English Premier League 18/19: Special Roundup And Our Predictions

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English Premier League is done with its 21 set of matchdays so far. And for once there’s no Leicester City, Everton or Wolverhampton Wolves in the clear sight. Manchester United is up and running and right now, it is all about the elites at the top.

Let us take a look at the top 6 teams of EPL currently and how well are they faring:

1. Manchester United (38 pts – 6^th)

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14 goals scored in the last 4 matches. Accept it or not, this was the vintage United we all were willing to witness. Jose Mourinho departure was a much-needed one. More so because the attacking flair and counter movement of United was silently being choked by the defensive tactics of the shrewd Portuguese. In contrast, Paul Pogba showcased why he is still the best player United have while another inbred protégé might have just opened the big money transfer gate for the European Sharks. As for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the United veteran could break a 73-year-old club record of five consecutive wins as a new manager. But only if they are able to tumble the fancy blue chicken of the ball in their next match. Exciting times ahead for Manchester United.

Upcoming Fixture – Tottenham vs Man.Utd (Prediction 2-2)

2. Arsenal (41pts – 5^th)

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The Gunners might be moaning a little as they stay one away from their favourite fourth spot. Dismantled by Liverpool, they were able to hold up with the recent 4-1 home win against Fulham. Under Unai Emery Arsenal surely have scored more goals compared to last season. But regular slip-ups away from home continued to disappoint the fans. Its counterparts have fallen and resurrected but Arsenal remains stagnant with another mediocre season. Currently linked to a number of starlets including James Rodriguez and Denis Suarez amongst others, it won’t be long before good players start fancying their chances to a more directional club.

Upcoming Fixture – West Ham vs Arsenal (Prediction 1-3)

3. Chelsea (44pts – 4^th)

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Mauricio Sarri’s style of gameplay was being appreciated by the fans until it was exposed against Tottenham. They again lost to Wolverhampton but a blow to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge instilled the belief of the fans again. But since then, Chelsea have dropped points in their recent home games and with Arsenal at their tail and a resurgent Manchester United moving upwards, Chelsea surely has to get it right in a bid to reclaim their European qualification spot.

Additionally, the New Year brought quite a few headlines for Chelsea as Cesc Fabregas revealed he’ll be leaving the club while an exciting announcement in BVB attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic was made. Upcoming matches in the Football League Cup against Tottenham and Premier League games against Arsenal and Man City again will be a litmus test for Chelsea.

Upcoming Fixture – Chelsea vs Newcastle United (Prediction 2-0)

4. Tottenham (48pts – 3^rd)

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While the claim for the title is heavily considered a two-horse race, there’s Tottenham who has been feeding its horse heavy steroids of late. 22 goals in their last 5 games including a 7 goal mauling in the FA Cup, Tottenham has all its cylinders firing. Harry Kane remains as the top scorer in the league with 14 goals. The next game against Manchester United would be crucial for both the teams. While Mauricio Pochettino is United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward’s top choice for the next season, Solsjaker has surely vowed to make the job his own. Tottenham meanwhile would be concentrating to keep pushing for the title race.

Upcoming Fixture – Tottenham vs Man.Utd (Prediction 2-2)

5. Manchester City (50pts – 2^nd)

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Pep Guardiola has revolutionised the premier league with his version of Manchester City. But then again he demands so much of his players that exhaustion at crucial junctures sometimes can’t be avoided. The reigning champions of England had hit a rough patch recently losing back to back games shortly before going into the title contention clash against Liverpool. But once again City showed how well built as a team they are as Jurgen Klopp looked to aim for a draw at best. Now just four points behind the leaders, Manchester City can surely claim the title given the players are properly rested. City has also netted 56 times till now, topping the goalscoring charts. Next game is up against Wolverhampton Wolves who have been having their own streak of good games against the top teams. Even holding City the last time they both met.

Upcoming Fixture – Manchester City vs Wolverhampton Wolves (3-1)

6. Liverpool (54pts – 1^st)

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In a repeat of events just like Manchester City’s unbeaten run was broken by the Merseyside the last term. It was the Blues that handed Liverpool their first loss of the season. But the fans have been ignoring the recent memory and are confident that this is their year. So often in the past, Liverpool has come close to the title. But it took a considerable amount of seasons to rise from the mediocrity of the mid-table and finally claim their lost glory. Three big matches against Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea remain with two of them being home games. If Liverpool is able to sustain their efforts along with the expectations of a good UCL finish. This season could be ‘it’.

Upcoming Fixture – Brighton vs Liverpool (0-2)