The FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round will ring in some domestic football action after the recent international break.

Manchester United, 12-time winners of the competition, host Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in the first of 16 games starting February 5.

The Red Devils are among the 14 Premier League still involved in the competition and will look to progress to the latter stages of a tournament they last won in 2015-16.

Frank Lampard will begin his tenure as Everton manager when Brentford visit Goodison Park for their FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round tie, while Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur host Brighton at home.

Nottingham Forest, who knocked out record FA Cup winners Arsenal in the previous round, will entertain defending champions Leicester City. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have relatively easy opponents in Plymouth, Fulham and Cardiff City respectively.

Wolves and Norwich City lock horns in the third all-Premier League fixture in the FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round. 

FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round schedule, fixtures and live India match times

All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST)

Day, Date	Match	Venue	Time
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Manchester United vs Middlesbrough	Old Trafford	1:30 AM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Chelsea vs Plymouth	Stamford Bridge	6 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Kidderminster Harriers vs West Ham	Aggborough	6 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Crystal Palace vs Hartlepool United	Selhurst Park	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Everton vs Brentford	Goodison Park	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Huddersfield vs Barnsley	John Smith's Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Manchester City vs Fulham	Etihad Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Petersborough vs Queens Park Rangers	Weston Homes Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Southampton vs Coventry	St. Mary's Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Stoke City vs Wigan Athletic	Bet365 Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Wolves vs Norwich City	Molineux Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Cambridge United vs Luton Town	Abbey Stadium	11 pm
Sunday, February 6, 2022	Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium	1:30 AM
Sunday, February 6, 2022	Liverpool vs Cardiff City	Anfield	5:30 PM
Sunday, February 6, 2022	Nottingham Forest vs Leicester City	City Ground	9:30 PM
Monday, February 7, 2022	Bournemouth vs Boreham Wood	Vitality Stadium	12 AM

Where to watch the FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round live in India?

The FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round will be telecast on Sony TEN 2, Sony TEN 2 HD, Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD TV channels in India.

Live streaming of the FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round in India will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.

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Featured photo: AFP / Adrian Dennis

Nathan Ake’s move to Manchester City is expected to spark a wave of plucking in players from the teams who have been relegated from the Premier League this season. The likes of Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich City have faced the axe, and there are certain players like the Dutch centre-back who are now tipped to be on the radar of some of the top teams in Premier League.

• Read | Why are Manchester City interested in Bournemouth's Nathan Ake?

That said, here we take a look at five players we feel deserve to be in the top division of English football, and can deservedly make a move from their respective clubs into the top tier. 

Gerard Deulofeu (Watford)

Versatile Spanish forward Gerard Deulofeu has had an injury-hit season, but regardless of that, he provided a decent return of four goals and five assists in 28 league games. Known for his strong dribbling skills, interest even from some top teams from the other European leagues has stepped up for the winger.

5 - Watford's Gerard Deulofeu has been directly involved in five goals in his last seven Premier League appearances (2 goals, 3 assists), as many as his previous 22 in the competition. Catalyst. #WATEVE pic.twitter.com/NgMlMY7eU5

�OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 1, 2020

Deulofeu has sure struggled with injuries, but on his day, he is well and truly capable of taking on defenders and turn the tide right at the death. It is said that the Spaniard is currently in touch with his representatives as he is keen on staying in the top-flight, and this could turn out to be a perfect opportunity for the suitors to lure him in on a relatively low transfer fee.

Emiliano Buendia (Norwich City)

Despite a return of a solitary goal in 36 league appearances, Norwich City’s 23-year-old midfielder has provided seven assists and has played 2.3 key passes per game, which is fourth highest in the league this season. And this particular number is enough for the top teams to table a lucrative offer.

29 - Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendía created 29 chances for his teammates in December, the most by a player in a single calendar month on record in Premier League history (2003-04 onwards). Wizardry. #OptaPLRefresher pic.twitter.com/8nAG9mPArp

�OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 12, 2020

The Argentine created nine clear-cut goalscoring chances this season, which, in fact, is the highest amongst the three relegated sides. He did end his season with a red card against Burnley, but there’s absolutely no denying his talent, having created as many as 28 chances from set-piece situations. 

Joshua King (Bournemouth)

Six goals and four assists is certainly not a good figure for a striker, but the quality that Bournemouth striker Joshua King brings to the table is simply unquestionable. With Odion Ighalo’s loan deal expiring at the end of the season, rumours have it that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering a move for the former United academy graduate.

