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Liverpool woes, City’s title: GW 24

Gameweek 24 Starts out with the league table looking like this:

The EPL Table before Gameweek 24, City 5 points clear with a game in hand.

City are starting to run away with the title, with United 5 points behind. Leicester (43) and Liverpool (40) follow, the Premier League Champions struggling to defend their crown.

It seems there may not be a relegation battle this year, as Fulham and Burnley are seperated by 8 points. Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United look to be heading to the championship.

This gameweek, there are many exciting matches, so let’s get on with Gameweek 24.

Match of the Gameweek

Image result for leicester liverpool

Leicester City vs Liverpool

With Liverpool being the reigning Champions, you would expect them to give some sort of fight in the title race. That isn’t happening as Man City all but demolished any sort of Title hope by Liverpool fans.

Leicester start the match 3 points clear of a struggling and below-par Liverpool side, but should Liverpool win they will go ahead of Leicester on both head-to-head points and Goal Difference. Should it go vice versa, however, Liverpool’s top-4 place may be in scrutiny, especially if Chelsea win.

Leicester come into this match with the better form, while the visitors come into the match with their confidence low after the humiliation against City. Do not undestimate anything from Liverpool however.

Leicester 1-1 Liverpool

Easiest Win: Man Utd vs West Brom

Image result for west brom vs man utd
Bruno Fernandes scores a penalty vs West Brom

Man Utd have had some season.

Humiliated 3-1 to Palace, to losing 6-1 to Tottenham, they have sensationally turned their season around.

Wins against Southampton (12-2 on aggregate), Fulham, Burnley, Villa, Wolves, and a demolition of Leeds have pushed them to 2nd place.

Despite Big Sam saving clubs from relegation, his tenure at West Brom may put a stain on his managerial career, with Relegation looking a real possibility.

Despite scraping a draw at Anfield, they have been humiliated by City, Arsenal and even lost to a struggling Sheffield United.

West Brom 0-3 Man Utd

Other Predictions

Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle

Man City 3-0 Tottenham

Southampton 0-0 Wolves

Everton 2-1 Fulham

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Premier League/LaLiga/ Serie A/ Erdivisie Transfer News

Man City vs Arsenal: 20/21 Mini Preview

A struggling Manchester City face an in-form Arsenal, who have recently signed Thomas Partey, at the Etihad.

Manchester City 3-0 Arsenal: Hosts punish David Luiz errors to seal  comfortable win | Football News | Sky Sports
David Luiz gets sent off at the Etihad during Arsenal’s 3-0 loss to Man City

What have both teams done in the transfer market? (Excluding Loans)

Man City (In)

  • Ruben Dias (Benfica- €68 Million)
  • Nathan Ake (Bournemouth- €45.3 Million)
  • Ferran Torres (Valencia- €21 Million)
  • Pablo Moreno (Juventus U19- €10 Million)
  • Nahuel Bustos (CA Talleres- €6.5 Million)
  • Yan Couto (Coritiba FC- €6 Million)
  • Issa Kabore (KV Mechelen- €4.5 Million)

Man City (Out)

  • Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich- €45 Million)
  • Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica- €15 Million)
  • Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham- €1.65 Million)
  • Alex Garcia (Dinamo Bucarest- Free)
  • David Silva (Real Sociedad- Free)
  • Claudio Bravo (Real Betis- Free)

Arsenal (In)

  • Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid- €50 Million)
  • Gabriel (LOSC Lille- €26 Million)
  • Pablo Mari (Flamengo- €8 Million)
  • Alex Runarsson (Dijon- €2 Million)
  • Cedric Soares (Southampton- Free)
  • Willian (Chelsea- Free)

Arsenal (Out)

  • Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa- €17.4 Million)
  • Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Roma- Free)
  • Matteo Guendouzi (Hertha Berlin)

Conclusion and Prediction

Arsenal have done more business in the transfer market and have been in much better form than City. However, don’t write off Man City as they might be motivated to improve to their best in the Premier league.

Man City 2-2 Arsenal

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Analysing clubs Players Premier League/LaLiga/ Serie A/ Erdivisie Transfer News

Liverpool vs Everton: Match Preview

Liverpool face Everton in one of the most hyped up Merseyside Derbies, where both teams stand a chance to stab the other in the Premier League Table.

