Good day all,
Welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. In this installment, we shall be looking at the upcoming Match Day 7 for the twenty teams in the Premier League. After the excitement of the European football during the week, we can now focus our attention back on the league.
Fixtures - Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weekend's fixtures will take place over 2 days, from Saturday lunchtime until Sunday evening.
Saturday 25th September
Man Utd - Everton 12.30 pm Kick-Off (KO)
Burnley - Norwich 3 pm KO
Chelsea - Southampton 3 pm KO
Leeds - Watford 3 pm KO
Wolves - Newcastle 3 pm KO
Brighton - Arsenal 5.30 pm KO
Sunday 26th September
Crystal Palace - Leicester 2 pm KO
Tottenham - Aston Villa 2 pm KO
West Ham - Brentford 2 pm KO
Liverpool - Man City 4.30 pm KO
Predictions
Now for the most exciting part, as I go through the latest info regarding each team to make an attempt at predicting the results for this weekend. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee.
Man Utd - Everton
I always find myself considering this game as a bit of a derby, even though I know traditionally it's not. Liverpool and Manchester Utd is the official North West derby but considering the activities between Everton and Utd, it's difficult not to consider it also. Between Rooney, Moyes, and now Rafa there are some interesting links between the two clubs. Utd was lucky in midweek with Ronaldo to the rescue. The question is can he rescue them every week, and twice a week at that? I'm not so sure. He is a magnificent player but also past his peak. He will score goals but Rafa will know what he is up against. Both teams are level on 13 points but Rafa is far superior to Ole with tactics and a master of counter-attacking football. I can see the blues winning at Old Trafford, with a comfortable scoreline of 0-2 for Everton.
Burnley - Norwich
This game is, according to the form table, going to be one of the most open matches in the league. Just don't expect it to be full of goals. Norwich are without a win in 6 games, making it the worst start to a Premier League season. Burnley meanwhile are without a win in 9 games going back to last season, but they have led in matches this season for nearly an hour longer than Man Utd has, being ahead for 173 minutes. If Sean Dyche can get his team focused they could use this match as a platform to start a good run of form. Norwich meanwhile will just be hoping they can start finding some points from somewhere and get a number on the table. The longer they have 0 points the worse the mental stigma will be. I'm going to say 2-0 for Burnley.
Chelsea - Southampton
Southampton are an interesting team this season, really struggling to create in front of goals, yet they have drawn with both Manchester teams. Chelsea are on the back of two defeats, but it feels like Tuchel's team could tear Southampton apart if they are in the mood. A lot will depend on the teams, and Lukaku will be licking his lips in anticipation of this fixture. I feel it could be a long day for the Saints, or a very frustrating day for the Blues. Either way, I think Chelsea has the attacking threat to break Southampton down, and give the home crowd something to cheer. A final score of 3-1 is my thought.
Leeds - Watford
Leeds has started the season poorly, with no victories so far. The only saving grace is their fixtures so far have included the top teams in the league. With today's opposition being a newly promoted team, and Leeds playing at home, I feel they will get the win. Over the last season, Leeds played their best against teams in the bottom five and picked up 8 wins against them. Bamford is still out but I think the Leeds players will find a way. Watford are focused mostly on attacking via Sarr, and while he is a fantastic player, I don't think he will be enough. A victory for the home side, 2-1.
Wolves - Newcastle
Admittedly not the glamour fixture of the weekend, with Wolves still waiting for their first home goal of the season. They have struggled at home, with four defeats across the board for them in all competitions so far this season. Newcastle meanwhile is showing very positive signs of a good season, ie avoiding relegation. Saint-Maximin and Willock are showing very encouraging signs of a strong partnership through the middle, and because of this, I expect them to pick up the win in a tight contest. A final score of 0-1 for the away side.
Brighton - Arsenal
Granit Xhaka was very unfortunate to be injured during the derby last week and now faces a long spell out with his knee. Arsenal is on a good run of form in the league having finally started putting points on the table. If Arteta can maintain this level of performance there is no reason why Arsenal shouldn't climb the table over the coming fixtures. Much will depend on Gabriel continuing his fine form in the heart of their backline. Brighton is flying high and Potter has them playing some very attractive football, but they are not as potent as last season. It seems you cannot write Brighton off though as they are defying the odds and sitting 6th in the table, so Arsenal must be wary of their attacking potential. I think the Gunners will get the win, with the final score being 1-3.
Crystal Palace - Leicester
Viera has started off his Palace career in great style. They are playing attractive possession-based football and finding the net. The only drawback is their difficulty in finishing off games. I believe this will come as the season progresses, and if their front line combines then they could be a strong force to deal with. Leicester meanwhile are as strong as ever when counter-attacking. I believe this match will suit both teams and if Vardy gets a sniff then expect him to score. A final score of 2-2 is what I think this game will produce.
Tottenham - Aston Villa
Am I the only one who now thinks Villa is a better side than Spurs? Nuno might be looking good in Europe with Kane banging in the goals, but that's the third tier of European competition and with all due respect, is below the level Spurs should be at. Arsenal tore them apart and showed the weakness apparent in the Spurs game plan. They need to be brave like they were in their opener against Man City, commit men forward, and counter in numbers. Kane and Son have the ability to tear any team apart with the proper support. Villa will be robust and match Spurs on the field physically, with their back three working wonders. Corners are expected as both teams have success from them this season, and I expected more set-piece goals. I'm backing a 2-2 draw with both teams producing moments of magic.
West Ham - Brentford
This game will be full of goals if the form is anything to go on, just ask Liverpool. Brentford are the surprise package and great entertainment so far, while West Ham has kicked on from their impressive season last year. I expect Antonio and Toney to have great games, and this game to be end to end. A final score of 1-2 might seem outlandish but I firmly believe European endeavors will take their toll on the Hammers squad while Brentford are physically able to outmatch anyone.
Liverpool - Man City
The big one. Over the past few seasons, since Liverpool regained a firm position in the top four, this has been the main fixture of the season in my opinion. I firmly believe this is Liverpool's year again, domestically and potentially in Europe. They are strong all over the pitch and the front line is on fire, just ask Porto. The drawbacks for the Reds will be Thiago and Alexander-Arnold missing, and I feel Gomez/Milner will have a mighty task against Grealish whichever is picked. The Anfield crowd could be the difference, making it a cauldron once more. Man City can squeeze a game and kept Chelsea from making a shot on target, but Liverpool is just are industrious at it. Man City will need to choose which player to lead their line, with Foden having shown a masterclass against Liverpool last season. Their defence has not conceded since the opening weekend and Diaz is looking a formidable defender again. I think this time will be different, with Van Dijk and Matip at the heart of the Reds back four. A mighty game to end the weekend on, whoever wins I think will be setting a big signal to the rest of the league. Therefore, I'm going to back Liverpool to clinch an emphatic win at 3-1.
I hope you all get to see the matches over the weekend, and no matter who you support enjoy the games.
I really hope you enjoyed the read, have a wonderful day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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