I think it is fair to say no one would have predicted what happened in game week four of the Premier League. Champions Liverpool were thumped 7-2 by Aston Villa, Man United were smashed 6-1 by Spurs at Old Trafford, and Leeds earned a point against Man City. What a weekend it was.
However, the final whistle at Villa Park and Sunday not only signalled the conclusion of the round but the beginning of the international schedule. These breaks will be a welcome distraction for Fantasy managers who now have a fortnight to recharge their brains before sending out their teams again on October 17.
And with the break it is a perfect time to review what has gone on so far over the first four rounds. But first, let's look at the top three of the Advertiser Tribal League.
Top three
Brian Murphy - Brian Munich - 318
If you have Munich in your team name, then you are most likely going to be a very good side and this is the case with Brian Munich sitting atop of the pile thanks to a phenomenal round four where the team garnered 113 points. Manager Brian Murphy's philosophy is all about attack and five of his attacking options really brought home the bacon this weekend with captain Mohamed Salah (26 ), midfielders Heung-Min Son (18 ) and James Rodriguez (18 ), and strikers Callum Wilson (16 ), Harry Kane (16 ) being the standout performers for 'The Brivarians'. Where Murphy may look to strengthen is at the back with the concession of 10 goals being the only mark against his charges card.
Anthony Davitt - Pique Blinders - 317
One place and one point further back was the Manager of the Month for September, Anthony Davitt and his men, Pique Blinders. Davitt would be forgiven for thinking that his score of 76 would have been enough to hold to top spot for another week but such is the competitiveness of the Tribal League that sub 80 scores can see descend instead of ascend. Captain Mohamed Salah (39 ), Harry Kane (16 ), Alex McCarthy (9 ), and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (6 ) showed for The Blinders are the weekend, however, a shocking performance by defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold (-1 ) and Virgil Van Dijk (-2 ) will be of huge concern for Davitt.
Martin Keady - Cians_Spartan_Army - 292
The Spartan Army are on the march as they raced up to third place thanks to a brilliant 112 point weekend. Once again, positive, attacking football was key for manager Martin Keady as captain Mohamed Salah (26 ), Jack Grealish (24 ), James Rodriguez (18 ), Callum Wilson (16 ), and Harry Kane (16 ) made huge impacts during game week four. However, like the top two, defence will be concerning for Keady as his backline of Virgil Van Dijk, Tariq Lamptey, and James Justin returned a combined score of -1.
Predictions review
With the international break on the horizon, it gives us a chance at Advertiser Towers to have a look back at my top tips and to see whether I have the golden touch or need to be doing more homework on my football.
Gameweek one
Pierre - Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal ) v Fulham: one goal = seven points.
Timo Werner (Chelsea ) v Brighton: one assist = five points.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester ) v West Brom: two goals = 13 points.
Gameweek one total = 25 points.
Gameweek two
Willian (Arsenal ) v West Ham = two points.
Patrick Bamford (Leeds ) v Fulham: one goal and two assists = 14 points.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton ) v West Brom: three goals = 17 points.
Gameweek two total = 33 points.
Gameweek three
Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace ) v Everton: one assist = five points.
Timo Werner (Chelsea ) v West Brom: two points.
Neal Maupay (Brighton ) v Man United: one goal = eight points.
Gameweek three total = 15 points.
Gameweek four
Sadio Mané (Liverpool ) v Aston Villa: unavailable.
Danny Ings (Southampton ) v West Brom: two points.
Richarlison (Everton ) v Brighton: one point.
Gameweek four total = three points.
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Thursday:
Slovakia v Ireland (7.45pm ) SKY Sports.
Sunday:
Ireland v Wales (2pm ) SKY Sports.
Wednesday:
Finland v Ireland (5pm ) SKY Sports.
