Bundesliga

Weekend Football Preview

Gameweek 3!!

Premier League

Wolverhampton vs. Man City

Wolves have not had the best of starts to their season although they have played good football and were perhaps unlucky to not get a point or more against Leicester. This game week might not add points to Wolves tally as league leaders and Champions City visit them. City beat Arsenal in their first game and destroyed Huddersfield 6-1 last weekend and with plenty of squad depth it should be another win in the bag for them. The odds of Wolves getting even a point from this game are very low but Wolves have nothing to lose and with that mentality upsets can happen.

Arsenal vs. West Ham

This is a must win game for both these London teams although it is only the third game week. Arsenal were dealt two very tough fixtures to begin their season and they lost both although they did show some promise against Chelsea. West Ham were comfortably beaten by Liverpool and no one really expected them to win that game but to lose to Bournemouth might have deflated morale amongst the fans. Emery needs to take some bold decisions as the likes of Torreira and Lacazette need to start from minute one. West Ham under Pellegrini are expected to play good football but with so many signings and a new system it could take time for them to gel. The pressure is perhaps less for the Hammers but they need at least a point and they have the quality to get more plus they have a certain Jack Wilshere who should go into the game wanting to prove Arsenal wrong. Arsenal need the win more than West Ham but both need to add points, it should be a tough game for both sides.

Bournemouth vs. Everton

Bournemouth have made a brilliant start to the season winning two out of two although they face their biggest test yet as a high flying Everton visit. Everton have been rejuvenated by Marcos Silva and are playing decent football while also scoring goals, they drew their first game against Wolves and had to fight against Southampton for the win last weekend. Bournemouth this season have shown that they have goals in them which was something they lacked last season, defensively they are sound and it is perhaps in defence where this game will be won or lost. The team with the better defence will win this game although it should be an entertaining one.

Huddersfield vs. Cardiff

Huddersfield look for their first points of the season as they welcome newbies Cardiff. Huddersfield have shipped in 9 goals in two games having only scored one although in their defence those did come against Chelsea and Man City, still losing by 6 goals is not good enough against any team especially since they did so well defensively at the end of last season. Cardiff got their first point of the season as they held Newcastle to a draw at home and they threatened the Magpies on several occasions during the game. If Huddersfield wanted reprieve from their losses then Cardiff is the perfect game to add some points although Cardiff have nothing to lose and were known for their defence last season in the championship. A low scoring game and Cardiff might nick it.

Southampton vs. Leicester

Southampton were unlucky to not get a point against Everton last weekend as Ings was denied a clear penalty. The Saints search for their first win of the season against Leicester. Leicester beat Wolves last weekend although they did look shaky and got lucky in the goals they scored. This game should be a close one and with Vardy out Southampton could get their first win of the season.

Liverpool vs. Brighton

Liverpool are flying high having won two out of two and not having conceded any goals. The Reds seem to have plugged the holes in defence and with Allison in goal look like real title challengers. Brighton did extremely well against a very poor United side last weekend as they picked up their first win of the season, but because this game is at Anfield it might be a step too far for the Seagulls. Expectations are it will be a comfortable win for Liverpool although I hope Brighton at least get a point.

Watford vs. Crystal Palace

Sunday starts off with another London derby as Crystal Palace visit Watford. Watford are flying high having won their first two games and will be expecting to get another three this weekend. Palace played well against Liverpool last weekend but got unlucky on two specific occasions, although they have more than enough to get a point or more from this game. It should be an entertaining one with Deeney, Pereyra, Gray, Zaha, Benteke, etc on show from both sides.

Fulham vs. Burnley

Fulham have played well over the last two games but still seek their first points of the season as a defensively skilled Burnley visit. With numerous signings and time needed for them to integrate Fulham should be slow to the race but once they start going they should be fun to watch. Burnley lost at home to Watford in what was a shockingly poor defensive performance and will hope to get back to winning ways against Fulham. A close game but I can see Fulham getting their first points of the season.