• Read | Why Jamie Vardy was right to snub Arsenal in the summer of 2016

“The link to United is strong. King has played there as an academy player. His former coach in the reserve team is now head coach of the club and he has got himself a new agent in Jim Solbakken, who is also Solskjaer’s agent,�explained Norway assistant coach Per Joar Hansen.

However, at 28, does he really represent the principles that Solskjaer is trying to fit at United? Only the time will tell.

Ben Foster (Watford)

At 37 years of age, goalkeeper Ben Foster was arguably the most consistent performer of Watford. The Hornets sure have a long list of players like Will Hughes, Ismaila Sarr, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Danny Welbeck who might force an exit, but losing Foster could actually pose a bigger problem than it seems.

• Read | Five Jadon Sancho replacements Manchester United should consider

If not for a regular first-team football, Foster could be an amazing backup for the likes of Tottenham and even for Chelsea, who are expected to relieve Kepa Arrizabalaga from his duties. The 37-year-old made 117 saves during this campaign and despite a horrific season, managed to keep nine clean sheets. An offer from one of the Premier League teams could well and truly be on the table.

Max Aarons (Norwich City)

A sudden report of Bayern Munich’s interest in Norwich City’s 20-year-old full-back Max Aarons has left every single fan puzzled, to say the least. In a rather underwhelming season for Norwich, Aarons has impressed one and all, playing in 40 games in all competitions for the Canaries.

Right from growing up between an unknown equity to becoming European Golden Boy nominee, Aarons could become a subject of an absolute bidding war between a few clubs, given that every modern manager these days requires an intelligent full-back, which Aarons is.

• Read | Outfielder Dream Team: Players who played with both Messi and Ronaldo

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Mike Hewitt, Mike Egerton

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SportsAdda.

Sheffield United dealt a major blow to Chelsea's chances of a Premier League top-four finish by thrashing the Blues 3-0 at Bramall Lane, while Liverpool's long winning run at Anfield came to an end in a draw with Burnley on Saturday.

Manchester City did guarantee their presence in the top four for a 10th successive season with Raheem Sterling scoring a hat-trick in a 5-0 win at Brighton.

However, they will have to wait for the outcome on Monday of their appeal against a two-season ban from European competitions to see if they will play Champions League football next season.

Norwich will be playing in the Championship after Michail Antonio's four-goal blitz confirmed the Canaries' relegation in a thumping 4-0 win for West Ham that should seal the Hammers' top-flight status for another year.

76 - Chelsea had 76% possession in this match but lost 3-0 �since 2003-04, when full possession data is available, this is the biggest margin of defeat for a team to hold as much as 76% possession in a Premier League game. Countered. pic.twitter.com/P4f2lfJo1V

�OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 11, 2020

Sheffield United have long since achieved that feat in their first season in the Premier League for 13 years and the Blades are still eying the top four themselves as they moved within five points of fourth-placed Leicester.

Chelsea remain in third, but could end the weekend down in fifth if Leicester and Manchester United beat Bournemouth and Southampton respectively.

The Blues have already reinforced their attack for next season with the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, but Frank Lampard was again shown it is at the other end his side desperately need to improve.

David McGoldrick's long wait for a first Premier League goal came to an end when he was quickest to react after Kepa Arrizabalaga saved Oli McBurnie's deflected shot.

1 - David McGoldrick has scored his very first Premier League goal; it took him 42 shots and 1615 minutes to do so. Relief. pic.twitter.com/OuhJQfeue7

�OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 11, 2020

More slack defending from the visitors then allowed McBurnie a free header to double the hosts' lead.

Lampard sent on Antonio Rudiger at the start of the second-half, but the German international did little to improve Chelsea's defending as his attempted clearance from Lys Mousset's cross only teed up McGoldrick to score his second 13 minutes from time.

"They were better than us, physically, in the mind and with the ball," said Lampard. "I learned a lot and I won't forget that."

- Liverpool held -

For the first time since January 2018, Liverpool failed to win a Premier League game at Anfield as an inspired performance by Nick Pope in the Burnley goal and Jay Rodriguez's equaliser to cancel out Andy Robertson's first-half header gave Burnley a share of the spoils.

Jurgen Klopp's men now need to win their remaining three games to be surpass the record total of 100 points in a Premier League season set by City two years ago.

