EPL Gameweek 14

I was spot on with the Liverpool v Man City game where I predicted a 2-2 scoreline. I got a correct draw between Burnley and Aston Villa similarly for Hull v West Ham (just didn't expect them to served out a 3-3 goals galore). The highlight must be the Cockerels crowing in that amazing 9-1 win over Wigan. Long-suffering Spurs fans, go ahead and bask in all the glory!!!

Game Week 14

Blackburn v Stoke

Blackburn won away for the first time in a while and were impressive. Paul Robinson made several key saves and David Dunn was making the all the good runs. Dunn was once the England Under-21 Captain and I saw him scored a virtuoso goal in an U-21 international where he dribbled 4-5 players to score a spectacular goal. Among the poorer teams, Stoke is really one of the better ones. A draw at 2-2 seems possible as both are scoring, Stoke is stronger but they are away.

Fulham v Bolton

Fulham lost at Birmingham last week and back home now at Craven Cottage they should triumph against a struggling Bolton which seems to be hit by dressing room unrest. I said "unrest" not undress. Gary Megson wasn't doing too badly till recently where maybe one or two players are sowing unhappiness. 2-1 to Fulham.

Manchester City v Hull

When they held Liverpool 2-2 at Anfield, both teams showed that they were leaking goals and needed some pumbling works. It did not do them both any favours getting only a point for draws. Suddenly Man City has been drawing one too many and they haven't won for awhile. They have to start now if they still aspire to be in the top four. Hull could score too as they put three past the Hammers and another three past Everton in a 3-2 win slowly but surely reviving their fortunes. I think this could be high scoring 4-2 to City.

Portsmouth v Manchester United

It is important to start well and not get into a situation like Portsmouth. They can play but they just couldn't win and precariously prodding up the ladder. Losing to Stoke is one thing, they now have to face Man Utd. When Man U trounced Everton 3-0, they made a statement. I still do not think they as good as they once were but not many people can do that to Everton. 1-3 may be the scoreline. I am rewarding a goal to Portsmouth for effort. Or maybe the players would rallied around to play for their manager Paul Hart who has just been sacked. Hart is a very good man in my opinion for he had to deal with two protracted takeovers with no plan, no money and he was forced to lose an astonishing 13 players and now only Herman Hreidarsson and David James are still around from his first game in charge. Despite these setbacks, these guys still play good football. How often do you read or find out about people who knew nothing making all the decisions? Here is one of them.

West Ham v Burnley

The Hammers fought to salvage a precious point in a 3-3 draw with Hull while Burnley showed that they are made of sterner stuff when they held Villa 1-1. Burnley seems more capable but the game will be at Upton Park. 2-2. I like West Ham, they play fluent soccer and and they have supplied and will supply an endless stream of future stars for the EPL and England. It is important the Hammers stay strong.

Wigan v Sunderland

Wigan suffered the most humiliating defeat 1-9 to Spurs, I think it was a new Premier League record. They were simply woeful. Wigan players felt so embarrassed that they have committed to pay a full refund to their fans who travelled to White Hart Lane to support them. I know how it felt because I have played in a class game where we lost 1-8 in lower secondary school. Sunderland was fortunate to win 1-0 v Arsenal. Arsenal had one of their poorer games and it was their first defeat in 14 games. Steve Bruce and Sunderland is doing really well. Maybe Wigan will send them back to earth. 2-1.

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspurs

Do not be surprise if Martin O'Neil's Villa win this one but Spurs is on cloud nine. Harry Redknapp has proven himself capable so often in the past with smaller teams like West Ham and Portsmouth and with his first chance at a big club like Spurs he is doing wonders. Spurs is certainly playing much better than Liverpool and Man City and in Jermaine Defoe, they have a superb goal-scorer. His performance in that 9-1 demolition of Wigan is certainly giving Fabio Capello broad smiles. All his 5 finishes were clinical - fast, first timed and from acute angles. The last time someone scored 5 goals in a single match were something like Robbie Fowler scoring 5 past Fulham in a cup match in the 80s. Malcom McDonald (Newcastle) putting 5 past Cyprus for England. Emilio Butragueno scoring 5 for Spain. 5 is a fine number and only the very distinguished can reach. Defoe is is fine form with more to come. 2-2 if I have to hazard a guess.

 

Wolves v Birmingham

Revenge of The Fallen? After a sound 0-4 thrashing that would be nice but Birmingham has been difficult to beat unless you are Chelsea, Man U or Arsenal. 1-1 should be a good result. Sometimes, the Wolves bite back. That is only animal instinct when cornered.

Everton v Liverpool

I told you that everybody loves to play Liverpool now and Everton is no exception. However, for them to go down 0-3 to Man U is not the Everton it was. The Goodison Park faithfuls will be happy to know that they are on home soil but then they are still on Mersey side. Liverpool's misery looks to pile on and I think they would find a win difficult. I would pick Everton to win if they hadn't been playing so badly having lost 2-3 to Hull. Even the often admired David Moyes is in some kind of trouble. Liverpool is now confirmed out of the Europa and out of depth for the League title. They certainly have to focus on being top 4 for the lucrative $$$. 1-1.

Arsenal v Chelsea

This is mouth-watering clash that we have been waiting for between the two most likely to be crown Champions in my opinion. Arsenal for their beautiful interpretation of the game and Chelsea for their cold-blooded effectiveness. It would have been different had Arsenal played well and won at Sunderland but they suffered their first loss in 14 games and ended without scoring the first time while Chelsea went about business as usual thumping Wolves 4-0 (winning by a goal more than I had predicted). This is where the Gunners need to raise their game where it will separate the men from the boys. Losing it at the Emirates will allow Chelsea to run away with more points and widening the gap. They have to put it something special here. Robbie van Persie (RVP) is out injured but they have just qualified for Europa and so did Chelsea. This is a mammoth game as no game can get bigger than this. Chelsea looks so capable of acing this one but a Gunners victory is good for the game. 2-2 to share the spoils?

Have a wonderful long weekend!!!