EPL Game Week 10

Alan Hudson recently commented that Fernando Torres plays like former Chelsea legend Peter Osgood. Now Osgood died of a heart attack at age 59 some years ago. Hudson himself once played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke City and in his prime was called the new Alfredo Di Stefano. Alan Hudson was the epitome of elegance when he graced the soccer pitch way before Trevor Brooking or Glen Hoddle made their fame. Tribute to Osgood:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsxtaUuN7co

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Q9Gsfhojs&NR=1&feature=endscreen

Unfortunately, in the late 90s, Hudson was hit by a car on the streets of London in an accident and has since been disabled. In his prime when Alan Hudson lined up for England versus West Germany, he controlled the match so well they started comparing him with Di Stefano.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAEPModTkvA

Why am I telling you all these things? Well, that life is fragile and unpredictable just like soccer matches. Last week, I managed to get 8 WxDxL correct including two perfect scores where Aston Villa drew Norwich 1-1 and Newcastle beat WBA 2-1. How will things turn out in Game Week 10? Read on...

Man Utd v Arsenal - This is undoubtedly the match of the week. Utd is at home at Old Trafford. Of course they got the rub of the green when Hernandez's goal was allowed from an offside position but the win at the Bridge, their first in 10 years was huge while the Gunners laboured to a 1-0 win at the Emirates over QPR. Just when you thought the Gunners has their defence sorted out, they still appear vulnerable at times. Utd's defence is not much better but has a stronger and sharper strike force. You will now know if van Persie has been missed. The Red Devils has a superior head to head record against Arsenal. If the visitors win this one it will be huge just as Utd did to Chelsea. 3-2.

Fulham v Everton - Fulham fought to a 3-3 draw at Reading but at Craven Cottage they will be a different kettle of fish while Everton was not at their best and yet scrapped a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park with Liverpool. Suarez's goal should have been allowed. This match could go either way in fact all three ways. Either side could squeeze in a narrow win. I'll pick a high scoring draw. 2-2.

Norwich v Stoke - Norwich could not win but the fact that the Canaries could get an away draw at Villa and a famous win over Arsenal meant they have improved somewhat. Stoke have only been beaten by Chelsea and Man Utd and drew the rest at worst. Norwich is not a terrible team and have home advantage. Stoke won't get frightened and may even get a result here but they do not score much. 1-1.

Sunderland v Villa - The home team is a draw specialist while the away team does not seemed to know how to win. Sunderland has a slight home advantage but they do not score more than a goal that is if they score while Villa could not win. A scrappy draw. 1-1.

Swansea v Chelsea - When Swansea lost narrowly 0-1 to Man City they had greater possession than City especially in the first half. It spoke volumes about their passing game. Chelsea has already raked in more than 20 goals and playing a more attacking game this season. Spurs found out to their dismay even at home. It will be a shock if the Swans win. They came back three times against Man Utd in the League Cup to win 5-4 after extra-time. Swansea themselves did great thumping Liverpool 3-1 away in the League Cup but Chelsea is at a different level. Chelsea to bounce back to win this one. 1-3.

Tottenham v Wigan - Tottenham did very well but Chelsea was better then they went away to win 2-1 over Southampton. Tottenham has enormous potential if they can achieve consistency. Wigan may not be as open as Southampton so Spurs will have to take their chances but they do always score with Bale and Defoe in fine form. 3-1.

West Ham v Man City - I really thought the Hammers could win at Wigan but it was not to be. Meanwhile, Man City is learning to win without playing at their best or highest level though the same can't be said about their European adventure but West Ham at home is a different animal. Still City should be too strong. 1-2.

QPR v Reading - If you had been watching QPR play, they are not really as bad as their results has shown. Reading has not won much but they could score against any team. Both sides are just a point apart with QPR rooted at the bottom. The only advantage for QPR is that they are playing at Loftus Road and they have not won so based on probability this may be it? But Reading does not read scripts pardon the pun. A high scoring draw. 2-2.

Liverpool v Newcastle - Every Liverpool versus Newcastle match in the last few years has been quite dramatic but never before have both teams been quite indifferent. Rumours are milling that Liverpool are looking to sign Didier Drogba or even Newcastle's Demba Ba or Papiss Cisse. Both side have an almost equal record of winning, losing or draws. I say it will be a draw. 1-1.

WBA v Southampton - WBA could have had a draw at St. James Park but for that last minute fluke goal from Cisse. Southampton played their guts out but still lost to Spurs and sandwiched between Reading and QPR in the table. Unless the Saints play above themselves it would be hard for them to face WBA at the Hawthorns. 2-1.

We are in 2012. Can you imagine the excitement and goals 40 years ago? Do you remember when it was once called "Star Soccer" on TV? Or F.A. Cup matches on "Match Of The Day"?
Here are some:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu__4xi_Blc

Enjoy!