
Tow teams who had contrasting luck in European during the week, as Man Utd lost to Young Boys and West Ham best Dinamo Zagreb. The journey to Croatia may be new for the Hammers but they will be ecstatic having picked up 3 points on their first return to Europe. Ole needs to figure out some tactics, and fast. No excuses for how he orchestrated the downfall of his own side. Ronaldo will always be top class, but the team cannot rely solely on a man in his mid-late thirties to bring home the title. A tough and close game, I think it will end as a 3-3 draw.
Tottenham v Chelsea
The big one. Nuno vs Tuchel. Lukaku vs Kane. Who will emerge victorious after this clash? Tottenham got knocked off the top spot last weekend they will be hoping to quickly get back on track. Their conference league game did not go to plan against Rennes, so Nuno will need to up it against the European Champions. Chelsea won on Tuesday, and those two extra days rest could prove the difference on Sunday. A close fought game but I suspect Chelsea will take it, 1-2.
Hope you have fun tuning into the matches over the weekend, and no matter who you support let's all enjoy the game.
I really hope you enjoyed the read, have a wonderful day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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