JogaBonito

Premier League Predictions

As the 2019/2020 Premier League season is coming to a close, it so far has provided viewers with a bundle of entertainment. This season’s antics, even at the three quarter mark, make it incredibly difficult to predict the outcome.

Last season we saw all English Champions League and Europa League finals. This makes it interesting too see who the top 4 of this season will be. Without a doubt, as expected, it’s inevitable that Liverpool will finish in first. Still unbeaten in the league their consistency is what has separated them from the other teams, whilst still providing top quality and entertainment. Coming off the back off last season were they won the Champions League, Klopp’s side will be looking to do the same this year.

Man City, Leicester and Chelsea all come in behind Liverpool and are currently separated by 13 points. Whilst Man City and Leicester are likely contenders for Champions League Positions, Chelsea are only clear of fifth Position Man Utd by 3 points and will be doing everything they can for the remainder of the season to return to the Champions League next year.

At the other end of the spectrum West Ham, Watford and Norwich are currently in relegation positions. Recently Promoted Norwich who started the season strongly with Pukki scoring 8 goals in 8 matches have drastically dropped off and are looking as if they will be returning to the Championship. On the other hand West Ham and Watford who are long time Premier League Survivors are only a point behind the safe spots where Aston Villa sit. West ham this season have looked as if they have the quality to remain in the league for another season whereas Watford have shown poor discipline and don’t look as if they can pick themselves up towards the backend of the season.

This Seasons Best Performing Underdog’s

Sheffield Utd

After gaining promotion last season from the championship, Sheffield Utd were on everyone’s cards to be going back down by the end of the season. Chris Wilder so far has done the opposite. With the back end of the season slowly approaching The Blades are sitting in sixth place of the premier league and looking more comfortable than ever. Holding the second best defensive record in the league whilst being unbeaten away from home gives the side the chance to emulate Wolves’ achievements last season as the best performing team after being promoted ever in the premier league. An interesting, but astounding stat. If they continue what they have already shown, which everyone believes is possible at this point they will finish on 54 points, their fourth highest finish in the completion of all time.

Wolves

Another side that have recently been promoted, albeit it was two seasons ago have well and truly shown their worth as being Premier League top 10 contenders. Nuno’s offensive style of play have brought the best out of their technical attacking players such as Traore and Jota. Continuing their form on from last season The Wanderers sit in 8th position and will be looking to do what they did the season before and achieve European Football. Something that many fans are believing is possible once again. With many fixtures throughout the season with the Europa league, Fans thought it was an impossibility to recreate what they did but Wolves are well on their way.

Chelsea vs Man Utd Match Review

Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire scored either side of half time as Manchester United claimed a 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Monday

Manchester Utd continue moving closer to a top 4 Champions League place after there win over Chelsea after Lampard’s side were denied by VAR twice in throughout the game.

Martial’s goal came early in the first half after meeting a perfectly flighted Wan Bissaka cross, outjumping Zouma in the process to put Utd one goal up going into half time.

Overall it was a painful night in more ways than one. Harry Maguire early on in the first half escaped seeing red after studding Michy Batsuahyi deliberately. Lampard was certain that the Utd defender should have been sent off and to make matters worse, he was the second goalscorer which put the Utd two goals up in the second half.

Bruno Fernandes on his Utd debut came close to scoring from a free kick after rattling the near post which caught caballero off guard. However his first goal contribution did come after assisting Maguire from a corner. The Portuguese midfielder says he is looking forward to playing more games and hopefully he can keep up the form he showed in his first match.

Chelseas first ruled out goal came when they were already down 1-0. A corner swung in from Willian fell to the feet of Zouma in which he slotted home. Replay’s showed in the build up Azpilicueta pushed Williams to the floor with bow hand leading to controversy around Stamford Bridge. To make matters worse the substitute Giroud scored a header which was deemed offside due to his foot being ever so slightly passed the last Utd defender.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s organised performance allowed Utd to complete their first league double over Chelsea since the 1987-88 season.

Shaky Spurs after Ali’s Actions

It’s safe to say Tottenham midfielder Dele Ali has been inconsistent over the last few seasons. Since Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Spurs, Ali has drastically improved his form and is arguably playing the best football of his career so far. Previous experiences have outlined The England internationals age and many thought that the occurring problem was over. For people who have not seen the social media post, Dele Ali on Snapchat recorded himself wearing a face mask, before turning the camera to an Asian man and then a bottle of antiseptic hand wash. The caption read “this virus gonna have to be quicker than that to catch me”. Not long after the story was posted, Ali removed it and later apologised stating “it wasn’t funny, i realised it immediately and took it down” The FA is looking into the incident that took place and if it is deemed racist, there could potentially be a hefty fine and long match ban.

With injuries throughout the squad already, Mourinho will be hoping to continue the form from the previous result where they were victorious over Man city by two goals to nil.

Before hosting Leipzig in the champions league Round of 16, Spurs will face Aston Villa which should be a comfortable win and help them secure a top 5 position.

Best Performers so far

The Premier League so far has provided viewers with great entertainment. Although we are only halfway through the season there are a number of players who perhaps are having their best seasons of their career so far.

