Fulham vs Manchester United

04/11/2023 – 14:30

Dark days are ahead for Manchester United and their supporters. Nothing seems to go their way, both on and off the pitch. Something needs to change. Or we could see the end of the Dutch boss, Erik Ten Hag.

Ten Hag has been backed despite the turmoil surrounding the club with the ongoing sale. The performances have been shocking. There have been glimpses of good play and players showing nerves and grit. But for a club like United, consistency is the key and that isn’t happening currently. The Red Devils are breaking all the wrong records and a loss at Craven Cottage could set off some proper alarm bells for the boss.

United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle – whom they defeated in the previous final. They looked terrible and this looks like the best time for any team to play the Red Devils. Fulham will be relishing the opportunity but should be wary that United will be looking to prove they’re way better than their current form and have the quality to hurt them.

The Cottagers will look to Willian to trouble the visitors. The former Chelsea star was at the forefront in three meetings with United last season. United’s misfiring forward line may call on Alejandro Garnacho for inspiration after he scored a 93rd-minute winner in last season’s corresponding fixture.

Erik Ten Hag needs this win, but this could end up as United’s first draw of the season.

DRAW MATCH

Newcastle vs Arsenal

04/11/2023 – 19:30

Both clubs had mixed fortunes in their midweek Carabao Cup action. Declan Rice had a bad visit at his former stomping ground as West Ham stunned the Gunners with a 3-1 win, dumping them out of the cup. The Magpies will be in high spirits after they got their revenge against current cup holders with an emphatic 3-0 win at Old Trafford.

Both clubs are on good runs in the League, but the visitors will be eager to bounce back following their cup exit, since losing three of their opening four games in the Premiership. Eddie Howe’s men have racked up a six-game unbeaten streak. They’ve been firing on all cylinders by keeping four clean sheets and scoring 2+ goals on five occasions.

Mikel Arteta will demand an instant response. Plenty will claim that an unexpected early cup exit is a blessing in disguise as the Gunners vie for Premier League and Champions League stardom. Last weekend’s 5-0 destruction of Sheffield ensured that the Gunners would remain unbeaten 10 games into the new top-flight season. They sit second in the standings – only behind their nemesis, Spurs. This is going to be an exciting clash with all-out attacking play. If the Gunners strike early, they could avoid defeat as they are unbeaten in their last 42 PL games in which they’ve scored first (W37, D5). But Miguel Almiron could have something to say about that.

NEWCASTLE TO WIN

India vs South Africa

05/11/2023 – 10:30

Cricket fans from around the world will state that the 2023 Champion is likely to be one of these two nations. The hosts have been flawless and ruthless. The Proteas lost to the Netherlands in a rain-interrupted game. That was the only blip in their seven games but have been incredible in all departments.

South Africa’s batting has been their key factor with remarkable statistics. They have the fewest dot balls and most boundaries of any team in the World Cup. Quinton de Kock has been in sparkling form, helping the Proteas secure three of the highest totals in the tournament.

It’s well-documented that the Proteas perform well on the international circuit, but they are yet to lift the coveted trophy. The mentality of this current outfit is strong, and we saw that with their victory over Pakistan. Spin doctors, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi held their nerves to get the team over the line. Had that result gone the other way, a certain ‘C’ word would’ve stolen the headlines. But everyone can agree that the Proteas are displaying some amazing cricket.

India is going from strength to strength and produced one of the most amazing results defeating Sri Lanka by 302 runs. This is their World Cup to lose, but their test will come on Sunday. Both teams have secured their play-off spots, and this clash will give them an idea of what to expect should they meet in the crucial semis or final.

South Africa have won in these conditions before. If skipper Temba Bavuma wins the toss, he’ll want to bat and hope his men can put on a commanding total. Yet, India’s devastating bowling attack could curtail those efforts. It will be a great clash and it won’t be all doom and gloom for the Proteas if they come out second best.

INDIA TO WIN