23 - Liverpool had 23 shots in this match, their most in a Premier League game they failed to win since December 2017 (23 vs Everton). Holy. pic.twitter.com/YHKvK0FUeI

�OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 11, 2020

"We left the door open, we didn't close it. We should have scored two, three, four goals at least," said Klopp.

City scored four or more goals for the fourth time in six league games at Brighton.

Sterling's treble took his best ever season's tally to 27, while Gabriel Jesus and Bernardo Silva also netted in another rout for a pleased Pep Guardiola, who is hoping his players' efforts on the pitch are rewarded by playing Champions League football next season.

"We deserve to be there because we won it on the pitch. Hopefully on Monday UEFA can allow us to play like this team and these players deserve to," said Guardiola.

14 - Andrew Robertson is the 14th Liverpool player to score a league goal at Anfield this season, only in 1992-93 (15, excluding own-goals) have they had more different players score at home in a Premier League campaign. House. pic.twitter.com/W2kwkTPx6W

�OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 11, 2020

- Norwich relegated -

At Carrow Road, a seventh successive league defeat condemned Norwich to relegation as Antonio's ruthless display boosted West Ham's own survival bid.

"We wanted to beat the odds again but when the dust settles the outcome is more or less what was expected. It doesn't take anything away from the fact that we are disappointed," manager Daniel Farke said.

5 - Norwich City have become the first team to be relegated from the Premier League on five separate occasions. Demoted. pic.twitter.com/Q8JhUb8lMn

�OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 11, 2020

West Ham's second win in four games opens up a six-point cushion over the bottom three.

The early signs were ominous for Norwich as West Ham took the lead in the 11th minute through Antonio's close-range volley.

Antonio struck again in first-half stoppage-time, glancing his header into the far corner from Mark Noble's free-kick.

He completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute with a looping header and his fourth came in the 74th minute from Ryan Fredericks' cross.

4 - Michail Antonio is the ninth player to score four goals away from home in a Premier League match and the first to do so since Harry Kane against Leicester in May 2017. Crazy. pic.twitter.com/v1c9C9gqLk

�OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 11, 2020

Watford also moved to the brink of survival as two Troy Deeney penalties beat Newcastle 2-1 to move level with West Ham on 34 points.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Shaun Botterill

Chelsea moved up to third in the Premier League table after holding out to win a 3-2 thriller at Crystal Palace, while Leicester could only manage a draw at 10-man Arsenal on Tuesday.

Frank Lampard's men edged closer to sealing a place in next season's Champions League as a seventh win in eight games takes them one point ahead of Leicester and opened up a five-point lead on fifth-placed Manchester United.

The Blues were fortunate when opening the scoring at Selhurst Park as former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill fell to the ground clutching his hamstring to allow Willian to tee up Olivier Giroud for his fourth goal in six games.

Christian Pulisic's form since the Premier League's restart has led to comparisons with Eden Hazard, the man he replaced at Stamford Bridge, and the Belgian would have been proud of Chelsea's second as the 21-year-old American skipped past Joel Ward and hammered in off the inside of the near post.

"Christian is hugely important," added Lampard. "You look at the top attacking players in the world and they score goals and make assists regularly that win games and at the moment he is doing that, so I am delighted with him."

As so often this season, Lampard's men failed to capitalise on their dominance and were suddenly on the back foot when Wilfried Zaha thundered a shot high past Kepa Arrizabalaga from long range for Palace's first goal in four games.

Chelsea looked to have sealed the three points again when substitutes Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham combined for the latter to restore a two-goal cushion 19 minutes from time.

Just over a minute later, though, Palace were back in the game when a brilliant move culminated in Patrick van Aanholt squaring for Christian Benteke to tap in just his second goal of the season.

Questions remain over whether the Chelsea defence will be strong enough to maintain a title challenge next season and they were left clinging on in stoppage time as Kepa turned Scott Dann's header off the inside of the post and only a last-ditch challenge from Kurt Zouma denied Benteke a second.

- Vardy matches Aubameyang -

Leicester have now won just one of their six games since the restart to see their lead over the chasing pack for a place in the top four whittled away, but were grateful for a 1-1 draw at the Emirates after a slow start against in-form Arsenal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang swept home the opener for the Gunners as Kasper Schmeichel kept Leicester in the game with a stunning save to deny Alexandre Lacazette.

