Gameweek 4 - FPL

Swansea 1-1 Stoke City
Kane --------- Hazard

This was a close game with a draw the fair result. Stoke are definitely the stronger team going forward, but Swansea have a solid defence and van Dijk and Hummels largely kept the visitors at bay. Eden Hazard had plenty of joy against Gaspar though, and put Stoke ahead. Stoke's defence is by far their weakest area, and Kane had some joy against Tah and Nacho. Unfortunately, Swansea's wingers weren't able to fully exploit the visitors' weak fullbacks.

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Watford 2-2 Middlesbrough
Bernardeschi - Vidal
B Silva ------- Suarez

Undoubtedly game of the week which ended in a draw. Watford don't really have any glaring weaknesses and were able to keep Middlesbrough at bay. Middlesbrough are the strongest team in the league, but their full backs do let them down. This is exacerbated by the fact that their formation is overtly attacking, so they were not afforded much protection by either central midfielder or winger. They are guaranteed goals though at all times, and though Watford's defence is solid, Kessie looked overwhelmed by Vidal at times.

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Bournemouth 1-1 Hull City
Thiago ------------ Sane

I feel this is a game with two teams still arguably searching for their best formation. I would revert to a 4-2-3-1 if I was RoF, with Thiago slightly more advanced. He had some joy today against Locatelli, who is a weakness in Hull's otherwise strong team. The away side look incredibly difficult to breakdown and dangerous going forward, with bags of energy and pace. Though Bournemouth do have a solid defence, I feel the front 3 of Hull would have been a danger all day, leading to a deserved draw.

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Burnley 2-1 Crystal Palace
Alli ----------- Ronaldo
Aubameyang

This was a narrow win for Burnley. Defensively solid, with a strong midfield and plenty of attacking threat, I feel they would edge this game. Palace's defence is solid enough, but I would have concerns about the midfield. The combination of Cazorla and that dangerous front 3 will mean that Palace will score every game as they possess plenty of attacking threat, but they looked exposed and Alli and Aubameyang had plenty of room to exploit.

West Brom 1 v 0 Sunderland
Carrasco

A close game between two evenly matched sides however strength in attack ultimately proved the difference as the home side took the points. Whilst the visitors are packed with experience the home side looked the more dynamic with the clear advantage out on the flanks. I can see why Asensio was brought in to the West Brom line up but he had little joy up against Busquets in what an intriguing midfield battle. Boateng did a superb job in marshalling Zlatan which somewhat blunted the Sunderland attack, whilst some superb hold up play from Costa allowed him to roll the ball off to Carrasco who curled home what was the only goal of the game.


Swansea City 2 v 1 Stoke City
O. Dembele, M. Dembele : Mane

Another game where the overall strength of the home side proved the difference. After a slow start Swansea are really starting to find their feet with a mixture of experience at the back with a solid centre half pairing mixed with a vibrant attack. RW and LB would be my main areas of focus in terms of strengthening but they had too much overall quality for the visitors today. Stoke remain one of the best attacking sides in the league but still look slightly top heavy and I’m not quite convinced by the cm pairing. They will undoubtedly cause problems for most sides in the league and raced into an early lead as Coutinho shook off the attention of Gueye before firing home from 25 yards. As the game wore on the quality of the home side began to show and a neat finish from O.Dembele drew them level. With both sides pushing for a winner the introduction of the other Dembele proved pivotal as he raced on to a Meyer through ball before slotting past Butland to earn his side the victory.


Bournemouth 1 v 0 Hull City
T.Silva

Two sides that continue to improve with the welcome return of Wanyama adding steel to the Bournemouth midfield. Hull continue to find their feet and a solid defensive set up proved successful in limiting the Bournemouth attack with Messi struggling to find any space to operate as he was kept under pressure all game. Pulisic and Rabiot appear the only two areas of slight improvement for what is a strong Bournemouth team whilst the visitors may look to add more firepower in attack to compliment what is a very strong defensive unit. In a game where the home side dominated but were kept at bay by an inspired Donnarumma it was a towering T.Silva header which eventually broke their resistance and saw the points remain at the Vitality Stadium.

