Premier League Prediction Thread 2023/2024

[bering]

Arsenal are still a strong side despite failing to win Newcastle and ending in a goalless draw. Manchester City facing Manchester United in the weekend as Arsenal face Spurs this fixtures will do so much in deciding if Arsenal will extend the gap or Manchester City will close up the gap. Indeed the race for the title this season is getting so interesting as everyone is anticipating to see if Arsenal can really beat Manchester City in the race to win the trophy and stop Guardiola's intended record.

The bookmakers are giving a good odds of 2.2 for Arsenal to win against Spurs... Although I have my doubts that this game won't end in a draw, just like the game against Newcastle... Spurs seem to have managed to fix their game for the better and will try not to lose this match at home... Especially Spurs haven't lost to Arsenal at home in the last eight years...

I can see from their last 7 matches the results of this derby London weren't ended with draw results which mean there always be the winner from those matches and Tottenham had good motivation to beat their opponent but Arsenal too want to ended their poor records at Tottenham home ground so this is interesting to watched who is the winner of this match and my prediction both of teams will displayed attacking style and although Tottenham records was more good than Arsenal at home but this time the bookie placed Arsenal as the favourite but i have no wonder because Arsenal was very impressive this season and in my opinion Arsenal has slightly chances to win the match especially i can see their player Nketiah has return to his best performance again and maybe he will makes some different in this match

[1714612715]

1714612715

[Ahli38]

Current top fourth standing position in English Primer League only Newcastle United have many days taking rest due only domestic league participants than other team have European competition. Arsenal and Manchester United have focus at Europe League and Manchester City have preparing for 16 round phase in Champion League against Leipzig.

Due many days taking rest and have one match in each weeks, seems Newcastle United have consistency performance and keep stable in the top fourth standing position without loss points any more. Last match still not bad with draw away against Arsenal due managed first standing position, but up coming next match in Primer League after EFL Cup quarter final against Fulham and opportunity have difference points with Manchester United.

Newcastle has always impressed in every game this season. And the progress that Newcastle continues to show has indeed been seen since Newcastle changed ownership. and It can be said that Newcastle has now become a club that is no longer worried about finances. because the owner is a rich man. The consistency of the Newcastle players has made Newcastle worthy of being one of the strong candidates in the race for the title this season. And now it seems that Newcastle is thinking about strengthening their midfield. and it looks like Newcastle are interested in McTominay (MU). but it looks like the goal will be difficult to achieve.

[CryptocurencyKing]

Arsenal are still a strong side despite failing to win Newcastle and ending in a goalless draw. Manchester City facing Manchester United in the weekend as Arsenal face Spurs this fixtures will do so much in deciding if Arsenal will extend the gap or Manchester City will close up the gap. Indeed the race for the title this season is getting so interesting as everyone is anticipating to see if Arsenal can really beat Manchester City in the race to win the trophy and stop Guardiola's intended record.

I think Arsenal will still lead at the top of the standings even though Man City can win, but with the difference in points that Arsenal has it is clearly not a safe capital because Man City can go fast if only following 5 points. Arsenal must continue to extend the gap. Meanwhile, his time at Manchester United also seemed to be an important moment to be able to beat Man City. At least even a small result will have a major impact on the stability of Erik Ten Hag leadership in the future.

Man United is in prime condition and its players are increasingly confident to pursue an ideal position in the standings. So Pep Guardiola's troops need to be careful with Man United's current movements.

The title is very much open and at this point anything is possible because Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are closing in on each other and they have tough games at hand that can decide their positions on the league table. Arsenal need to avoid a loss in their next two games which is against Tottenham and Manchester United if they want to still retain that first position. Because I’m very sure that Manchester city will beat Manchester United and Tottenham to get their maximum 6points and that’s more than the 5points gap behind Arsenal. Honestly it is going to be a very difficult one for the Gunners but I expect them to come out good.

[rendravolt]

Arsenal are still a strong side despite failing to win Newcastle and ending in a goalless draw. Manchester City facing Manchester United in the weekend as Arsenal face Spurs this fixtures will do so much in deciding if Arsenal will extend the gap or Manchester City will close up the gap. Indeed the race for the title this season is getting so interesting as everyone is anticipating to see if Arsenal can really beat Manchester City in the race to win the trophy and stop Guardiola's intended record.

