Round eight of the Premier League ended with another disastrous defeat for Man United as they went down 1-0 down to struggling Newcastle. Elsewhere Liverpool maintained their 100 per cent record with a dramatic stoppage time winner against high flying Leicester, Man City succumbed 2-0 at home to dogged Wolves, and Spurs struggles continued with a 3-0 thumping at Brighton.
But when the ref blew the whistle to conclude affairs on Tyneside, it signalled the final league action for a fortnight, as the second international break of the season comes into focus. With that in mind, let's look at who is top dog currently in the Advertiser Tribal League in association with Monroe's Tavern.
Top of the league
Greg Conneely - FC Twente Times - 501
Top of the pile is FC Twente Times. Managed by Greg Conneely, TT have had a superb four weeks garnering 240 points to put them into first place. Ryan Fredicks, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Roberto Firmino have all been key player in the side but undoubtedly the Conneely's main man is Kevin De Bruyne. A goal and assist has contributed to the Belgian taking home 44 Fantasy points from three games. Another quality midfielder and a commanding goalkeeper could see Twente Times be renamed Twente-One Times when the ribbons are put on the trophy come May.
Hot or not
Now as you all know I love to have a punt on who is going to the business at the weekend and the international break is an optimum time to look back and see if The Don's tips have made hay or led Fantasy managers astray.
Week 5
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City ) v Man United - 2 points
Daniel James (Man United ) v Leicester City - 2 points
Sébastien Haller (West Ham ) v Aston Villa - 2 points
This was not a good week for myself as my three tips failed to deliver. No goals and no assists resulted in a paltry six points.
Week 6
Unfortunately, I was out of commission this week and was unable to put in my selections. But after the previous week's dismal performance, I can understand why many would believe I was relieved of my duties.
Week 7
Kevin De Bruyne (Man City ) v Everton - 9 points
Heung-Min Son (Spurs ) v Southampton - 5 points
Chris Wood (Burnley ) v Aston Villa - 7 points
Three selections and three success for myself. Kevin De Bruyne provided two assists against Everton in a 3-1 one victory at Goodison Park, Heung-Min Son got himself an assist against Southampton, and Chris Wood found the back of the net against Aston Villa to give me a total of 21 points for week seven.
Week 8
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal ) v Bournemouth - 2 points
Andriy Yarmolenko (West Ham ) v Crystal Palace - 1 point
John McGinn (Aston Villa ) v Norwich City - 1 point
Week five was bad but week eight was worse. I only garnered four points from my three selection; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failed to find the back of the net against Bournemouth, Andriy Yarmolenko was non-existent against Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa's most exciting player, John McGinn decided not to join in the fun in the 5-1 demolition of Norwich. It seems I need an international break just to reassess.
Don't miss a minute of action with Monroe's Tavern
Now there is no Premier League action this weekend but punters can still enjoy wings and a pint or burger and a pint for €10 at Monroe's Tavern during matches this week and next.
Saturday:
Ireland v Samoa (11.45am ) RTÉ 2.
Georgia v Ireland (2pm ) RTÉ 2.
Tuesday:
Switzerland v Ireland (7.45pm ) SKY Sports.
