Gameweek 1 - FPL 2

Bournemouth 2-1 West Brom
Messi -------------- Griezmann
Isco

Bournemouth are my favourites for the title this year and even though they missed Koscielny, they still had enough to win this game. West Brom's front 4 look dangerous and they did cause Fosu-Mensah some issues, but the same could be said for Messi, Isco and Benzema up against Christensen and Thiago Silva.

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Burnley 1-1 Watford
Hazard ----- Lewandowski

This was an incredibly tight game to call, so I haven't. Burnley have improved markedly recently, and look solid at the back and in midfield. I like the formation a lot, and think Hazard would do some damage. Watford are still up there with the league's best, with Lewandowski adding even more quality. I think maybe the front 3 behind him could arguably be improved to bring them up to the rest of the team's level, but this is nit-picking.

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Crystal Palace 1-0 Swansea City
de Bruyne

Palace simply had too much quality today for Swansea. Neymar is obviously a world-class player, but their front 3 lacked potency today in Kane's absence. I'm also still not sold on their midfield 3, particularly given the strength of Herrera, Bakayoko and de Bruyne.

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Middlesbrough 2-2 Stoke City
Ronaldo ------- Suarez
Dybala --------- Coutinho

Both of these sides - mainly Middlesbrough - start this season how they started last: too top heavy. A CB partnership of Mascherano and Pepe is just asking for trouble, even with the shield of Busquets in front. This is particularly so given the attack-mindedness of Rose and Walker. I'm not sold on the midfield formation Stoke are deploying, with Coutinho perhaps better suited as a 10. It was a high-scoring game with a draw the fair result.

Bournemouth vs West Brom
With Fosu Mensah being the weakest defender I'm unsure why Bournemouth would put him in the middle - I'd have put Boateng there. Going forward it's a nicely put together team which would play good passing football. West Brom have a solid side, hard to name a weakness but other than Griezmann there's no world class players in there for me. A tough game to call, but Bournemouth get the narrowest of wins for me.

Bournemouth 2-1 West Brom
Isco, Saul; Griezmann


Crystal Palace vs Swansea
A fantastic attack that Palace have, with Bale, De Bruyne and Aguero that will challenge any defence. I do like Swansea's midfield but have to question the Swansea full backs, who I would be thinking of an upgrading. Palace's defense is a bit average for me, and I certainly could see Swansea being very dangerous on the counter attack, I'd imagine them bypassing the midfield like Barcelona when they play. I think a draw is a fair result.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Swansea
de Bruyne / Neymar


Hull vs Sunderland
Obviously the Juve back three is rock solid, question on Barzagli though. It's a side which needs a spark for me, it feels as though something is missing. Sunderland have a nice side with the defense looking a bit average, but overall it's decent. Hull come very close to getting the win but I think a draw is right.

Hull 0-0 Sunderland
N/A


Middlesbrough vs Stoke
For me the Middlesbrough side isn't balanced correctly. It's effectively 4-2-4, and I don't really rate their centre backs in Pepe and especially Mascherano. It's obviously a fantastic collection of individuals. Stoke for me would suit five at the back with Guerriero and Peres able to get forward more, Suso isn't good enough. However, the rest of the Stoke attack is great. I'm going for perhaps the shock result but what I feel is the correct result.

Middlesbrough 1-2 Stoke
Cavani / Reus x2

Bournemouth v West Brom

Hard to fault this Bournemouth side. TFM was the obvious weakness and whilst only covering for injury, does highlight that a lack of squad depth could cause problems later on down the line. On today’s performance they were however in fine fettle with Saul and Thiago in particular linking up well in midfield. The signing of Griezmann adds some real star quality to this West Brom side and is definitely a player they should look to retain. Falcao however could be improved upon whilst Christensen and Strakosha also stood out in what is an otherwise solid lineup. It was however the home side that came out on top in this encounter with that extra bit of quality all over the park.