I have no doubt Arsenal will beat Spurs. Even though Arsenal will have to play at home to Spurs, it seems that it will not make it difficult for them to get a win. Especially now that Mikel Arteta's squad is on fire after getting the previous victory in the FA Cup match. I hope that Nketiah, Saka and Martinelli will continue to play well and score more than 1 goal. For the Manchester derby, it seems that Pep Guardiola will still focus on winning against the red devils. The gap between these teams is very short and whoever wins they will be even more difficult to catch up on the standings.

[lixer]

I thought about staking all on Arsenal against Spurs but one thing crossed my mind. It’s not just a fixture but a North London derby. Despite their poor form, I am not fully convinced that Arsenal will get an easy game against them. Tottenham will come up strong and very good in the NLD and normally Arsenal doesn’t really get away with a win anytime they face Tottenham at their home. I am suspecting a draw. So I’ll double chance Tottenham.

After the break Tottenham has improved performance, but things still not good because as they lost against Aston Villa here we can expect Arsenal can also steal this game but surely derby is never been easy for any team because sentiments are tough for both teams and have pressure for improvement in their performance but if here Arsenal won then surely this could be vital for them and if we have draw or Tottenham win then surely this could be more entertaining because this could be beneficial for other teams as well and gape could be reduced and pressure will be on Arsenal for having better performance for staying at the top in second half of the season because now Manchester City, Newcastle United and Manchester United all are giving their best for the challenging end of this season.

[arallmuus]

Currently, Newcastle United's main focus is Premier League, so they are not doing good in other competitions if they are able to stay in top four for this season this could be impressive for them and their management because before start of this season no one was expecting anything like this from them, but now they are having amazing run with just one defeat in 18 matches which is surely one of the best in this season.

Top four huh, well actually they could have done so much better if City didnt sign Haaland this season and Arsenal didnt start having a good season all of sudden with Arteta. Somehow everything just lined up there making it way harder for Newcastle to get to the top. Newcastle would have been able to stay up top if it wasnt for those two teams

[Ahli38]

Arsenal are still a strong side despite failing to win Newcastle and ending in a goalless draw. Manchester City facing Manchester United in the weekend as Arsenal face Spurs this fixtures will do so much in deciding if Arsenal will extend the gap or Manchester City will close up the gap. Indeed the race for the title this season is getting so interesting as everyone is anticipating to see if Arsenal can really beat Manchester City in the race to win the trophy and stop Guardiola's intended record.

I have no doubt Arsenal will beat Spurs. Even though Arsenal will have to play at home to Spurs, it seems that it will not make it difficult for them to get a win. Especially now that Mikel Arteta's squad is on fire after getting the previous victory in the FA Cup match. I hope that Nketiah, Saka and Martinelli will continue to play well and score more than 1 goal. For the Manchester derby, it seems that Pep Guardiola will still focus on winning against the red devils. The gap between these teams is very short and whoever wins they will be even more difficult to catch up on the standings.

For the Arsenal vs Tottenham match, I also predict that Arsenal will excel in that match. But I'm not sure if Arsenal can win against Tottenham. because As the host, of course Tottenham will play optimally and work harder. I actually see a potential draw in the fight.

But I'm also really looking forward to the Manchester United vs Manchester City game. and I think the tough test for Manchester United will start from this match. because actually Manchester United are now in a pretty good performance. and consistency began to be seen by the Manchester United players. so a fierce match will also be seen in this fight. so, the conclusion. both matches will all be very fierce. and I think it will be difficult to predict who will win.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

and about Joao Felix for loan fee that price was quite expensive and Felix will joined for short term contract so Chelsea really required striker who experience playing at big club and Potter feel Felix will be suitable for his strategy but i didn't see any buy option for this player which mean after end of season Felix will return to Atletico

I don't think we mind if he delivers us from our crises and return back to his former club because by then our injuried players would had gotten fit and be ready to play for the club. When graham Potter had all his players we could see that the team was playing brilliantly and went 5 games unbeaten before all this injuries came and have now obstructed our flow of play. As for the new striker, we can't use one game to judge him and he wasn't bad in that game either.

