Tag Archives: Mohamad Salah

The Best 5 Premier League players so far in 2020/21

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Domestic football is on a break until the beginning of April, so there are no Premier League team of the week.

This is a chance then to see which Premier League players have been performing the best this season based on their fantasy points and gives you the chance to see if you have any players.

Together with picking out the top 5 we will also have honourable mentions of other players who have performed well this season and could well make their way into the top 5 by the end of the season.

The top 5 best Premier League players so far this season:

1. Bruno Fernandes- Manchester United 101 pts

If you had Bruno Fernandes in your team at the beginning of the season what a pick that would have been given that the midfielder costs just 8.5m. He has been such an important player for Manchester United that we can say that the club would not be 2nd without his input. And let’s talk about his contribution so far the Portuguese star has scored 16 goals and assisted in another 10 goals. If you want to know why United are doing well in the Premier League this season, look no further.

2. Ederson Moraes- Manchester City 98pts

When Manchester City win the league this season people will talk about how well Ilkay Gundogan has performed alongside Phil Foden. But the key to City’s title will be in their defence and Ederson in goal has had a terrific season. So far he has helped to keep 16 clean sheets, which is a fantastic record. On top of that Ederson has even assisted in a goal, which is a remarkable fact. He continues to get better by each season.

3. Harry Kane- Tottenham 93pts

By far England’s best striker Harry Kane may not win any trophies this season (the Carabao Cup withstanding) but even if he doesn’t what a personal season it has been again for Kane. Kane’s record for Tottenham in the league is nothing short of mind blowing and he has been involved in 30 of the clubs league goals. Tottenham have scored 49 goals, just let that sink in. Tottenham will be doing everything in their power to keep their star forward this summer as he will surely be in demand.

4. Mohamed Salah- Liverpool 90pts

It almost feels like this has been a quiet season for Salah given his presence over the Premier League in the last 2 seasons. But actually Salah has been as busy as ever, it’s just that Liverpool as a team faced such an implosion that nobody could have seen it. Still for Salah he has scored 17 times and assisted in 3 goals, that is hardly a poor season and the Egyptian international himself is actually having another solid and brilliant campaign.

5. Edouard Mendy- Chelsea 86pts

In truth Edouard Mendy was scripted to be the 2nd goal keeper at Chelsea, but once given his chance he has impressed enough to become the clubs number 1 shot stopper. It’s encouraging for him that new manager Thomas Tuchel has kept him on and can also, like former manager Frank Lampard, see his immense qualities. Mendy has kept 14 clean sheets so far and is turning out to be a real star with the Blues.

Honourable mentions:

John Stones is having his best season as a professional player and is such an important part of the set up at Manchester City. Before this season his place was genuinely under threat but he has stepped up to the mantle and is not just defending well but is good to score goals too- he currently has 4 so far.

Ilkay Gundogan another Manchester City player, like Stones is having his best season. Gundogan can be provider but he has also scored some very important goals this season and has 12 so far. Ruben Dias is yet another City player in defence which has held everything together and looks like the perfect replacement for club legend Vincent Kompany. Dias has 73 pts so far.

Let’s not forget about Harry Kane’s strike partner, Heung-Min Son who has been unfortunate lately having his injury and missing some key games. But Son has had brilliant spells this season and has scored 13 goals and assisted in another 9. Indeed Kane and Son are arguably the best striker partnership in Europe when they are firing on all cylinders.

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Early Fantasy trends in the English Premier League

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Between no fans, an explosion of offence, and a condensed offseason, there are some interesting early-season trends taking place in the English Premier League. We look at the ones impacting English Premier League fantasy football after the first three weeks of matches.

Highest Scoring Week Ever 

Week 2 of the 2020/21 Premier League season witnessed record scoring. The ten games combined for 44 goals in Matchday 2, topping the previous record of 43 goals set during the 2010/11 EPL season.

Matchday 3 saw offences continue to pour in goals, with five teams topping the three-goal mark, helping the week reach 29 goals with two games left to play on Monday.

Excluding Sheffield United, every single EPL team enters Monday, averaging at least one goal per match.

Clean sheets are challenging to come by early in the season, meaning a top-tier goaltender is more valuable than normal this early in the season. Everton’s keeper Jordan Pickford has been one of the few to shine early in the season.

Knowing whether record goals will continue to pour in is unpredictable. However, grabbing a quality keeper could help your team weather the storm if scoring continues in the EPL continues at a record pace.

