After the ecstasy and heartbreaks of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, English Premier League is back. These two weeks saw some fiercely contested last round fixtures of the FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Ballon d’Or Nominees being finalized, and FIFA U-17 World Cup getting kicked off in India.
Here’s the fixture list of Game Week 8 with local TV listings.
MATCH OF THE WEEK
The Game Week begins with the biggest game in English Football and one of the fiercest rivalries in the world. Its Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield. Both teams are facing injury problems with Sadio Mane out injured for Liverpool and Fellaini, Carrick and Pogba injured for Manchester United. Liverpool are winless in their last 6 PL matches against Manchester United and Klopp would like to change that equation. With both games ending in a draw last season, both managers are yet to claim a victory over their arch rivals.
Manchester United have been on a roll so far this season but they are yet to face a side which finished in ‘Top-6’ in the Premier League last season. This would be the first major test to prove their title credentials. As always in big games, Jose Mourinho likes his team to sit back ,absorb pressure and attack on the counter, this strategy worked out last time at Anfield where their defense proved too stubborn for Liverpool to break down. This time around Jose will be under pressure to play an attacking blend of football so it would be really interesting to see how he goes with his formation and team selection.
An iconic photograph symbolizing the Liverpool-United rivalry.
Liverpool are having a mixed season so far. With all their attacking flair and talents they should have won more and drawn less games. That being said, Liverpool’s attack is a treat to watch. With Firminho, Salah and now a fully fit and rejuvenated Coutinho , their attacking play is top notch. What needs to be seen is the way their defense will cope with the likes of Martial, Rashford , Mkhitaryan and Lukaku.
As one of the most viewed match in the world, we are hoping this classic encounter will not disappoint!! Expecting a tactical master-class from Jose to win it for United.
Other games:
Burnley host West Ham at the Turf Moor. Burnley are unbeaten in their last 5 matches and are currently in 6th position in the PL table. West Ham are getting their season back on track with a win in their last match although I feel Burnley on their home ground will be too strong for them. Expecting Burnley to win and continue their fairytale start to the season.
Swansea host Huddersfield at home and are in dire need of points. New boys Huddersfield are already playing like PL regulars and Swansea would be a good test for David Wagners’ men. Expecting a keen contest with Huddersfield to win.
Everton visit newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion. Everton are really struggling at the moment and Ronald Koeman is under immense pressure for results. A win would boost their morale significantly although Brighton will give them a tough time at home. A tense draw looks likely on the cards.
Southampton against Newcastle United should be a tight affair considering both teams have dropped points in their last 2 matches. Southampton have won just once and lost 3 in their last 5 matches. Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle have been playing well recently and would like to continue the good work. Nothing to call for this match.
Crystal Palace play at home against Chelsea and are about to face another daunting task. I feel sorry for the Palace fans as they have seen their team lose all their PL games so far(7), also they are yet to score a goal and scoring against Chelsea will need an herculean effort. Palace might as well get relegated soon enough if they continue playing like this. Chelsea would be looking to bounce back after their defeat to Manchester City and Palace is the perfect platform for them to run riot. Expecting a comfortable Chelsea victory.
Manchester City welcome Stoke at The Etihad. City are a runaway train at the moment and stopping them would be a mammoth task for Stoke. City have been the best team in the Premier League so far and would like to continue with another impressive and flawless performance. Can Stoke City cause an upset? Will have to wait and watch.
With Harry Kane on fire, Spurs welcome Bournemouth at The Wembley. Tottenham have drawn their last 2 home games despite dominating the games. Winning at Wembley has become a problem for the Spurs. Will this be the game where Spurs break their Wembley hoodoo? Bournemouth are in trouble themselves, sitting 19th in the PL table. After leading England to victories during the international break, I am expecting Kane & co to deliver this time at Wembley.
Watford host Arsenal at the Vicarage Road. Marco Silva’s men have made an impressive start to the Barclays Premier League season and are currently in 8th place. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 4 PL matches would be looking to win their 3rd in a row. Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal is having a week to forget: first he missed out on the Ballon d’Or nomination and secondly Chile failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. It would be interesting to see his performance considering the shock result. Expecting a hard fought victory for Arsenal.
In the last match of the game week, Leicester City play host to West Brom. Both teams haven’t a won in their last 5 matches and this should make the tie very interesting. Leicester would go all out for winning this one and get their season back on track as they are currently languishing in 17th place. West Brom are a very good defensive unit and likes to play on the counter. Jamie Vardy is expected to lead the line for Leicester in what promised to be an exciting tie.
That’s it for the weekend guys. If you like what you’ve read, check out more stuff from:
Cheers!