Man United vs. Tottenham

Monday night brings the game of the weekend as Tottenham visit shaky Man United. United have had a torrid summer and even their opening week win against Leicester was not reassuring and they were dismal against Brighton last weekend. Mourinho needs to fix things fast otherwise it looks like he could face another third season calamity. Tottenham did not sign anyone this window but have kept all their players and are playing some brilliant football. Spurs might be stuck at Wembley till an unknown date as their Stadium does not seem to be nearing completion. On the pitch though this game should be a low scoring one and for all the flak that Mourinho gets he will probably nick three points from Spurs. If Spurs do win expect the crisis talk to amplify in the red half of Manchester.

La Liga

La Liga kicked off last weekend with the regular wins for most of the contenders as Real, Barcelona, and Sevilla all got wins. Valencia and Atletico face each other and only managed a point. This weekend should see a further three points added to all these teams although Sevilla do face Villareal.

Serie A

Serie A kicked off last weekend as well and Juventus, Napoli and Roma all started off with wins. Inter lost, and Milan still need to play their first game. This season Serie A has gone up a notch in star status mainly because of one Cristiano Ronaldo who moved to Turin in the summer. Ronaldo seeks his first goal for Juventus as they come up against Lazio this weekend. Napoli face Milan which sees Ancelotti face his former club. Inter face off against Torino while Roma go up against a tough Atlanta side. An entertaining weekend of football in Italy.

Bundesliga kicks off this weekend as Bayern face off against Hoffenheim, Bayern are under new management as Niko Kovac leads them this season. Schalke face Wolfsburg, Borussia Monchengladbach face Leverkusen, and Dortmund go up against Leipzig in an entertaining opening weekend.

Ligue 1

Ligue 1 is already in its third game week and the likes of Monaco, Marseille, and Lyon are already playing catchup to league leaders PSG. It should be comfortable wins for all teams involved although Monaco do face Bordeaux this weekend.

Weekend Football Review

What a way to end the season!

Premier League

Burnley 1 vs. 2 Bournemouth

Burnley lost their last game of the season at home to Bournemouth. Westwood put Burnley ahead in the first half after Wood scored in the 49th minute. King equalised for Bournemouth in the 74th minute after a shot by Defoe was saved by Pope. Wilson grabbed the winner in the 93rd minute to seal all three points on the final day. Burnley will not be disheartened as they have finished in 7th place their best league position in the top flight. Bournemouth finish in 12th.

Crystal Palace 2 vs. 0 West Brom

Crystal Palace ended their remarkable season with a win at home. After a cagey first half in which Foster made some brilliant saves Zaha gave Palace the lead in the 70th minute. Van Aanholt added to the tally in the 78th minute after having assisted the first goal. After having lost their first seven games and not having registered a goal as well, Palace finish the season in 11th with 44 points. West Brom were relegated midweek and lost their first game under Darren Moore and finished bottom of the table.

Huddersfield 0 vs. 1 Arsenal

After a brilliant start by Huddersfield in the opening 20 minutes, Arsenal took the lead in the 38th minute via some intricate play that Aubameyang converted. He became the fastest Arsenal player to reach 10 goals (13 games). Huddersfield and Arsenal had chances to add to the scoreline in the second half but Arsenal held on for their first points away from home in 2018. Wenger bows out with a win and Arsenal finish 6th in his final season. Three weeks ago many thought Huddersfield would be relegated but they finish 16th.

Liverpool 4 vs. 0 Brighton

Salah became the Premier League’s record holder for most goal scored in a 38 game season as he scored his 32nd to open the flood gates at Anfield. Lovren, Solanke, and Robertson added the rest to ensure a strong finish to the season for Liverpool with the Champions League final to look ahead to. Liverpool could have finished second a few weeks ago but finish 4th for the season and qualify for next season’s Champions League. Brighton finish 15th in their debut season in the Premier League.