Away Teams Dominate Early

Early in the EPL season, the term “playing the matchups” seems to have taken on a new aspect – and that is playing the away players.

Week 3 saw the first seven away teams get a result – after Newcastle scored at 90+7 to tie the Hotspurs and Leicester knocked in five goals against Man City to move atop the table. These outcomes make it three straight weeks where the away teams have looked superior – with 18 results in 26 games, compared to 10 results for home teams through as many games.

The lack of fans is the one glaring factor this season. Typically, a visit to Man City means a hostile environment. However, without any real fans in the stands, Jamie Vardy could just waltz his way to a hattrick in Matchday 3.

If you need to make a roster adjustment for the upcoming week, players on road clubs are outperforming home players early in the 2020/21 EPL season.

The Stars Scoring Early in the Season

Early draft predictions are looking pretty smart to start the EPL fantasy season, as top-rated players are lighting up the stat sheet. Mohamad Salah, Danny Ings, Jamie Vardy, and Son Heung-Min are off to strong starts, while Harry Kane has four helpers to lead the league early.

The strong starts from the stars coincide with the offensive explosive occurring early in the season. While the top guys should continue to produce throughout the year, some of the early season surprises – such as Neal Maupay and Patrick Bamford – may be worth shopping early with their value at an all-time high, especially if your team needs a keeper or defence.

“Manchester United Nani goal” by gordon2208 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Big Club Fantasy Disappointments so Buy Low

While some stars are producing early in the year, the big names on Man City, Man United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have yet to live up to expectations.

Both Manchester teams came into the year without much of an offseason. Still, Kevin De Bruyne – star of Man City – should not be outperformed by Jarrod Bowen on West Ham United.

The slow starts mean someone could be shopping one of these players for a low return. Even if Kevin De Bruyne is off to a slow start, he is still a fantasy stud. If you can survive his lower production now, you should see significant returns on your fantasy team later in the season.

Fantasy Trends and Soccer Betting

Much of the information above is useful for betting on soccer as well as playing EPL fantasy. Knowing that road teams are having early success and unusually high offensive production from just about every club can help you make better wagers.

Knowing where to bet is essential as well. The best Canadian sportsbooks for EPL odds offer a wide selection of quality markets on every single match.

Look for away underdogs and overs on the goal totals to offer the best soccer betting value as the 2020-21 EPL season heads into Matchday 4.

Liverpool can now win the Premier League without kicking a ball as they destroy Crystal Palace

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Liverpool’s latest emphatic win, a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace was the club’s 56th unbeaten game at home in what has been an incredible 18 months for the club. In that time they have lost just once in the league, won the Champions League and are now going for the Premier League title, a trophy they have not won since 1990.

Goals from Mohamed Salah, Fabinho, Sadio Mane and the unlikely opener by defender Trent Alexander-Arnold set the tone of the game. Indeed it was 2-0 to the Reds going in at half time.

It was a great response by the champions-elect who put in a lacklustre performance against city rivals Everton on Sunday when the two teams could only draw 0-0 in a drab game for everyone involved. But the victory over Palace and the way it was achieved would have been welcomed by manager Jurgen Klopp. Klopp would rightly be concerned about getting the right results giving that there are no fans present, and the fact that the Kop fans really are like the twelfth man on match days.

Palace have come to Anfield in the past and been the thorn in the side of Liverpool, and indeed they were the last team to beat Liverpool at Anfield in the league, so Klopp would have been aware of that. Of course no one is suggesting that Liverpool could lose the title being 20 points clear, which is now 23 but this is about getting it wrapped up as soon as possible. No one at the club wants this one to drag.

So how it stands now is that by tonight Liverpool could be the champions of England for the first time since 1990. The reason is Manchester City, the current champions are playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. If City lose or even draw then that’s it the title is Liverpool’s. City need to win to have a stay of execution. But winning at Chelsea and with the way the club have been playing is going to be easier said than done.

If City do beat Chelsea it would be a great result for them and they have started the restarted season so well, scoring 8 goals and conceding 0 in their opening two games. It would also be a blow to the Blues as Manchester United are chasing them for that last Champions League place.

A Manchester City win would also mean a mouth watering game next week because it would be Manchester City against Liverpool. The Reds could seal the title at the champions, and that would be very interesting indeed.

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Why would Mohamed Salah want to leave Liverpool?

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There was a time not so long ago when Liverpool couldn’t keep their best players when the big clubs, namely the two Spanish giants, came calling. It happened when Barcelona came calling for Luis Suarez and again when they identified Philippe Coutinho as their top target last January. It even happened as long ago as the early 2000s when Michael Owen was lured to Real Madrid.