Burnley 1 v 1 Crystal Palace

Ramos : Ronaldo (p)

A point apiece in a game where the home side had the slight edge in terms of dominance but just couldn’t hold on to the 3 points as Sergio Ramos rose highest to head his side into an early lead. The Palace set up in midfield proved a smart decision against a side that lacks any real natural width as the match became congested in the middle of the park. An improvement on the flanks is an obvious area of focus for Burnley whilst the likes of Winks and Fonte would appear as areas of improvement for the visitors. With the game drawing to a conclusion the quick feet of Jesus turned Ramos from hero to villain as he brought the young Brazilian down in the box. Ronaldo keeping his cool from the spot to earn his side a share of the spoils.

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West Brom 1 - 2 Stoke
Costa ; Ibra, Silva

The away side just edged the victory for me here. Defensively the away side are looking very strong, and Silva is a great addition in AM, I like the balance of the side but the wingers could be improved.
The home side I like as a team overall but were quite attacking in this game for me, I'd prefer Iniesta in am with Strootman in behind to get the best out of your side personally. Ghoulam probably the best lb in Italy for me will be a good improvement at lb. No obvious weaknesses in the side just overall not the right side for me in this one with them not being as strong in defence as Sunderland.

Swansea 2-2 Stoke
Kane (2) ; Sanchez, Coutinho

Defence vs attack in this one, the away side have the strongest attack in the league for me, but probably the weakest defence. The home side are strong overall, but are lacking the top class players that other teams have in midfield, only Alonso gets in that bracket for me.

Watford 1- 1 Boro
KDB ; Suarez

I was close to giving the win to the home side here, the away side has the more quality but I'm not a fan of the balance in the side. I think KDB would've had too much space against the opposition midfield 4 and his quality would show.
The home side though are also lacking a disciplined dm for me that would offer better protection, and against a duo of Suarez and Aguero they're going to be tough to stop when they've got a midfield 4 than can all supply them.

Burnley 3-2 Crystal Palace
Auba (2), Alli ; Ronaldo (2)

I felt the home side deserved the win here, looking stronger in defence and midfield. Going forward the away side have one of the best attacks in the league but overall I felt the home side had enough.
For Burnley I'd say an improvement on Shaqiri and De Rossi is where I'd look. De Rossi not as good as he was although still very good, but next to Kante who needs two dms!
For CP I'd say Winks needs to be improved on and that Kranevitter is good, but in the long run isn't the answer unless he turns things around for himself.

West Brom v Sunderland

Two good sides, I feel West Brom have the tools to get at the Sunderland defence although Asensio would be stopped dead by Busquets. Casemiro isn't for me and Silva is mercurial, I think he manages to create something special. Rashford is better upfront or LW, and Ribery is better not in this team. Carrasco and Costa would cause problems I feel.

West Brom 2-1 Sunderland
Carrasco, Costa; Ibrahimovic

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Swansea v Stoke

I like the Swansea side but I feel the Stoke attack is too much to handle, Stoke's defence is there to be got at and Swansea do have the firepower to hurt them, but Swansea are lacking genuine matchwinners. Stoke earn the away win but need to improve their defence as soon as possible.

Swansea 1-2 Stoke
O.Dembele; Sanchez, Hazard

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Watford v Middlesbrough

Two very strong sides, both with proven matchwinners, I still feel Middlesbrough need to tweak their attack and use Aguero to bring in a new AM, their wide players are much better in an AM three rather than in a midfield four. Both sides create chances but the better balance of Watford is enough for them to get the points today.

Watford 3-2 Middlesbrough
Belotti, Bernardeschi, De Bruyne; Suarez x2

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Bournemouth v Hull

I like Hull's formation change, not convinced by Sane at AM though. I think the back three and midfield four are a very good use of the players you have. Bournemouth lining up a lot stronger but Messi v Mascherano would be a very close battle and nullified Messi's impact somewhat. Very hard to split the two teams and I can see it ending in an entertaining score draw.