"In the first half we should have gone 3 or 4-0 up and kill the game against this type of opposition," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Lacazette also saw a goal disallowed for offside after the break before the game turned when Eddie Nketiah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a high challenge on James Justin.

Leicester made the man advantage count as Vardy pounced to slot home Demarai Gray's cross and regain his two-goal advantage over Aubameyang in the race for the Golden Boot.

"I was really pleased with how we managed the game 11 v 10. We got a deserved goal and if we had made the final pass we could have gone on and won the game," said Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers.

Arsenal's hopes of reaching the top four now appear over as they remain nine points behind with just four games to go.

- Welbeck makes Watford mark -

At the other end of the table, Danny Welbeck's first Premier League goal for Watford was as valuable as it was spectacular as the Hornets beat Norwich 2-1 to move four points clear of the relegation zone.

Defeat pushes Norwich ever closer to the drop and the Canaries could be relegated at the weekend if they fail to beat West Ham.

Like so much of his career, Welbeck's first season at Watford has been blighted by injury, but the former Manchester United and Arsenal forward showed his class by adjusting his body to hook home the winner after Craig Dawson cancelled out Emiliano Buendia's early opener for Norwich.

"I am speechless after the goal," said Welbeck. "It means a lot to me and means a lot to the whole team. It is one that puts us on our way now. We will give it our all from now."

The coveted Emirates FA Cup returns post the global pandemic, which was responsible for the suspension of the English Premier League, among others. Since the resumption of the sport on June 17, there have been many developments in English top flight football, with Liverpool claiming their first English title in 30 years.

With the next available trophy being the FA Cup, teams like Manchester City, Norwich City and Arsenal will be relying heavily on their FA Cup successes to mar the accomplishments of the ongoing season. On this note, let’s have a look at the fixtures as the FA Cup enters the quarter-final stages:

Norwich City vs Manchester United (June 27, 10 PM IST)

Relegation candidates Norwich City kick off their FA Cup weekend against Manchester United. The latter have been in goal-scoring form after a late equaliser against Tottenham was followed by a 3-0 drubbing against Sheffield United in the league. Anthony Martial became the first Manchester United player since 2013 to score a hat-trick in the league, and the Red Devils will look to carry the same form into the FA Cup. 

Meanwhile, Norwich have not been able to hang on to their early season form, and find themselves six points adrift of the relegation drop line. This has not been helped by their two losses since the 'Project Restart', and will want some respite before taking on Arsenal next week. However, they will need to be at their defensive best, having conceded seven goals while scoring just one in their two meetings in the Premier League this season.

Sheffield United vs Arsenal (June 28, 5:30 PM IST)

Sheffield United have been among the surprise packages of the season, going as high as fifth in the league table prior to the suspension of the league. Chris Wilder’s boys have been very compact defensively, hence finding themselves above their rivals on eighth. Their goalkeeper has the second most clean sheets in the league at 11. In his absence, Sheffield suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United last gameweek, but have a strong record against Arsenal this season, having won and drawn their games. 

That being said, Mikel Arteta would like to do his best at winning the fans over by securing the FA Cup trophy, a competition in which Arsenal have shown great success in the past. The Gunners would like to build some momentum as they head into the final round of fixtures and finish as high as possible, preferably in contention for Europe. With a win over Southampton last time out, they moved up to ninth, just five points away from potential Champions League glory. 

Leicester City vs Chelsea (June 28, 8:30 PM IST)

Frank Lampard’s project at Chelsea almost seems like a finished project, and was buoyed by the addition of Timo Werner next season. They have been in fine form since the restart, having won both their games, including a crucial encounter against Manchester City, which won Liverpool their Premier League title, with seven games to spare. They will look to continue the same form against Leicester City, who have surprised pundits yet again.

Brendan Rodgers has built his team quite well over the last couple of seasons, and this year, Leicester look primed to make their second Champions League appearance. They are currently placed on third, just a point more than Chelsea, and will look to get the better of Chelsea and win their first FA Cup title. 

Newcastle United vs Manchester City (June 28, 11:00 PM IST)

The holders of the trophy, Manchester City, will look to capitalize on the absence of Premier League champions Liverpool and retain the FA Cup trophy for a second consecutive year. However, Newcastle United pose a tough threat in front of them in the quarter-final.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United look like a rejuvenated side under Steve Bruce and find themselves on 13th in the league table. They won and drew their last two matches since Project Restart. Their form against the 2018-19 Premier league champions has been patchy though, with Jonjo Shelvey scoring a late equaliser to ensure his side managed to draw the match. Newcastle fans will hope their team produces a much better outing this time round. 

