Here are the final predictions*.
Weekly Comments
AB: Can you name a [current of former] professional Football player with medical degree & PhD in Philosophy?
I would have to spend a lot of time thinking about this. My first guess was Sturridge after all his hospital stays….. but that’s only half the criteria. My second guess was Ian Holloway because only a true philosopher could come up with deep quotes like “‘If I fell in a barrel of boobs, I’d come out sucking my thumb! “, but again, only half.
I had to cheat. If anyone wants to know the answer, guess in the comments and I will tell you if you are correct.
KMFE:I’ve got nothing much to say this week, as I am still deeply in mourning for Kevin’s knee. Bernardo Silva, give me everything you’ve got. Obrigado ;-)…
I’m not sure what Citeh are going to do now. They have such a small squad and busy schedule. They also didn’t sign very many players in the Summer window that could really replace KDB. Oh wait, that’s Mourinho, not Pep.
ME: Lots of analysis [I usually ignore ;)]. AM didn’t get too far ahead of ME and my form will gradually improve. AM will slip up!
Tempting fate this week Mr ME!
LJ:Picking the Hornets, as Burnley should be a bit tired after their mid-week exertions. Hope I don’t jinx your Hornets
You also picked Liverpool. Hope you didn’t jink the mighty reds! Watford will be ok, we only need 37 more points for safety. We’re about 7.5% safe!
Match Analysis
This week I’ve chosen to do a match analysis -something that usually backfires.
Brighton v Man United
This game is really about who has the best hand-brake. I believe that the ball will be kicked off and each team will set back in a defensive position and leave the ball in the middle of the park. After watching nothing happen for 89 minutes, Luke Shaw will go forward and pick up the ball and go upfield to try and score. Mourinho will bench him next week for going out of position.
Burnley v Watford
Burnley are playing in Europa League and won midweek with a clean sheet. It’s not inconceivable that they will keep another clean sheet despite being tired. But last week Watford played Graham Taylor football – four-four-two (who does that now?) and keep the ball in the other half. There’s something I admire about the style – the other team can’t score from the other half with a good goalkeeper like Foster can they?
This could actually be a good game. Too close to call.
Cardiff v Newcastle
I don’t really like Newcastle. On that basis alone I’m pulling for a point for the Welsh boys.
Chelsea v Arsenal
Are we overrating Chelsea after one result? Yes, I just don’t think they are that good. I’m already reading about how Kante is relishing his new role going forward like he’s the new Eden Hazard or something. I don’t think so.
Have we lowered expectations on Arsenal after one result? Perhaps. They were outplayed by Citeh but they looked much better when Lacazette was on the field. If Emery doesn’t start him this week then we’re looking at Moyes 2.0.
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Palace looked good last week. Palace have a small stadium with loud fans. Liverpool are the media darlings – well they play exciting attacking football so why not. This is my upset special pick. That basically is a throwaway statement that allows me to say “told you so” and score all kind of kudos if Palace wins and shrug if they don’t.
Everton v Southampton
As a Watford fan I will not comment on Silva except to say I don’t like him and I hope they lose. They won’t.
Leicester v Wolves
I think everyone wants Leicester to be a lot worse without Mahrez but they looked lively for periods last week and Vardy is committed to the cause. Maddison is useful and they finally upgraded their defense (got rid of the older players who still were living off their Champions contribution). Wolves look to play attractive football and this is the game I have picked to actually watch.
Hoping Wolves win to give LS a good birthday weekend.
Man City v Huddersfield
Even without KDB they will win to zero.
Tottenham v Fulham
Is this at Wembley? Is Kane burnt out? This is my other upset special pick.
West Ham v Bournemouth
I don’t like West Ham and I hope they lose. They won’t
*No Longer Subject to change.