Bournemouth 2 - 1 West Brom
Messi, Thiago : Griezmann



Burnley v Watford

Interesting set up from the home side although if I’m honest I’m not a great fan. I would have preferred to see Iniesta sacrificed for a winger in their set up and the front two aside I feel they are slightly lacking in goals, notwithstanding Nainggolan’s ability to offer a threat when pushing forward. Burnley are however solid defensively and stifled the Watford attack for large parts of the afternoon. Watford remain one of the league’s best and whilst Sule could be improved they remain solid at the back. Lewandowski is also a quality addition. Given the quality throughout this side the attacking trio behind the striker now stands out as an area of improvement, particularly in comparison to some of the best in the league, however the trio do have great potential. Overall I felt the visitors edged the affair in terms of balance and quality as they took all 3 points.

Burnley 0-1 Watford
Lewandowski


Crystal Palace v Swansea City

Palace have a superb attack although Mertens does now stand out given the quality of the other attacking trio. Defensively I feel they still remain susceptible as the lively Swansea attacking frontline caused them problems. Neymar is obviously a world class acquisition for the visitors however they struggled in midfield with the home side dominating this battle. Both teams are heading in the right direction however I felt the visitors struggled slightly with injuries as Kane was a real miss in attack and Gueye struggled to contain De Bruyne.

Crystal Palace 2-1 Swansea City
Bale, De Bruyne : O.Dembele


Hull City v Sunderland

Hull pick up where they left off with a solid defensive foundation and improving attack. Having said that I’m not convinced on the personnel in their current set up, I would play Fabregas slightly deeper in his natural CM role and whilst I like the look of the front two I’m not sure on them as a pairing with Higuain in particular excelling in the lone frontman role. Sunderland remain a strong outfit although for me maybe lacking a little star quality in attack to push them into the top tier of the league. Robben despite his age is still top class however I felt Costa’s physical style played right into the hands of the experienced Italian backline. They do however had a top CM pairing whilst Rugani and Romero could be improved upon at the back. Hard to separate these sides as this closely fought encounter ends all square.

Hull City 1-1 Sunderland
Belotti : Robben

Burnley 1 - 1 Watford
Auba ; Lewandowski

Watford player for player looking like definite title contenders again, but Burnley have quality all over the park and set themselves up as hard to beat and that's what they were. With Wanyama in front of the back 3 I think even Watford would struggle to create as I can see the Spurs dm getting the better of the Spurs AM, and making it difficult for the away team to create

CP 2-1 Swansea
Aguero, Bale ; Neymar

Defensively I thought the away side were stronger, but in midfield and attack I thought CP were the stronger and overall would have too much for Swansea. The away side missed Kane, Son hasn't had the sane impact as a striker or in a false 9 role for me, I would also keep my best players in their best positions with Neymar on the left, and Dembele more suited to the right anyway. I like the balance to the home side, and the only weakness is Subasic for me.

Hull 1 - 1 Sunderland
Belotti ; Costa

Defensively the home side will come out trumps against most sides, I can see Casemiro and Kroos dominating the midfield battle in this game with Eriksen in front of them. Overall, with two strong attacks I can't find a good enough argument to give one side the win over the other.

Boro 2-1 Stoke
Ronaldo, Dybala ; Suarez

Two very attacking sides with not much between the back lines for me, the home side stronger at fb and away side stronger at cb. So I had to go with the stronger attack which I thought was the home side. I think both sides lack a bit of balance, with Ronaldo almost playing as a striker more than a lw these days I think it'll put pressure on the mf/defence. I'm also not sure about Pogba in the role there, and would prefer a Xavi like cm next to Coutinho there.

B'Mouth vs WBA

B'mouth are fast becoming one of my favourite teams, Always been a critic of Benzema but I can see him working well here in what is effectively Madrids attack but with Messi not Ronaldo, Holding has done well for Arsenal, so I think even as the weaklink hes decent enough - Albion still have some way to go for me, the side just doesn't seem up to the level of their opponents today and it's a straight-forward home win

B'mouth 2-0 WBA
Messi,Benzema

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Burnley vs Watford

Not sure I like Burnleys lay-out but I understand what Trebs is trying to do, strong back three that will be a good foundation going forwards, Watford middle 3 are top top quality and I think it'll be a stale-mate through the middle . Watford the more game for me but Burnley shut the game out for long parts before Lewa finally broke the deadlock in a big 3 away points