Man United 1 vs. 0 Watford

Rashford scored in the 34th minute to give United a cagey win in their final game of the season. Carrick played his last game for United as next year he will be joining United’s coaching staff. With a chance to add silverware to the campaign in next weeks FA cup final, United finish 2nd with 81 points while Watford finish 14th.

Southampton 0 vs. 1 Man City

A game which saw Southampton have the better chances, a 94th minute goal by Jesus insured that City broke another record by becoming the first team to finish a Premier League season with a 100 points. De Bruyne finished the season with 16 assists and becomes the first player to pick up the play maker award. City also became the first team to win 32 games and register the most away wins (16) and away points (50) in the Premier League. Southampton finish 17th and get to play another season of the Premier League.

Swansea 1 vs. 2 Stoke City

Andy King gave Swansea the lead in the 14th minute but goals from Ndiaye and Crouch before half time gave Stoke the lead. Stoke were able to hold on for the win although both teams are relegated to the Championship finishing 18th and 19th respectively.

Tottenham 5 vs. 4 Leicester

Tottenham said farewell to Wembley in emphatic fashion in a 9 goal thriller. Vardy opened the score in the 4th minute but Kane equalised in the 7th. Mahrez scored in the 16th minute to send Leicester with a lead into half time. Iheanacho scored a 3rd goal for Leicester in the 47th minute but Lamela got one back two minutes later. An own goal by Fuchs equalised the score in the 53rd minute and Lamela gave Spurs the lead in the 60th. Vardy equalised for Leicester three minutes later but three minutes later Kane scored to give Tottenham all three points. Tottenham finish the season 3rd in the table heading into their new stadium while Leicester finish 9th.

West Ham 3 vs. 1 Everton

Lanzini scored right before half time to give West Ham the lead. Arnautovic added a second in the 63rd minute while Niasse got one back for Everton soon after. Lanzini sealed the three points for the hammers with a goal in the 82nd minute. West Ham finish 13th in the table while Everton finish eighth.

Bundesliga

Hoffenheim 3 vs. 1 Borussia Dortmund

Kramaric, Szalai, and Kaderabek scored the goals as Hoffenheim got three points in their final game of the season. The win meant that Hoffenheim finished above Dortmund based on goal difference and assured them a place in the Champions League for next season with a third placed finish.

Bayer Leverkusen 3 vs. 2 Hannover 96

A win for Bayer was not enough as they finished 5th due to goal difference which meant that they will be playing in the Europa League next season.

Hertha Berlin 2 vs. 6 RB Leipzig

An emphatic win for Leipzig on the final day was not enough as results in the fixtures above mean that they would still finish 6th with 53 points.

Serie A

AS Roma 0 vs. 0 Juventus

A goalless draw for Juventus was enough as they were declared Italian champions once again.

Weekend Football Preview

The league draws to a close in England and Germany.

Premier League

Burnley vs. Bournemouth

Burnley have nothing to fight for in their final game of the season other than finishing with a win at home. With 7th place theirs Burnley look likely to be playing in the Europa League next season. Bournemouth sit 12th and our one of the few teams that can achieve a 10th place finish with a win. The higher you finish the more money you get and so Bournemouth will want to end the season as high as they can. It should be a close game but Burnley might edge it.

Crystal Palace vs. West Brom

Crystal Palace have done remarkably to reach 11th place after zero points or goals in their first seven games. A win could potentially move them to 10th and really boast Roy Hodgson’s chances for manager of the season. West Brom are sadly relegated even after their great form in recent weeks, they will however be striving for a win which could take them into 18th if Swansea lose. An 18th place finish is way better considering they were rock bottom a few weeks ago. Another close tie to watch.

