Matchweek 5 gave us a good idea as to how the season will progress. Erling Halaand is unstoppable and Man City are most likely going to win a third successive title for the first time since Man Utd achieved it in 2009. Liverpool seem to be getting into the groove with a hard fought win against Newcastle while Arsenal continued their perfect start. Man Utd seem to be making steady progress while Chelsea have regressed since last season.
Meanwhile Leicester City find themselves bottom of the table, failing to win any game so far – one of three teams to not win yet. The relegation scrap will be interesting to watch this year.
Lets take a look at the fixtures for Matchweek 6 and my predictions –
Everton vs Liverpool – Everton have looked disjointed all season and it is down to their midfield. A deal for James Garner should help them temporarily, but they need more from current players if they want to avoid the relegation scrap. Liverpool are finally showing what they are capable of with impressive back to back wins. However they are struggling in defence and their decision to not invest in an additional midfielder might hurt them.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Liverpool win
Tottenham vs Fulham – Spurs should probably have done better against West Ham, but in the end a draw was a fair result. They are yet to lose this season and that speaks to the mentality Antonio Conte has instilled. Fulham look completely unrecognizable from the team that went down tamely in 2020/21. A pragmatic gameplan and players putting in the extra effort shows their intent to stay up this time around.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Tottenham win
Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth – Forest were utterly dismantled by Man City during midweek and were spared further humiliation due to City treating it as a practice match. These performances are not expected from a team that has signed 21 new players. They will seek respite against a Bournemouth team which has been struggling more than them.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Draw
Chelsea vs West Ham – Chelsea’s lack of a striker has come to hurt them for a second time with Southampton getting the better of them. Their defense is too porous for a title challenge. Maybe, they should revert to a back 3. West Ham earned a hard fought draw against Spurs and will hope to build on their recent performances. They need to be wary of Chelsea who will probably start Aubameyang to solve their striking issues.
DribbleSensei Verdict – West Ham win
Brentford vs Leeds – Since their win against Man Utd, Brentford have failed to win any of their games. Their lack of consistency is a matter of concern. Leeds are winless in two games but can still perform when needed to. These kind of games are always interesting for gamblers.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Tough to call
Wolves vs Southampton – Wolves have a standard gameplan – defend deep and counter quick. However they need a new gameplan if they want to finish in the top half this season. They are yet to win a game. After an impressive win against Chelsea, Southampton should build on the impressive counter press employed. They will need a different gameplan to beat a Wolves side that defend with heart.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Draw
Newcastle vs Crytsal Palace – Newcastle managed to give a tough fight to Liverpool but were undone by a lack of focus during the final minutes. This is the second time they have blown a lead against a top side. Crystal Palace seem destined to be a mid table club which seem to be something the owners and manager seem fine with. They are capable of an upset but don’t expect too much.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Newcastle win
Aston Villa vs Manchester City – Villa have been average all season and manager Steven Gerrard seems to have no clue as to how to get the best out of the squad. Man City look unstoppable and Halaand looks likely to shatter all goalscoring records this season.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Man City win
Brighton vs Leicester City – Despite a loss in midweek, Brighton find themselves in 4th place. They are still susceptible to counter attacks but should expect to beat a struggling Leicester. The foxes have been woeful, looking bereft of confidence. While their second half against Man Utd was encouraging, it was obvious their failure to sufficiently replace Vardy and the outgoing Fofana would come back to hurt them. For a team renowned for their creative approach to transfers, they have failed to show that spark.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Brighton win
Manchester United vs Arsenal – Two games in and Man Utd were bottom of the table, with the media and pundits already writing them off. Three games later, Utd are in 5th and are showing signs of steady progress. The Red Devils will hope to integrate fully integrate Antony and Casemiro into the squad, but Arsenal is too soon for that. The Gunners have been brilliant from the start and look like title challengers on current form. They have the better drilled squad of the two rivals and would go into this fixture as the favorites if not for injury concerns. Nevertheless, I expect a good fight which could go either ways.
DribbleSensei Verdict – Man Utd can win if Arsenal are without Partey and Odegaard. Otherwise, Arsenal will win
