EPL Game Week 34

You can't deny talent. Some just faded. Others fell by the way side.
You need not just passion but also a great deal of discipline, application and hard work. Let me show you how Messi played soccer when he was 5 years old. I think it helps that he is ever so humble like me but talent needs opportunity to be recognised.

http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-sports/five-old-messi-just-amazing-25-old-messi-224152127.html

Fulham v Arsenal - Fulham fell apart 0-3 at their stronghold Craven Cottage to London neighbours Chelsea. Chelsea is firmly in 3rd place with a ponit ahead of Arsenal and a game in hand. The Gunners are in their traditional late surge but could not turn their domination against Everton into victory. This is another London derby. In 5 previous meetings they are both level drawing 3 times and winning one each. A friend pointed out that Fulham have nothing to fight for. He is right but I asked this friend what he is doing around even when he too has nothing to fight for. It will be close and Arsenal can't afford to lose and is the in-form team. 1-2.

Norwich v Reading - The Canaries did very well against Arsenal but crumbled late into the match. Norwich at 14th are top of the worst. Reading haven't won in ages and are stuck right at the bottom but put up a gallant fight holding Liverpool 0-0. They are going down with only their pride intact. This could be a draw. 1-1. 

QPR v Stoke - QPR seemed to be joining Reading in a different division next year. Stoke have 10 points more with 5 matches to go and they haven't won in 7 matches. They have been a one half wonder doing well in the first half and crumbled during the 2nd. QPR is at home and with Stoke in such poor form, even QPR can pull off a win for dear old Harry. 2-1.

Sunderland v Everton - Sunderland have not won for 7 or more matches but their away 3-0 win over Newcastle was nothing short of amazing. It was an emphatic performance with great goals. If only they have played like this all season they could be challenging for honours. The Man of the Match must be new manager Paulo Di Canio who was so animated even though in full suit and tie, he gesticulated, jumped, punched the air and knee slided on the ground with fists pumping, celebrating each goal with great gusto as if he  scored the goals himself. Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdCIwX7iVlA
Everton may yet qualify for Europe depending on their reuslt in their next 5 matches. Sunderland have never beatne Everton in their last 5 meetings. Few teams can beat Everton but Sunderland have been inspired their their won and Di Canio. 2-2.

Swansea v Southampton - Swansea's form has declined but they are perched nicely at 9th. The Saints are on a 5 match unbeaten run and in 12th position. One thing is for sure, you will get attractive soccer on the pitch. Michu and Lambert to score. 2-2.

WBA v Newcastle - 8th v 13th. Both teams are level based on their last 5 meetings and both are not in the best of form. Being away, expect the Magpies to be more conservative and play for a point than to lose all. Draw. 2-2.

West Ham v Wigan - The Hammers are now unbeaten for 3 matches. Wigan are in the F.A. Cup final but are seriously in danger of going down but their form of late has been good. Wigan have a good record against West Ham, at least slightly better. They have lost to Man City 1-0 away in what looked like the F.A. Cup Final dress rehearsal. They will both fight to a draw. 1-1.

Tottenham  v Man City - This should be a great match. Spurs are gunning for 4th place but their form took a patchy turn. They are a great side to watch with their flair and attacking style with flying wingers. On their day they could beat anyone. Will this be their day as they haven't beaten City in their last 5 meetings. For City, after losing to Everton they have won 4 in a row and a better form. Tough one for Tottenham but I feel they can at least hold City at home. 2-2.

Liverpool v Chelsea - Could be a very good match too but Liverpool had 2 consecutive 0-0 draws against weaker opposition but are at Anfield and have a better record than Chelsea when playing each other. They will cancel each other out. 1-1.

Man Utd v Villa - Utd are not at their best. They do not need to as they have a 12 point cushion. Villa are still fighting and doing well. The signs are not good for Villa as they have lost just once to Villa in 40 meetings. To make matter worse, Rooney has scored twice in both their visits to Old Trafford. Their best result in recent times was a 2-2 draw at Villa Park in 2010. I hope that Christian Benteke score to take his tally for Villa to 20. 2-1.

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