Sandwell vs Swansea
interesting game this, in Godin WBA have one of the very best CB's in the world and he'd marshall that defence lovely...Swansea seem to have taken advice on board of late and their deficiencies seem less obvious in that system, I quite like it overall
Think this would be a stalemate though as neither side in the midfield battle can really take control
WBA 2-2 Swa
Belotti x2
Kane, Dembele
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Watford vs Sunderland
2 so evenly matched sides trading blows here, both sides have fantastic front sixes, their back-lines are strong but think Watfords edges it and I'm not sure I've even heard of Sunderlands keeper.
Watford 1-0 Sunderland
Jesus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
B'mouth vs Stoke
That midfield trio of B'mouth has a little bit of everything and is certainly a match for Stokes. Both defences are getting tested today as Messi and Suarez line up against each other,
B'mouth 2-1 Stoke
Messi,Firmino
Suarez
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burnley vs Boro
Burnley are missing PEA badly after he aggravated his injury in the warm up - think Burnley's two in the middle would be smashed by De Rossi and Radja..Burnley possibly do have have the best defence in the game but it'll be massively tested today, Think Hazard and Sanchez will come out on top.
Burnley 0-2 Boro
Aguero x2
---------------------------------------------------------------------
West Brom 0 v 0 Swansea City
A good hard fought battle at The Hawthorns where defence ultimately prevailed over attack. West Brom have built a strong physical side with two top centre backs and an impenetrable looking midfield. It is however a side that currently looks short on goals and may look to bring in more of a goal scoring threat from central midfield with Coman also yet to deliver on a regular basis. It’s a side that certainly has potential though with Kessie, Keita and Belotti all players on the rise. Swansea opted for a change in formation coming in to this fixture and I felt it worked well. Belotti didn’t really get a sniff and they were able to hold their own in midfield. On another day I would maybe of fancied them for a smash and grab with Dembele’s pace always a threat on the counter. Unfortunately they too were up against a top defence and this ultimately led to a game of a few chances and a goalless draw the final outcome.
Watford 1 v 1 Sunderland
B.Silva : Costa
I love the holy trinity in the Watford central midfield and feel they will dominate most teams in the league. They have it all in terms of pace, power, athleticism and passing. One thing they do arguably lack however is goals and whilst not wanting to break up such a solid trio, I would probably have opted to start the in form Alli ahead of one of them due to the superior goal threat that he would ultimately add to the side. They also have an exciting front 3 however currently lack a prolific frontman to turn their dominant possession into dominance on the scoreboard. They are in truth a top striker away from being potential title favourites, such is the overall quality of this side. Sunderland on the other hand have a fantastic in form front 4 which will prove hard to contain. I’m not convinced by the central midfield though, Iniesta and Silva I just don’t see working together in the middle of the park with them both vying for the role of chief creator. Kimmich also likes to get forward which left them a little exposed in this fixture, especially against the quality that the opposition possess. Adding some steel and a ball winner to compliment the finesse in the middle of the park would be my main recommendation to the visitors. Overall a really entertaining game which the home side were on top for large parts and came within a whisker of nicking all 3 points at the death as Pogba’s strike from range clipped the outside of the post deep into stoppage time.
Bournemouth 2 v 1 Stoke City
Messi, Thiago : Suarez
An entertaining fixture which pretty much seems to the norm when Stoke are in town. Some fantastic attacking players on show for both sides ensured that this was always going to be a game full of chances. I like the recent changes made by Stoke which has seen them add some resilience at the back, Cech and Varane in particular two fantastic additions. With Suarez on the field there is always going to be danger and it was the Uruguayan hitman who put the visitors ahead. This however only served to stir the home side in to life. Douglas Costa is a nice acquisition who not only took some of the attention away from Messi but also linked up well with his South American counterparts. It was ultimately the centre of midfield where this game was won and lost. Thiago and Rabiot utterly dominant with the steel of Wanyama adding to the perfect blend. As the game wore on Thiago orchestrated the comeback, teeing up Messi for the equaliser before firing home the winner himself.