Huddersfield vs. Arsenal

Huddersfield have showed great form in getting a point at both Man City and Chelsea, the latter ensuring them a place in next seasons Premier League. A win against an Arsenal side still seeking a point away from home in 2018 would put David Wagner up as a contender for manager of the season. Wenger’s last game for Arsenal comes as a last chance to rectify their away form as a loss would add another unwanted annotation to his last years at Arsenal.

Liverpool vs. Brighton

The only game along with the Chelsea one which holds any real consequences for the teams involved. A win or draw for Liverpool would secure them a place in the Champions League for next season although if they were to and Chelsea to win they could still make the Champions League by beating Real Madrid in this seasons final. Brighton sit 14th and have had mixed results in recent weeks but a win for them could move them upto 10th if results went their way. Brighton need to win and Chelsea need to win and then Liverpool can beat Real Madrid and we could once again have 5 english teams in the Champions League so… lets get it done.

Man United vs. Watford

Mourinho having secured second place for United with the bore draw at West Ham will rotate his squad ahead of next weeks FA Cup final. Watford are amongst the teams that can reach 10th place and will want to finish the season on a high although United will also want to do the same after their performances have disappointed fans in recent weeks.

Southampton vs. Man City

Southampton are all but mathematically clear of relegation going into the final game of the season. A win or draw would guarantee them top flight survival for next season, a loss would could also guarantee them of survival but they would have to restrict City to less a maximum of 2 or 3 goals. Anything more could potentially see them relegated depending on results elsewhere. Man City having broken more records will look to break their own records.

Swansea vs. Stoke City

Swansea have to win by a considerable margin and hope that Southampton get thrashed by Man City to stand any chance of Premier League survival. After a series of good results under Carlos Carvalhal the inertia seems to have been lost in recent weeks and they will hope to at least end the season with a win at home. Stoke are relegated but will want to win and hope that results elsewhere mean that they do not finish at the bottom of the table.

Bundesliga

Hoffenheim vs. Borussia Dortmund

Bayern and Schalke have will finish first and second respectively and so have guaranteed a place in next seasons Champions League. Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund are two of the four teams fighting for the last two place and this fixture is basically a six pointer. A win for Hoffenheim could take them to 55 points for the season on par with Dortmund but goal difference would decide the position of the teams and whether Hoffenheim qualify. A win for Dortmund would take them to 58 points and seal them a 3rd place finish and a spot in next seasons Champions League. A draw would also be enough for Dortmund but for Hoffenheim it would depend on results elsewhere.

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Hannover 96

A win or draw for Bayer would take them to 55 points and depending on the game above and below could be enough to ensure them a place in next seasons Champions League.

Hertha Berlin vs. RB Leipzig

Leipzig have to win this game and hope that results above go their to potentially give them a top four finish in the Bundesliga.

Serie A

AS Roma vs. Juventus

Juventus could seal Serie A for the seventh season straight with a win against AS Roma. A draw and a loss would also be enough as the goal difference between Juventus and Napoli is far too great. AS Roma have done well in recent weeks although Juventus have been strong in Serie A compared to their European form. A mouthwatering tie to look forward to.

Weekend Football Review

City are officially Premier League Champions.

Burnley 2 vs. 1 Leicester

Burnley continued their fine form with a 5th successive win. Wood and Long scored in the opening 10 minutes to give Burnley the lead. Burnley held on to the lead till the 72nd minute when Vardy scored to give Leicester a glimmer of hope. Burnley are known for their defensive solidity and were able to see out the game for 3 points. The win takes Burnley to within 2 points of Arsenal in 6th while they are 9 clear of Leicester in 8th.

Crystal Palace 3 vs. 2 Brighton

This was a crucial win for Palace as all 5 goals were scored in the first half of the game. Zaha and Tomkins gave Palace the lead in the opening 15 minutes, while Murray brought the seagulls back into the game soon after. Zaha restored the lead to 2 goals when he scored in the 24th minute, but Izquierdo made it 3-2 in the 34th minute. Brighton missed a few great opportunities during the rest of the game to equalise. Palace are now 6 points clear of the relegation zone sitting in 16th. Brighton remain 13th.

