EPL - 2018/19 - Game Week 5

Back to Premier League action after the international week's break how will each team perform? Top teams full of internationals may have tired players from their travels to play for their countries. Will the smaller teams with much fewer internationals spring some surprises this week?

Tottenham v Liverpool - Spurs were stunned buy Watford before the international break. If they do not win here, self doubts may creep in. It is a very important match for them. Liverpool have their on demon to conquer. Leading 2-0 away at Leicester, they finally became the last side to have conceded a goal. Virgil van Dijk sometimes appear too casual. It was not the best back pass to Alisson Becker. The best way to deal with an awkward back pass is to hoof it away or put it to row Z and not to dribble your way out. This is a lesson. From here on the Reds are going the next three weeks in what could be season-defining beginning this Saturday. After this match they host the Saints, travel to Chelsea, welcome City at Anfield and awaits the visit by PSG and go to Napoli. If Liverpool can lead clearly at the top if they win this tough test while a Tottenham win will help them keep pace with the pack. 

Since that 4-1 thrashing by Tottenham, Liverpool actually had the best defensive record in the Premier League. They have just conceded their first goal against Leicester after which for half an hour they did not have a single shot inside their box. The current stars from both sides in red hot form are not Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah but Lucas Moura and Sadio Mane. Both sides plays a pressing game so this is going to be exciting. It could probably end up a 2-2 draw but some recent issue with captain Lloris's drink driving may have affected them plus Liverpool are having some champions quality in that when they did not play as well they are still winning. Just like what City, United and Chelsea used to do but Tottenham in recent years have very good record playing top six teams. A win for either team here could define their season. Tottenhma will harass Liverpool's defence and any antics by Alisson like his Cruyff turns had better be reserved for the training pitch. If Liverpool exploit on the wings and get good and high crosses in they have a chance as SPurs have conceded some this season. 2-2.

Bournemouth v Leicester - The Cherries were beaten by a very effective Chelsea side (0-2). A home game is a chance to bounce back. Despite having lost, the Foxes played very well in the second half against Liverpool last week. Bournemouth has Callum Wilson in fine form so why was he not picked for England recently and Leicester have Ben Chiwell and Demarai Gray called up and they should be inspired to perform. This should be a close contest and they way both are playing it could end up a draw. 2-2.

Chelsea v Cardiff - Chelsea are on a hot run pacing leader Liverpool with similar full points. It is their chance to top the table should Liverpool falter. Cardiff on paper are no match and even lesser at Stamford Bridge. The chain-smoking Sarri seemed to have gotten Chelsea to be playing so well sooner than was expected. This would be a workman-like display and the home side will control the game and win. 2-0.

Huddersfield v Crystal Palace - The Terriers surprising held Everton the previous week while Palace were shocked 0-2 at home by visiting Southampton. Can Huddersfield repeat that result and performance? Palace is capable of bouncing back but the homoe side need to grind out another result. 1-1.

Manchester City v Fulham - City could only beat Newcastle 2-1 as the Magpies packed their defence. Fulham is a ball-playing team and may suffer more damage at the Etihad. City and England should be preparing a bright future England star in 18 year old Phil Foden who was the age group World Cup best player. This lad is special and could be the best since Paul Gascoigne. You will love to watch him play. Fulham are doing good under Serbian manager Jokanovic who will try to plan a surprise for City but City should be too good. 3-1.

Newcastle v Arsenal - The Magpies are in bad shape in terms of result but they are actually playing well but are facing tough fixtures at one go. They have since lost 1-2 to Spurs, Chelsea and City. They should get better results when the other teams come. The Gunners could be exploited by Rafa Benitez. Arsenal should unleash Torreira as Unai Emery seemed to have taken longer than expected to get his team going. However, they still have the goods to get a win. 1-2.

Watford v Manchester United - The Hornets are really stinging, lying 3rd with 100% wins just like Liverpool and Chelsea. This is very refreshing. I hope they could carry on. Nothing like watching the smaller teams excel.  Can their be special just like Leicester some years back under Javi Gracia? The former Villarreal coach are doing wonders upsetting the form books. He was asked if he was afraid of failure and his reply was that he run in front of bulls (in Pamplona) so what is there to fear anywhere else?
He has truned Troy Deeney into a match winner and he has destroyed defences. Watch Man U. England should have given him a chance. Jose Mourinho's United finally played well and got a result and won 2-0 at Burnley. My logic is simple. If they could beat Spurs why not United but the Red Devils under Mourinho are set up differently. Watford have been quite sensational really. Any team playing Watford now need to worry for if they could beat Tottenham they could beat anyone. United won't have it easy. It is unusual for me to say Watford could win here. United would be happy to have Luke Shaw back as he has been in inspired form. Marcus Rashford must play as he has scored both England goals recently. Whatever has happened to Juan Mata?  3-2.

Wolves v Burnley - Wolves took 3 precious points from West Ham the other week. The have a big chance here to extend the streak as Burnley seemed to have burnt out so early and in rotten form. Last season Wolves were high scorers in the lower division and Burnley have a great defence but now they have conceded too many and losing matches. The match must favour Wolverhampton. 2-1.

Everton v West Ham - The Toffees missed winning their previous match. The Hammers were unlucky having lost 0-1 at home. West Ham are still looking for their first points. Pundits are talking up a fifth defeat by the Hammers. I was expecting good things for West Ham when they appointed Manuel Pelligirini as manager and the astute signings he has made plus his positive style of soccer, I believe they will make a strong season. Thins have become more challenging. Everton are looking a lot more solid this season but the Hammers should steal a point. 1-1.

Southampton v Brighton - The Saints shocked Palace recently (2-0). They have also won 1-0 away to Brighton in the Cup tie. So they should be a confident host here. Chris Hughton's Brighton will not be easy. I would would say they are equal unless Southampton are beginning a magical run. 1-1.