Crystal Palace 1 v 2 Hull City
Ibrahimovic : Dzeko (2)
A fine away day performance and dream debut from Dzeko saw the visitors take all 3 points in what was another entertaining encounter. Palace have the class in attack but maybe lack a little elsewhere, the aging midfield pair of Toure and Cazorla in particular were given a tough afternoon by Marchisio and Mascherano whilst Dybala gave Rudy the run around playing just off the frontman. The decision to change formation and recent acquisition of Dzeko proved inspired choices by the Hull City manager as the frontman proved too hot to handle for the Palace defence. The Bosnian firing the visitors ahead after some great build up play. Palace were not likely to lie down though and quickly found themselves level after a bursting run and fine through ball from Pulisic was neatly tucked away by Zlatan. With the game seemingly heading for a draw it was the debutant Dzeko who was to cap a fine display with his second of the afternoon as he rose above Dante to head home a Berardi cross and earn his side the win.
West Brom 1-1 Swansea City
Dembele ------ Dembele
The story of the two Dembeles. This was a new-look West Brom but they struggled to really test Swansea. The bold switch of formation for the visitors paid dividends, as they did look solid defensively and threatened going forward with Dembele's pace. West Brom need a new RB and a better midfielder to accompany Dembele and Kessie, but their midfield did outnumber and overwhelm Swansea's today for large periods. A draw a fair result.
===
Bournemouth 2-1 Stoke City
Douglas ----------- Reus
Messi
This was a tight but deserved win for Bournemouth. Stoke have finally listened and buckled to pressure, and look more solid defensively for doing so. However, Bournemouth's team looked much more balanced and created chance after chance. The midfield particularly dominated, with Rabiot and Wanyama giving Thiago the perfect creative base. The midfield is Stoke's primary area to improve, whereas I think a more out-and-out striker may benefit Bournemouth more than Firmino.
===
Burnley 1-2 Middlesbrough
Draxler ----- Hazard
---------------- Sanchez
Two much-changed sides but the visitors just had too much today. Burnley were unfortunate in that their best player was injured. The formation they adopted did not suit their players at all, though Draxler had some fun against Vidal. Middlesbrough's full backs need work, but Iwobi offered little threat. Going forward, Middlesbrough had enough and though I feel de Rossi can also be improved, the same cannot be said about their lethal front 4 who had a great day despite Burnley's strong defence.
===
Crystal Palace 0-1 Hull City
------------------------- Dzeko
Dzeko really was the missing piece of the jigsaw for this Hull team which now look every inch a top side. Question marks remain over Digne at LB, but Pulisic did not fully exploit this. Hull's midfield overwhelmed their counterparts and though Ronaldo was a threat, Hull's defence and Mascherano stood firm.
West Brom 0-0 Swansea City
West Brom - Get a keeper, other that that, pretty good
Swansea - i like the change of formation, would replace evra personally, dont think he has the legs for that role, also feel like you could release the centre mids you have in your squad and just buy a boss one to go alongside alonso
Watford 1-0 Sunderland
Jesus
Watford - would replace de sciglio personally, and despite me having him as the scorer, id like to seehim establish himself in the city side more before committing to him
Sunderland - not quite sure on that midfield balance myself, not liking iniesta in that deeper role
Burnley 0-1 Middlesbrough
De Bruyne
burnley - dont think iwobi and rashford are of the required standard for the league
Boro - against the title challenging sides, that keeper and full back pairing will lose you games
Crystal Palace 1-1 Hull City
ronaldo; jese
Palace - dante would be the guy id look to replace, the keeper aswell
Hull - dont see alot wrong with that side, not sure on digne myself but thats about it
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
Watford vs Sunderland
Watford have a very strong side, in particularly in the middle. Kante stopped Silva from doing anything today. Iniesta and Kimmich also struggled to set up. That led to Costa not having great service, and when he did get it he proved too weak for the brutish Pepe. Pedro had some joy against De Sciglio, but Azpi stopped Robben. Silva and Sane had a good day against the Sunderland full backs, also.
