Havertz and Chelsea Begin Push for Top 4
Havertz #Havertz
After a busy transfer window play in the Premier League returns to the pitch. It is Matchweek 22.
Sean Dyche was hired just a week ago to try and rescue Everton from relegation but that is old news following a flurry of activity at the tail end of the transfer window. Highlights from the chaotic and expensive window include: Jorginho moving from Chelsea to Arsenal, Chelsea adding eight players including Enzo Fernandez, and Newcastle trying to find some offense to go with their often-impenetrable defense. One exit raised a few eyebrows. Man City moved Joao Cancelo out to Bayern Munich.
Bet the EDGE with Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) and Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) touched on these and other topics…including a Super Bowl pick…with Spurs’ of ProSoccerTalk.fan Andy Edwards (@AndyEdMLS)
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Chelsea looking to qualify for play in Europe next season?
Edwards believes they can. “They can absolutely do it and get into 6th. I think they have no chance at Top 4 (Chelsea is +800 to make the Top 4).…Defensively is the biggest issue. They cannot keep the ball out of their own net.”
Croucher compared the new-look Chelsea squad to Wenger’s later years at Arsenal.
“Arsenal had all this attacking talent, but they all played the same position…I think the team is a bit of a mess at the moment.”
Newcastle’s spot in the Top 4
“They are a little bit thin up top…but if Bruno DiMaria is healthy and in form, he elevates them to a completely different level…It’s been an incredible job that Eddie Howe has done…They just don’t beat themselves.”
Thomas owns a ticket on Newcastle finishing Top 4 at preseason odds of 45:1. He is cautiously optimistic that ticket cashes. He expects the offense to start to help what has been a stifling defense.
“They are probably going to score more based on the numbers.”
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The conversation continued with a breakdown of a handful of this weekend’s matches including Chelsea v. Fulham, Everton v. Arsenal, and Tottenham v. Manchester City.
Story continues
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To close out this week’s episode, Croucher and Thomas laid out their top plays for the weekend. Thomas likes Newcastle -1.25 corners at St. James’ Park against West Ham Utd. In lieu of the Mbappe injury news, Croucher likes Bayern Munich to lift the Champions’ League Trophy in late May.
For the full episode, click here.