EPL Game Week 17

When you have watched Barcelona mercilessly outplayed and decimated Santos 4-0 earlier on Sunday evening, you would have seen soccer at its very best! Neymar hardly had a chance to smell the ball and I believed that at dome point Barcelona might have 75% of possession. It was just so one sided and liken to watching monster fish eating feeder fish. Whichever team to play Barcelona, I feel sorry for them. The soccer dished out was so good the rest seemed immaterial. They are certainly and beyond doubt the world's best team!

EPL Game Week 17

This will be early. Christmas is coming you know! While you are enjoying yourselves with  the festive spirit they have to work.

Wolves v Norwich - Wolves looked a dejected lot. They started the season okay and despite barely surviving last season they were a decent side. They are now in danger of the drop if they don't start to pick up points. Norwich is better on current form and though away they could win this one unless the home team play above themselves. 1-2.

Blackburn v Bolton - Wolves has company in Blackburn and Bolton. Bolton has only 9 points after 16 games while Blackburn has 10. Wigan is slightly better and after that Sunderland. This matches are like a group of people chased by a lion. You see, the trick is not to outrun the lion but to outrun the other people. Both are having low morale and a draw is very possible. However, Blackburn has been very unfortunate losing by an odd goal or at the last minute and this being a home game with Bolton even worse, I pick a Blackburn win. 2-1.

Aston Villa v Arsenal - Villa looked poor against Liverpool. Arsenal played a good game but lost at Manchester City by the odd goal. Will Arsenal be tired after that gruelling match or will they bounce back with greater determination. Robbie van Persie will resume his goal-scoring record. Before the Man City game, he needed 4 goals to in the next 4 games to beat Alan Shearer's record. Now he has 3 left. What better way than to resume normal service at Villa and better still with 2 goals. 1-2.

Manchester City v Stoke - City played an intriguing match versus Arsenal. While Barcelona v Santos was one-sided, this was closer. City dominated but Arsenal came back. Towards the end, Arsenal was pounding City. A handball by Micah Richards was not given a penalty to the Gunners and Joe Hart made a few very important saves that was game changing. Hart will cement his place at club and country, an important development for England in the European Championship. Stoke is coming back and they are a team that can give a game to others and you will know it. They can surprise themselves as well as their opponents. Remember, City has strength in depth. It is during this time that you will feel the difference of deep pockets. With captain Ryan Shawcross out through suspension, it wil;l be difficult. 2-0.

Newcastle v WBA - After being unbeaten for a long time, the Magpies suddenly realised that they can't fly and can't win but their players that were out are returning and should pick up stride. WBA has back bone and has been doing themselves justice with their results. Newcastle needs a win to pick up the season again and this is a good time to do so. Demba Ba has been unfortunate and he could have added a couple more goals save for the woodwork. He should add on here. 2-1.

Everton v Swansea - Everton is having a really indifferent season. They could not beat Norwich at Goodison Park and now have a second shot at Swansea but the visitors are a bit more tricky customers. Everton must muster all their toughness such that if they could not win, they do not let the visitors win. 1-1.

Fulham v Manchester United - Fulham have picked up the pieces and have been doing nicely. Though United won 2-0 on their visit to Loftus Road versus QPR, QPR didn't play too well and United was not that impressive. When Michael Carrick scored the second goal, it seemed they were more relieved than having joy. Fulham can be a tricky host on the day and may not be easy meat. Besides, in American Clinton Dempsey, they have a very good player who often score crucial goals for them. It is just that he is often so underrated. I fancy him firing one against the Devils. So too Bobby Zamora who has been overlooked by England even though he is more mobile and talented than Andy Caroll. Man U do look uncertain and Fulham can exploit that. 1-1.

QPR v Sunderland - QPR seemed to have slipped a bit recently. Sunderland, inspired by Martin O'Neill came back a bit but against Tottenham it was difficult. It is in these games like vs QPR that they do have a good chance to win or at least secure a precious point which will make a difference at the end of the season. 2-2.

Wigan v Liverpool - Wigan, almost bottom, suddenly picked themselves up. The biggest surprise was holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw. Though Liverpool easily won 2-0 at Villa, Wigan could be hungrier as they fight for survival and Liverpool could end up like Chelsea or worse but then Chelsea does not have a Suarez. Suarez usually takes quite a few chances before he converts but then mostly he is a player who creates his own chances and make things happen. However, his untimely ban for eight games for his way with words will cost Liverpool dearly but then Dalglish signing of Craig Bellamy will be put to focus and could end up as Liverpool's hero as he had four assists in his last four games. 1-2.

Tottenham v Chelsea - There was a time Chelsea was so powerful that most results were almost a foregone conclusion. Not anymore. They revived, survived and prevailed in Europe then unfancied Wigan made them looked wobbly. Sometimes in sports, you play against a better player or a better team and you automatically play better. You raised your game or the opponent's game and the strategy is different. This match could go either way or end in a draw. Can the Spurs defence out muscle Drogba? Chelsea cannot lose, a draw would be a disappointment and the pressure is on them. I would have taken Tottenham to win this one and confirm their new status but alas has to revised it due to injury to their two very pacy wingers ins Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale. 1-1.