Adama Traore

Newly promoted Wolves have clearly proved themselves to be a team that are more than capable in England’s top flight. Players like Adam Traore, who perhaps haven’t performed their best in recent seasons have definitely sharpened up. The Spanish winger has already reached double figures for assists this season whilst also netting 2 goals against Manchester City and another against Spurs. Traore’s sheer pace and power are a worry for every team and if he continues his current form Wolves should be expecting a transfer approach from bigger clubs around the world.

Jack Grealish

Aston Villa’s playmaker has already bagged 7 goals this season and has provided 5 assists for his team. Many pundits have acknowledged his leadership and contribution to the team. Some say an international call up is on the cards for the upcoming months. At still only 24 years of age, Grealish will be looking to continue his form under Dean Smith who hopes to avoid the relegation places this season.

Sadio Mane

Liverpool winger, Senegal international and Africa’s player of the year, Sadio Mané is yet again proving why many are regarding him as one of the best in recent years. With high goal contributions continuing on from last season it’s clear that he is The Reds main man for this season. With Liverpool well on their way to sealing their first league title in 30 years, Mane has played a huge part in this incredible streak Liverpool continue to extend.

January Transfer Window Rumours and Deals

As the transfer window is drawing slowly to a close, Bruno Fernandes is still heavily linked to the league giants Man Utd. The red devil’s have been chasing the young portuguese midfielder and at some stages throughout the window it seemed as if it was a done deal. Fernandes showed frustration to both clubs due to negotiations being more difficult than what they shouldve Barcelona have also shown great interest perhaps making the portugese midfielder to reconsider his options potentially making the deal fall through. Man Utd will need to look at other midfielders if they want to turnaround there current form

Liverpool have successfully secured a deal for Red Bull Salzburg’s Japanese midfielder Minamino. The fee was said to be 7.25 million which could prove to be a bargain for the reds due to game late last year against Salzburg when minamino slotted 2 past them. Minamino has previously made 199 appearances for Salzburg in which ilhe scored a total of 64 goals. The japanese international said “to win the premier league and the champions league, and to make good contributions to the team”

Rumours are that Arsenal are interested in 31 year old Jerome boating from Bayern Munich. The German International who has won almost everything throughout the career is also heavily linked with Italian team Ac Milan. If the German centre back, who can also play at full back makes the move to Arsenal, there would be no doubt the gunners defensive record would drastically improve for the remainder of the season.

Liverpool vs Manchester Utd Match Report

Liverpool’s main men Mohammed Salah and Virgil van Dijk help there side to continue their unbeaten streak, seeing off Man Utd by two goals to nil.

Throughout the game Liverpool struggled to take advantage of their chances but a goal in each half ensured The Reds with a victory putting them 16 points clear at the top of the table

In the opening stages of the game The Reds were slow as they attempted to hold the ball and play a possession type of game. Set pieces were key, however as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Corner was met in the air by Van Dijk in the 14th Minute of the game putting Liverpool one goal up early on.

Halfway through the first half, controversy struck as Liverpool had a goal disallowed, deeming that Van Dijk illegally challenged De Gea for a high ball. It was a challenge that could’ve went either way leaving Utd fans unhappy.

Liverpool came out strong in the second half having seven attempts inside the opening ten minutes. Salah was unlucky not to double the deficit after Andy Robertson blazed down the wing whipping a ball to the back post. moments later The Reds skipper Jordan Henderson rattled De Geas right post. Man Utd we’re lucky to be 1 goal down.

Man Utd found themselves creeping slowly back into the game although time was running out and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker made saves look easy. Seven minutes of stoppage time was added on and it was within this stoppage Liverpool doubled their lead with the help of The Brazil No. 1. He was alert to set a sprinting Salah with a clear one on one with De Gea and Liverpool’s Egyptian King Slotted the ball below the keeper.

Tottenham vs Liverpool Match Preview

Jurgen Klops side and Premier League leaders Liverpool travel to The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face 7th place spurs. Liverpool remain unbeaten in 373 days and will hope to continue their streak of 37 premier league games. Klopp and his players will also look to secure their best ever start in 131 years of English top flight football.

Mourinho vs The Reds is a big occasion as we all know. The Portuguese manager is used to the fixture having faced Liverpool 28 times throughout his career, which is more than any other club. Out of the 28 games he has won 7, 3 of which in the league and will be looking to continue this run of great form vs the league leaders. Mourinho may find it harder than the previous 28 times as Liverpool’s form is so close to the best it’s ever been.

Team News

Tottenham will miss their main man and top goalscorer Harry Kane due to a hamstring injury he suffered against southampton on New Year’s Day. Moussa Sissoko is also ruled out due to a knee injury. Both players won’t return until late April following surgery on their respective injuries.

Liverpool’s Mr Reliable, James Milner will also miss out on the next two fixtures with a hamstring injury. Naby Keita remains unavailable due to a groin injury.

Prediciton

We predict that Liverpool will take this one with a 3-0 win. The Reds will be determined to do what no other English top flight team has done in the history of the premier league and it’s difficult to back against a team that don’t know how to lose at the moment