EPL 2019/20 - Game Week 5

There are no big matches this week so the intriguing thing to do is to see who blinks first. City or Liverpool. Liverpool host Newcastle while City travel to Carrow Road to play Norwich. Both should win and keep their positions. Arsenal face a tricky trip to Vicarage Road to take on Watford whose manager Javi Garcia was sacked and in came Sanchez Flores for a second spell. In such situation, sometimes a team like Watford with a new manager might just push them harder. Do also take note that many players are back from the international week especially for the Euro qualifiers. With at least two international matches they may be worn out. Some others may be in inspired form as they starred for their countries. Will their club managers rest them and make changes to the line up this weekend? 

Virgil Van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum starred for the Netherlands in their 4-2 away win over Germany. That was something especially for Gini Wijnaldum who scored against Germany after a remarkable run and then against Estonia. He has been scoring regularly for his country. DO you still rememeber his two goals against Barcelona in last season's Champions League semi-final? He is now a most superb midfielder. Cristiano Ronaldo cemented his legendary status as a goal monster as he stuffed four into the net for Portugal against Lithuania. 

Harry Kane got a hattrick for England against Bulgaria and added another against Kosovo. Jadon Sancho made history with his double against Kosovo in a bizarre game where the half-time score was 5-1 to England but ended up 5-3. Sancho scored two goals in two minutes. At 19, he became the youngest England player to more than once in a game since Wayne Rooney in 2004. Raheem Sterling scored once and provided three assists against Kosovo and before this, scored once with one assist against Bulgaria. He now has eight goals in his last eight games for England. He has been around for quite long and yet he is only 24 thus at the rate he is going for club and country, he could actually grow to become Europe and the world's top player with Ronaldo at 34 and Messi 32. Gareth Southgate has to consider his defensive prerogative and Michael Keane may have made the biggest blunder of his England career giving away that goal needlessly and is Harry Maguire the 80 million answer for Manchester United and England. Ross Barkely remains a potential and should Harry Winks, Tottenham's pass master be used as  he is calm in possession and distribution? 

Meanwhile, on the home front, I can only say Banzai Tatsuma Yoshida! Singapore's Japanese coach is a breath of fresh air and you could see how he translated that into their intensive play that sent their opponents ranked higher than them back peddling. Singapore could have easily won their first match against Yemen had they converted the chances created but gave away two easy goals for a 2-2 draw. That they gave an even better performance and had Palestine beaten 2-1 was long overdue and had the fans breaking into the National Anthem after the match. Majulah Singapura! The "semangat" was there and they fought bravely to win. There was clarity in the way they played. There is hope to continue in this vein. Bring out the vuvuzela!

Back to the Premier League and what is in store:

Liverpool v Newcastle - The first clean sheet of the season. 13 successive wins, a club record and feat never achieved before even with the great managers - Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Kenny Dalglish or their finest players like Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler. The Reds are marching on leading the table by two points and the only one with a 100% win after four matches. That 3-0 away win at Burnley's Turf Moor before the international break was really something. What I could not understand was why was Trent Alexander's goal recorded as an own goal by Chris Wood. I would think an own goal is one when defending, a player shot or headed into his own net not when it was deflected. Then there was an issue with a seemingly upset Sadio Mane when he was substituted. My immediate thoughts turned to Mo Salah as earlier on in the game, there was a big opportunity for Liverpool to score but instead of passing the ball to Firmino who was in a clearly better position to probably score, Salah chose to shoot amidst a sea of defenders and was blocked. Sometimes when a player is confident he thinks that every attempt can lead to a goal but it was a very poor choice. He did that again later when Mane was clear to score but instead he chose to turn his opponent ending with the ball being cleared. I was thinking a player of his calibre must be able to choose better but the classiest of them is Roberto Firmino who became the first Brazilian to hit 50 goals in the EPL. He is extremely skilful, he presses very well and he wins balls in midfield, creates chances and scores. He is also very industrious and above all selfless and a great team player. Salah and all should learn from him. Plus, he always has a smile. Bobby Firmino epitomises everything about Klopp and Liverpool. 

Yes, the Magpies shocked Tottenham two weeks ago when they won 1-0 away. Last season at St. James Park they fought hard but lost 2-3. Their last two visits to Anfield ended 0-2 and 0-4. You will noticed that Liverpool have learned very well how to play to win matches and the Reds are in fine form. Anfield is a fortress but ask Tottenham how they lost 0-1 at home. A resounding home win and all between Mane and Salah is forgiven but be prepared that the visitors will sit deep and camp in their half and make life difficult and play on the counter. Liverpool have found a way and the will to win and one more here will stretch their wins to 14 on the trot and signal their burning desire to win the title. If Liverpool could beat Burnley 3-0 away, they can beat Newcastle 3-0 at Anfield. Liverpool win but the Magpies are likely to sit back and make it harder. 2-0.

Brighton v Burnley - The Seagulls were brutally exposed by Man City in their last match. It was easy-peasy. Their bright start has fizzled out. Burnley were the same when they were outplayed 0-3 at home to Liverpool. This should be a direct, physical, typical and proper English game of football. Draw. 1-1.

