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The international break is coming just at the right time I think. We’ve been on a nonstop ride for the past few weeks with European club football, Carabao cup, and of course the league. I plan to take some time to watch my New York Yankees in the ALDS and prepare for another season of fantasy basketball with my draft eleven days away.
Nobody wants to be depressed for the next two weeks, so finishing game week eight on a high is imperative. Your team and captain have been selected, all we can do is sit back and see what the games have to offer. I’ve decided to take a look at a few of the talking points for the game-week; please join me and share your opinions.
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Saturday
Recovery
Spurs were resoundingly beaten in Europe by Bayern Munich, so all eyes will be on the Amex stadium to monitor how Mauricio Pochettino and his men can rebound from such an embarrassing result.
We know Harry Kane will be on the team sheet, but the rest of the lineup is a mystery (at the time of writing this), especially in midfield. Christian Eriksen and Lucas Moura found themselves on the bench on Tuesday and would be pushing to start.
Going going, back back
Brendan Rodgers returns to Anfield while having a positive impact at Leicester. He was very close to finally bringing a long awaited Premier League trophy to Liverpool. Now, he could possibly play a part in extending the wait.
Let’s not forget that current manager Jurgen Klopp is renting a house from Rodgers, so a well placed bug may provide tactical insight. If that does not happen, then the rumored return of James Maddison should help at least.
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Sunday
Replacement
With the announcement that Kevin De Bruyne will not be dressing for this match, who will step up in place of the top scoring player in FPL thus far?
I’m not a betting man but who do you have your money on, is it going to be a Silva, will Riyad Mahrez step forward, or does Pep Guardiola provide a shock and include Phil Foden?
First to go
The weekend of action in the Premier League ends by matching what might be the two most boring teams in the division, Newcastle and Manchester United. Monday could see manager -sack demands from fans and the back pages of the tabloids.
Steve Bruce had the unenviable task of replacing Rafa Benitez; it’s proving difficult to say the least. Newcastle have one win, big money signings Joelinton and Miguel Almiron need goals for their confidence and Bruce will hope they start firing soon.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will find the love he receives from fans for his heroics while a player will wear off if current form continues. This is a game United should win despite all the injuries currently plaguing the squad. International breaks are a time when teams decide to change managers, so let’s keep an eye on this one.
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Fixtures
Saturday
- Brighton vs Tottenham
- Burnley vs Everton
- Liverpool vs Leicester
- Norwich vs Aston Villa
- Watford vs Sheffield United
- West Ham vs Crystal Palace
Sunday
- Arsenal vs Bournemouth
- Manchester City vs Wolves
- Southampton vs Chelsea
- Newcastle vs Manchester United
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Which story line has your interest this weekend? What is the game that you can’t miss? How many fantasy points do you think it will require for you to have a happy international break? Please let us know in the comments!
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