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Good day everybody,
Welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. Today we are going to look at the upcoming Match Day 4 for the twenty teams in the Premier League. As the season starts to take shape post the first international break, will the top teams be looking ahead to their European endeavors?
Fixtures
This weekend's fixtures will take place over 3 days, from Saturday lunchtime until Monday evening.
Saturday the 11th September 2021
Crystal Palace v Tottenham - 12.30 pm Kick-Off (KO)
Arsenal v Norwich - 3 pm KO
Brentford v Brighton - 3 pm KO
Leicester v Manchester City - 3 pm KO
Manchester United v Newcastle United - 3 pm KO
Southampton v West Ham - 3 pm KO
Watford v Wolverhampton - 3 pm KO
Chelsea v Aston Villa - 5 pm KO
Sunday the 12th September 2021
Leeds v Liverpool - 4.30 pm KO
Monday the 13th September 2021
Everton v Burnley - 8pm KO
Current Standings
We are still at the very early stages of the season so Tottenham fans will be happy but still have 35 games to go. As expected the top-performing teams from last season, or at least most of them make up the top 7. Manchester City will be hoping to climb back up the table from 7th, while Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea will all be eyeing up Tottenham in first. Strong form for West Ham and Everton under Rafa Benitez are both outside best for top European places (1-4), and with Leicester having won the FA Cup they will be determined to eliminate their ghosts of the last 2 seasons by beating City this weekend and laying down that marker as serious contenders for the top 4.
Predictions
Now for the best part. I will run down through the latest info regarding player availability, form, and media to predict the scores for this weekend.
Crystal Palace v Tottenham
Nuno Espirito Santos, recently named Premier League Manager of the Month for August, has done an excellent job since his arrival. Tottenham will have a focused Kane back to lead their line, under the expansive and dynamic manager, facing a Palace side ready to give debuts to Odsonne Edouard, Celtics former striker, and midfielder Will Hughes. Spurs will however be without Giovani Le Celso, Cristian Romero, and Davidson Sanchez after their International exploits. I believe it's time for Spurs to drop points and I believe with Edouard looking to make an impact things will finish 1-1.
Arsenal v Norwich
Arteta needs to improve fast. Arsenal are bottom of the table even after adding to their squad over the summer. Norwich meanwhile, having played Manchester City, Liverpool, and Leicester, are still ahead of Arsenal in the table. Honestly, I don't see Arteta's side improving, and with Pukki opening his account vs Leicester, I'm going for a 2-2 draw with Arsenal's defense still a shambles.
Brentford v Brighton
Newly promoted Bretford had Toney open his goalscoring account before the international break, and will be hoping he can continue that for the remainder of the campaign. Brighton are flying high in the leave sitting eight while playing some impressive expansive football out from the back. Going on their form I think Brighton will fancy their chance, and win the game 3-1.
Leicester v Manchester City
The last two times these teams met in high-profile games, The FA Cup and Shield, Leicester emerged victorious on each occasion and with silverware in their pocket. The club is pushing to break into the top 4 and this game would be an ideal marker for them to set down. Manchester City has a strong squad but will currently be without Brazilian duo goalkeeper Ederson and striker Gabriel Jesus. If Leicester can capitalize on this and keep City at bay, I think they could sneak a 2-1 victory over the champions.
Manchester United v Newcastle United
Ronaldo's second debut possibly? Ole has said he will play, whether from the start or not is still unknown. With Utd 3rd and Newcastle 17th, I can imagine Ronaldo at the very least making an appearance off the bench. Manchester United is generally unpredictable under Ole, the 2-2 draw with Southampton being a key example of this. If the players don't let themselves get overtaken by the emotion of Ronaldo being back at Old Trafford, I think they can get a win, and I'm going for 3-2 to Manchester Utd.
Southampton v West Ham
Michail Antonio has been a godsend for West Ham, and has been awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for August due to his excellent form and notching his 50th Premier League goal for the club against Leicester and becoming the Hammers all-time record scorer in the Premier League. Southampton meanwhile are picking up points one at a time. Sitting thirteenth, they will hope to improve on their standing and climb the table. I think it will be a close game, finishing 2-2.
Watford v Wolverhampton
Raul Jiminez will be available for selection for Wolves, while Joao Pedro is in contention to make his debut for Watford. An interesting match between a newly promoted team and a recently established team while is facing a new era. Wolves have yet to win and I don't see it happening here for them. I think the game could end as a 0-0 stalemate with both teams canceling each other out.
Chelsea v Aston Villa
European champions with a beast of Lukaku up front? Star playmakers across the midfield. Chelsea should be too strong for Aston Villa, who are without their Argentinian GK Martinez and star player Buendia. Tuchel has a strong Chelsea squad all over and recent Spanish addition Saul should improve the dynamics of the midfield. Danny Ings on form is always a threat, but I think Chelsea will take it 3-0.
Leeds v Liverpool
Brazilian players are still unavailable for selection after not being released by their clubs for the International window recently, much to the annoyance of Jurgen Klopp. This could lead to an interesting lineup from Liverpool with their star Goalkeeper, Defensive Midfielder, and Striker all potential unavailable, and Leeds will be missing Raphina. I will still back a strong Liverpool side to win this game 2-1.
Everton v Burnley
Rafa Benitez has made a decent start upon his return to Merseyside sitting in sixth place, albeit the Blue half. Richarlison will be available for selection as the Brazilian Confederation has not submitted a complaint regarding his availability because Everton allowed him to play at the Olympics in Tokyo. Burnley will be hoping their additions such as Cornet can help solidify them while improving going forward to maintain their status in the Premier League. I believe Everton should claim the points against tough opposition and will go for 1-0.
Have fun enjoying the matches over the weekend, and no matter who you support let's all enjoy the game.
Hope you enjoyed the read, have a wonderful day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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