When and Where is the game? (Timing, Stadium & City)

12.30pm, British Standard Time (Goodison Park, Liverpool)

What have both teams done in the transfer Market? (Excluding Loans)

Liverpool (In)

  • Thiago Alacantara (Bayern Munich- €27 Million
  • Diego Jota (Wolverhampton Wanderers- €44.7 Million)
  • Kostas Tsimikas (Olympiacos- €13 Million)

Liverpool (Out)

  • Dejan Lovren (Zenit St. Petersburg- €12 Million)
  • Rhian Brewster (Sheffield United- €26 Million)
  • Adam Lallana (Brighton- Free)
  • Nathanial Clyne (Crystal Palace- Free)
  • Ovie Ejaria (Reading- €3.2 Million)

Everton (In)

  • Ben Godfrey (Norwich- €27.5 Million)
  • Allan (Napoli- €25 Million)
  • Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford- €22.1 Million)
  • Niels Nkounkou (Marseille B- €270 Thousand)
  • James Rodriguez (Real Madrid- Free)

Everton (Out)

  • Morgan Schneiderlin (OCG Nice- €2.23 Million)
  • Kieran Dowell (Norwich- €2.2 Million)
  • Sandro Ramirez (Huesca- Free)
  • Luke Garbutt (Blackpool- Free)
  • Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax- Free)

Everton have done more business in the transfer market and have managed to buy James Rodriguez and Allan in the same transfer window, and both have contributed significantly in their first 4 games.

Liverpool have also managed to steal Thiago, who earned the Man of the Match in Last Season’s UCL Final, where he bossed the midfield. Jota is also a decent signing as it gives further attacking depth that the Reds lacked last season.

Key Battles to look out for

Calvert-Lewin vs Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton... News  Photo - Getty Images
DCL vs VVD in the Previous Merseyside Derby.

Calvert- Lewin is on fire as a bagged a debut goal for England during their 3-0 drubbing of Wales. In addition, he is tied for the golden boot with Son Heung-Min, with 6 goals in just 4 games.

Van Dijk, possibly having one of his worst games in a Liverpool shirt after being part of a defence that conceded 7 to Villa, would want to come back strong and motivated against a energetic and inspired Calvert-Lewin. This battle could determine the outcome of the match.

Mohammed Salah vs Lucas Digne

Digne threat could decide Merseyside derby
Salah and Lucas Digne Battling for the ball in Liverpool’s famous 1-0 win over Everton.

Salah, who is Liverpool’s best attacker with 5 goals in 3 appearances for the Reds this season, is faced with a difficult battle against Lucas Digne, a strong and intelligent Left-Back who is almost as quick as the Egyptian. This match could see Salah being Pocketed, or explosive like he was against Leeds.

Andrew Robertson vs James Rodriguez

Robertson poses James' toughest challenge so far | MARCA in English
This could be the Battle for the Right Wing.

Andy Robertson was one of the few players who gave their all during their loss against Villa. With Determination, Talent and Intensity, Robertson poses a huge challenge for Everton’s James Rodriguez.

However, every player has off-days, and this could be one for Robertson after playing all four matches in the Premier League, causing fatigue for the Scotsman. That could be an opportunity for Rodriguez to pose a huge problem for Liverpool’s backline.

Conclusion and Prediction

Both teams have similar chances to winning the game, with amazing attacking flair. Thiago Alacantara has also confirmed that he has recovered from COVID-19, as well as Sadio Mane.

Everton, with high-flying form and confident morale, could do anything to this damaged Liverpool side, however. They could dominate the midfield should Thiago not play (or be off-form which is unlikely), or even contain Liverpool’s blistering attack of Mane and Salah. Firmino could be a different animal after scoring two goals for Brazil in the International break, so this game is almost unpredictable.

Both teams will concede and score, and the stale 0-0 Games might no longer be common at Goodison Park.

Everton 1-1 Liverpool

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EPL Matchday 5 (20/21): Preview

In one of the most Bizarre starts to a Premier League Season ever, where United and Liverpool were humbled just two weeks ago, we look forward to Matchday 5 of England’s Top Flight.

When are they? (British Standard Time)

Everton vs Liverpool (12.30 pm, 17 October)

Chelsea vs Southampton (3.00 pm, 17 October)

Man City vs Arsenal (5.30 pm, 17 October)

Newcastle vs Man United (8.00 pm, 17 October)

Sheffield United vs Fulham (12.00 pm, 18 October)

Crystal Palace vs Brighton (2.00 pm, 18 October)

Tottenham vs West Ham United (4.30pm, 18 October)

Leicester City vs Aston Villa (7.15 pm, 18 October)

West Brom vs Burnley (5.30 pm, 19 October)

Leeds United vs Wolves (8.00 pm, 19 October)

Top Match of the week

Everton vs Liverpool

Roberto Martinez challenges Everton to repeat Chelsea win against Liverpool  in Merseyside Derby - Football - 03 October 2015 13:03, Sport News
Mikel Arteta takes a strike as Everton beat Liverpool 2-0 in 2010.