Joao Felix is a very quality player and should cost us about €50.00m+ if we were to buy him and that's why Atlético Madrid are trying to get him to sign one more year contract extension before the move to Chelsea is finalized so Incase we want to come for him in the summer they can sell him at a very high price. I don't think the loan is a bad move, his presence in the team will be a very positive one. He plays as a second striker and can compliment David Datro Fofana at the front.

[wmaurik]

Top four huh, well actually they could have done so much better if City didnt sign Haaland this season and Arsenal didnt start having a good season all of sudden with Arteta. Somehow everything just lined up there making it way harder for Newcastle to get to the top. Newcastle would have been able to stay up top if it wasnt for those two teams

I don't think there's anything wrong with Manchester City and Arsenal this season. Because Newcastle, which has not been able to be at the top until now, is because Newcastle played more games in draws and even had a slight difference from the wins that Newcastle got.

You can see from the 18 matches played by Newcastle, the team only managed to win 9 times with 8 draws and one defeat. It means that the Newcastle team are prevented from being top because of more draws, not because of Manchester City and Arsenal. I think so.

[shinratensei_]

Manchester City beat Chelsea 1–0 in the Chelsea vs Manchester City match on 6 January. R. Mahrez scored the only goal for the team in the 63rd minute (63'). If we look at the statistics of this match, we can see that both the teams have performed very well. In this match, Manchester City was short of three targets and Chelsea managed to be short of two targets. Chelsea had 47% of the ball in this match and Manchester City had 53% of the ball in this match.  Both of them had equal pass accuracy. Hope everyone enjoyed this match.

After the League match the two teams met again to compete in the FA Cup, and the results were very different, Chelsea were humiliated by losing 0-4, and in that match Chelsea only had one shot on goal, this is really bad statistics, and not an interesting match in my opinion .
Next Chelsea will play against Fulham and if they lose Potter will be threatened with his current position as coach

I would not be surprised to see chelsea was getting the bad result like this. Im not even expecting chelsea will able to play in the europa league. Chelsea has been turned into the mediocre team under potter.
I remember that when tuchel has been successfully bringing chelsea to the champion league for the second time. That's the best achievement for him but once todd was deciding to sacked tuchel and everything are changing.
There are so many problems have not yet solved and the team keeps wasting so much amounts of money to buy players that will be useless for the club.
I miss chelsea under abramovich rather than todd. Todd was an arrogant owner. He was in chelsea caused by business.

[rendravolt]

Arsenal are still a strong side despite failing to win Newcastle and ending in a goalless draw. Manchester City facing Manchester United in the weekend as Arsenal face Spurs this fixtures will do so much in deciding if Arsenal will extend the gap or Manchester City will close up the gap. Indeed the race for the title this season is getting so interesting as everyone is anticipating to see if Arsenal can really beat Manchester City in the race to win the trophy and stop Guardiola's intended record.

I have no doubt Arsenal will beat Spurs. Even though Arsenal will have to play at home to Spurs, it seems that it will not make it difficult for them to get a win. Especially now that Mikel Arteta's squad is on fire after getting the previous victory in the FA Cup match. I hope that Nketiah, Saka and Martinelli will continue to play well and score more than 1 goal. For the Manchester derby, it seems that Pep Guardiola will still focus on winning against the red devils. The gap between these teams is very short and whoever wins they will be even more difficult to catch up on the standings.

For the Arsenal vs Tottenham match, I also predict that Arsenal will excel in that match. But I'm not sure if Arsenal can win against Tottenham. because As the host, of course Tottenham will play optimally and work harder. I actually see a potential draw in the fight.

But I'm also really looking forward to the Manchester United vs Manchester City game. and I think the tough test for Manchester United will start from this match. because actually Manchester United are now in a pretty good performance. and consistency began to be seen by the Manchester United players. so a fierce match will also be seen in this fight. so, the conclusion. both matches will all be very fierce. and I think it will be difficult to predict who will win.

Surely every team that hosts a match doesn't want to lose and that will be quite painful for players and fans. But indeed the match between Spurs and Arsenal is also a north London derby, of course the tension between the two will be very hot. Although at this time the Spurs are not the seeded team it seems they also want to get better results.

For the Manchester derby, we know that both teams are in a stable condition this season and the previous few matches have always won, no doubt this will be a fierce match for both of them. Erling Halaand will be the top priority in Man City's attack line, while Man United will likely continue to rely on Marcus Rashford in this match.

