EPL Game Week 21

I told you that Fulham would lose 1-2 to Swansea, that Manchester United would beat WBA 2-0 and Everton would lose 1-2 to Chelsea for Game Week 20 but will anyone in his right mind predict a score of 7-3? It is difficult to predict a soccer match let alone ten matches and every week.

Meantime, Sir Alex Ferguson escaped further punishment for harassing match officials. In the heat of the moment sometimes this things happened but if you step out of line you should face the music regardless. There is such a thing as leadership by example.

Now for Game Week 21. The pace is relentless.

WBA v Fulham - They made Man Utd hanged on to just a one goal lead before conceding another surrounding a three match unbeaten run. Fulham has not won in four matches even when they played at home. In their last five meetings Fulham won both home games 3-0 but never won away drawing twice and losing once and confirmed that Fulham are poor travellers. WBA are now on same points as Arsenal and Everton. 2-1. 

Man City v Stoke - When Edin Dzeko scored so early on for City, you would have thought of an avalanche on the way but it was not to be as the Canaries struck back at home before losing 3-4. City may have bounced back but conceding three goals is something to worry about especially when Stoke could now score three goals albeit against weaker opposition like Southampton and against the same team they have just conceded three goals - something that never happened. In five matches Stoke lost all three away matches but held City 1-1 on both occasions at home. This should be a hard fought City win. 2-1.

Swansea v Villa - After winning 2-1 away to Fulham, Swansea has every reason to feel confident to notch another win this time at home against a Villa side that has let in 15 goals in three matches without reply. Villa is not expected to get better suddenly as they have just lost 0-3 at home to Wigan. Past records suggest that they are both even with a win each and a draw. Current form is anything but even. Expect Swansea to win. 2-0. More if Michu plays.

Tottenham v Reading - Tottenham is a joy to watch and scores in every match even if away. I like this culture but Reading kept two clean sheets consecutively and had just won the second time over West Ham. The Cockerels will crow at White Hart Lane and this could be high scoring. You just need an early goal to spark off. 3-1. 

West Ham v Norwich - West Ham declined rapidly having not won in four attempts. Norwich lost three in a row to WBA, Chelsea and Man City. The latter was impressive hitting three past the champions. That pulsating match they lost to City will take its toll on Norwich who travels to Upton Park in a congested match calendar. 1-1.

Wigan v Man Utd - Wigan has a poor record against Man Utd. Who doesn't? But in 2011, in their survival fight they beat all the top teams including Man Utd towards the end of the season.  Utd can win handsomely or labour for a win and this time it will be no different. They will pas the New Year happy. 0-2.

Southampton v Arsenal - If Southampton can hit three past Stoke they can do so to any team this season. Arsenal was rampant against Newcastle and Walcott seemed to have found a new lease of life. Why didn't Southampton do a "Singapore" when they were leading 3-1 against Stoke and allowed them to come back 3-3? This match could be high scoring. 2-4.

Chelsea v QPR - Chelsea is back! Even old man Lampard has done his tour of duty. In their last five meetings, Chelsea has drawn one 0-0, won one 6-1 and three 1-0 victories for Chelski. Judging from their last 2-1 away win over a very good Everton side and QPR's 0-3 defeat at home to Liverpool, I fear the worst for Tony Fernandez and Harry Redknapp. QPR has actually scored in their last five matches before Liverpool. It has to be a win for Chelsea in London. 3-1.

Liverpool v Sunderland - Liverpool is a perfect example of inconsistency exemplified by winning and losing a game in alternate fashion. Based on this they should lose this match. They are even on their last five meetings. In recent times, Sunderland's results almost mirrored Liverpool's. It will be a draw. 1-1.

Newcastle v Everton - Newcastle scored six goals in their last two matches. On the same token they conceded eleven goals which means while they have a good attack they have been poor at the back. Everton is by far the best team with their results for a poor man's club. This could be a high score draw. 2-2.

A Happy New Year to you and your family!