It will be exactly 10 years on Saturday from when Everton last beat Liverpool (17 October 2010) and they have a highest possible chance to replicate that win.

Liverpool, who are lacking in confidence after their shock 7-2 loss to Villa, may find it difficult to contain Everton’s blistering attack and dominating midfield.

They have already conceded 11 goals in 4 matches, a third of their total goals conceded for the entirety of last season.

Everton have had a flying start, and are Top of the table with 12 points, and their star striker Calvert Lewin scoring 6 goals in 3 matches, along with Son Heung Min.

However, anything can be possible for the ‘mentality monsters’, who have Thiago, Mane and Salah available although Adrian will still have to play in net.

Everton 1-1 Liverpool

Shock Result

Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd: Matty Longstaff scores winner on debut - BBC Sport
Matty Longstaff scores the winner in the Previous Season, as Newcastle outwit United 1-0.

Newcastle vs Man Utd

What more can I say. After losing 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace, Man United snatched one of the luckiest wins in EPL history by getting a penalty after the full time whistle at Brighton. Brighton hit the woodwork FIVE times.

Then comes the 6-1 nightmare to Tottenham, and everyone was absolutely dreadful. Jadon Sancho did not sign on deadline day, and its been a nightmare for United fans.

Newcastle brought a convincing 2-0 away win to West Ham, but lost 3-0 to Brighton. They then won 7-0 in the EFL cup and won 3-1 to Burnley at the previous matchday.

The signings of Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser were excellent ones for Newcastle, Wilson finding the net 4 times in three Premier League games.

Newcastle 2-1 Man United

Can Liverpool restore their form? Can Man City get a win over Arsenal? Who will finish in the top four of the Premier League?

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Opinion Premier League/LaLiga/ Serie A/ Erdivisie

The Issue with Liverpool and Adrian

Picture the scenes. Aston Villa score 7 against the reigning Champions, Liverpool. Salah might have scored a brace but that won’t stop the banter Liverpool fans and Liverpool players are getting.

What a player': Micah Richards claims 'absolutely incredible' Aston Villa  ace goes 'unnoticed' – HITC
Jack Grealish and His teammates celebrate as Liverpool get spanked by Villa.

The thing that makes this result more humiliating is that just minutes before the game, Man United were humiliated by Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham 6-1, including braces by Kane and Son, and a red card for leading striker Anthony Martial.

Yet, Liverpool caught all the headlines while the United game remained a sub-topic and faded into darkness as Pundits and Football Fans alike mocked and criticized Liverpool’s notorious performance as reigning Champions.

In all of this chaos, where Liverpool fans were heartbroken, three players were made scapegoats- Roberto Firmino (For his sudden drop in form over the past two seasons), Joe Gomez (For Horrendous Defending), but the man who took the limelight was 2nd choice goalkeeper Adrian.

Overrated When Signed

Simon Mingolet was definitely not the best goalkeeper, conceding many goals before he was dropped to the bench after Loris Karius earned Jurgen Klopp’s trust as the number 1 choice.

Karius went on Loan to Besiktas and is now on loan at Union Berlin after having a calamitous game in the UCL Final against Real Madrid where he made 2 mistakes.

Mingolet stayed on the bench and barely played a game for Liverpool as Alisson proved to be worth his 75 million pound price tag, helping Liverpool to win the Champions League.

He left for Club Brugge and Adrian was signed. He immediately had his debut in Matchday 1 against Norwich when Alisson had a calf injury after 39 minutes of play.

He had a fairly decent game, and Teemu Pukki scored a consolation but Liverpool fans were worried for his risky passing and being poor at keeping the ball at his feet, unlike Alisson, who was top-notch at his feet.

Fears were highlighted when he lost the ball at his feet just the following week, at Southampton.

He did save Tammy Abraham’s penalty improving his reputation as that save allowed Liverpool the win the Super Cup.

It went downhill since. A mistake against Atletico led to Liverpool’s Champions League exit, and he had made a mistake the previous week after their 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup.

