Local football is dead, but EPL thrives

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK



Local football is dormant at the moment, but football lovers can still tune in to watch the English Premier League which kicks off this weekend.

Namibians are no strangers to the English Premier League (EPL), and with no action in the domestic league, they can tune in to watch their favourite clubs squaring off in the upcoming 2020/21 season.

Manchester United fans make it a point to travel and watch clubs play but at the moment, due to Covid-19 regulations, fans are not allowed to enter stadiums before October. However, it is still worth catching the matches on TV and getting an opportunity to watch the plenty unknowns as the new campaign starts. Liverpool, the champions, have so far been able to keep hold of the large majority of last season's title-winning squad as well as adding left-back Kostas Tsimikas. Chelsea, meanwhile, have spent big on their squad. Clubs like Arsenal have roped in right winger Willian from Chelsea, as well as right-back Cedric Soares from Southampton, on free transfer, as well as the likes of centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille and Pablo Mari from Flamengo.

Manchester City, on the other hand, is looking to cause an upset this season by signing Napoli's centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, having already signed Valencia's Ferran Torres and Bournemouth's Nathan Ake.

Manchester United, who enjoy a big following in Namibia, have secured Ajax's Donny van de Beek.



Predictions

Namibian Sun asked three local fans to make their top five predictions when the campaign ends. Former goalkeeper of the Brave Warriors and Arsenal fan Danzyl Bruwer put his money on Manchester City to scoop the cup in the upcoming season. In second, he said, will be Liverpool, followed by Chelsea, Arsenal and then Manchester United.

Another diehard Arsenal supporter, Oscar Oscar, predicts that City will walk away with the title, followed by Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton in the fifth place. Local sports broadcaster Joviita Kandjumbwa puts her money on Chelsea, Liverpool, City, United and Wolves.



Weekend fixtures to enjoy

The first match of the season will be between Fulham and Arsenal on Saturday. The Gunners have brought in the likes of Willian from Chelsea.

The other matches will be Crystal Palace versus Southampton and the defending champions, Liverpool, against newly promoted Leeds United.

West Ham will get a chance to show their mettle against Newcastle, whereas on Sunday, West Brom have a date with Leicester City and Tottenham and Everton close off the weekend.