So the first international break has concluded and for Mick McCarthy and Ireland fans it was a quietly satisfying one as the Boys in Green maintained top spot in Group D with a hard earned point against Switzerland.
But with international duty over until October, it is back to the bread and butter of the Premier League and, of course, trying to earn precious Fantasy points for the Advertiser Tribal League in association with Monroe's Tavern. Round five is the first block of games in September so with that we have a manager of the month for August.
Manager of the Month: August
Drum rolls please and our Manager of the Month for August is: Eamonn Gannon - Eggandgunian fc - 281 points.
It seems consistency is the name of the game for Eamonn Gannon and his charges with only 14 players used in the first four rounds of this campaign. A defence of Patrick Van Aanholt, Jon Robertson, and Lucas Digne has really performed for Gannon and they have not been shy going forward, chipping in with assists and goals. Midfield sees the brilliant partnership of Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne who, if they are not scoring goals, are creating them. And up top, Marcus Rashford, Roberto Firmino, and Raúl Jiménez have formed a good partnership with at least one of them scoring each weekend.
Congratulations to Eamonn and the Eggs.
Top Tips
But August is in the past and Saturday is a new round so who should you select to earn points for the Advertiser Tribal League in association with Monroe's Tavern?
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City - £8.9 million ) v Man United
The season is only four games old and Jamie Vardy is once again having a party with three goals in four outings. The striker looks sharp as Leicester sit in third spot after an unbeaten start to the new term. Next up for the Foxes is Man United at Old Trafford. Despite the cash on two defenders in the summer, United's defence is still decidedly shaky with only one clean sheet to show for all that expenditure. Simply put; Vardy will score again.
Daniel James (Man United - £6.1 million ) v Leicester City
When Man United paid £15 million for the 21-year-old during the summer, there were a few raised eyebrows including from myself. But in a dour start to the league season for the Red Devils, James has been one of the bright lights. The Welsh international has scored three goals in four games for Ole Gunnar Solskjær's charges as well as bagging the winner for Wales against Belarus on Monday night. On Saturday afternoon, United welcome Leicester to Old Trafford. A concern for Brendan Rogers' men is the defence with only one clean sheet so far. I believe James will exploit Leicester's difficulties and get his name on the score sheet. Get him in the team.
Sébastien Haller (West Ham - £7.5million ) v Aston Villa
The Hammers' record £45 million signing has quickly adapted to life in England following his summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt. Having drawn a blank in his first appearance, Haller has found the scoring touch with a brace against Watford and a goal and an assist against Norwich. West Ham make the trip to Birmingham as they face off against league new boys Aston Villa. It has been a tough introduction to top flight life for Dean Smith's men, with three losses from four games. I expect more pain for the Villians on Monday night. West Ham will take the three points and Haller will score.
Don't miss a minute of action with Monroe's Tavern
Remember you can catch all of game week five's action live at Monroe's Tavern where punters can enjoy wings and a pint or burger and a pint for €10 during the matches.
Saturday:
Liverpool v Newcastle (12.30pm ) BT Sport.
Man United v Leicester City (3pm ) Premier Sports.
Norwich City v Man City (5.30pm ) SKY Sports.
Sunday:
Bournemouth v Everton (2pm ) SKY Sports.
Watford v Arsenal (4.30pm ) SKY Sports.
Monday:
Aston Villa v West Ham (8pm ) SKY Sports.