[RockBell]

Arsenal are still a strong side despite failing to win Newcastle and ending in a goalless draw. Manchester City facing Manchester United in the weekend as Arsenal face Spurs this fixtures will do so much in deciding if Arsenal will extend the gap or Manchester City will close up the gap. Indeed the race for the title this season is getting so interesting as everyone is anticipating to see if Arsenal can really beat Manchester City in the race to win the trophy and stop Guardiola's intended record.

I have no doubt Arsenal will beat Spurs. Even though Arsenal will have to play at home to Spurs, it seems that it will not make it difficult for them to get a win. Especially now that Mikel Arteta's squad is on fire after getting the previous victory in the FA Cup match. I hope that Nketiah, Saka and Martinelli will continue to play well and score more than 1 goal. For the Manchester derby, it seems that Pep Guardiola will still focus on winning against the red devils. The gap between these teams is very short and whoever wins they will be even more difficult to catch up on the standings.

For the Arsenal vs Tottenham match, I also predict that Arsenal will excel in that match. But I'm not sure if Arsenal can win against Tottenham. because As the host, of course Tottenham will play optimally and work harder. I actually see a potential draw in the fight.

But I'm also really looking forward to the Manchester United vs Manchester City game. and I think the tough test for Manchester United will start from this match. because actually Manchester United are now in a pretty good performance. and consistency began to be seen by the Manchester United players. so a fierce match will also be seen in this fight. so, the conclusion. both matches will all be very fierce. and I think it will be difficult to predict who will win.

Arsenal will not want to take any chances against Tottenham in that game, which I predict will end in a straight victory. As you mentioned, the team is currently on fire, and Gabriel and Saka are consistently available to deliver. With Arsenal still in first place on the table with 44 points and Tottenham in fifth place with 33 points, there will be a lot of pressure on Tottenham, and Arsenal to perform well throughout the game.

[Dickiy]

Manchester City beat Chelsea 1–0 in the Chelsea vs Manchester City match on 6 January. R. Mahrez scored the only goal for the team in the 63rd minute (63'). If we look at the statistics of this match, we can see that both the teams have performed very well. In this match, Manchester City was short of three targets and Chelsea managed to be short of two targets. Chelsea had 47% of the ball in this match and Manchester City had 53% of the ball in this match.  Both of them had equal pass accuracy. Hope everyone enjoyed this match.

After the League match the two teams met again to compete in the FA Cup, and the results were very different, Chelsea were humiliated by losing 0-4, and in that match Chelsea only had one shot on goal, this is really bad statistics, and not an interesting match in my opinion .
Next Chelsea will play against Fulham and if they lose Potter will be threatened with his current position as coach

I would not be surprised to see chelsea was getting the bad result like this. Im not even expecting chelsea will able to play in the europa league. Chelsea has been turned into the mediocre team under potter.
I remember that when tuchel has been successfully bringing chelsea to the champion league for the second time. That's the best achievement for him but once todd was deciding to sacked tuchel and everything are changing.
There are so many problems have not yet solved and the team keeps wasting so much amounts of money to buy players that will be useless for the club.
I miss chelsea under abramovich rather than todd. Todd was an arrogant owner. He was in chelsea caused by business.

It hasn't even been half a year since Graham Potter trained the Chelsea players if I'm not mistaken he was appointed head coach in September so maybe he still needs time to adapt to the team, indirectly he also has to review the training methods he will use which are in accordance with current Chelsea players.
I also think that Chelsea doesn't have big hopes of being in the Europa league this season, for now, Chelsea needs to train harder to build a more solid strength.
Todd Boehly bought Chelsea in month five of 2022 so far there is no development and only a decline we can see.

[KTChampions]

The developments experienced by Newcastle since the start of the season have added to the competition in the top four, Newcastle is on a positive trend which has made them finish in third place under Manchester City and Arsenal. Newcastle resurgence has made the Premier League even more competitive, regular clubs in the top four have struggled this season to get into the top four. Liverpool and Chelsea, who were unable to maintain their performance, had to be knocked out of the UCL zone.
Newcastle strength will certainly increase after bringing in new ammunition in the January transfer market, Newcastle will try to transform into a new giant in the Premier League after its status as a rich club. Top players will be brought in to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal in the remainder of the 2022/2023 season.