Huddersfield 1 vs. 0 Watford

In what was a close game Huddersfield managed to claim all three points in the 91st minute via a Tom Ince goal. Watford were the better side in the first half and missed a few good chances while Huddersfield picked up their game in the second. Huddersfield are now up to 14th with 35 points while Watford remain 12th but winless in 5 games.

Swansea 1 vs. 1 Everton

Ayew managed to get Swansea late in the second half after a Naughton own goal had given Everton the lead 2 minutes before half time. Everton had several chances to gain all three points but were not clinical enough. Everton remain 9th, within a point of Leicester in 8th, while Swansea fall to 17th but are 5 points clear of the relegation zone.

Liverpool 3 vs. 0 Bournemouth

It was the front three of Liverpool who terrified Bournemouth at the weekend and got all 3 points for Liverpool. Mané opened the account with a goal in the 7th minute making him Senegal’s all time leading scorer in the Premier League. Salah scored in the 69th minute taking his tally to 30 goals domestically continuing to break records on his way to a potential golden boot. Firmino finished it off with a goal in the 90th minute to become the highest scoring Brazilian in a single season. The win moves Liverpool to within a point of Manchester United in second. Bournemouth remain 11th with 38 points.

Tottenham 1 vs. 3 Man City

City managed to break their winless streak by beating Spurs at Wembley. Jesus gave City the lead in the 22nd minute while Gündogan added a second from the spot 3 minutes later. Spurs managed to get a goal back before half time thanks to Eriksen. Tottenham continued to apply the pressure on City but City stood strong and Sterling sealed the 3 points in the 72nd minute. The win was crucial as events elsewhere meant that City are now officially Premier League champions for the 17/18 season.

Newcastle 2 vs. 1 Arsenal

Newcastle ended an 8 year wait for a win against Arsenal by getting all 3 points at St.James’ Park. Arsenal started the game of well with a Aubameyang assisting Lacazette in the 14th minute to give Arsenal the lead. Newcastle grew into the game after a going a goal down and Pérez managed to equalise in the 29th minute after some very intricate passes. Richie completed the comeback in the 68th minute and Arsenal were not able to respond after having brought a very weak side to the game. Newcastle continue to climb the table sitting 10th, Arsenal are now 6 points behind Chelsea in 5th and are in danger of dropping further down the table.

Man United 0 vs. 1 West Brom

Only in the Premier League can a side beat the team in first place one week and then lose to the last place team the next week. After an impressive win at the Etihad it looked like United would thrash West Brom at Old Trafford. Credit to West Brom they showed up for the game and were impressive through out, Rodriguez gave them all 3 points in the 73rd minute. A first win in 10 means that West Brom are still bottom but 9 points away from safety. United are now just 1 point ahead of Liverpool.

West Ham 1 vs. 1 Stoke City

In what was an evenly contested game both teams were able to get a point. After a stale first half, the second half brought a Peter Crouch goal in the 79th minute, his 44th for Stoke making him their leading goalscorer in the Premier League. Stoke looked like they would manage 3 points but West Ham kept knocking on the door, and in the 90th minute Andy Caroll managed to equalise. West Ham remain 14th while Stoke remain 18th and in the relegation zone.

Rest Of Europe

AC Milan 0 vs. 0 Napoli

A stalemate at the San Siro, and a win for Juventus means that the Turin side are now 6 points ahead of Napoli with 6 games to play. Napoli’s upcoming game away to Juventus looks more and more crucial for the Neapolitan side. Ac Milan remain 6th.

Schalke 2 vs. 0 Dortmund

The Ruhr derby ended in a win for Schalke after Konoplyanka and Naldo scored in the second half. The win takes Schalke 4 points of clear of Dortmund who drop down to 4th after Leverkusen won their game at the weekend.

