EPL Game Week 24

MSL

I watched Singapore played in the MSL. In the opening game, they seemed nervous. Pahang was overated and still we lost. Then at home to traditional powerhouse Selangor, I was surpised and impressed by their comeback win. Then even when high-spending Johor were leading us, we remained calm and came back from the dead to snatch a point at 2-2.

What does it tell me? Allow me to share. Izwan  is a good goalie especially when launching an attack. Lee Bee Seng needs to work on his weaknesses in set pieces and conceding goals at the near post. The defence is generally okay. Afiq will grow into it. Our midfield is actually quite talented. Hafiz will eventually make a name for himself. Isa Halim is a tough fighter but I have to question if he should be made captain. It's about temperament. Gabriel Quak has shown deft touches at times but need to do it more frequently. Faris Ramli is exciting with his accelerating runs. 

Khairul looked lazy or less fit but he's been getting the goals. Under Sundramoorthy, S'pore played like Chelsea with a stout defence but boring. With Fandi, something good is brewing. The team has "semangat" = team spirit. Coming back especially 2-0 down was quite something. There were individuals that stood out among them Safuwan Baharuddin the most outstanding. He should be made captain. This guy is an icon and can play anywhere so effectively. Build the team around him. They have done well agains Selangor and Johor and will grow in confidence. Bring them on. Credit to Fandi for his bold tactics and attacking play. There is a long way to go but the promise is there.

EPL

Man City topped by a point now. This is not unexpected. Aguero showed his prowess once again and if you look at that goal, it actually spelt intelligence. If the Hammers could hold Chelsea away why can't they do much better against the rest. Have they turned the corner? Man Utd. enjoyed a mini revival and Juan Mata excelled straight away. Much better stuff to come? 

The Saints showed what is their potential. Captain Adam Lallana showed once again he must be in England's World Cup squad with his creativity. Tottenham got another thrashing so we are less sure where they are headed. Liverpool are giving all the right signals. They were fast and furious. The Gunners got a point away and dropped to second. City was awesome but this weekend offers a different kind of opposition.

Newcastle v Sunderland - A little surprised the Magpies did not win at Carrow Road. The Black Cats have been on a roll. Newcastle is still good and at home while Sunderland are in form but away plus this being a derby. 1-1.

West Ham v Swansea - Few people put a wager on West Ham when they visited Stamford Bridge. Swansea are back to winning ways but they will travel to Upton Park. They shall cancel one another out. 1-1.

Cardiff v Norwich - The Canaries are improving but Cardiff are at home. 1-1.

Everton v Villa - The Toffees slumped to a surprise 0-4 defeat by Liverpool. They have dropped in form or Liverpool were simply too good. At home now, they will bounce back but they will need Seamus Coleman and Ross Barkely yo rediscover themselves. Villa had their own revival. Everton should boss this one. 2-1.

Fulham v Southampton - Once Craven Cottage was their stronghold but now the Saints may be too strong for the Cottagers. 1-2.

Hull v Tottenham - Hull are decent but they have never beaten Spurs in 5 meetings. They do not look like they can nick this one. Spurs could be in a meaner mood after the City hiding. 1-2.

Stoke v Man Utd. - Stoke have become worse having lost all of their last 4 matches without scoring a goal in 3 matches and they have a 100% loss record against Man Utd. The Red Devils have a chance to play catch up with the rest. 1-2.

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WBA v Liverpool - If Villa who hardly scored could put four past the Baggies, I dread them facing Liverpool. Everton is one of the most difficult opponents to play for any team and Liverpool gave them a good spanking. If you saw Sturridge's goals, then you will realised he is a very important player for Liverpool and England. His second was outrageous! Liverpool looks too good not to go to Europe and should build on to challenge for honours! It is also hard to believe that Suarez and Sturridge can play together an they do not score. 1-3.

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Arsenal v Palace - At this time having surrendered the lead to Man City, the Gunners cannot afford any more slip up especially against teams like Palace. With Ramsey out for a longer period, Ozil must step up. Arsenal win and they probably need reinforcement with their mounting injuries. 2-0.

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Man City v Chelsea - City have not just beaten everyone but thrashed all who came to the Etihad but Chelsea is not every team. If there is one team that could handle City it would be Chelsea. Arsenal and Liverpool got whacked because they tried to attack City. Mourinho can make his team play like an octopus and strangle you. It will be interesting to watch the contrast. City's record in their last 5 matches were WWWWW while Chelsea were WWWWD. Anything other than a City win will give the advantage back to Arsenal. 2-2.

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