No game this early in the season will ever be a must-win. However, Leicester v Everton, and Saints v Ipswich, at 3pm next Saturday are both looking like massive games. I'm yet to change my opinion that the three relegated sides will come from those four teams.
The three promoted teams (one of which I think might still get a charge for points deduction - but that might have been wishful thinking from my Ipswich supporting friend) and the team on the biggest downward spiral of any in the league (“circling the drain”). Yeah that’s a pretty safe bet
Quite disheartening watching Everton. they are one of very few clubs that I was hoping we could finish above. But they actually look better this season for the most part. If they can iron out their defensive lapses they’ll be ok.
I am a little worried about Everton's surprising ability to score - and create - this season. I was not expecting that from them. Sure, it's not counting for anything right now, because they're conceding way too many. But Branthwaite and Patterson are both injured, so presumably they'll improve defensively once they're both back. Plus with someone like Dyche in charge, it's difficult to see such a rate of goals conceded continuing throughout the season. You could also argue that all their opponents so far are very capable of scoring, which is certainly not something which can be said for all 19 teams.
I think Everton will be fine and end up about 15th tbh Haven’t seen anything that has changed my mind that the three promoted teams will be relegated, in similar fashion to last season eg the bottom three is basically decided by Xmas
Superb result that for Arsenal without Rice and Odegaard. Saliba and Gabriel are easily the best CB partnership in the league.
That's now all four opponents of Newcastle who will be walking off wondering how they haven't got more points for their performance. Fair play to Newcastle. To have 10 points when they're not playing well is very impressive. Wolves' horribly tough opening fixture list doesn't end anytime soon. Villa (a), Liverpool (h), Brentford (a), City (h), and Brighton (a) still to come.