In general, I wonder what this situation (a huge number of top clubs in the Premier League) will lead to in the end. After all, any top club wants to play in top competitions, and there are only 4 tickets to the Champions League. Maybe after several seasons of fierce competition, the clubs will return to the idea of ​​the Super League, because in the current Champions League they have no chance to realize their ambitions.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Well, Tottenham is a team that is getting better and better, I don't know but at one point it was going through a very bad time, in fact there was a lot of speculation until they changed their technical director, and this is something that can happen, however If they tied, it's because they aren't so bad, after this vacation, after a controversial World Cup, it's good that they have this type of resource to recover.

I am one of those who think that Tottenham can give one of the best surprises for this season, I believe that many errors could have already been completely fixed and it is better, because if they improve the level of football will increase.

No doubt they are getting better and better but still they are missing something which is bringing them down in league table with their first game against Brentford they have done good fight after going down by 2 goals but still they need few changes which help them for having better results in Premier League because if they are not able to perform better than surely now two teams are ready to bring them down at sixth or seventh spot with their improvement performance and quality now in next two games they can win as they have opponents like Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, but after these things could be challenging as they will be host Arsenal and then visiting Manchester City which is not easy, and they have to win these games if they want alive for the spot of Champions League in next season.
 
With things could be tough and tougher for them because in February they are going to visit San Siro for their first match of the round of 16 in Champions League against AC Milan even I am expecting better results in Champions League, but Premier League is looking not easy for them in this season for having spot into top four.

I think that if they can achieve a position in the top 4, I don't see it as a bad thing, I don't see it as being so difficult either, Totenham is a team that can give everything at a given moment, if they continue well they don't have to let themselves be taken away put for nothing in the world.

When we talk about teams in the Premier League we always think about how tough that league is and in addition to that we can say that it is completed by the UCL games that are in a decisive phase that have a lot to give a team, of course those that are In first place are those who find it very difficult to lower them, this is getting very interesting, everything they do, each point must be very well fought.

I am still very confident that Arsenal will continue in top gear until the end of the season. I know the league is a tough one and very competitive especially when you have Manchester City coming at you, Arsenal can’t risk dropping a point because City can take advantage of the situation. It seems Arsenal has it under control. Manchester City humiliated Chelsea again today is very shameful because after losing to Manchester City in the EPL I expected Chelsea to retaliate and get a win but that wasn't the case and they got humiliated again.

The truth is that Chelsea's situation is quite alarming, I don't know how they can get out of that now, I honestly think they have to do something now because going down further will become a much bigger complication, now, if we start to see Arsenal have to take very good care of their position, it is not easy, they have to resist all the attacks that come their way, if we start to see City it is like that monster that is advancing by leaps and bounds, with Haaland it is something very different, also He has a very intelligent technical director like Pep Guardiola, he is one of those up-to-date technicians who apply old-school strategies.

‘Chelsea offer to meet’ demands to sign Portuguese international this month

Chelsea have offered to meet the demands needed to make a loan signing in attack this window, according to fresh reports this afternoon.

According to a report written by Duncan Castles for The Daily Record, Chelsea have offered to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid. The report claims that Chelsea are now ready to pay around €11million (£9.7m) for Felix’s registration and cover the Portugal international’s salary until the end of the current season, meeting the conditions set last month by Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin for a short-term deal. They are trying to include an option to buy in the deal as well, apparently.

Source: https://www.chelsea-news.co/2023/01/chelsea-offer-to-meet-demands-to-sign-portuguese-international-this-month/

[Bananington]

‘Chelsea offer to meet’ demands to sign Portuguese international this month

The club Chelsea are currently in need of players who can add some efficiency to their attack, run with the ball, create chances, make passes and even score goals. Felix can offer them that especially now when Sterling a player who could do that is out injured alongside many other of their players. I will be looking forward to see him play in a blue Jersey and how his performance will be. If he has a great period with Chelsea, they will not let him go after the loan deal elapses, they will renegotiate and give him a better deal.

[naira]

‘Chelsea offer to meet’ demands to sign Portuguese international this month

The club Chelsea are currently in need of players who can add some efficiency to their attack, run with the ball, create chances, make passes and even score goals. Felix can offer them that especially now when Sterling a player who could do that is out injured alongside many other of their players. I will be looking forward to see him play in a blue Jersey and how his performance will be. If he has a great period with Chelsea, they will not let him go after the loan deal elapses, they will renegotiate and give him a better deal.