Note: All matches will be broadcast on SonyESPN and Sony Ten 2

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Oli Scarff

The FA Cup final is set to take place on August 1 after the English Football Association announced provisional dates to finish the competition on Friday.

After the Premier League revealed they plan to resume the season on June 17, the FA Cup has now returned to an English fixture list thrown into chaos by the global pandemic.

The FA Cup was halted before the quarter-finals because of the pandemic, but tournament organisers hope to complete it alongside the Premier League.

Read | Premier League amid pandemic: What will football look like after return?

The four matches in the last eight will be played over the weekend of June 27 and 28, with no decision reached yet on whether these will be played on a home-and-away basis as normal or at neutral venues.

FA Cup fixtures (venues, KO times TBC)

Leicester City vs Chelsea

Newcastle United vs Manchester City

Sheffield United vs Arsenal

Norwich City vs Manchester United

The semi-finals will be played on July 11 and 12, with the intention being for those matches and the final to be played at Wembley as usual. 

All the ties will be behind closed doors.

Read | Future of football amidst the global pandemic

The news will be a boost to the FA from a financial perspective, with its chief executive Mark Bullingham warning in April of the governing body suffering losses of up to £150 million ($184 million) as a result of the disruption caused by the health crisis.

"The competition has been an integral part of the English football calendar for nearly 150 years, and we'd like to thank the Premier League executive and clubs for their support in scheduling the remaining matches during this unprecedented time," Bullingham said on Friday.

"This has been a difficult period for many people and while this is a positive step, the restart date is dependent on all safety measures being met. The health and well-being of players, staff and supporters remain our priority."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Daniel Leal-Olivas

Premier League football never fails to entertain. Regarded as the best league in Europe, the English top flight has been a spectacular affair in 2019/20 as well, until the season was suspended last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Over the course of the season so far, there have been quite a few one-sided affairs filled with goals, some major upsets, while there have been equally captivating, nail-biting encounters.

With the campaign on pause indefinitely, let’s take a look back at five of the best matches from the 2019/20 Premier League season.

Norwich City 3-2 Manchester City (September 2019)

Matchday five of the 2019/20 season. A newly-promoted Norwich City, who had won just one of their four games at the time facing up against the reigning champions of England, who hadn’t lost a league game since January. Surely, there was only one way this match was going to end, right? Just a matter of how many Man City would score, right?

Norwich, though, had different ideas altogether. Eighteen minutes in Kenny McLean headed home an Emi Buendia corner, before Todd Cantwell put the finishing touches to a flowing move from the Canaries to send the Carrow Road in raptures and stun Pep Guardiola & co.

City though, were champions for a reason. And Sergio Aguero’s header on the verge of half-time hinted at a comeback. But a defensive lapse early in the second period meant Teemu Pukki restored Norwich’s two-goal cushion again, to set up one of the biggest upsets of the season, just one month in.

Rodri pulled one back for Manchester City in the 88^th minute, to set up a tense finish. However, Daniel Farke’s men held on to their lead announcing that they had arrived in the Premier League, while also showing this Man City side wasn’t infallible.

Southampton 0-9 Leicester City (October 2019)

One of the most memorable encounters in the history of Premier League, let alone this season, Leicester City equalled a 24-year-old record for the biggest win in the Premier League when they thrashed Southampton 9-0 at St. Mary’s.

Ben Chilwell had given the Foxes an early lead just ten minutes in. Minutes later, Southampton saw Ryan Bertrand get sent off for a reckless challenge on Ayoze Perez and the floodgates were blown open! Brendan Rodgers�men put the Saints to the sword relentlessly as Youri Tielemans made it 2-0, before Perez added a couple more and Vardy made it five before half-time.

Leicester continued to dominate and added four more after the break with Perez and Vardy going on to complete their hat-tricks, while James Maddison also got into the goalscoring act. The Foxes recorded the biggest ever victory by an away side in an English top-flight league match in the 131-year history of the Football League

It was a huge statement of intent from Rodgers & co, who would move into the second spot in the table after the win, hinting at a potential title challenge that wouldn’t materialize though. Even then, Leicester look set for a top three finish when the season resumes.

