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The dreadful week finally ends... It’s about time that the international break is put behind us and the Premier League is back with a huge deck to pump our fantasy managers to level up their game.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds will look to extend their winning streak and sit eight points clear the defending champions Manchester City. The Citizens themselves will aim to bounce back from their second defeat of the season, and the rest, they just have to maintain their momentum and hope for the best!
Let’s figure out the fixtures of this week and analyse our fantasy teams to bring out the highest number of points.
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Saturday, 19 October
The pressure is building on Marco Silva as his side has dropped into the relegation zone in just eight games so far. Even after spending big this summer, they have lost all of their previous four matches. West Ham have been solid, despite failing to close in a one goal lead against Palace, but they will look to bounce back to collect three points for a struggling Everton side.
Hammer’s record-signing Sébastien Haller has found his mojo of scoring goals, so keep an eye on this Frenchman who has put four in the net so far.
Prediction: Everton 1 – 2 West Ham
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Aston Villa vs. Brighton
Both teams are full of confidence after Dean Smith’s side demolished Norwich 5-1 while Brighton put three past Spurs to get solid three points.
There will be no shortage of goals since each team has found a solution to score, but it’s just the home advantage that goes to Villa who might have a slight edge to pull off a victory on this one.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2 – 1 Brighton
Bournemouth vs. Norwich
Bournemouth have been inconsistent so far, but Eddie Howe’s has always found balance in his squad, solid at the back and a threat moving forward, which they displayed against Arsenal pretty well despite not securing three points.
Norwich’s Pukki fever is fading as they are yet to pick up a point since the shocking victory against defending champions Manchester City. However, Bournemouth is always tough to break at home so Norwich will have a difficult task on hand.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2 – 0 Norwich
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Frank Lampard has found his groove with a young squad with most of the goals coming from the academy players so far. Chelsea sit in fifth, just two behind City. The Blues will look at this fixture as a must-win to carry on the winning momentum for the top four spots. Newcastle is ‘small’ team to find a win against Manchester United, where Steve Bruce collected his first three points this term.
The Toons look defensively sound this season but lack any strength moving forward. They will probably go with the same game-plan of sitting deep and hoping for a counter at Stamford Bridge. However, with Callum Hudson-Odoi back with in-form Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount, this can be seen as a comfortable victory for the home team.
Prediction: Chelsea 3 – 0 Newcastle
The Foxes have sent a message for being a top contender for the third or fourth spot on the table. They were unlucky to find only a point from Liverpool last week, but having James Maddison creating enough chances, they look extremely solid at every position. Burnley have had a decent season without being beaten in their previous four games. The Clarets will look to cement their position in the top half of the table.
Sean Dyche’s team will look to sit back and allow pressure from the home side who have enough quality to find a couple in the net, gaining three points from this fixture.
Prediction: Leicester City 2 – 0 Burnley
Both teams have been shocking this term, in desperate need of a win. Spurs have lacked confidence after being demolished by Brighton 0-3, creating chaos at the club. On the other hand, the Hornets have been dreadful this term with just two points to their name and not winning a single game so far.
Spurs will look to redeem their low confidence and snatch a victory to gain a winning mentality.
Prediction: Tottenham 2 – 1 Watford
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Wolves vs. Southampton
After a difficult start of the campaign, Wolves have found two consecutive victories against Manchester City and Watford. Wolves plan of attack is to counter, which is what they’re best at, as highlighted against the defending champions. Southampton were destroyed 4-1 by Chelsea last time, so they sit 17th in the table and hope to play the survival game.
The Saints are without a victory in their previous three. They’ve conceded nine in just 270 minutes, which is why Wolves will look to continue their form of wins and with a clean sheet at home as well.
Wolves 2 – 0 Southampton
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Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s City will now face every game as a must-win as they lie eight points back of leaders Liverpool, a massive mountain to climb. Palace sit sixth and Roy Hodgson seems to be getting out the best from his team who have conceded just eight goals this term. It’s hard to see City going two games without a win, but expect the Citizens to not score in heavy amounts in this match.
Crystal Palace 1 – Manchester City 2
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Sunday, 20 October
Manchester United vs. Liverpool
Once upon time, this fixture was regarded as the biggest rivalry in England, dating all the way to the early 70s. Now, it’s one mid-table struggling side against the elite. The question is how many Liverpool will put in the net at Old Trafford. United are sitting 12th, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be facing immense pressure after the final whistle. The Red Devils have managed to score just once in September, with Marcus Rashford winning their goal of the month, from a penalty spot! How time has changed for Manchester United is beyond imaginable.
This can really be Liverpool’s year . They sit comfortably on top of the table with an eight point gap. They’ll be looking to maintain their winning streak and their lead at the home of their oldest rivals. Plus, the Reds can drop their opposition team into the relegation zone. Klopp’s side really looks too good for pretty much any team in England right now.
Prediction: Manchester United 0 – 3 Liverpool
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Tuesday, 22 October
Sheffield United vs. Arsenal
Interestingly, Arsenal is undefeated in the previous five matches, thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang practically carrying the Gunners on his back. Emery will pay close attention to Manchester City’s game; if luck treats them well, they can even maybe go second in the table.
Sheffield have impressed with their strong back line, conceding just seven in eight games, the second best defense so far. The Blades have taken to life in the Premier League pretty well, but it will be Aubameyang who will probably put one in the net to save Arsenal’s day once again.
Sheffield United 0 – 1 Arsenal
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Everton vs West Ham is the early match with lineups that should be confirmed during the hour before the Fantrax deadline.
What moves are you making as the clock ticks away? What’s the late-breaking news? What are your questions? What are your final saved lineups? Please share with us in the comments!
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