Weekend Football Preview

Premier League MW 34

Burnley vs. Leicester

A 6 point fixture and potentially one that could seal 7th place. Burnley have been in top form in recent weeks and will be looking to increase the gap to 9 points. Leicester come of a defeat in Newcastle and will look to avoid one that would seal 8th place for them. Leicester will hope that Vardy and Mahrez turn up for this game.

Crystal Palace vs. Brighton

This is a crucial home game for Palace as they need a win to give them hope of surviving the relegation zone. A win for Brighton would take them to 38 points needing 2 more to reach the 40 point mark of safety. Offensively Crystal Palace have shown plenty of potential in recent weeks with Zaha being their main man. Palace will have to put in a disciplined defensive performance to get all 3 points.

Huddersfield vs. Watford

Huddersfield need 3 points to avoid to stay above the relegation zone, while Watford are 3 points away from certain safety this season. Neither teams won in their last game week and Huddersfield will hope to put in a solid performance at home. Watford seem to be ambling towards safety and have been leaky at the back recently. This could be a close fixture.

Swansea vs. Everton

As is the case with most bottom half teams in this season Swansea will be looking to win to keep up their hope of survival. A win for Everton could potentially take them to 8th place depending on results elsewhere. Under Carvalhal, Swansea have been in good form at home and should challenge a suspect Everton team for 3 points.

Liverpool vs. Bournemouth

Liverpool’s European expedition continued midweek after a win in Manchester, and they will hope to move to within a point of United with a win. A win for Bournemouth could take them into the top 10 but with Liverpool riding a wave of good form we should nothing less than a few goals for Salah, and a win for Liverpool.

Tottenham vs. Man City

The past two weeks have changed the taste of City’s season, while they will probably be crowned champions within the next few weeks, they failed to seal the title by losing to United in what was a once in a life time opportunity. Knocked out by Liverpool in the Champions League, City could now potentially lose a 4th successive game in all competitions with their visit to London. Tottenham have been in spectacular form in 2018 and could continue to maintain the 10 point gap from Chelsea with a win. This is a must win game for Pep and his players while Tottenham will be looking to spoil the mood in the blue half of Manchester for a further week.

Newcastle vs. Arsenal

Newcastle and Arsenal are enjoying good form in recent weeks and both teams could potentially move higher in the table with wins. Aubameyang has been on fire for the gunners and will be looking to add to his tally in Newcastle but Newcastle are no push overs and the fans will be hoping that their team continue their good form against an Arsenal side that at times has collapsed.

Man United vs. West Brom

After having halted City’s parade with a spectacular comeback win at the Etihad, United will be looking to continue their high by beating bottom of the table West Brom. West Brom edge towards relegation with every game week and this weekend could add another nail to their coffin.

West Ham vs. Stoke City

Chicharito gave West Ham a much needed point at Stamford Bridge last weekend and they will be looking to add to their distance from the bottom 3 with a win against 19th place Stoke City. Stoke played well at home against Spurs but failed to add any points to their tally, they will be hoping to put in a good performance and will take encouragement from the fact that West Ham is still in a very toxic environment.

Rest Of Europe

AC Milan vs. Napoli

Napoli are 4 points adrift of league leaders Juventus and Sarri’s men will look to win a difficult game to reduce that gap to a point. Having extended Gattuso’s contract, Milan are now looking ahead to better times and will be hoping to add to that expectation with a win at home to a very good Napoli side.

Schalke vs. Dortmund

A battle for 2nd place in the Bundesliga. A win for Schalke would extend the gap between them and Dortmund to 4 points while a win for Dortmund would take them above Schalke into second place. An exciting Ruhr derby awaits.

Weekend Football Review

An interesting weekend fo results in the Premier League and across Europe.