Wolves 3-2 Manchester City (December 2019)

Festive period often seems to bring out the best among teams, as action-packed encounters with edge-of-the-seat finishes a common occurrence during a packed schedule of football. And Wolves and Manchester City put on a show on Boxing Day last year, reminding fans why Premier League football was such an extravaganza.

Just twelve minutes in at the Molineux, the Cityzens were a man down after Ederson had been given his marching orders for a foul on Diogo Jota. Surely, it was Wolves�game from there on. But City rallied and were up 2-0 in the 50^th minute.

The first goal for the Cityzens came in the most dramatic circumstances, as the VAR stopped play to award City a penalty, then would go on to intervene to issue a retake after the first one had been saved by Rui Patricio. The retake too was saved by the Portuguese, but Raheem Sterling was alert enough to score from the rebound, before doubling his tally in the 50^th minute.

But, Wolves, roared on by a vociferous home crowd, fought back in spectacular fashion. Adama Traore, in one of his finest performances for the club, pulled one back in the 55^th minute, before setting one up for Raul Jimenez to put Wolves back on level terms. And when Matt Doherty drilled home a shot with just a minute left, there was pandemonium at the Molineux. A comeback for the ages for Wolves!

Liverpool 3-2 West Ham United (February 2020)

Speaking of comebacks, champions-elect Liverpool scripted one of their own in February. Heading into the game, Jurgen Klopp’s merry brigade hadn’t lost a single game in the league till date and were sitting comfortably at the top. They were chasing City’s record of 18-game winning streak in the top-flight, while West Ham, having brought in David Moyes, were fighting for survival.

Things began in a disastrous fashion for the Hammers as Lukasz Fabianski allowed Gini Wijnaldum’s straightforward header to creep into the net just nine minutes in. But, the visitors would strike back almost immediately as Issa Diop rose the highest to head home past Alisson Becker in the Liverpool goal.

A tense affair ensued thereafter, but when substitute Pablo Fornals swept home a strike nine minutes into the second period, Liverpool had their backs against the wall. Their 27-game unbeaten streak in the league was under threat, that too at their fortress Anfield, against a team that was involved in the relegation dogfight.

But another error from Fabianski in the 68^th minute allowed a speculative effort from Mohamed Salah squirm into the net to set up for a grandstand finish. There was a sense of inevitability though, that Liverpool will strike again. And strike they did, with nine minutes left Sadio Mane turned in a Trent Alexander-Arnold pass into the net to send the Kop End into raptures. West Ham almost pulled it back late on through Jarrod Bowen, but Alisson produced a clutch block to bag the win.

An intense affair, it once again highlighted the champion mentality that Liverpool had displayed all throughout the season. As the old adage goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Watford 3-0 Liverpool (February 2020)

A week after that special comeback against the Hammers, there was no rallying this time for Liverpool, as another team battling the relegation fight, put them to the sword and brought an end to their dreams of an invincible season.

Liverpool were never able to get going on the day, as Watford put in a thoroughly dominating performance, especially in the second period. The first-half remained goalless thanks to a fine save from Alisson to deny Troy Deeney, with Liverpool hardly mustering up any meaningful effort.

Watford continued to ramp up the pressure on the leaders and nine minutes into the second period, Ismaila Sarr poked home an Abdoulaye Doucoure cross, before doubling the Hornets�advantage six minutes later, lobbing the ball over Alisson with utmost calm and composure after being put through by Will Hughes.

There would be no rallying, no fightback from Klopp’s Reds this time out though, as the Hornets did what West Ham had failed to do a week ago, hammering another goal through Deeney to confirm a victory. It was a very one-sided affair, with Liverpool having just one shot on target.

But what made it memorable was how the Reds�running train had been brought to a screeching halt by a team fighting for survival. It was the first time that Liverpool had failed to score in a Premier League game since March 2019 (36 matches)

 

Photo: AFP/ Justin Tallis

Premier League is dubbed as the most competitive of the top five leagues in Europe. Although Liverpool are making it look very easy at the moment, the battle for the remaining European competitions spots is heating up week after week.

As far as individual performances are concerned, big names are rightly dominating the charts as they are supposed to, but there are names who are integral in the success of their teams but shy away from the spotlight. We are going to discuss such names whom we can call the most underrated in the league. 