Watford 3 - 1 Sunderland
Jesus (Silva), Jesus (Kante), Jesus (Sane)
Costa (Iniesta)
Bournemouth vs Stoke
Stoke could do with improving their defence, as they came up against two strong wingers, and a striker that, whilst he should have had more, is still a top option. Suarez struggled against Silva, whilst Mane performed well. Coutinho was well marked out of the game by Wanyama.
Bournemouth 3 - 0 Stoke
Firmino (Messi), Firmino (Messi), Firmino (Costa)
Burnley vs Boro
Burnley definitely need to improve their keeper and LB from todays squad, with Heaton letting them down massively. Bonucci and Ramos is a good CB partnership, however. Boro's attack, however, is lethal, and spelled the difference between the two teams.
Burnley 0 - 2 Boro
Aguero (Sanchez), De Bruyne (Sanchez)
Crystal Palace vs Hull
Both teams could do with an upgrade at FB. Digne and Valencia were the biggest let downs for both sides, but Pulisic struggled to take advantage in the same way that Bernadeschi did.
Palace 0 - 1 Hull
Bernadeschi (Dzeko)
WAT vs SUN
2 really strong sides but the home side just edge this one. Sunderland have the experience going forward to create and get goals but this game was really one because of the sheer force of the Watford midfield which look difficult to stop. Both have a nice mix of experience and youth at the back as well. Watford possibly could use a different goalkeeper for the future and maybe just some extra fire power in general for Sunderland.
Score: 2-1
BOU vs STO
A high scoring game that just couldn't separate the 2 sides in the end. Plenty of experience in Bournemouth's defence, maybe aging just a touch for my liking in areas of it though which let them down a bit against Stoker's high energy attack. On the flip side, a little bit of inexperience let Stoke's defence down up against 3 very talented forwards as well. Defensive improvements needed in both sides for me in the future.
Score: 2-2
BUR vs MID
2 very good sides again go head to head with the away side coming out on top. Burnley do have a very solid defence but other than that, did look open with the formation and a little bit toothless going forward at times. Middlesbrough have a very strong spine, an excellent front 4 with 2 very commanding leaders at CB. I'd definitely look to improve the full back areas where they can and for the future just replace De Rossi as well, but a good side.
Score: 1-2
CP vs HULL
2 very even teams play out another score draw in this one. I like the spine of Hull's team and the middle is clearly their strongest asset. In wide areas, all 4 still have something to prove and some very good potential there so for Hull, it's a case of wait and see just how good their wingers and full backs develop. Crystal Palace boast a wealth of experience, but a slightly aging midfield with Toure and Cazorla in there, Ibrahimovic doesn't have a great deal of time left at his best either up top and Dante will slowly begin to decline as well. Maybe look to get a stronger RB, another younger midfielder if possible and maybe just that extra player in each area really.
Score: 1-1
West Brom 1 - 1 Swansea
Belotti (YFC) ; Kane (Dembele)
The home side have a fantastic defence but lacked a creative spark for me. I haven't seen enough of Keita, but I think they need an am/cm that can open a game up for them. The away side are solid and formation makes them hard to beat but Siggy doesn't cut it for me at this level compared to the rest of the quality in the league, with a 3 more defensive side I think top quality here would make a big difference.
Watford 2-2 Sunderland
Jesus (Sane), Sane (Silva)
Two solid sides. The home teams cm trio is obv the best in the league, their front 3 though is lacking compared to some of the others. The away side have a number of players that can change a game with a moment of quality in attack and that made it difficult for me to seperate the two. To state the obvious, if Pepe moves to China to retire he'll need replaced, and Jesus although clearly a great talent, has only played a couple games at a high level, and isn't at the level of the best strikers in the world who fill this league. The away side seem a light touch in midfield, while quality going forward I think the Watford cms would blow them away.
Burnley 1-2 Boro
Mertens (Draxler) ; Hazard X2 (KDB X2)
A top of the table clash, where Burnley were unlucky to lose their striker at the last min as this made a big difference for me as the extra quality in attack swung it for Boro. The away side have great balance in their side, and with a world class front 4, the areas of weakness are obvious as the quality in most positions is top class. The home side will be improved by the return of Auba, but otherwise Iwobi sticks out as a weakness.