A lot has changed since then. Liverpool are European champions after winning their sixth Champions League title earlier this month. Not for decades have things been so bright at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp taking the Reds back to the top of the sport after a long, long time in the wilderness.

Mohamed Salah

And yet there are still reports that Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s best player and top goalscorer, is planning a move to Real Madrid, not this summer but the next. The Egyptian is currently under contract until 2023 only signing a new deal with the Anfield club last summer. Liverpool don’t need to sell him.

These reports that Liverpool chiefs have been made aware of Salah’s intentions and are making plans to try and persuade the forward to stay for the long term. But why would he want to leave in the first place? Are Real Madrid really a more attractive proposition than Real Madrid are right now?

The Spanish capital will always be attractive to elite level football players, but Klopp has built something special at Liverpool. They will be at the top of the English and European game for years to come and what’s more, despite their Champions League win this season there is still a sense of unfinished business after their failure to clinch a first ever Premier League title.

Salah is a central part of what Klopp has built. Would he be as integral to things at Real Madrid? Players, even superstars like the Egyptian, are treated as disposal at the Santiago Bernabeu. Just ask Gareth Bale about how difficult it is to satisfy the notoriously difficult Madrid fanbase and media.

Real Madrid isn’t even necessarily a place where Salah would clean up in terms of silverware. They have won just two league titles in the past 11 years compared to the eight Barcelona have swept in the same timeframe. While Liverpool got their hands on the biggest trophy in club football this season, Real Madrid ended up with nothing.

Football moves in cycles and right now Liverpool are at the very least on an equal footing to Real Madrid in the food chain. Not so long ago, Salah’s desire to move to Spain would have been understandable. No longer, though.

How well do you know English football? Want to challenge the best English Fantasy Managers? Play www.epl-fantasy.com now.

Which Premier League star will win World Player of the Year next?

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Kevin De Bruyne

The Premier League is considered to be the best domestic league in the world, so it’s alarming that only two players from England’s top flight have won one of football’s most prestigious individual awards since the league’s inception in 1992.

In 2001, Michael Owen was rewarded for his part in Liverpool’s five cup triumphs, plus his hat-trick in England’s 5-1 win over Germany in a 2002 World Cup qualifier, with that year’s Ballon d’Or.

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EPL Fantasy Predictions: Matchweek 5

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Premier-League-Tottenham-Hotspur-vs-AFC-Bournemouth

Tottenham vs Liverpool – Wembley Stadium

This lunchtime kickoff is one you won’t want to miss. While Spurs slipped up against  surprisingly imperious Watford,  Liverpool remained stalwart at the King Power. These kinds of tests away from home prove championship quality, and we think Klopp and the reds are at that level. Salah was Liverpool’s sole scorer against Spurs last season, and this may be a good time to jump on the wagon.

Bournemouth vs Leicester – Vitality Stadium

Two teams commanded by two impressive managers who know how to get results in the Premier League. Chelsea gave nothing away to Bournemouth when the Cherries visited Stamford Bridge before the international break, but we are picking Howe’s men to beat the Foxes who looked uncoordinated in the attack against Liverpool without Jamie Vardy.

Chelsea vs Cardiff – Stamford Bridge

If I were a fantasy Premier League manager I’d be jumping out of my seat to bring in a couple of Sarri’s forwards in for this one-sided looking clash at the Bridge. Pedro is in a good run of scoring form, while Hazard netted for Belgium against Scotland during the break.

Huddersfield vs Crystal Palace – John Smith’s Stadium

Huddersfield did very well to get a point at Goodison Park last matchweek, but Crystal Palace will know they absolutely need to start picking up points sooner or later. We are looking at the height of Crystal Palace to make the difference and snatch a draw from a set piece.

Manchester City vs Fulham – Etihad Stadium

If you’re asking us to pick Fulham over the champions, it’s a real shout. But Wolves held the stellar Citizens attack at bay earlier in the season, and Fulham have shown more in an attacking sense. – especially with Mitrovic’s double for Serbia over the break. We are still going with Pep, singling out Mr. Aguero to continue his good run of form.

Newcastle vs Arsenal – Saint James’ Park

With defense proving as optional as ever under Emery’s brief tenure, Newcastle will feel they could really upset the oddsmakers when the Gunners visit Tyneside. Solomon Rondon will by drooling at the chance to have the home crowd behind him as he runs at the shaky pairing of Mustafi and Sokratis.