Manchester United v Leicester - Ah, Manchester United. There are now plenty of jokes on social media on the Red Devils. The recent one I saw showed VAR displaying in the signboard declaring that Man Utd sucks. Even Old Trafford is no longer a fortress as Crystal Palace has shown. Aaron Wan-Bissaka must be cursing for crossing over. Their visitors Leicester are now quite a different team. You saw how Jamie Vardy got his goals and MOTM with that performance and you know how United covets James Maddison who has been called up for England duty. If Harry Maguire and his defence can keep a clean sheet United can win. If. A win here is very important for the Red Devils as any other result could give Solskjaer a new low. Harry Maguire returns to face his old club for the first time. Will he enjoy the occasion? Brendan Rodgers may have other ideas though as his Foxes are really getting better and what better time than with Jamie Vardy firing on all cylinders. Did you see his audacious goal the other week? Draw. 2-2.

Sheffield United v Southampton - Sheffield United took a long time to return here and so far they ain't shabby. They have beaten Palace, lost narrowly to Leicester, won against Blackburn in the Carabao and held Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with a fightback. In fact, they look the hardest to beat among the newly promoted. Except for the trouncing they got in their opener, Southampton lost by a close 1-2 to Liverpool, won at Brighton, beaten Fulham away in the Carabao and held Man Utd 1-1. This makes for an interesting battle. It is a match that either could win. This is a split decision so I shall pick a draw as the Saints have resilience. 1-1.

Tottenham v Crystal Palace - Tottenham have a lot of catching up to do as they have not won since the opening day, got a good point at Man City, shocked at home by Newcastle and played to another epic 2-2 draw at Arsenal. A win here will be very important for their season. Palace have just lost once at Sheffield United. They have even gone to Old Trafford and had Man Utd beaten and followed that up with a 1-0 win over Villa and are now in 4th position versus Spurs' 9th. Impressive! Spurs must have felt unlucky, frustrated but relieved after their two goal lead was cancelled at Arsenal. If Eriksssen is sorted then he could play that very important part. Harry Kane has got a hattrick for England against Bulgaria and now boasts 24 goals in 40 games for the Three Lions. If he stays injury-free, who can doubt him to overtake Rooney's 53 goals for England. His first against Bulgaria was that of a clinical finisher when he turned in Raheem Sterlings' low cross. His two penalties were taken with such confidence perfected on the training ground and steely determination. First one to the keeper's left in the top corner and the second to the keeper's left also to the to  corner. Both unsavable. He was at his clinical best again when he scored against Kosovo, what a great finisher but unfortunately finally missed a penalty. Spurs must win but the Eagles are soaring and it won't be easy. Watch Jordan Ayew as he has two goals in two games. He has asked Manchester United and Aston Villa "Ayew you okay?' Can he score again? It should be time for Spurs to show their mettle so a Spurs win for me. 2-1. 

Wolves v Chelsea - You could say Wolves and Chelsea are in unfamiliar territory. Wolves are without a win after four matches and have just been beaten by Everton 2-3. That winning edge has eluded them. It has been surprising why Wolves were not winning. They may have been affected by playing in Europe. Chelsea have played well and often taken the lead but equally frequently they have allowed their opponents to come back late to score just as Sheffield United did to level 2-2. They just cannot keep a clean sheet. Lampard has less pressure than Solskjaer as he was not allowed new signings. His belief in youngsters like Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham has been rewarded. I believe both sides need a little more time before they start winning more regularly so it is a draw here. 2-2.

Norwich v Manchester City - The Canaries are second last now. The memories of that 3-1 win over Newcastle seems like ages ago. Even as they are home at Carrow Road, a baptism of fire awaits them as they must have seen how City bullied Brighton into submission with four without reply. City will probably be without their most influential defender Aymeric Laporte who was previously stretchered out. Teemu Pukki who has 5 goals may see a chance to add to his tally but Sergio Aguero is in superb form and he already has six goals with Kevin De Buryne having four assists. Raheem Sterling has five goals and just scored for England against Bulgaria and Kosovo.  He is on another level seriously. If he keeps it up he could be the player of the year which he lost to Virgial Van Dijk last year. Do the maths. Norwich can score too but can they keep City quiet? Away win for City. 1-3.

Bournemouth v Everton - Bournemouth are not scoring enough and conceding too many. Everton recovered from a 0-2 defeat by Villa with 3-2 victory over Wolves. In other words, the two sides lack consistency which in turn means they could slide from win to draw to a loss. So it is a bit more treacherous to predict. While the Cherries were tamed 1-3 away by Leicester, the Toffees conquered Wolves 3-2 at home. Most would be thinking Everton to win here but I shall go against the flow. Home win. 2-1.

Watford v Arsenal - Watford got their first point of the season at Newcastle and after 3 straight defeats and sit right at the bottom of the table. Arsenal must have felt unlucky but thankful how they came back from the dead from a two goal deficit to level Spurs. They have a fearsome strike force of Pepe, Lacazette and Aubameyang but the most interesting and impressive to me was Matteo Guendouzi. He was everywhere making things happen. His pass onto the foot of Aubameyang for the equalizer was a brilliant assist. This young guy looks unorthodox and has a bright future if he keeps on. New Watford manager Sanchez Flores has to stamp his mark early as if he does not make it then Watford stay as cannon fodder. He may adopt a defensive stance to make Arsenal struggle. It is a bit too soon though so the Gunners have an advantage to steal full points here. 1-2.

Aston Villa v West Ham - Villa's season is panning out somewhat like Norwich. West Ham have awaken after that sound 0-5 thrashing by City. This season three teams have the claret and blue kits and both of them are here. The other is Burnley. Its the fifth game now and has Villa adapted to life in the premier league by this time. Sebastain Haller has three goals after a slow start and proving his real worth. On current form it looks like a Hammers win but West Ham can be like Everton i.e. when you thought they could win and they lose. Do not forget that Villa had beaten Everton 2-0 just three matches ago. I'll go against conventional wisdom. 2-1.