Burnley 0-1 Watford
Lewa

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Palace vs Swans

I really like the way Swans have developed and with Kane to return they'll be a force against most sides other than the top three. Palace have a lovely balance to them and that front 4 will blow a lot of teams away - it speaks volumes that after a 30 goal season Mertens is the weak link up front laugh>

Palace 2-1 Swans
Mertens, Aguero
Neymar

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Boro vs Stoke

Although boro really need to look at CB I think Vidal and Biscuits offer a damn good shield in the short-term, can't fault the rest of the side and that front 4 is full of goals. Stoke have their share of quality too and Pogba looks good in that side. Ultimately I felt Boro's defence cost them this game.

Boro 2-3 Stoke
Cavani, Ronaldo
Suarez,Pogba,Suarez

Bournemouth 3 - 2 West Brom

Bournemouth had too much for West Brom today. Their attack is strong, although I would question whether Isco is dynamic enough to play the role being asked of him. Holding is also a source for possible improvement. West Brom have a strong team, but some general improvements are necessary.

Burnley 0 - 2 Watford

Burnley's ormation lacked structure compared to the classic 4-2-3-1 of the visitors. Burnley never really got into their stride, and that caused them problems. Watford could probably improve on Sule.

Hull City 1 - 1 Sunderland

Hull's midfield struggled to stamp their authority on today's game, although they did get a goal by bypassing it. Sunderland could improve all areas in their back five.

Boro 0 - 0 Stoke

Not much to say here. Two strong teams that both cancelled each other out.

BUR vs WAT

Very sceptical of the Burnley formation here and I think it's too narrow for this to work against a top Watford side. Burnley need to maybe think about their formation a bit for me and I think they need an upgrade on Valencia and Burki. Watford were the stronger here with an excellent spine and balanced team. No obvious weakness within that side really.

Score 0-2

CP vs SWA

Palace are getting stronger and claim the points here. Palace have strengthened defensively, which is a positive and are a real threat going forwards. I'd possibly say their deeper midfield is the weakest part of their team, but it isn't poor. Swansea have some good attacking players, but Son up front for me doesn't cut it, I know he can play there and did previously, but much more effective out wide now. I also think their midfield is a bit inexperienced and lacked here.

Score: 3-1

HULL vs SUN

Hull a typical strong, defensive Italian side. A good creator in Fabregas through the middle for supply. For me, a little bit too inexperienced in the middle of the park for me. Sunderland have a strong side going forward and are well capable of challenging with the correct results. Questionable defensively though at times for me which leads this one to a draw.

1-1

MID vs STO

Not much stopping this Boro side who will want to be as good this season as last season as well. For me, Boro need to sort at least 1 of their 2 CB's out, that partnership doesn't so it for me. Stoke are getting there and are very good going forward, just not enough to take something out of this game. Suso I like, but in that side, looks a little bit weaker than the rest.

Score: 2-1

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Bournemouth 2-0 West Brom


Burnley 1-2 Watford



Crystal Palace 3-2 Swansea City



Hull City 2-0 Sunderland

Bournemouth 1 v 1 West Brom

I can see West Brom getting some real joy up against 3 at the back however the power of Messi, Isco and Benzema up front can cause huge problems for a not as experienced Christensen, as good as he is. Going to go for a score draw here.

Burnley 1 v 2 Watford

I like what Trebs has gone for with Hazard roaming in behind Aubameyang however i can see the lack of width being a problem for him in this game up against a pretty solid shaped formation by Hero with plenty of space to exploit on the wings. I think there are goals in this one but i think Watford edge it for me.

Hull City 2 v 2 Sunderland

Can't really pick a winner here, both teams have set up nicely, at first i was concerned about a 3 at the back from Hull then i saw who was playing in it and thought to myself "no problem". Can see both teams having a couple of goals in them but neither team can make a break through to win the game. I think a draw is fair here.

Middlesborough 1 v 2 Stoke City

Not really sure how i feel about Jesus on the wing with Walker protecting as he likes to get forward a lot and can see Reus having a lot of fun on the left hand side and i can see that being the difference today. I do get the feeling that Middlesborough are just playing 4 up front essentially which can be a problem for them too but i dont see this being a walkover.