With International football done with, at least, for the next four weeks, the English Premier League takes centre stage this weekend. Gameweek 8 promises lots of thrills and excitement.
Only two points separate Chelsea in first place and Brighton in sixth position. Yet, it is fair to expect positional changes as things heat up during the course of the season.
Gameweek 7’s blockbuster fixture between Liverpool and Manchester City matched its hype and left nothing behind. It had it all- outstanding goals, intense tactical battles, and drama.
Review of Gameweek 7
For all the excitement that the previous Gameweek delivered, it is likely to be remembered for a really long time.
Andros Townsend continued his excellent start to life at Everton as he helped the Toffees steal a point against Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer began with a much-changed side owing to the team’s exertions in the UEFA Champions League.
Almost forgotten Chelsea midfielder, Ross Barkley came in to help the Premier League leaders defeat Southampton 3-1 with a brilliant performance. James Ward-Prowse was shown a red card in the process.
Hwang Hee-Chan scored a brace in Wolves’ 2-1 win against Newcastle as Norwich picked its first point of the season in a goalless draw against Burnley.
Leeds ran away with a slim 1-0 draw against Watford as Brighton and Arsenal settled for a 0-0 draw.
Tottenham Hotspur got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win against Aston Villa. However, Harry Kane is yet to find the net in the league.
Youane Wissa scored in stoppage time as Brentford secured a 2-1 win against West Ham at the London stadium.
It was a spirited performance from Crystal Palace who had to come from two goals down at halftime to draw 2-2 against Leicester City.
And, in Sunday’s cracker, Manchester City had to equalise twice against Liverpool as things finished 2-2. Mohamed Salah and Phil Foden were the outstanding players for the respective teams.
Preview Of Gameweek 8
It is sensible to expect a slow start, especially for teams whose players have had to travel to represent their National teams. This Gameweek looks sure to produce plenty of surprises.
The weekend’s action kicks off with a tasty lunchtime encounter between Watford and Liverpool at Vicarage Road.
Southampton hosts Leeds United as Norwich welcomes an in-form Brighton side.
Aston Villa will face off against reinvigorated Wolves as Manchester United travel to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City.
Manchester City will take on Burnley at home. The Premier League champions are set to miss the presence of Ferran Torres and Gabriel Jesus due to injury.
Brentford will meet Chelsea in Saturday’s final match.
Everton and West Ham will begin Sunday’s action just before newly acquired Newcastle battle Tottenham.
Then, it will be the little matter of a London derby between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates to round off the weekend’s football.
Predictions for Gameweek 8
Watford vs Liverpool (2)
Southampton vs Leeds United (2X)
Norwich vs Brighton (2)
Aston Villa vs Wolves (over 1.5 goals)
Leicester City vs Manchester United (over 2.5 goals)
Manchester City vs Burnley (1)
Brentford vs Chelsea (2)
Everton vs West Ham (Goal/Goal)
Newcastle vs Tottenham (over 1.5 goals)
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (1X)