He now conceded 7 to a high-flying Villa side. Having the worst passing of any goalkeeper in the league at 64%, it summarizes the issue of Liverpool’s second shot-stopper.

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Bayen win UCL after 1-0 win over PSG

Bayern Munich are the winners of the Champions League in 2020.

The German Outfit won their first treble and UCL since 2013 as former PSG player headed home into the far post after 59 minutes.

PSG had plenty of chances but poor finishing as well as good goalkeeping from Manuel Neuer allowed Bayern to have a cleen sheet.

Bayern have won their 6th Champions League in the history of this competition.

Flick deseves all credit

Bundesliga | 5 reasons Hansi Flick deserves the Bayern Munich job
Hansi Flick took over Bayern when they were in bad shape, and led them to winning the treble

When Hansi Flick was given the job as Interim Manager, Bayern were sitting in a mediocre 7th position, 7 points from the top of the table.

The German manager had a huge challenge right from that start, having to encounter Borussia Dortmund, who were in 3rd position.

However, Flick brushed aside all pressure, dominating Dortmund and Bayern deservedly won 4-0.

However, not all changes happened overnight, as he had to encounter a 2-1 home loss to Bayer Leverkusen and another 2-1 away loss to Borussia M’gladbach.

What followed was a 19 game winning streak, including a 1-0 win away at Dortmund in Der Klassiker. Bayern (82) would eventually win the Bundesliga with a 13 point lead over rivals Borrusia Dortmund (69).

In that space, the resurgence of Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer was a huge one, especially after both had mediocre 2018/19 seasons, with Neuer making errors ever so often, and Muller a former shadow of himself.

Neuer would go on to get the golden glove and Muller broke a record for the most assists in a Bundesliga season: A whopping 21.

Moreover, Bayern would win Chelsea 3-0 away, 4-1 at home, then dismantling Barcelona by a one-legged score of 8-2.

They brushed aside Lyon 3-0 while eventually winning the final.

A teenager from Vancouver

World's fastest footballers: Where does Alphonso Davies rank ...
Alphonso Davies has been sensational this season

An Unknown player when he first replaced an injured Lucas Hernandez, Alphonso Davies has proved to the world that you can be an amazing football regardless wherever you are born in the world.

He has set a record for the fastest clocked time in the Bundesliga, at 36.53 km/h, beating wing-back Achraf Hakimi.

He has made sensational runs. An example of his sensational runs came in the 8-2 obliterration of Barcelona.

His run included going past Messi and 5 other players, and humilliating Nelson Semedo after effortlessly dribbling past him.

He needed a simple cross to give Bayern a 5-2 lead and he did so, letting Joshua Kimmich score one of the easiest goals of his life.

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Sevilla win Europa League after nail-biting final

Sevilla won the Europa league for a 6th time as they defeated Inter Milan 3-2 in Frankfurt.

Gif: Lukaku BIZARRE own goal vs Inter! | Witty Futty
Lukaku scored an own goal which proved to be the winner for Sevilla.

Favourites Inter Milan needed went into an early lead after Lukaku calmly slotted in a penlaty into the bottom corner after a foul by Diego Carlos on the Belgian number 9.

It didn’t take Sevilla long to equalise, however, as Luuk de Jong headed home from 6 yards after a pinpoint cross from Jesús Navas.

Luuk de Jong added another goal to his tally to give Sevilla the lead after he headed in to the far post.

Inter Milan responded after just 2 minutes with Diego Godin heading home a cheeky cross by fellow Croatian Marcelo Brozović.

Lukaku could have given Inter the lead just after the hour mark but Sevilla shot-stopper Yassine Bounou managed an excellent save.

He would eventually be the villain for the Serie A side as he scored a comical own goal.

Diego Carlos attempted an ambitious bicycle kick which seemed to be heading wide but struck Lukaku to give Sevilla the lead, and would eventually be the winner.

Inter Milan had a successful season under Antonio Conte, finishing second by a point (82) behind Juventus (83).

Sevilla also had a stellar 19/20 season under 18/19 manager Julen Lopetegui, finishing level on points (70) with Atletico Madrid, but finished 4th due to the goal difference rule.

