EPL Game Week 21

Old Trafford has lost its aura of invincibility they once had just like Liverpool's "This Is Anfield" sign would have once sent shivers down their visitors' spines, even those visitng from other European countries. They already suffered enough losses and then going down 1-2 to at home to Tottenham who themselves haver been struggling started the rout. They followed that with another 1-2 home defeat in the FA Cup at he hands of Swansea whose struggles were worse than Spurs. They completed a hattrick of defeats when they went out of the Capital One Cup after being defeated by bottom club Sunderland.

Everybody is blaming David Moyes but I won't. I saw a Man Utd in decline way back last season. They were also ageing and there were no major replacements signed. Maybe they wanted Moyes to sign his own players in due time. Maybe they wanted Mourinho. "Who do you want?" Sir Alex: "Mourinho". Mo...who? "Mourinho". Moxxxxxx? "Mo...Yes!" Oh, Moyes. Ok ok!

United are at a stage of total lack in confidence. When you do not have confidence, bad luck will follow. That is why they kept losing. If they spat on the pitch and a chicken that is walking past, eats their saliva it will surely die. A few more losses for them and a few more wins for teams like Fulham or Cardiff and they will be battling relegation. 

Hull v Chelsea - The Tigers are sitting at 10th position, best of the new comers. They completely outplayed Fulham 6-0 recently but in their last 5 meetings they have never beaten Chelsea. Chelsea have been unbeaten for sometime and while not all conquering they are very tough to beat. If Hull can nullify Eden Hazard and Oscar they could get a point here. Chelsea will eke out 1-0 away win mostly. Remember how Hull once had Liverpool beaten 3-1? Chelsea has to take a leak somewhere in time and this could be a banana skin. I say draw. 1-1.

Southampton v WBA - The Saints recent results have been less than stellar but they are still playing very good football. However, they are hosting an improving WBA. The good thing is Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez are scoring and their last three defeats were against strong opponents Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea while WBA improved with three draws and a win but lost at home to Palace in the FA Cup. I pick the Saints to bounce back. 2-1.

Tottenham v Palace - Tottenham's fortune has turned around after appointing Tim Sherwood as manager. He has the courage to attack which is the hallmark of all Spurs teams and Adebayor is like an iceman released form his previous frozen state. They have even won at Old Trafford but went down to Arsenal in the FA Cup. Palace are struggling with an odd win here, a draw there and then losses but they battled Man City to the ground recently and beaten WBA 2-0 away in the FA Cup. Spurs will go back to winning ways here at White Hart Lane. 2-0.

Man Utd v Swansea - This is a repeat of the FA Cup upset by Swansea (1-2). Utd lost twice in a row at fortress Old Trafford and have lost their aura of invincibility. Now it seems any team can come here a get points off them or knock them out of the cup like Sunderland did. The Swans was not doing too well til they had Utd beaten in the FA Cup. Now the Red Devils are out of both cup competition. European Cup and the League title is now a long shot. They have to start playing for their pride. Swansea will visit with confidence but Utd cannot afford another poor result. Much depends on whether RVP and Rooney return. Utd win. 2-1.

Newcastle v Man City - The Magpies having such a fine season have suddenly found themselves losing three in a row. Man City in all-winning style struggled when Blackburn held them 1-1 in the Capital One Cup but hit West Ham for a six without reply. The Magpies are on their worst run and had never beaten City in their last 5 meetings. If Alan Pardew get his tactics right they could surprise because they have the players to get the goals. Unlikely for the home team to win it but Newcastle needs at least a draw. 1-2.

Stoke v Liverpool - Stoke struggled against Spurs but come back strongly to hold Everton. Liverpool are very good but back to back losses to Man City and Chelsea did ask some questions of them but they do not do draws and certainly should add reinforcements to the squad. If Sturridge could come back soon, he and Suarez will terrorise defenders. Stoke have a good record against Liverpool but that was previous seasons. Liverpool should be back to playing well and winning matches as Suaarez has not shown signs of slowing down his strike rate.. 1-3.

Villa v Arsenal - Villa do not look in good shape. They are at a stage where they themselves do not know if they could win a match. Their only win in their last 5 matches was against fellow strugglers Sunderland and they have just lost to lower rung Sheffield Utd in the FA Cup played at home. The Gunners have different problems. They are still looking good and getting results but by February they will be facing Liverpool, Man Utd and Bayern Munich consecutively. Theo Walcott's injury and long lay off is a huge blow for both Arsenal and England. He has just returned from injury in style scoring in their last few matches. He is now an even better player with his crosses and strike rate. Unless Villa pulled off a rabbit under the hat, it is clearly an Arsenal win. 0-2.

Cardiff v West Ham - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer performed his first miracle as the new manager of Cardiff with a shock away 2-1 win at Newcastle. Both teams are on the same sequence of LLDL bbut while Cardiff won at St. James Park, West Ham fielding a newcomers' team got thrashed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest. Hammers' fans are not liking Sam Allardyce by now.  This was followed by a 6-0 hammering pardon the pun by Man City. West Ham fans I spoke to or read are infuriated with big Sam. Another loss and big Sam may be out of Upton Park. This is exactly the kind of match both must win. You don't have to outrun a hungry bear you just have to outrun the other fellow. 1-1.

Everton v Norwich -  After a couple of glitches, Everton are back. The Canaries haven't won in their last 5 matches but their 5 match unbeaten record against Everton is their only consolation though they have not beaten Everton at Goodison Park in 20 years. Home win. 3-1.

Fulham v Sunderland - Both side are in danger of going down if they do not start picking up points. Historically they were about level. Sunderland's away form has been good - unbeaten. A draw may be likely. 1-1.