Matchweek 3 provided some huge upsets in the title race. Spurs earned a hard fought win against Wolves while Arsenal comfortably beat Bournemouth and they are top of the table going into Gameweek 4. Newcastle and Manchester City played an entertaining 3-3 draw while Leeds thrashed Chelsea 3-0 to add to the problems of the Blues. Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1 in a fixture which was marked by protests against the Glazers.
Lets take a look at the fixtures of Gameweek 4 and my predictions for this week –
Southampton vs Manchester United – Southampton came from behind to beat Leicester and have good set piece specialists and counter press tactics. Man utd came out fighting after their disastrous start to the season to beat Liverpool. Some key decisions to make for Erik Ten Hag as captain Harry Maguire is expected to remain on the bench after some high profile errors while Ronaldo’s future is still up in the air. Malacia and Varane will keep their places and Casemiro could start.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Manchester United win
Chelsea vs Leicester City – It makes sense that this fixture takes place when Chelsea are trying their best to sign Leicester defender Wesley Fofana. Their defensive frailties were exposed by Leeds and their lack of a striker is hurting their chances. Leicester are struggling with a silent transfer window and an ageing squad. Having failed to win any of their games so far, they will hope to kickstart their season against a weakened Chelsea.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Chelsea win
Brighton vs Leeds – Brighton seem to be enjoying themselves with an easy win over West Ham. Despite uncertainty regarding the future of their star players, Brighton seem like a club with a plan. Leeds have defied all expectations to put in some commanding performances. Their superb victory over Chelsea will surely have boosted their confidence. Players like Rodrigo and Harrison have filled the holes left by Raphina and Phillips.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Leeds win
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace – While Crystal Palace are not a bad team, Manchester City are just too good for them. Man City don’t drop points in consecutive games at this stage of the campaign.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Manchester City win
Liverpool vs Bournemouth – There were question marks about their form when Liverpool tamely drew their first two games. When an under fire Man Utd got their first win of the season against Liverpool last week, all the scrutiny shifted onto Jurgen Klopp’s men. Faced with an injury crisis and the overall form of his defense, Klopp has the task of bringing his team out of their slump. It is something he has done before in the past and he can do it again. Bournemouth are the perfect opponents for his team to regain their mojo.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Liverpool win
Brentford vs Everton – After their brilliant win over man utd, Brentford failed to maintain those standards against Fulham. Consistency has been their problem and it remains tough to predict how they will play on any given day. Everton remain as chaotic as ever. Frank Lampard’s men do the simple things right but fail to convert it into results. Everton were lucky to avoid relegation last season and will need more of the same to avoid it this season as well.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Could go either way
Arsenal vs Fulham – The Gunners have a prefect start to their season and sit atop the points table. They have been brilliant all across the pitch and are the favorites going into this fixture. Fulham have surprised everyone with their fighting spirit and intent to stay up in the premier league. However, they will need a miracle to beat Arsenal.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Arsenal win
Wolves vs Newcastle – Wolves have always been a tough team to break down and are brilliant on the counter. Over the last few years, they have caused trouble for the big teams with their pace and directness. Newcastle are on the back of one of the most entertaining games in which they drew 3-3 against defending champions Man City. They have shown they can compete against the best.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Newcastle win
Aston Villa vs West Ham – Both teams have failed to play to their potential so far. Aston Villa were beaten by Crystal Palace last week and clearly need reinforcements in defense if they are to challenge for a top half finish. West Ham have been a disappointment, losing their first three games and failing to make an impact. They currently sit at the bottom of the table. David Moyes needs his men playing like they did last season if he desires a top 7 finish again.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Could go either way
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham – Forest are yet another side failing show consistency. They are yet to suitably replace James Garner who was crucial in their campaign last year. With Man Utd placing Garner on the transfer market, Forest might consider placing a bid before the transfer window shuts. Spurs have started the campaign brightly and star striker Harry Kane has broken his August curse. They should easily win this game.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Tottenham Hotspur win
A very well written piece! While I agree with most of the predictions, there are a couple on which I differ. One is the match between Crystal Palace and City. CP plays better than New Castle. If the latter could score thrice against City, it shows the defence vulnerabilities of the Champion. In Brentford vs Everton, my vote goes to Everton.
I think city showed their credentials with that comeback. Everton seem to be defensively sound..although they are not scoring goals
This article too is as good as your earlier one on cricket. Loved it. Good that you are covering various sports. Keep it up.
My blessings.
Thank you!
Well written. It keeps us keen to follow
Thank you!
Very well written and covered all aspects and the article shows how you have researched and knowledge about thd teams and the players. I remember reading your previous article on Cricket which too was well written. Good that you are covering various range of sports not confining to one sport… which is very amusing and at the same time is not a easy job to do. You scored 10/10… Keep writing. Wishing you most and more.💐😊
Thank you!
Nice blog.
Nice blog and if I remember right last time he wrote on cricket… It seems he is writing on all sports.. Good grasping and nice presentation. Wishing him most and more. 👏👏👏👍💐👌
Thank you!