Premier League MW 32

Crystal Palace 1 vs. 2 Liverpool

Crystal Palace had a good first half in which they restricted Liverpool to the odd chance, and managed to get a goal through a Luka Milivojevic penalty when Zaha had been brought down by Karius. The second half was played with a higher tempo and Sadio Mané scored via a James Milner corner in the 49th minute to get Liverpool back in the game. Though like I mentioned in the preview as long as Liverpool had Salah on the pitch they would be able to get 3 points and his goal came in the 84th minute through a Robertson cross and a composed finish in the penalty box. Crystal Palace have played well in the last few fixtures and have not deserved the results they have been dealt, that is why they should avoid relegation this season. Liverpool go 13 points clear of 5th place Chelsea and can concentrate on the champions league fixture against City.

Brighton 0 vs. 2 Leicester

Brighton lost only their 3rd home game of the season in what was very close game between the two sides. Brighton had the chance to take the lead in the 77th minute via a penalty when Izquierdo was fouled by Ndidi in the box. Murray missed the penalty and Iborra managed to give Leicester the lead in the 83rd minute following a Chilwell cross. Ndidi was send off for Leicester in the 87th minute due to a second yellow but, Leicester sealed the win in the 96th minute via a Vardy goal. Brighton dropped to 13th while Leicester maintained their position at 8th.

Man United 2 vs. 0 Swansea

Lukaku got is his 100th goal in the premier league in the 5th minute to give United the lead, and Sanchez added to the lead in the 20th minute to score is second goal for United. United dominated the first half and their star man was Jesse Lingard who has been in good form this season. Swansea fought back in the second half and De Gea (as he does so often) had to make two brilliant saves to deny Tammy Abraham. Swansea will be encouraged by their second half performance and should survive relegation. United stay second and can look forward to a certain Manchester Derby on Saturday.

Newcastle 1 vs. 0 Huddersfield

Ayoze Pérez got the winner for Newcastle in the 80th minute via Kennedy pass in what was a tightly contested fixture. Newcastle dominated the first half while Huddersfield had some chances in the second. Newcastle managed to keep their lead and now move to 12th while Huddersfield drop down to 16th.

Watford 2 vs. 2 Bournemouth

A close fixture between 11th and 10th, Femenía gave Watford the lead in the 13th minute while King equalised via a penalty in the 43rd minute when Holebas had handled the ball in the box. Pereyra scored for Watford in the 49th minute to restore the lead but Jermaine Defoe earned a point for bournemouth in the 92nd minute with a poachers finish.

West Brom 1 vs 2 Burnley

West Brom continued their dismal form by suffering a club record 8th successive loss. Barnes got Burnley the lead in the 22nd minute which was extended in the 73rd minute by Chris Wood. West Brom did have a better second half getting a goal back via Rondón in the 83rd minute. The goal had no real effect other than costing me a clean sheet in my Fantasy team. Burnley remain 7th 2 points off Arsenal while West Brom remain at the bottom.

West Ham 3 vs. 0 Southampton

Southampton looked to have gained some confidence from reaching the semi’s of the FA Cup but 2 weeks seems to have been enough for them to lose it. West Ham looked like they were in a downward spiral but Mário got them the lead in the 13th minute and Arnautovic got followed up by getting a brace in the first half to finish off a positive response by West Ham. West Ham moved to 14th 5 points off relegation while Southampton remain there.

Everton 1 vs. 3 Man City

Three first half goals from Sané, Jesus, and Sterling were enough to give City a win at Goodison Park. Bolasie managed to get Everton a consolation goal in the second half but thats pretty much it. City have a Champions League quarter final against Liverpool to look forward to while a win at home against United on Saturday would be an amazing way to seal the title.

Arsenal 3 vs. 0 Stoke City

Stoke City could not capitalise on what was a poor first half performance from Arsenal at the Emirates. Aubameyang gave Arsenal a lead through a penalty at the 75th minute and added to his tally in the 86th minute. Lacazette came off the bench to score a penalty in the 89th minute one which should give him some much needed confidence. Back to Back wins for Arsenal since November take them to within 5 points off Chelsea in 5th. Stoke remain in the relegation zone.