CP 2:3 Hull
Ronaldo (Ibra), Ibra (Ronaldo) ; Dybala x2 (Dzeko, Marchisio), Marchisio (Bernadeschi)
The away side just nicked a win here for me. Overall they have quality throughout the side and I feel in Dybala they have someone that can change a game. For the home team, they have one of the best attacks, and although Dante is a weakness in defence it is solid, I'd be looking to improve on Rudy and Yaya, as another top player next to Santi would make a big difference for me.
WBA 2 SWA 2
Belotti, Carrasco - Kane x2
WAT 2 SUN 1
Pogba, Silva - Robben
BOU 2 STO 2
Thiago, Messi - Reus, Coutinho
CP 0 HULL 0
(Sorry no time for a write up this week)
West Brom v Swansea
Two strong sides, I don't mind Swansea's formation although Evra and Lindelof stand out like sore thumbs. West Brom strong all over apart from RB, maybe put Sergi Roberto into midfield and save for a new RB.
West Brom 1-1 Swansea
Coman; O.Dembele
----------
Watford v Sunderland
Both very good sides, not convinced by the Sunderland midfield pair (Iniesta best in a three), feel they get overrun by Kante/Pogba/Vidal and that's where the game is won. Otherwise very hard to pick faults with either side.
Watford 2-1 Sunderland
Pogba, B Silva; Costa
----------
Bournemouth v Stoke
Two ridiculously good attacks, Bournemouth with the edge defensively, a high scoring game but I think Stoke aren't able to keep scoring their way out of trouble and fall just short.
Bournemouth 4-3 Stoke
Messi, Firmino, Costa, Thiago; Reus, Suarez x2
----------
Burnley v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough with an unreal attack, Burnley with an unreal defence. I can see Boro scoring but I can also see Burnley having joy against the Boro defence, score draw for me.
Burnley 2-2 Middlesbrough
Mertens, Draxler; Sanchez, Hazard
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Gameweek 6 - FPL
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posted on 16/2/17
Sandwell vs Swansea
interesting game this, in Godin WBA have one of the very best CB's in the world and he'd marshall that defence lovely...Swansea seem to have taken advice on board of late and their deficiencies seem less obvious in that system, I quite like it overall
Think this would be a stalemate though as neither side in the midfield battle can really take control
WBA 2-2 Swa
Belotti x2
Kane, Dembele
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Watford vs Sunderland
2 so evenly matched sides trading blows here, both sides have fantastic front sixes, their back-lines are strong but think Watfords edges it and I'm not sure I've even heard of Sunderlands keeper.
Watford 1-0 Sunderland
Jesus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
B'mouth vs Stoke
That midfield trio of B'mouth has a little bit of everything and is certainly a match for Stokes. Both defences are getting tested today as Messi and Suarez line up against each other,
B'mouth 2-1 Stoke
Messi,Firmino
Suarez
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burnley vs Boro
Burnley are missing PEA badly after he aggravated his injury in the warm up - think Burnley's two in the middle would be smashed by De Rossi and Radja..Burnley possibly do have have the best defence in the game but it'll be massively tested today, Think Hazard and Sanchez will come out on top.
Burnley 0-2 Boro
Aguero x2
---------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 16/2/17
West Brom 0 v 0 Swansea City
A good hard fought battle at The Hawthorns where defence ultimately prevailed over attack. West Brom have built a strong physical side with two top centre backs and an impenetrable looking midfield. It is however a side that currently looks short on goals and may look to bring in more of a goal scoring threat from central midfield with Coman also yet to deliver on a regular basis. It’s a side that certainly has potential though with Kessie, Keita and Belotti all players on the rise. Swansea opted for a change in formation coming in to this fixture and I felt it worked well. Belotti didn’t really get a sniff and they were able to hold their own in midfield. On another day I would maybe of fancied them for a smash and grab with Dembele’s pace always a threat on the counter. Unfortunately they too were up against a top defence and this ultimately led to a game of a few chances and a goalless draw the final outcome.
