Game Week 22 Pre-Deadline Chat

We’ve been outside the window of our beloved Premier League, with a boom-box overhead, begging and pleading for it to come back to us and bring joy into our lives once more. At last, in a matter of hours, the only shutdown that will be existing is the one that requires a wall to be built.

The appetizer of the weekend is a London derby, Manuel Pellegrini will face Unai Emery in what should be an enjoyable tactical affair at the London Stadium. Both teams come into the game in indifferent league form; two wins, one draw, and two losses for each in the past five games.

Sunday will feature the entree, also in London. Manchester United under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer visit Tottenham, led by possibly the next United manager Mauricio Pochettino. I was fortunate, or unfortunate maybe, to be at the reverse fixture earlier in the season. I was crestfallen that my first ever visit to Old Trafford ended in a 3-0 Spurs win. Solskjaer has the team playing a much more progressive style than his predecessor, and I think this one should be closer.

Some quick news and notes before teams are locked for game-week 22:

• Marko Arnautovic has an offer to play in China for almost triple his current wages. Will his head be in the right place for the game against Arsenal?
• Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser are doubts for Bournemouth, reflected in FPL transfers out for the week.
• Dejan Lovren is out, Joel Matip has trained for Liverpool.
• Chris Smalling has trained, Paul Pogba has been passed fit for Manchester United.

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Fixtures

Saturday

• West Ham vs Arsenal
• Brighton vs Liverpool
• Burnley vs Fulham
• Cardiff vs Huddersfield
• Crystal Palace vs Watford
• Leicester vs Southampton
• Chelsea vs Newcastle

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Sunday

• Everton vs Bournemouth
• Tottenham vs Manchester United

Monday

• Manchester City vs Wolves

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How have you used the break in action? Did you wildcard, or maybe have too much time to tinker and take a points hit? Get your team ready before the deadline, and let’s enjoy the next three days of activity. Please share any late-breaking illness/fitness news in the comments section!

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