I know Joao Felix and his achievements this season, but even this loan in the end will be a very heavy burden if you rely on this young player. I'm honestly not sure what impact Joao Felix has had on Chelsea. With a loan status in a short time, he must be in optimal condition successively, definitely not an easy thing. So Chelsea still seems to need a big push after getting Felix. Plus now Chelsea, who is ranked 10th, is still not convinced enough to be in the top 5 in a short time.

[W Jr.]

Current top fourth standing position in English Primer League only Newcastle United have many days taking rest due only domestic league participants than other team have European competition. Arsenal and Manchester United have focus at Europe League and Manchester City have preparing for 16 round phase in Champion League against Leipzig.

Due many days taking rest and have one match in each weeks, seems Newcastle United have consistency performance and keep stable in the top fourth standing position without loss points any more. Last match still not bad with draw away against Arsenal due managed first standing position, but up coming next match in Primer League after EFL Cup quarter final against Fulham and opportunity have difference points with Manchester United.

Newcastle has always impressed in every game this season. And the progress that Newcastle continues to show has indeed been seen since Newcastle changed ownership. and It can be said that Newcastle has now become a club that is no longer worried about finances. because the owner is a rich man. The consistency of the Newcastle players has made Newcastle worthy of being one of the strong candidates in the race for the title this season. And now it seems that Newcastle is thinking about strengthening their midfield. and it looks like Newcastle are interested in McTominay (MU). but it looks like the goal will be difficult to achieve.

While we were at the bottom of the league last year, we are witnessing an incredible rise this year. Of course this is directly related to the Saudi fund buying them. The players and the technical staff started to do very right things.  With some important interim transfers, they can bring their goal of finishing the league in the top 4 places to a realistic level, even if there is no championship. When I compare last year with this year, I saw Newcastle, which has experienced an incredible change.

[Cookdata]

Arsenal are still a strong side despite failing to win Newcastle and ending in a goalless draw. Manchester City facing Manchester United in the weekend as Arsenal face Spurs this fixtures will do so much in deciding if Arsenal will extend the gap or Manchester City will close up the gap. Indeed the race for the title this season is getting so interesting as everyone is anticipating to see if Arsenal can really beat Manchester City in the race to win the trophy and stop Guardiola's intended record.

Newcastle I'm not sure whether to say they are good or not, but they do have financial support from the Arab (oil money) that owns Newcastle, and one thing about Newcastle is that even when they are losing, they can frustrate their opponent enough to prevent them from winning. Arsenal is still demonstrating how focused they are, and after man city defeated Chelsea twice, let's see how they will line up in their next game.

A team can spend millions to attract players, but that doesn't equate to winning of trophies, at least I haven't seen a right skew that can justify wealth of a club to winning of trophy. Also for the past 97 years, Newcastle hasn't won an EPL title to demonstrate that they are still in the form despite the oil money from your reference, but hopefully this season will be a turning point for them to refocus their energy towards that number one spot in the table given that their last 5 matches have been a good result in the Premier League.

Newcastle is bidding for some players from Dortmund and it appear that they are in a transfer war with Chelsea as it seems that they are trying to hijack some good guys they have interested in, the oil money would be useful if they actually wanted real players, but I'm afraid that good players may decline the offer out of fear for the end of their career as Newcastle may find it difficult to make it to the top 4 again judging from their previous seasonal performaces.

[Davidvictorson]

While we were at the bottom of the league last year, we are witnessing an incredible rise this year. Of course this is directly related to the Saudi fund buying them. The players and the technical staff started to do very right things.  With some important interim transfers, they can bring their goal of finishing the league in the top 4 places to a realistic level, even if there is no championship. When I compare last year with this year, I saw Newcastle, which has experienced an incredible change.

This season, Newcastle has been fantastic. I hope they finish behind Arsenal in second place. So far, they have demonstrated a commitment to teamwork, managerial skill, and competency. The thing I've observed about them this season is that their set-pieces are producing opportunities for goals. In addition to having a goalkeeper who makes excellent saves, their defense has improved. The most surprising thing to me is how Joelinton and Miguel Almirón transformed from underachievers to the team's top players.