EPL Game Week 23

There is the FA Cup distraction this weekend so EPL games resume only on 28 and 29 January.


Man Utd v Cardiff - When you hit a dry patch, you suffer a crisis of confidence. Man U went to Stamford Bridge and bravely attacked from the start and dominated somewhat and could have scored early on but Chelsea put on a masterful display. But you should worry when old man Etoo not just scored but scored a hattrick. Utd.'s last 5 matches read LLLWL. The only good thing this weekend is a reprieve as they host Cardiff. Cardiff actually scored twice against ruthless Man City and can create problem as Old Trafford no longer cause fear to visitors. It is a difficult place to win even for Manchester United. They are not that bad, just not as good. Technically they have beaten Sunderland 2-1 in the CCup having lost the earlier leg but knocked out on penalties and now hoping for Juan Mata from Chelsea to rescue their season. Cheer up David Moyes. 2-0.
Norwich v Newcastle - The last time Canaries won against the Magpies was in 2011. The last time Norwich won a league match after a long time was last week when they beat Hull 1-0. Newcastle are having a fine season though they have just recovered from a  4-match losing streak to win 3-1 at Upton Park. I do not think Norwich will pose a stronger opposition than West Ham and Newcastle is back. 1-2.

Southampton v Arsenal - I enjoyed watching the Saints play especially Adam Lallana. The Gunners now know how to play to keep a win evident in their last two matches. They were patient and confident. This match should be interesting as both plays to a philosophy. Arsenal conceded only 2 goals in 6 matches and won their last 6 matches. Southampton is capable of scoring but Arsenal in all probability could outscore them. 1-2.

Swansea v Fulham - Both teams are so inconsistent that to predict who will win let alone the score can be a nightmare. Draw. 2-2.
Palace v Hull - This is very much the same but could anyone blame those who are poorer and less consistent. Actually they are consistent. Consistently weaker. Hull was the better team earlier but now Palace are better. 2-1.
Liverpool v Everton - Liverpool slipped at home against Villa last week. Based on their form it should not have been. Suarez did not score for the first time since a long time but Sturridge showed that he is back. Villa seldom score more than once in a match and Liverpool was 2-0 down first at home! Everton have not lost for awhile and it would be an usual full blooded and passionate Merseyside derby but the visitors are missing midfield dynamo Ross Barkely through injury and Seamus Coleman may be out too so they could be slightly weakened. It will take something special to beat Everton. 2-1.
Villa v WBA - Both are on an identical sequence of DWLLD. Their last 4 encounters ended all draw. 0-0, 1-1 and then twice 2-2.
Now that Villa can score twice, they will do so again but so will the Baggies. 2-2.
Sunderland v Stoke - The Black Cats have beaten Man Utd twice though the second time they won on penalties but technically lost 1-2 in the CCup. Gus Poyet is doing something seriously right that Paulo Di Canio did not. Meanwhile Stoke haven't been quite themselves of late. Will Sunderland be tired by now. I pick a home win. 2-1.
Chelsea v West Ham - You have to give it to Mourinho. So do you think Man Utd. should have given him the job instead? Chelsea have been wining without even being in top gear and who could benched Chelsea's best player in the last 2 seasons and then selling him off? Mourinho, and he is selling him to a team he no longer consider a threat so that Mata could now help him do some damage to the other competing teams. Wicked. The Hammers are in bad shape after the hammering by Man City in the Cup and in their last 5 meetings they suffered straight losses to Chelsea. It is a London derby so may be West Ham will try harder. 2-0.
Tottenham v Man City - Sherwood's Tottenham have been firing. Their form is indeed very good unless you compare to Man City who are now dreaming of a quadruple. Tottenham have only once beaten City in 5 outings but can City continue winning unabated? Is a slip of sorts possible here or will Tottenham be overwhelmed since City have beaten everyone with many goals? City slipping 2 goals to Cardiff at home may be a concern but if they outscore you they win. Negredo may be out but they have Dzeko. 1-2.

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