EPL 2017/18 - Game Week 6

Everyone wants to play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona. Not only the money is good, maybe the tax is low and you certainly play with the best. Not for some like Neymar who has since migrated to PSG. At Barcelona, everyone lives in Lionel Messi's shadow naturally. Find me a better footballer on planet earth. Not Neymar. Probably he is making more over there and he is the new big star player there. However, not everyone is so adorable and a gentleman like Messi who has shown that he allowed others like Neymar to take a penalty when he was at Barcelona. The same did not apply at PSG as Neymar has to contend with Edison Cavani.

Looking at the current state of the Premier League, it looks like the two Manchester clubs have been the most consistent and awesome carving out solid performances. 

West Ham V  Tottenham - White Hart Lane was like White Hot Lane in the past as the stands are close to the pitch but Wembley is different. Tottenham dominated with possession from 67 to 75% in those earlier games. Maybe opponents have figured out how to play them as Swansea did. They may also be facing similar problem as Liverpool when facing teams that park a bus and counter attack. Tottenham have everything, well almost except pace especially since Kyle Walker left. With everything they have and still could not unlock defences, then speed become the greatest asset. The Hammers have gotten better after that 2-0 win over Huddersfield, they drew WBA away and hammered Bolton 3-0 in the EFL Cup signalling their nightmare may be over. Tottenham was surprisingly held 0-0 at home by the Swans and just overcame Barnsley 1-0 in the EFL Cup with a Dele Alli goal. Tottenham play better away but West Hammer are having a bit of resurgence. Alli and Kane not forgetting Erikssen may prove too much. 1-2.

Burnley V Huddersfield - Sean Dyche let go two of his best players in Andre Gray and Michael Keane and despite this, Burnley have not slumped but are doing great. Centre halves James Tarskoski and captain Ben Mee gave a very good account of themselves against Liverpool. Burnley has now held both Tottenham and Liverpool 1-1 away. Meanwhile, Huddersfield finally crumbled at West Ham. They were then held at home by Leicester and lost in the EFL Cup. They are finding it hard to grind out results. A confident Burnley should win this one. 2-1.

Everton V Bournemouth - Ronald Koeman and Everton is having a wretched season so far despite looking promising before the season started with their new signings. Results are not coming despite the huge spending. To be fair, they conceded what was a very well taken and brilliant goal from Valencia. From the 8th to 83rd minute they were still doing good chasing the game but once Ashley William gave away a goal they crumbled and lost 0-4 to United. They are now in 18th position. They have conceded 12 goals without scoring in their last four matches. The Toffees lack a focal point in attack since Lukaku's departure. No matter what, they have to eke out a win this time at home to fellow strugglers Bournemouth who is sitting a place below after winning their first match. The Cherries got their first win over Brighton (2-1) and followed up with another 1-0 win over the same team in the Cup. 2-0.

Manchester City V Crystal Palace - City is the most potent attacking force. Guardiola saw their weaknesses in defending and changed it. They have prolific strikes in Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus. In David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne, the pair weave intricacies supported by the best full backs. City scored 15 goals in their previous three matches against Liverpool, Feyenoord and Watford! What chance for Palace? The top team playing the bottom team. Did Roy Hodgson did a better job for Palace then Frank de Boer? Apparently from some sources, it was worse. How can Palace stop City? Maybe Roy Hodgson can just do enough to reduce the mess. Its the worst time for Palace and to meet City. 3-0.

Southampton V Manchester United - The Red Devils are coming alive and have a really good chance to maintain their momentum. They are converting late goals into wins. They have the depth in every position and playing real solid. Lukaku signing was a master stroke as he was already a seasoned premier league player. Valencia's brilliant goal aside, he has been the league's best right back. The Red Devils are raining goals and keeping clean sheets which are very good signs of championship winning team. The Saints have never been true goal scorers. They only outscored five teams last season and was able to be in 8th position despite scoring only 41 goals. They should really have sold Virgil van Dijk and bought a better strike force. United have been undefeated in their last 9 visits to the St. Mary's. 1-2.

Stoke City V Chelsea - Stoke is a tricky venue not just for Chelsea's visit. They have taken off points from Arsenal and Manchester United. It is another chance for the Potters to steal at least a point but can they do it?1-2.

Swansea V Watford - Paul Clement yet again proved his worth when his Swansea held Tottenham. This will surely inspire belief but the Hornets have been very good this season but when it rains it pours conceding six goal to City was not very inspiring. 1-1.

Leicester City V Liverpool - Liverpool did not looked bad but the one area to rear its ugly head appeared once again when they conceded too easily and left chasing the game. 35 shots, 9 on target and only one got past the Pope. Erm, I mean Pope (not the Pope) who was deputising the injured Tom Heaton. Coutinho returned and provided some nice dribbles but his 7 shots were all from outside and off target. They missed the suspended Mane and the creative Lallana. Now, not only do they have a very poor defence, they could not convert the chances they have created. This means a troubled season. They have suddenly stopped winning and even though fielding a different squad and controlling great possession they scored none and conceded once again 2 easy goals to get ousted by the Foxes. Just beat Liverpool through counter-attack and set pieces. This weekend they have another shot at the same opponent at the same venue. The failure to address their weakness has been strange. Liverpool have since played more goalkeepers (3) than kept clean sheets (2). There is a total lack of confidence at the back and it is calamity and even Klopp is openly frustrated. It is either the system or the players but ultimately the manager must take the blame. Liverpool have not won for a while. Another stumble will raise alarm bells. 1-2.

Brighton V Newcastle - Three consecutive victories when all was gloom due to lack of transfer activity so Rafael Benitez has delivered again. It is called making the best of limited resources. What crisis when you are seated fourth. They gave Stoke 58% possession, defended well and won 2-1. The Magpies' young 23 year captain Jamaal Lascelles has been outstanding knocking in a headed goal each in their last two games. Gareth Southgate could be eyeing him for national duty. The Magpies are in form. 0-1.

Arsenal V WBA - The Gunners surprised many with a very encouraging performance at Stamford Bride. Arsenal more than matched Chelsea so Arsene Wenger got it right. Arsenal are on the rise after an indifferent start and while the Baggies are often resolute, victory are the Emirates for the home team is really possible. Arsenal have to build on last week's positive. 2-0.