Watford vs Manchester United – Vicarage Road

We like Holebas and Pereyra in this one, but goals are coming from everywhere amongst the Watford ranks these days. United meanwhile have had to rely thoroughly on Lukaku. The big Belgian has only 16 in 68 games against the top six, and since Watford have already beaten a top six club, we feel this will be a draw, with Mourinho shutting up shop as he is want to do away from home.

Wolves vs Burnley – Molineux

Nunu Espirito Santo is doing his best to make Molineux a fortress in his first EPL season, and we think this is a good opportunity to nab some clean sheet points from the Wolves defense and GK as Burnley are tied for the second fewest goals scored.

Everton vs West Ham – Goodison Park

Away at Everton will be a difficult place for Manuel Pellegrini to try and affect some positive change around the Irons dressing room, so we are going with Everton and backing Theo Walcott to make the difference.

Southampton vs Brighton – Saint Mary’s Stadium

We like Southampton in this South Coast clash, with Danny Ings looking particularly good for his price. He’s already scored with the Saints this season, even after such an enormous spell out with knee injuries at Liverpool.
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Did politics play its part when Modric beat Ronaldo to UEFA player of the year?

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Luka-Modric-e1535661989940

Congratulations to Real Madrid and Croatian player Luka Modric who won the UEFA player of the year, an award now in its 8th year. Modric beat off competition from Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Mohamed Saleh who were also shortlisted for the annual prize which took place in Monaco in between the Champions League draw.

Modric can now add this player award to the one he achieved at this summers World Cup in Russia where he was named player of the tournament despite Croatia finishing up as runners-up.

The UEFA player of the year is based on how a player has played in every competition of last season for club and also country, based on trophies Modric of course helped Real Madrid to a 3rd straight Champions League and also was the star of the show in Croatia reaching an unlikely World Cup final. In truth UEFA have awarded a player that the public knew was one of the best in the world several years ago. However it is still wonderful for a player that has had to battle hard to get to where he is now, and is finally being recognised as a world class player as he reaches the twilight of his career.

Having said the above what about Ronaldo, the all conquering Portuguese star that seemingly goes from strength to strength? Was he not fitting of the award once the short list had been named? Ronaldo has previously won the UEFA award a record 3 times and he was tipped as the favourite to collect his fourth trophy. But collect it he couldn’t even if he had won, because, well, Ronaldo did not turn up to the gala event. In doing so one wonders if politics played its part and UEFA wanted their winning player to be present at the awards rather than from a video stream.

When Modric was announced as the winner, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes said “The game is played inside the four lines and that’s where Cristiano Ronaldo has won. He has scored 15 goals, carrying Real Madrid on his back and winning the Champions League once again.” It is hard to argue with Mendes even if he is going to be predictably biased in his opinion. Ronaldo did score so many goals in the Champions League that he was top scorer last season.

Alas UEFA will claim that Modric had the better World Cup with national team performances being considered. However if that is the case then why was Liverpool’s Saleh short listed when his national team Egypt exited the World Cup at the group stage, despite his superb season for Liverpool on a personal level? We could go one step further and wonder why France’s Kylian Mbappe did not win the award. The forward won a domestic treble with PSG followed by winning the World Cup and scoring in the final.

Quite simply there doesn’t seem to be much consistency in these awards votes. It will be interesting to see if Modric can go one better and win the FIFA World Player of the Year in December, a trophy that has only been won by Ronaldo and Lionel Messi since 2008. If consistency persists Modric should win, if the old guard keeps its way then Ronaldo will get the last laugh. However again it would be a shame if Mbappe even if he is only 19 years old does not get a look in.

 

Why Klopp could rue refusal to replace Coutinho come the end of the season

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Liverpool’s surprise defeat to Swansea City on Monday night has, for the first time, exemplified that life without the playmaking exploits of Brazilian international Philippe Coutinho may not be plain sailing for the Merseysiders.

Liverpool v Swansea City - Premier League

Although Klopp still has possession of a number of top names for the forward positions, it is difficult to point to one that has the specific skillset of the little magician during the build-up of attacking movements – especially his consistency when it comes to creating goal scoring opportunities for either himself or his team mates.

Whilst Mo Salah has contributed 18 goals and six assists on his way to 100 points thus far across the season, the loss of such a talented player during a pivotal period of the season represents a significant blow for the side – especially with their rivals either retaining or quickly replacing their star performers. Continue reading →