Welcome to match day 6. Let’s do a quick recap of last week’s predictions before we look ahead. If you’re complaining that the predictions stink just remember you get what you pay for…
Game 1
Liverpool v Everton
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0
Reality: Liverpool 2-1
We’ll start with my only semi accurate call. Liverpool seemed determined to grind out close win after close win. At some point we should all get used to it happening.
Game 2
Arsenal v Manchester City
Prediction: 3-1 to The Arsenal
Reality: 1-1
I honestly should have seen this coming. When has Arteta ever shown the testicular fortitude to go for it? I said this was a must win for a true title contender and in that sense the prediction was spot on. Arteta can spout his usual post game nonsense of being the better team and dominating and apparently being told by CEO’s his team was great, whatever the hell that means. But we all have eyes. Arteta put out a defensive team lacking creativity that would only have a chance if they caught city on the break so Pep had his team relinquish possession and dare the Gunners to break them down. Outside of their corners that were nullified by the size of Donnarumma, Arsenal did nothing. Saved in the end from a total disaster by subs Martinelli and Eze (why wasn’t he starting again?). Arteta yet again coached scared, trying to not lose rather than win. And you don’t have to take my word for it, the AFTV crew felt the same. This was a moment to take the league by the scruff of the neck and Arteta wilted again. He’s not winning a title. End of story.
Game 3
Wolves v Leeds
Prediction: 0-0
Reality: Leeds 3-1
The only part of this prediction I got right is that I didn’t watch it. Leeds found their finishing touch and played wolves off the pitch. Relegation is a big time reality for wolves this year.
Ok. On to this week. We’ll see if Man United can beat a team who’s keeper probably won’t F the game in the first 5 minutes, check in on that idiot keeper’s team and all their well rested attackers and lastly see if Villa can build on European success to get their campaign turned around.
Match 1
Brentford vs Man United
Man United were given a gift by Chelsea last week. First Sanchez blunders into a red then every attacking option was subbed off…. And United still nearly bottled it. Even VAR was in a giving mood. Somehow using Fernandes’ armpit rather than shoulder when determining offside. 3 points is 3 points but United are still a mess and facing a team that could really use a win.
Brentford will take advantage of a United mistake and take the win late on a penalty.
Prediction: 2-1 Brentford
Match 2
Chelsea vs Brighton
Two teams that just can’t seem to get out of their own ways will clash at the bridge. Both really need a big win. Both will probably have a moment of brilliance and an equally appalling error. Anything but a draw will be a shock to me.
Prediction: 2-2
Match 3
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Very nice of Villa to actually score a goal in Europe but they look a total mess. Fulham come in off a convincing win over Brentford and now have another relegation level team to beat up on.
My Villa source is no more hopeful this week than they were last week. Villa went from a team that looked poised to challenge for Europe every year to a squad more concerned with what’s going on at the bottom of the league rather than the top. They’ve got work to do and it will only get harder after a loss.
Prediction: 2-0 Fulham
Watch along everyone to see just how wrong I am!