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UCL Predictions

Round of 16 (Last 4 ties)

Juventus 3-0 Lyon (Agg: 3-1)

Man City 2-2 Real Madrid (Agg: 4-3)

Bayern 3-1 Chelsea (Agg: 6-1)

Barcelona 2-1 Napoli (Agg: 3-2)

Quarter Finals (Note that they will only be one match)

Juventus 1-2 Man City

Bayern 4-2 Barcelona (Yes, that is a bold prediction)

Atalanta 2-1 PSG

Leipzig 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Semi Finals (One-legged ties)

(QF1) Man City 1-1 (QF3) Bayern (Man City win on Penalties)

(QF2)Atalanta 1- 1 Atletico Madrid (QF4)- (Atletico win on Penalties)

Final

Bayern 1-0 Atletico Madrid

Winners

Bayern Munich

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UEFA Champions League Draws Confirmed

The UCL draws are confirmed.

Manchester City or Real Madrid will clash heads with the winner of Juventus or Lyon.

The second quarter final will be RB Lepizig vs Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, making for an intersting tie.

Barcelona vs Napoli will face against the winner of Bayern vs Chelsea (which is technically settled unless a miracle happens).

Underachievers PSG will face against Underdogs Atalanta.

ANALYSIS

  1. Man City vs Real Madrid (R16)

Manchester City and Real Madrid have both been on fire since the restart of the EPL and Laliga respectively.

Man City have thrashed Champions Liverpool 4-0 while Real Madrid have a 4 point lead against Barcelona.

Both teams will draw in the second leg, and Man City will go through.

2. Juventus vs Lyon (R16)

Lyon might have a 1-0 aggregate lead but the cancellation of Ligue 1 and the fact that they haven’t qualified for the Champions League next season would be a major blow for them.

Juventus and Ronaldo would almost cetainly win, but Lyon will put a fight in order to gain some respect after being unable to qualify for the UCL, but they will definitely be rusted after 5 months without football.

3. Bayern vs Chelsea (R16)

This has to be the most obvious one.

With a 3-0 lead after demolishing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Bayern look unstoppable.

Winning the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal have sweetened their season, and the Bavarians are the favourites to win Eurpoe’s biggest trophy.

Chelsea will put a fight but Bayern will ease through eventually.

4. Barcelona vs Napoli (R16)

Oh, Barcelona.

Surrendering a lead aginst Real Madrid, Quique Setien’s men are not in good shape, but his new system at Barcelona as shown after their 4-1 win at Villarreal may change things.

Napoli have been quite the opposite, winning Juventus, Inter Milan (on aggregate), Roma, and have been much better.

Napoli will make it difficult but the quality of Barcelona’s squad will allow them to squeeze through in the second leg.

5. RB Lepizig vs Atletico Madrid (QF)

An interesting tie indeed.

RB Leipzig have been topsy-turvy since the restart, while Atletico have been better than average since the restart.

RB Lepizig’s attacking football will be neautralised by Atletico’s defending. In addition, their star man Timo Werner has left the club for Chelsea.

Atletico will go through.

6. Atalanta vs PSG

The underdogs versus the underachievers.

Atalanta are the best side to watch in Europe, and have been stunning this season.

PSG will be rusty although they have a fully fit squad.

Atalanta will stun PSG and will win the hearts of football fans (that is if there is not VAR controversey).

Predictions will be later.

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Bundesliga

Robert Lewandowski scores brace as Bayern thrash struggling Dusseldorf 5-0

It would be the end to a good week for Bayern, who won Der Klassiker courtesy of a Joshua Kimmich chip and would also see their title rivals drop points. They are now 10 points clear at the top of the table but 2nd-placed rivals Dortmund have a game in hand.

Bayern Munich down Dortmund to close on Bundesliga title
Midfielder and occasional Right Back Joshua Kimmich scored a superb chip in Der Klassiker.

Benjamin Pavard’s attempt was going wide when ex-Huddersfield defender Jorgensen diverted the ball into the net after excellent team play from Bayern.

The frenchman would then double the German side’s lead after heading the ball past Florian Kastenmeier.

Lewandowski found Joshua Kimmich bursting into space, who found Muller who would lay it off for Lewandowski himself to make it 3-0 at half-time.

Bayern soon made it 4-0 after half-time when Serge Gnabry found Lewandowski, who would score from 3 yards.

Canadian wonderkid Alphonso Davies won possession on the edge of the box before going past two players to score and make it 5 in a thunderous win for the Bundesliga giants.

Bayern Munich v Fortuna Dusseldorf Live Match Commentary on May 30 ...
Alphonso Davies celebrates with Robert Lewandowski as he scores Bayern’s fifth goal

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