Watford 1 v 1 Sunderland
B.Silva : Costa
I love the holy trinity in the Watford central midfield and feel they will dominate most teams in the league. They have it all in terms of pace, power, athleticism and passing. One thing they do arguably lack however is goals and whilst not wanting to break up such a solid trio, I would probably have opted to start the in form Alli ahead of one of them due to the superior goal threat that he would ultimately add to the side. They also have an exciting front 3 however currently lack a prolific frontman to turn their dominant possession into dominance on the scoreboard. They are in truth a top striker away from being potential title favourites, such is the overall quality of this side. Sunderland on the other hand have a fantastic in form front 4 which will prove hard to contain. I’m not convinced by the central midfield though, Iniesta and Silva I just don’t see working together in the middle of the park with them both vying for the role of chief creator. Kimmich also likes to get forward which left them a little exposed in this fixture, especially against the quality that the opposition possess. Adding some steel and a ball winner to compliment the finesse in the middle of the park would be my main recommendation to the visitors. Overall a really entertaining game which the home side were on top for large parts and came within a whisker of nicking all 3 points at the death as Pogba’s strike from range clipped the outside of the post deep into stoppage time.
Bournemouth 2 v 1 Stoke City
Messi, Thiago : Suarez
An entertaining fixture which pretty much seems to the norm when Stoke are in town. Some fantastic attacking players on show for both sides ensured that this was always going to be a game full of chances. I like the recent changes made by Stoke which has seen them add some resilience at the back, Cech and Varane in particular two fantastic additions. With Suarez on the field there is always going to be danger and it was the Uruguayan hitman who put the visitors ahead. This however only served to stir the home side in to life. Douglas Costa is a nice acquisition who not only took some of the attention away from Messi but also linked up well with his South American counterparts. It was ultimately the centre of midfield where this game was won and lost. Thiago and Rabiot utterly dominant with the steel of Wanyama adding to the perfect blend. As the game wore on Thiago orchestrated the comeback, teeing up Messi for the equaliser before firing home the winner himself.
Crystal Palace 1 v 2 Hull City
Ibrahimovic : Dzeko (2)
A fine away day performance and dream debut from Dzeko saw the visitors take all 3 points in what was another entertaining encounter. Palace have the class in attack but maybe lack a little elsewhere, the aging midfield pair of Toure and Cazorla in particular were given a tough afternoon by Marchisio and Mascherano whilst Dybala gave Rudy the run around playing just off the frontman. The decision to change formation and recent acquisition of Dzeko proved inspired choices by the Hull City manager as the frontman proved too hot to handle for the Palace defence. The Bosnian firing the visitors ahead after some great build up play. Palace were not likely to lie down though and quickly found themselves level after a bursting run and fine through ball from Pulisic was neatly tucked away by Zlatan. With the game seemingly heading for a draw it was the debutant Dzeko who was to cap a fine display with his second of the afternoon as he rose above Dante to head home a Berardi cross and earn his side the win.
posted on 16/2/17
West Brom 1-1 Swansea City
Dembele ------ Dembele
The story of the two Dembeles. This was a new-look West Brom but they struggled to really test Swansea. The bold switch of formation for the visitors paid dividends, as they did look solid defensively and threatened going forward with Dembele's pace. West Brom need a new RB and a better midfielder to accompany Dembele and Kessie, but their midfield did outnumber and overwhelm Swansea's today for large periods. A draw a fair result.
===
Bournemouth 2-1 Stoke City
Douglas ----------- Reus
Messi
This was a tight but deserved win for Bournemouth. Stoke have finally listened and buckled to pressure, and look more solid defensively for doing so. However, Bournemouth's team looked much more balanced and created chance after chance. The midfield particularly dominated, with Rabiot and Wanyama giving Thiago the perfect creative base. The midfield is Stoke's primary area to improve, whereas I think a more out-and-out striker may benefit Bournemouth more than Firmino.
===
Burnley 1-2 Middlesbrough
Draxler ----- Hazard
---------------- Sanchez
Two much-changed sides but the visitors just had too much today. Burnley were unfortunate in that their best player was injured. The formation they adopted did not suit their players at all, though Draxler had some fun against Vidal. Middlesbrough's full backs need work, but Iwobi offered little threat. Going forward, Middlesbrough had enough and though I feel de Rossi can also be improved, the same cannot be said about their lethal front 4 who had a great day despite Burnley's strong defence.
