Excuse the absence everyone. I’ve been out of commision since last Wednesday falling ill with Covid-19. I’m happy to report that I have evaded the grips of death after battling almost every symptom Covid has to offer. So I’m back just in time to recap everything that happened last weekend, as well as look forward to this weekend of matches. I’ll also highlight all of the best goals from last week. I’ll also pick a few matches, and there are some fun games to make picks on. So let’s get into y’all.

Week 7 Review

So really the big story of the week was the result at Old Trafford. United were pretty good favorites against Arsenal, but Paul Pogba conceded a bad foul in the box to give Arsenal a penalty. They haven’t won a league game at Old Trafford yet this season. They sit at 15th in the table, albeit it a game in hand. They have given up thirteen goals in their six games. fifth most in the league, with the second worst goals againsts/game record in the league (2.16). United’s woes were compounded yesterday in Champions League play as they lost 2-1 to competition debutant Istanbul Basaksehir. Istanbul scored their first and second goals in Champions League history for their side against United. Something is clearly wrong with this side. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s job could very well be on the line in the coming weeks if things don’t start turning around soon.

Elsewhere in the Prem, everything last weekend was to be expected for the most part. Villa found themselves trailing Southampton 4-1, before coming back late to make it a thrilling match. Everton lost their second game in a row without James Rodriguez. Has to be somewhat concerning for Carlo Ancelotti to drop back to back matches without one key player. However the absence certainly is showing how valuable he has been for the Toffees early on. Everton play Manchester United in a huge early season match on Saturday at Goodison Park.

Manchester City registered their third win of the season, beating Sheffield United 1-0. A good win no doubt, but City have yet to look convincing in the Prem since their opening match against Wolves. Even in that match they looked vulnerable in the second half.

Chelsea looked good picking up their third win against bottom of the table Burnley. Although USMNT winger Christian Pulisic again hurt himself. He is likely to be out for a few weeks. Also worth noting that Kai Havertz has tested positive for Covid-19. They welcome winless Sheffield United to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Liverpool beat West Ham at home in typical Liverpool fashion falling behind early only to go on to win the game late. This side know how to win. They haven’t always been pretty this year, but they are at the top of the table for a reason.

Tottenham have quietly been putting together an impressive campaign so far, as they won their fourth match of the season over the weekend. They dispatched Brighton & Hove Albion at home 2-1 with a penalty from Kane and a late header from Gareth Bale. They are third in the table with 14 points and the best goal difference in the league.

Fulham beat West Brom 2-0 in a battle of winless sides on Monday. Lastly, Leicester beat up on Leeds 4-1.

Here’s the table after seven weeks of play.

Goals of the Week

Honorable Mention: Rayan Ait-Nouri

#5 Jack Grealish

#4 Ola Aina

#3 Kyle Walker

#2 Danny Ings

#1 James Ward-Prowse

Team Goal of the Week: Leicester

Assist of the Week: Shaqiri to Jota

Week 8 Preview

As you see above there are some exciting fixtures this weekend. The crown jewel being Liverpool visiting The Etihad for a meeting with Manchester City. Everton v Man Utd have some large implications. Leicester V Wolves could certainly be a thriller. Arsenal v Aston Villa could be enthralling as well. Let’s take a look at some picks.

Everton v Manchester United

Both sides are coming off of disappointing results and really need a solid result to bounce back. United are off to their worst start in seven seasons as they sit fifteenth. Everton started the season in magnificent form, but have lost two in a row, and sit fourth in the table. A win could propel them back to the top with Liverpool facing off with Man City. United will be slight favorites at Goodison Park. This result very well could come down to whether or not James Rodriguez is fit to play. If he is, I like the Toffees.

Pick: Everton 2-0

West Ham United V Fulham

West Ham find themselves half a goal favorites in this match home to Fulham. Fulham just secured their first win of the season against West Brom and will be looking to further the gap from relegation. West Ham are coming off a disappointing late loss to Liverpool, although this is not something to hang your head about. Liverpool are top top class and win games of this nature all the time. I like West Ham to bounce back and win this game. Fulham score one goal a game and give up two, so I like the scoreline to reflect that.

Pick: West Ham 2-1

Leicester v Wolverhampton

Leicester has had a wonderful run of form winning five of five in all competitions. Wolves however are right on their heels in the table. Leicester sit second with fifteen points, Wolves sixth with thirteen. For Wolves this feels like a match in which they must at least get a point. They have aspirations of European football next year. To stay in the hunt they cannot drop points. That being said, I like Leicester to win fairly comfortably. They’ve been scoring goals at will recently, I do not expect anything to change this week.

Pick: Leicester 3-1

Manchester City v Liverpool

This will likely be one of the most watched fixtures of the season. These are the two teams that are favored to win the league outright. They both love to press and play attacking football. They both like to set the tone and be the aggressor. Who will get the last laugh in this years first fixture in this matchup of English football Titans? Last season they beat each other at home. When they played the second fixture, the title had already been won for the Reds. In this first fixture this season, despite being the underdogs, I like the Reds. Liverpool have been the best team so far this year, and City have looked underwhelming. This is not a match where you can just simply decide to turn it on. I think this is a match you need to come into already playing great football. Neither team have been to their full potential yet this year, but Liverpool have certainly been closer.

Pick: Liverpool 3-2

Arsenal v Aston Villa

The last match of the weekend has promise to be a thrilling one. The Gunners welcome Villa to the Emirates as one goal favorites. Arsenal are 4-1 in all competitions in their last five games. Villa have suffered back to back losses in the Prem and haven’t won a match since October 18th. The Gunners should win this match with relative ease. Thomas Partey has been brilliant in the midfield since joining, and Aubameyang got back on the scoresheet last weekend, which should restore some scoring confidence. I like Arsenal to win thise game comfortably.

Pick: Arsenal 3-1