Player: Todd Cantwell

Team: Norwich City

Norwich City are languishing in the bottom spot of the league and seven points off the safety zone, which, they are less likely to make. Among the players, Teemu Pukki did start the season with a bang but that was it for the Finnish centre-forward. 

One player who has been a constant is definitely Todd Cantwell. The 21-year-old is composed on the ball, fast, bright and almost makes one feel that why is this guy playing in a team fighting for relegation? 

He has played in every game of the season, played on either wing and has scored six goals and two assists. His goals against Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers show that he has what it takes to play in a top club. But will he? Only time can tell.

Read | Formidable free agents in 2020 starring World Cup winners

Player: John Lundstram 

Team: Sheffield United

If anybody would have said that Sheffield United would be playing in the Premier League in the 2019-20 season and would be ranking above Arsenal and Manchester United, not many would've batted an eye. But when Chris Wilder took over in 2016, he just did not build a team, he built a mentality. A mentality to fight for every ball and to make every attack count. 

There are no big names in Sheffield United team who hogg the limelight, but one player who demands a mention in this list is John Lundstram. The 26-year-old is the very embodiment of the Wilder philosophy. 

A player with a gut to fight for every ball, breaking plays and creating attacks from deep, Lundstram has made even the big guns stay weary of his presence on the field. He has scored three goals and two assists from the centre-midfield position and if that is not impressive enough, his 39 tackles in 25 matches only show his never-let-go mentality. 

His contract will expire this summer, and it is needless to say that he will be under the radar of many top managers. After all, he is the dirty-worker who makes everything look beautiful!

Read | Sheffield United: From relegation candidates to European chasers

Player: Ricardo Pereira

Team: Leicester City

Since the arrival of Brandan Rodgers, the Foxes have looked sharper than ever! 

Vardy is back in form, Madison is probably the best attacking-midfielder and the departure of Harry Maguire has been filled in expertly by Caglar Soyuncu. But one inclusion that has had an equal impact but is not talked about is the role of Ricardo Pereira. 

The Portuguese right-back is one of the best in the league right now and expert in both defence and attack. He has 108 tackles to his names in 25 Premier League games, which is nothing short of impressive and his three goals and three assists are indicative of his attacking potential as well. In a game that is currently being ruled by the versatility of full-backs, Pereira might have some suitors who are also hiding from the limelight, just like him. 

Player: Lucas Digne

Team: Everton

It was a tricky call to choose from Lucas Digne and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and it is former who makes it to the list. 

Both Carlo Ancelotti and Marco Silva have placed their faith in the attacking and defensive traits of the talented Frenchman and he has repaid their faith with six assists in all competitions. Defensively he has put in an equally impressive shift with 56 tackles and 32 blocks.

Keeping him under the radar might keep him at Everton for seasons to come, but it looks highly improbable.

Read | What is 50+1 percent rule and why Bundesliga fans hate RB Leipzig?

Player: Joao Moutinho

Team: Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers are wreaking havoc in the Premier League this season on the back of a power-packed attacking unit of Adama Traore, Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez. The trio has played a beautiful and creative brand of football since the start of the season.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s' team has combined the brains with the brawns with exceptional ability. While most of the part upfront is done by the above-mentioned trio, it is a certain 33-year-old Joao Moutinho who pulls the strings from behind the stage. 

The veteran Portuguese came to play in the Premier League when most players opt for easier challenges. Although the decision raised multiple eyebrows and a lot of them questioned how effective would he be, he has certainly dismissed every question with his form. 

Moutinho has not missed a single match since joining Wolverhampton last season from Monaco. In this season alone he has put in a staggering 72 key passes and 47 interceptions in all competitions, lodging seven assists in all competitions. No wonder the front three are dominating the opposition defences.

The January transfer window has closed and the clubs have made their moves. Now its time to see how many of them can actually make their mark. The Indian Super League, on the other hand, is heating up with just two points separating the top three, thus it’s anyone's guess who will lift the trophy.

While Premier League is almost settled with Liverpool leading the race by a record 22 points, Bundesliga is at its competitive best again with just three points between toppers Bayern and third-placed and Dortmund.

It is not an easy time for the Nostragamus fantasy managers as choosing the best eleven is becoming tougher than ever. But why fear when we are here? Take our help and it might make you get rid of your dilemma.

Player: Bartholomew Ogbeche

Team: Kerala Blasters

Match: NorthEast United vs Kerala Blasters

With the season almost done and dusted, there are no chances for Kerala Blasters to finish anywhere near the top, but they can redeem themselves and Ogbeche is their best bet.