Rest of Europe

Bayern Munich 6 vs. 0 Dortmund

Two goals from Lewandowski along with goals from Rodriguez, Müller, and Ribéry destroyed dortmund in the first half. Lewandowski managed to complete his hattrick in the second half in what was a resounding win for Bayern Munich showcasing why they are 17 points clear of Schalke in 2nd.

Sevilla 2 vs. 2 Barcelona

Vázquez and Muriel scored in the first and second half respectively to give Sevilla what looked like a comfortable lead against an underperforming Barca team. Barca though had a certain Lionel Messi on the bench who provided an assist for Suárez in the 88th minute and then scored himself in the 89th minute to gain a point for the Blaugrana. Barcelona still lead La Liga with a 9 point gap.

Juventus 3 vs 1 AC Milan

Dybala got Juventus the lead in the 8th minute while ex Juve defender Bonucci levelled for Milan in the 28th minute. A late push by Juventus saw Cuadrado and Khedira seal the victory, and as Napoli had earlier drawn to Sassuolo the lead at the top has been extended to 4 points.

Weekend Football Preview

Premier League MW 32

Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool

Liverpool are third in the table going into the gameweek, a win at Crystal Palace would take them to second and 10 points clear of 5th place Chelsea. Crystal Palace are in the midst of a relegation battle and while their start to the season was awful, under Roy Hodgson they have managed to regain some form. Playing at Selhurst Park is always tough but a certain Mo Salah should be enough to take 3 points for Liverpool.

Brighton vs. Leicester

Brighton were early relegation contenders though they sit 14th while Leicester are 8th. A win for Brighton would see them move to 10th, while a win for Leicester would move them to 7th and a potential Europa League place. Brighton have played well at home this season although a resurgent Vardy and Mahrez could cause them problems.

Man United vs. Swansea

United have had their fair share of problems recently both on and off the pitch. Swansea have been a different team under new manager Carlos Carvalhal. A win for United is on the cards but Swansea will make them work for it.

Newcastle vs. Huddersfield

Two teams very much in the battle for relegation. Newcastle have been in good form recently and should be able to get 3 points from the fixture.

Watford vs. Bournemouth

A fixture of no real importance although Watford fans will be seeking a response from the players after losing 5-0 to Liverpool.

West Brom vs. Burnley

WestBrom are most definetly going to be relgated come the end of the season and Burnley have been steadily progressing under Sean Dyche. Burnley should win to strenghen their claim for a place in the Europa Leaue next season.

West Ham vs. Southampton

Both teams desperately need a win if they are to avoid relegation. The environment at West Ham is toxic and with Southampton having appointed Mark Hughes along with having progressed to the FA Cup semi’s momentum should be on their side.

Everton vs. Man City

Hard to see anything but a win for Man City. Everton might make them fight for the 3 points with Tosun having picked up some form in recent weeks. A win for Man City would set them up to beat Man United to become Champions next week.

Arsenal vs. Stoke City

Stoke have been poor and Arsenal having nothing to fight for in the premier league can afford to rest players for their Europa League quarter final against CSKA Moscow.

Rest Of Europe

Bayern Munich vs. Dortmund

Bayern Munich have once again ran away with the Bundesliga sitting 17 points clear of second placed Schalke. Though this fixture does not disappoint and if Dortmund were to win they would move to second.

Sevilla vs. Barcelona

A close game that Barcelona should win to move 14 points clear of second placed Atletico.

Juventus vs. AC Milan

Juventus have not been able to run away with league this season mainly due to an amazing Napoli side managed by Maurizio Sarri. Milan have turned up under the management of former player Genaro Gattuso and could cause Juventus problems. This should be an interesting fixture.