GAMEWEWK 4 - Review and Analysis

By Opubo Nengia

The International break is over. Players are beginning to return to their various clubs, either injured or in one piece. With the high rate of injuries so far this season, one might wonder whether football associations need to reduce the number of competitions. Well... That's a topic for another day. Let's talk about Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

My team for this game week was: Petrovic (GK), Cucurella, Van de ven and Cash in defence; Salah (C), Gakpo, Palmer, Semenyo and Reijnders in midfield; Evanilson and Watkins in attack. I scored points from Van de ven, Cash, Evanilson, Palmer, Semenyo and Salah with a total points of 73. This helped me maintain my spot at the YOOKOS PREMIER LEAGUE, but the competiton is fierce. While others sold Palmer, I kept him but I hope he can stay fit. With my injury issue from last game week, I sold Cunha for Coady Gakpo, although he blanked. My plan for the next game week (Game week 5) is to roll the transfer, unless something else comes up.

I, like every other engaged FPL manager prepared for Game week 4 with hope and high expectations. A game week that was expected to see a lot of managers pop the wildcard chip due the close of the transfer window and conclusion of the first international break. Mangers, having watched 3 game weeks already have an idea of how the players on their watch list have performed well so far. Some have sworn to never own certain players again, some have decided to be patient with some players like Watkins and Rogers (Aston Villa players), whom performed well last season but can't seem to find their form yet this season. I can already imagine what Watkins' first goal for Aston Villa this season will look like. Perhaps, it will be against the promoted side, Sunderland FC.

The Game week began with an early kick-off between The Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest. A game that all the bookies expected Arsenal to come out victorious, despite having their star men Bukayo Saka and Saliba out due to injury. As expected, Noni Madueke, the English international and former Chelsea player stepped in at the right wing, while the other new signing, Eberechi Eze had his first start on the left wing.  Nottingham Forest, on the other hand had just sacked their manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, and signed Ange Postecoglou. Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0.

AFC Bournemouth defeated Brighton Hove Albion 2-1, with goals from Alex Scott and Semenyo. Mitoma scored the lone goal for Brighton, from a Minteh's assist. Crystal Palace on the other hand ended up sharing points with newly promoted side, Sunderland (0-0). Aston Villa continued their woeful performance of not having scored a goal yet this 2025/2026 season, as Villa played a goalless draw with Everton. Fulham FC fortunately won 1-0 against Leeds United with an own goal from Leed's defender, Gudmundsson. 

As for Newcastle, the loss of Alexander Isak did not seem to affect them in their game against Wolves at the St. James' Park. Newcastle won 1-0, with a single goal from their new striker from the German league, Woltemade. He scored a header from a Murphy's cross. Solid 3 points, with a clean sheet. Tottenham Hospur had a brilliant game, as they eased past Westham United (0-3), with goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Bergvall and Van de ven.

Brentford and Chelsea was an interesting game, with both teams fighting back from losing positions. Brentford, coming from a victory against Aston Villa, started well against Chelsea with a lead from Schade. In the second half, Enzo Maresca had to correct his error of starting an inferior team by bringing in Reece James, Cucurella and Cole Palmer. Cole Palmer then equalized from a Joao Pedro assist, making it 1-1. Caicedo put Chelsea in from with a fantastic shot. Chelsea thought they had won it, only for Brentford's Carvalho to come from the bench and score a late goal. Both teams had to settle for a point each.

Sunday saw Liverpool take on Burnley at the turf moore, while the Manchester derby took place at the Etihad. Burnley made it very difficult for Liverpool by making it very tight at the back. Liverpool threw attack after attack at Burnley but it proved abortive. Not until extra time in the second half where Liverpool's Salah scored from the spot kick to give Liverpool the victory and important 3 points. Manchester city on the other hand had a dominant display against their noisy neighbours who are having a hard time adjusting to Amorim's style of play. Erling Haaland scored a brace, while Foden looked sharp as he scored a goal, making it 3-0.

It is still early days but the premier league is looking tougher with each fixture. For now, the teams that finished at champions league spot will have to play their opponents in the Champions league. Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Mancity and Newcastle will be hoping to secure victories against their opponents in order to maintain the right momentum, before returning to the premier league for the next fixtures.

The upcoming Champions League fixtures are set to deliver some truly exciting football, with a few matchups that could shake up the whole competition. One of the games everyone’s talking about is Barcelona against Newcastle United. Barcelona are dealing with some injury headaches, especially missing Frenkie de Jong, which leaves their midfield looking a bit vulnerable. Newcastle, meanwhile, will be buzzing with confidence thanks to their energetic pressing style and the electric crowd at St James’ Park. Although Barcelona’s attack is always a threat, Newcastle could have the edge if they win the physical battles and catch their opponents out on the break.

Another matchup that’s sure to grab attention is Bayern Munich versus Chelsea. Bayern have been on fire lately they just crushed Hamburg 5-0 in the Bundesliga, showing off their attacking power and defensive strength. Chelsea have been pretty up and down this season, but when their forwards click, they can be a real handful. Expect a chess match here: Bayern will want to control the game with their possession, while Chelsea will look to strike quickly whenever they get the chance.

Finally, Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions, will face the pressure of living up to last season’s triumph. Their opening fixtures are expected to showcase attacking football, but every opponent will be motivated to upset them. Collectively, these games highlight the unpredictability of Europe’s premier competition, where established giants may prevail, yet underdogs remain capable of springing surprises.