Bournemouth 2-2 Hull
Messi, Firmino; Dybala x2

WBA vs Sunderland

2 nicely balanced sides, set-up pretty much the same so for most parts they cancel each other out...not sure on iniesta in that role though to be honest. Costa always carries a goal threat and him vs Pepe would be interesting. I think Sunderlands front four are a nice unit and would just about carry the day.

Albion 1-2 Sunderland
Costa
Ibra x2
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Swans vs Stoke

There's still something I'm not sure on with Swansea, They're clearly a work in progress but the weaknesses from the last couple of weeks haven't been rectified....They still have just the one realt match-winner in Kane and I stilldon't like the FB's....Stoke are a nicely balanced team, their front four is seriously tidy and would cause Swansea too many problems

Swans 1-3 Stoke
Kane
Sanchez,Hazard,Coutinho

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Watford vs 'boro

Watford are quite possibly my favorite side lovely balance right through the side and for man all are on their game, Boro are perhaps the best collection of names moulded into a well shaped line up...the 3 banks of two are perhaps the very best pairings in the league, the CB's are solid, Radja and Arturo the great will tie down the midfield BUT won't get it their own way as Pogba/Kessie can stand them up - I prefer Watfords wingers (not saying they're better)..BUT Aguero and Suarez together could be frightening...all in all I think both sides would share the spoils in an entertaining draw

Watford 2-2 Boro
Belotti,KDB
Aguero,Suarez

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B'mouth vs Hull

pools panel, away win

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Burnley vs Palace

Regardless of Palace making big progress, they need to play Henno in goal
I really like Burnley's defence but I do think their full-backs would get roasted today, But I think Jesus would struggle against the Ramos Bonucci pairing. I Think Burnley's midfield would hold the centre ground and PEA vs Fonte & Howedes would be an interesting prospect IF he could turn them...all in all I think Palace have the best match-winner in the league and thats how it pans out

Burnley 2-3 Palace
PEA, De Rossi
CR7 x2, Jesus

West Brom vs Sunderland

Fairly one sided encounter here. Costa was the standout player for West Brom, but struggle with a lack of supply. Asensio struggled against the combination of Busquets and Dembele. Coman got some joy against Bernat, and Mendy did well against Rashford, who is more threatening from the left. Elsewhere, Sunderland dominated. Silva proved too tricky for Casemiro and Iniesta, Ibra had a joyous day against the opposition defence, with Boateng being let down by Sule on a few occassions. De Sciglio was out of depth against Ribery, and Carrasco struggled to get away from Bellerin.

West Brom 0 - 2 Sunderland
Ibrahimovic (Silva), Silva (Ribery)
MOTM - David Silva


Watford vs Middlesbrough

The obvious weakness for a strong Boro team is the full backs, who were exploited well by Watford today, and the goalkeeper, with Valdes past his best and not good enough. He let his team down more than once here. Elsewhere the team is exceelent. Nainggolan had a tough job dealing with De Bruyne, but did excellently. Watford did manage to outnumber their opposition in the middle, but Reus proved too much for Roberto, and Sandro was caught out too often by Robben. Middlesbrough also possess a scary strike force that Watford struggled with

Watford 1 - 2 Boro
Bernadeschi (B Silva)
Aguero (Reus), (Aguero) Robben
MOTM - Radja Nainggolan

Bournemouth vs Hull

Bournemouth controlled this from the start. Wanyama is a superb base to the midfield, and Sane didn't get a sniff against him, cutting off a lot of the supply to the attackers. Kelechi's lack of experience was evident against two top centre backs. Lahm and Bertrand are also top players, who could contribute more to attacks due to the lack of width in this Hull team, who need to improve at LB. Digne struggled throughout the game. Hull's only joy came in their defense. Masch looked a lot better in the deeper role he played in today. Rugani was still caught out against Firmino, however, and the combination of Rabiot controlling the play and Messi, Pulisic and Firmino proved too much.

Bournemouth 2 - 0 Hull
Messi (Rabiot), Firmino (Bertrand)
MOTM - Wanyama


Burnley vs Crystal Palace

Another game controlled by the home team today. Burnley possess a great mix between steady players and match changers. Valencia and Winks struggled against the attacks of Alonso and Draxler, whilst Alli had a lot of joy against Kranevitter. Palace do pose a threat in their attack, but it felt a bit weighted to the left side today, a fact picked up on by their opposition, causing Ronaldo and Rose to struggle.