===
Crystal Palace 0-1 Hull City
------------------------- Dzeko
Dzeko really was the missing piece of the jigsaw for this Hull team which now look every inch a top side. Question marks remain over Digne at LB, but Pulisic did not fully exploit this. Hull's midfield overwhelmed their counterparts and though Ronaldo was a threat, Hull's defence and Mascherano stood firm.
posted on 17/2/17
West Brom 0-0 Swansea City
West Brom - Get a keeper, other that that, pretty good
Swansea - i like the change of formation, would replace evra personally, dont think he has the legs for that role, also feel like you could release the centre mids you have in your squad and just buy a boss one to go alongside alonso
Watford 1-0 Sunderland
Jesus
Watford - would replace de sciglio personally, and despite me having him as the scorer, id like to seehim establish himself in the city side more before committing to him
Sunderland - not quite sure on that midfield balance myself, not liking iniesta in that deeper role
Burnley 0-1 Middlesbrough
De Bruyne
burnley - dont think iwobi and rashford are of the required standard for the league
Boro - against the title challenging sides, that keeper and full back pairing will lose you games
Crystal Palace 1-1 Hull City
ronaldo; jese
Palace - dante would be the guy id look to replace, the keeper aswell
Hull - dont see alot wrong with that side, not sure on digne myself but thats about it
posted on 17/2/17
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 17/2/17
Watford vs Sunderland
Watford have a very strong side, in particularly in the middle. Kante stopped Silva from doing anything today. Iniesta and Kimmich also struggled to set up. That led to Costa not having great service, and when he did get it he proved too weak for the brutish Pepe. Pedro had some joy against De Sciglio, but Azpi stopped Robben. Silva and Sane had a good day against the Sunderland full backs, also.
Watford 3 - 1 Sunderland
Jesus (Silva), Jesus (Kante), Jesus (Sane)
Costa (Iniesta)
Bournemouth vs Stoke
Stoke could do with improving their defence, as they came up against two strong wingers, and a striker that, whilst he should have had more, is still a top option. Suarez struggled against Silva, whilst Mane performed well. Coutinho was well marked out of the game by Wanyama.
Bournemouth 3 - 0 Stoke
Firmino (Messi), Firmino (Messi), Firmino (Costa)
Burnley vs Boro
Burnley definitely need to improve their keeper and LB from todays squad, with Heaton letting them down massively. Bonucci and Ramos is a good CB partnership, however. Boro's attack, however, is lethal, and spelled the difference between the two teams.
Burnley 0 - 2 Boro
Aguero (Sanchez), De Bruyne (Sanchez)
Crystal Palace vs Hull
Both teams could do with an upgrade at FB. Digne and Valencia were the biggest let downs for both sides, but Pulisic struggled to take advantage in the same way that Bernadeschi did.
Palace 0 - 1 Hull
Bernadeschi (Dzeko)
posted on 17/2/17
WAT vs SUN
2 really strong sides but the home side just edge this one. Sunderland have the experience going forward to create and get goals but this game was really one because of the sheer force of the Watford midfield which look difficult to stop. Both have a nice mix of experience and youth at the back as well. Watford possibly could use a different goalkeeper for the future and maybe just some extra fire power in general for Sunderland.
Score: 2-1
BOU vs STO
A high scoring game that just couldn't separate the 2 sides in the end. Plenty of experience in Bournemouth's defence, maybe aging just a touch for my liking in areas of it though which let them down a bit against Stoker's high energy attack. On the flip side, a little bit of inexperience let Stoke's defence down up against 3 very talented forwards as well. Defensive improvements needed in both sides for me in the future.
Score: 2-2
BUR vs MID
2 very good sides again go head to head with the away side coming out on top. Burnley do have a very solid defence but other than that, did look open with the formation and a little bit toothless going forward at times. Middlesbrough have a very strong spine, an excellent front 4 with 2 very commanding leaders at CB. I'd definitely look to improve the full back areas where they can and for the future just replace De Rossi as well, but a good side.
