EPL Game Week 13

This is why we love soccer. Also, I like Arabian commentators. They are so passionate they could bring a boring game to life. 
Watch: 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=636322196410375&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater

Their players are great fighters such that you may think you were watching MMA:

 http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/video/fighting-erupts-kuwaiti-football-match-205527578.html

Villa v Sunderland - Villa has been unbeaten for 3 matches and this is a small revival. Sunderland made great strides when they shocked Southampton and Man City but went down to Stoke tamely. In their last 5 meetings, they drew twice and Villa won 2 to Sunderland's 1. I expect that this match will end in a draw. 1-1. 

Cardiff v Arsenal - Cardiff lack consistency but they took points off both Manchester clubs. They met twice in the FA Cup drawing 0-0 in Cardiff and Arsenal won 4-0 at the Emirates. The Gunners are holding tight to their position at the top. Cardiff are getting one good and one bad result confirming their inconsistency and this in turn would be a bad one for them. Now even Jack Wilshere has scored 2 goals in Europe and Walcott has not played. Arsenal to win. 0-2.

Everton v Stoke - Everton remains a very difficult team to beat and could have won more matches if they have better finishers. They drew their last 3 matches, the last one in a pulsating game against Merseyside rival Liverpool. Stoke are improving and are unbeaten in 4 matches holding their own against Southampton and Swansea. At home, Everton have the edge but with Leighton Baines out with injury they may have lost an advantage. Stoke too have a good record against Everton. Everton has the slight edge. Their last 5 meetings never ended with more than 2 goals. 1-1.

Norwich v Palace - The Canaries are just 4 points ahead of Palace. Their last 5 performances were quite identical - DLLWL v LLLDW. Palace holding Everton and then winning away to Hull were improvements. Norwich must take advantage of Carrow Road to win it. 2-1.
West Ham v Fulham - The Hammers are not in good shape this season. They have no strikers but they could take heart as they are facing Fulham who have been in worse shape than they are. West Ham's 5 matches were DWDLL while Fulham's LLLLL. Both sides historical date are even with each having won 2 and drew once. Both are in the relegation zone equal on 10 points but Fulham have more losses. They could play to a draw which is not helpful. West Ham to win as they are playing at Upton Park. Also my boss is a Hammer fan, in case he is reading it. 2-1.
Newcastle v WBA - Newcastle have the knack of snapping up a good goal-scorer each season and rescue their season. Remember how Demba Ba came along and was banging in the goals? Then Papiss Cisse not only scored but scored spectacular goals! This time around they have a replacement killer in the form of Loic Remy. WBA drew their last 2 matches while the Magpies won 3 in a row and in form. The home team has a slightly better record against their visitors with a 2W2D1L record. This is likely to be a tight match. Newcastle win. 3-2.
Tottenham v Man Utd - AVB is odds on favourite for the sack. He spent a 100 million pounds on new players but dare not attack and his prolific striker Soldado stalks the penalty box alone while his in-form striker Jermaine Defoe is unwanted and will be sold soon. Meantime, they have managed to score only 9 goals equal to Luis Suarez tally for Liverpool after he missed 5 matches through suspension. Only Palace and Sunderland have scored less. The Spurs have lost 2 matches in a row. Go figure. I think some managers and players maybe just overrated. Man Utd are also having problems but theirs are less severe. The Red Devils were unable to win at Cardiff but went on a goal spree at Bayer Levrekusen hitting them for 5 and Bayer have yet to have lost at home. Spurs fans are not happy as AVB do not play the Tottenham way. Watch this link on how they missed Gareth Bale and old Harry Redknapp was more exciting.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=635730496469545&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater

Then watch how rampant Man Utd were. 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=635761013133160&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater

It will end up a draw as both teams travelled in mid-week. 2-2.
Hull v Liverpool - Hull are in 13th position. Not bad but they have scored only 9 goals. Liverpool have scored 24 goals and only Man City have scored more. Hull have just lost to Palace at home last week. Liverpool have been free scoring and Suarez and Sturridge are both in superb form. Hull may not score but the visitors will and easily twice. 0-2.

Chelsea v Southampton - Jose Mourinho got a new GI haircut to "buang suay". Chelsea are still not too bad though not that impressive in my books. I was really impressed by the progress of the Saints. They played a nice attacking style, confident and assured but last week their Polish goalie Boruc made himself a world class clown when he tried to be too clever resulting in Alain Giroud scoring a gifted goal. He looked more like Borat of Kazakhstan in the Borat movie. Chelsea could not beat WBA at Stamford Bridge and travelled in mid-week and lost to Basel. The mid-week trip may affect their EPL performance. Draw.1-1. Watch Boruc:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=634491696593425&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater

Then watch Borat (if you haven't seen this movie, go watch it):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH2CABcffAo

Man City v Swansea - City are poorer travellers than host.  As host, they plundered their opponents in rampant fashion scoring 7,5,6,4 goals in EPL and UCL. Swansea are a good passing team but this season they have not been great. No more plaudits no Michu. Aguero and Negredo could score. They are among the best pairing in the EPL. 3-1.


 I have recently met up with my childhood soccer heroes with lots of friendly banter over a good meal. Watch this space.

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