Facing NorthEast United in the hills might be an uphill task. But both the sides haven't seen a win in the last few games. If Kerala want to get rid of their unbeaten streak, Ogbeche must score. The Nigerian international has been the only ray of hope scoring, 11 in 13 games for Eelco Schattorie and assisted one.

Player Name: Nerijus Valskis

Team: Chennaiyin FC

Match: Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC

The Lithuanian forward is in no mood to put a stop to his goal spree. He has scored seven goals in his last four appearances.

As Owen Coyle prepares to face third-placed Bengaluru FC, nobody would mind another brace. If Chennaiyin FC manage to beat the Blues, they would grab the 4th spot, piping Mumbai City FC.

Valskis' red hot form is something to respect as the 32-year-old has been nothing but brilliant since the very start of the season and has been the driving force for the club.

Player: Ferran Corominas

Team: FC Goa

Match: FC Goa vs Hyderabad

FC Goa face Hyderabad who are placed last in their debut ISL season. This might be the best chance for Goa to go six points clear off Bengaluru FC and the man they are looking at is Ferran Corominas.

Corominas has contributed with 9 goals and 3 assists in 12 games for his team and would love to contribute to a winning cause again.

The influential forward has incredible link-up skills and can hit the target with ease. Hyderabad FC have conceded 33 goals and if Coro is in the mood, that number is bound to change.

Player: Erling Braut Haaland

Team: Borussia Dortmund

Match: Bayer vs Dortmund

Erling Haaland is making goal-scoring look ridiculously easy. He has scored 7 goals in 3 appearances already since his move to Germany. He has definitely taken the world of football by a tornado where he is tossing away everything that is coming his way. His blistering pace, jaw-dropping skills and ruthlessness in the box, supported by his gigantic frame makes him a nightmare for any defence.

His partnership with Jadon Sancho is blooming and Dortmund will hope for nothing less than three points to keep kicking Bayern at the hill.

Player Name: Mohamed Salah

Team: Liverpool

Match: Norwich City FC vs Liverpool

Norwich will host a relentless Liverpool who are well on course towards their first-ever Premier League title. Norwich are looking down the barrel and are likely to play in the Championship next year.

Mo Salah, on his part, has scored 14 goals and six assists this season. Scoring three in his last two games, the Egyptian King has announced his return after a rather slow start to the league. Norwich have conceded 47 goals till now and if they do not do make serious improvements, Mo Salah can make scoring goals look like a walk in the park.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ina Fassbender

With the Premier League season into Matchday six, many players are yet to make their mark in the year-long Premier League. While many top signings such as Nicholas Pepe are still yet to shine for their clubs, one surprise package has been doing the rounds.

Finnish striker Teemu Pukki was instrumental in helping his side Norwich City gain promotion to the Premier League. Pukki finished the season with 29 goals and was crowned Championship Player of the Season. His brilliant form in front of the goal has continued this season, with the striker registering six goals in five matches. This includes a hattrick against Newcastle United, which is the first by a Norwich player since 1993.

Teemu Pukki’s brilliant form has seen him win the Player of the Month award in August. He is the first Finnish player to win this trophy in 15 years. Pukki already broke the record of the highest goals scored by a Finnish player in the championship and is now chasing the record set by former Birmingham City striker Mikael Forsell, who was Finland’s highest goal-scorer in the Premier League, with 34 goals.   

Pukki has been in exceptional form for his country as well, with his five goals in the UEFA Euro Qualifiers, giving Finland a shot at qualifying for a major tournament for the first time in their history. At 29, Pukki is already the third-highest goal-scorer for his country, after Jari Litmenan and Forsell.

However, Pukki’s biggest achievement in his Premier League career might be the game against Manchester City. Norwich City have been in fine form, but this was their biggest challenge of the tournament. Moreover, they were without many of their first team players including their first team goalkeeper Tim Krul and defender Timm Klose. However, Norwich played a determined game of pass-and-play which trumped City’s defence and left them reeling. Norwich won the game 3-2 with goals from Kenny Mclean, Todd Cattwell and ofcourse Teemu Pukki, ending city’s unbeaten run.

All that is left to see is whether the Finnish star can continue his performances for his country and club, and keep his team afloat in the league.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Daniel Leal Olivas