EPL Game Week 36

This will be the Grand Finale you must be thinking. Man City v Man Utd title decider at the Etihad. It was more of Everton's brilliance but Utd gave away a 4-2 lead to end up 4-4. City must beat Utd at home and win the remaining ties to land the title as they have a superior goal difference. Utd just need to draw and win the rest of their matches. That makes this match a "must-watch".

For me, it is still Man Utd's title to loose. After the City game, they will play Swansea at home and Sunderland away while City will face Newcastle away and QPR at home. Swansea has lost their stamina and together with Sunderland has nothing to play for that is life and death. Newcastle is actually the best team in the EPL in the last 8-10 games and QPR is fighting for survival. This is a real dog fight. Other than this, with 3 matches to go, who will be going down besides Wolves? 

Everton v Fulham - David Moyes, with limited resources has gone great guns with Everton. You would not imagine where they are now (7) at the beginning of the season. They have scored 8 goals in their last two matches (4-0 Sunderland) and Man Utd (4-4). Fulham are just slightly behind (9) and doing well but stronger at home. This could be a draw but with Everton now on a high, I pick them to flourish again. Watch Nikica Jelavic (Everton) and Clinton Dempsey (Fulham). 3-2.

Stoke v Arsenal - Stoke has not been doing too well lately. You to give credit to Arsene Wenger for turning Arsenal around again. It has been an incredible run since their dismal early season. Robbie van Persie with 27 league goals has been name the PFA Football Writer's Player of the Year. He pipped City's David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Joe Hart, Man Utd's Rooney and Tottenham's Scott Parker. Unfortunately, he didn't score for a few games now. Time to increase his tally. Newcastle is three points behind with a game in hand, so the Gunners has to watch their back. 0-2.

Sunderland v Bolton - Kudos to Martin O'Neill but Sunderland has not much to play for but for Bolton it's life and death. Bolton can take a point here to begin avoiding the drop. Besides, they have a game in hand. 1-1.

Swansea v Wolves - In their last 8 matches, Wolves lost all but one in a goalless draw away to Sunderland and they have nothing but pride to play for. Swansea has not been in brilliant form but they safe for another season and have no pressure whatsoever but to play their usual flowing game. 2-0.

WBA v Villa - Villa has not won in seven matches. WBA has been doing more than just fine in 10th position. Roy Hodgson received vindication when his poorer team beat the team that sacked him in an away 1-0 win. WBA could add more pain to Villa. 2-1.

Wigan v Newcastle - Wigan lost only to Fulham and Chelsea, drawn two and won four including famous victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd. In a way they do deserve to stay up for their gallant effort and they still need the points to be sure. The Magpies had six straight wins in a row and in 4th place dreaming of Europe. Alan Pardew should be considered for England manager. Newcastle has a certain edge now and could win this 2-1. 

Norwich v Liverpool - Norwich like Swansea has not been in good shape after a big 2-1 away victory over Tottenham. Liverpool have been a lot worse. I want to help Liverpool scrap a point so it's 1-1.

Chelsea v QPR - QPR has beaten Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs so they are still fighting under Mark Hughes. Why did Roman Abramovich spent so much money on AVB when he has Roberto di Matteo? Sometimes, we should just recognise the talents in-house. Chelsea used a strategy to stop Arsenal from playing and then re-deployed it against Barcelona and came away victorious! Playing Barcelona can be tiring and their physical and mental energy has been sapped. This is also a London derby. QPR can score so it could be 2-2.

Tottenham v Blackburn - Tottenham's form has petered out winning only one in six games. Blackburn has lost five and won one in their last six. They are a favourite to go down with Wolves as after Tottenham they host Wigan and visit Chelsea. Tough. 2-1.

Man City v Man Utd - It's a title decider of sorts. Whoever wins can probably land the championship. A draw will favour Utd while City must win. They are on home ground at the Etihad. It is a grudge match as Utd lost 1-6 at Old Trafford in October. It is a derby. City seemed to have rediscover their form in timely fashion while Utd laboured to a shock 4-4 draw with Everton. Utd has the edge in experience and City has the players that can punish. So who will it be. This game could get ugly as passion will run high. Let's see if anyone gets sent off. 2-1 to City but it's not game over yet.

Liverpool v Fulham - Truth be told. I don't know what to write about Liverpool any more. You tore that red shirt then stitched it back then tear again and stitch. They have been losing even at home so much that famous "This Is Anfield" sign do not scare opponents any more. In fact they feel happy to see it. Fulham are not easy meat. So do you tear or stitch? Just leave that shirt alone from further abuse as it will be a draw. 1-1.

Stoke v Everton - Stoke's fortune has declined while Everton is on the rise. Everton is so good now and fearless. I take Everton to win 1-2.

Chelsea v Newcastle - Even if City were to beat Utd., they have to take on an unbeaten Newcastle who have been on song. This game may be a good gauge to see what City might get from Newcastle as I feel that it is also not easy for Chelsea to beat them now. It is a measure of how much Newcastle has progressed this year now playing Champions League Finalist who has beaten Barcelona over two legs. Draw at 2-2.

Bolton v Tottenham - Bolton is fighting for survival. Tottenham looked jaded in recent times. They seemed tired and will need a deeper squad next season. In fact, their form has been better only than Wolves. It depends on what they 'll do against Blackburn and could well decide the fate of both Blackburn and Bolton. 1-1.

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