5 bold Premier League predictions: Diego Costa goes it alone
Premier League action returns this weekend. Here are five completely ludicrous predictions about what’s in store.
Every week we have the great fortune of watching some unbelievable soccer in the Premier League. However, there’s never enough attention paid to the weekend’s minor moments. In light of this, we’ve made five bold predictions not so much about what will happen this weekend, but about what, if there’s any justice in this world, should. You heard it here first.
1. Diego Costa to play Hull by himself
Diego Costa has dominated the Premier League headlines since his exclusion from the Chelsea squad last weekend. The Spain international was reportedly unsettled by a big-money offer from a club in the Chinese Super League, and was involved in a spat with Antonio Conte that saw him lose his spot in the team. This week, as penance for his indiscretions, Costa was briefly made to train on his own.
He’s now back training with the first team, but his stint alone might have given Conte an idea. Hull are hardly the most imposing opponents, and after a busy holiday period, Conte could use the opportunity to rest some, or 10, of his starters. Costa will probably be fine by himself against Hull; the fierce striker certainly has the temperament to take on 11 players by himself. What better way for Costa to demonstrate his loyalty?
2. Middlesbrough score more than one goal
Middlesbrough’s return to the top flight took a little longer than their fans might have expected. Boro were last in the Premier League in 2009, but they haven’t looked out of place in their return to the big time. They’ve held their own in the first half of the season, and are probably exceeding most people’s expectations just by staying out of the relegation zone.
However, Boro have, to put it mildly, struggled in front of goal. In 17 of their 21 matches, they’ve either drawn a blank or failed to score. This weekend, we think Aitor Karanka’s side might go a little bit crazy and SCORE A SECOND GOAL! Heck, they might even push the boat out and go for three against a defensively vulnerable West Ham side.
3. Tony Pulis doesn’t wear a baseball cap
Tony Pulis won’t be remembered as one of the best managers of all time, but he should be remembered as one of the most consistent. The Welshman has worked wonders with some of the lesser clubs in English soccer, and his time at West Brom has proved no different.
Pulis is best know for the direct, physical style of his teams, but his ability to wear a baseball cap at every match shouldn’t be overlooked when we write the story of his career. In our boldest prediction of the week, though, we expect Tony might finally ditch the cap and unveil his head to the Baggies faithful. What he’s hiding under there is anybody’s guess.
4. Big Sam tries to sign an Everton player at halftime
Crystal Palace finally got a win under Sam Allardyce, as they beat Bolton in the FA Cup midweek. The Eagles haven’t had it easy since the former England manager took over, and it might get worse this weekend with the visit of an in-form Everton side.
Big Sam lost the England job after being caught by the press explaining how to bypass rules surrounding third-party player ownership. Allardyce is no stranger to dodgy dealings and this weekend we think he could go one further and try to sign an Everton player at halftime. The Eagles could do with a defender, so maybe we can expect Phil Jagielka to start the second half in a Palace shirt.
5. Claudio Bravo is actually Joe Hart dressed up as Claudio Bravo
The goalkeeping situation at Manchester City was huge talking point when Pep Guardiola arrived over the summer. Joe Hart, City’s established first-choice keeper, was ousted to make way for Claudio Bravo, who was brought in from Barcelona largely due to his quality on the ball. Bravo’s main quality so far, however, has been conceding goals, much to everyone’s shock.
Next: 25 best club soccer teams of all time
It seems odd — suspicious, even — that the Copa America golden glove winner and former La Liga Zamora Trophy winner has suddenly hit such a bad patch of form. There’s only one obvious conclusion: Claudio Bravo isn’t actually playing in goal for City. Joe Hart is playing in goal for City, except he’s wearing an extremely convincing Claudio Bravo disguise, all as part of his plan to get the starting job back. Think about it. Has anyone ever seen them in the same room? Has anyone ever watched Torino play? Didn’t think so.