Burnley 2 - 1 Palace
Draxler (Alonso), Alli (Draxler)
Jesus (Ronaldo)
MOTM - Draxler

SWA vs STO

A very high scoring game in the end. Both teams with quality in attack but Stoke just edge this one for me with their superior attacking quality. The front 4 of Swansea just couldn't muster that all important goal whereas Stoke's attack has enough to blow any defence down in this league.

Score: 2-3

WAT vs MID

Both teams with good defences, but Watford's attack line just lets them down a little for me. Middlesbrough were slightly overrun in midfield at times, but their front 2 was too much and even though they were overrun at times, they have an excellent midfield and that extra bit of quality showed in the end up front again.

Score: 1-2

BOU vs HULL

A tough one to call this. Bournemouth did struggle at times to create through the middle which holds their biggest assets in their side and Hull on the other hand just lack that bit of fire power in the final third to make them win these tight games. Both fairly even and well matched in this game.

Score: 1-1

BUR vs CP

Again another tight affair with the home side just coming out on top in this one. The quality in midfield really made the difference in this game and whilst Crystal Palace were well capable of goals in the final third and have that potential, it was put to the test with a very strong Burnley defence and they just couldn't find the killer. Burnley just edged it as their attack was just that little bit better on the day.

Score: 2-1

WEST BROM 2-1 SUNDERLAND
Costa x2; Pepe

West Brom Cons - would replace one of asensio/coman with more of a finished product, personally id go with a energetic centre mid instead of asensio, go 433 and get your prime creator in iniesta closer to the attack

Sunderland cons - get a better keeper, getting a top 10 keeper would make that defence top class, weidis got enough ricks in him to make that defence futile



WATFORD 0-1 MIDDLESBROUGH
Aguero

Watford cons - dont see a lot wrong with the side, just think boro had the edge in quality, personally, id target a more experienced dm in, keep pogba in check as he does still have a tendency to drift

Boro cons - the keeper, improve that to a top 10 keeper, and you are clear favourite for the title for me



BOURNEMOUTH 1-1 HULL CITY:
Silva; Dybala


Bournemouth cons - im not a massive fan of benatia in all honesty, lopez feel isnt the strongest option at goalkeeper, but there are many other teams that are the same

Hull cons - feel a bit meh about digne, and this could well be a gap in my knowledge, but im not sure on sane at am at all



BURNLEY 2-1 CRYSTAL PALACE
Ramos, Aubameyang; Ronaldo

Burnley cons - a well balanced side in my eyes, just shaqiri not of the quality of the rest of the team for me

Palace cons - not keen on the midfield for me, not the biggest fan of kranevitter

West Brom 1 Sunderland 1
Carrasco - Silva
I couldn't separate these two tbh. Both of the CB's were excellent and Costa and Ibra were well marshaled. Iniesta needs to be played a bit more upfield to get the best out of him, likewise Rashford needs to either play up top or left wing to be more effective.

Swansea 2 Stoke 1
Dembele, Kane - Mane
Another close match but I have to give the edge to Swansea here. They have a very good CB partnership and think Sanchez would struggle against the physicality of the CBs. Stoke are very good attacking wise but they are missing a top DM to partner with Gundogman.

Watford 1 Boro 1
Suarez - Kessie

An exciting low scoring match which both teams could have won. Boro do have the better players in most positions but I could see this Watford side putting up a fight. Both teams are solid in defence and very good in the middle and on the wings. If Boro can improve on Valdes they'll be nigh on unstoppable.

Bournemouth 1 Hull 2
Messi - Dybala x2,
I wouldn't play Sane AM as he is more effective on the wings. Think Bournemouth are lacking a little bit of pace in the side and Dybala would get the better of Benatia. Digne needs improving on as he is not good enough to play lwb imo. I'm liking the midfield 3 of B'mouth and they should try and find real proven wingers to improve upon.