Score: 1-2
CP vs HULL
2 very even teams play out another score draw in this one. I like the spine of Hull's team and the middle is clearly their strongest asset. In wide areas, all 4 still have something to prove and some very good potential there so for Hull, it's a case of wait and see just how good their wingers and full backs develop. Crystal Palace boast a wealth of experience, but a slightly aging midfield with Toure and Cazorla in there, Ibrahimovic doesn't have a great deal of time left at his best either up top and Dante will slowly begin to decline as well. Maybe look to get a stronger RB, another younger midfielder if possible and maybe just that extra player in each area really.
Score: 1-1
posted on 18/2/17
West Brom 1 - 1 Swansea
Belotti (YFC) ; Kane (Dembele)
The home side have a fantastic defence but lacked a creative spark for me. I haven't seen enough of Keita, but I think they need an am/cm that can open a game up for them. The away side are solid and formation makes them hard to beat but Siggy doesn't cut it for me at this level compared to the rest of the quality in the league, with a 3 more defensive side I think top quality here would make a big difference.
Watford 2-2 Sunderland
Jesus (Sane), Sane (Silva)
Two solid sides. The home teams cm trio is obv the best in the league, their front 3 though is lacking compared to some of the others. The away side have a number of players that can change a game with a moment of quality in attack and that made it difficult for me to seperate the two. To state the obvious, if Pepe moves to China to retire he'll need replaced, and Jesus although clearly a great talent, has only played a couple games at a high level, and isn't at the level of the best strikers in the world who fill this league. The away side seem a light touch in midfield, while quality going forward I think the Watford cms would blow them away.
Burnley 1-2 Boro
Mertens (Draxler) ; Hazard X2 (KDB X2)
A top of the table clash, where Burnley were unlucky to lose their striker at the last min as this made a big difference for me as the extra quality in attack swung it for Boro. The away side have great balance in their side, and with a world class front 4, the areas of weakness are obvious as the quality in most positions is top class. The home side will be improved by the return of Auba, but otherwise Iwobi sticks out as a weakness.
CP 2:3 Hull
Ronaldo (Ibra), Ibra (Ronaldo) ; Dybala x2 (Dzeko, Marchisio), Marchisio (Bernadeschi)
The away side just nicked a win here for me. Overall they have quality throughout the side and I feel in Dybala they have someone that can change a game. For the home team, they have one of the best attacks, and although Dante is a weakness in defence it is solid, I'd be looking to improve on Rudy and Yaya, as another top player next to Santi would make a big difference for me.
posted on 18/2/17
WBA 2 SWA 2
Belotti, Carrasco - Kane x2
WAT 2 SUN 1
Pogba, Silva - Robben
BOU 2 STO 2
Thiago, Messi - Reus, Coutinho
CP 0 HULL 0
(Sorry no time for a write up this week)
posted on 19/2/17
West Brom v Swansea
Two strong sides, I don't mind Swansea's formation although Evra and Lindelof stand out like sore thumbs. West Brom strong all over apart from RB, maybe put Sergi Roberto into midfield and save for a new RB.
West Brom 1-1 Swansea
Coman; O.Dembele
----------
Watford v Sunderland
Both very good sides, not convinced by the Sunderland midfield pair (Iniesta best in a three), feel they get overrun by Kante/Pogba/Vidal and that's where the game is won. Otherwise very hard to pick faults with either side.
Watford 2-1 Sunderland
Pogba, B Silva; Costa
----------
Bournemouth v Stoke
Two ridiculously good attacks, Bournemouth with the edge defensively, a high scoring game but I think Stoke aren't able to keep scoring their way out of trouble and fall just short.
Bournemouth 4-3 Stoke
Messi, Firmino, Costa, Thiago; Reus, Suarez x2
----------
Burnley v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough with an unreal attack, Burnley with an unreal defence. I can see Boro scoring but I can also see Burnley having joy against the Boro defence, score draw for me.
Burnley 2-2 Middlesbrough
Mertens, Draxler; Sanchez, Hazard
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