EPL Game Week 27

MSL

I was outside but managed to catch a glimpse of the away ATM v Lions XII match. I saw how they came back to beat Selangor after being 1-0 down and that after being 2-0 down to Johor they stormed back to draw 2-2. V. Sundramoorthy is a Mourinho and Fandi Ahmed style is more like Pelligrini or Wenger. I though 1-1 was about the final and left for home only knowing that Lions XII won 2-1 the day after. That spoke volume of thier never say die attitude. Kudos!

Fandi has been able to build "semangat" into his team and they have been bold with the way they took their game to their opponents. Lions XII need to work on 3 areas and they can be champions again. (i) They conceded easy goals, work on your concentration. (ii) They lost the ball too easily in midfield or the final third. They have always created chances but, (iii) They have been guilty of poor finishing. I think their lastest result broke the jinx and better things are bound to happen. Good luck! 

Champions League

Man City and Arsenal started brightly but both ended with 10 men and both lost 0-2 at home conceding goals in the 54th and 88th minute and now stared at being knock out once again unless they do the impossible. Barcelona and Bayern Munich are at a different level despite City"s and Arsenal's domination in the EPL.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=676626502379944&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater (Arsenal v Bayern)

EPL

Arsene Wenger and Pelligrini were under attack by the acerbic Jose Mourinho. Clearly the Special One saw the other two as a threat. Both the latter were vindicated recently in the F.A. Cup when Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1 and reversed that 1-5 humiliation and Manchester City had Chelsea beaten 2-0 also having reversed that 0-1 loss but the week ahead is heavy as Arsenal face off with Bayern Munich and City takes on Barcelona. These matches should have been at least the semi-finals as they could be classics. Such tough and draining matches may affect weekend performances later. How will this weekend's results look like then?

Chelsea v Everton - The Special One's Chelsea have lost some steam of late being held 1-1 away by WBA and then the F.A. Cup lost to Man City. DWWDL are not consistently good enough. Everton's suffered a little too with a WLWLW sequence. Their away 1-0 loss to Tottenham was unfortunate but they roared back as they took Swansea out of the F.A. Cup 3-1. Their last 5 meetings rested at 3-2 in Chelsea's favour. Chelsea need to be at their top to win this as Everton are tough to beat. 1-1.

Arsenal v Sunderland - The Gunners may be worn out and disheartened by their mid-week Champions' League loss against Bayern's Munich. Sunderland could have been the most improved team in recent times with 4 wins and just a loss in their last 5 matches in all competition and this has been remarkable. This year Arsenal knew how to get the results but Sunderland will give them a run for the money. A narrow win for the Gunners. If they hope to beat Bayern Munich then this should be a breeze. 2-1.

Cardiff v Hull - There are not many more matches to go. Hull in 13th position are just 5 points above Cardiff in 19th position. This is how tight the competition will go. Hull is capable of surprising but I will give Cardiff a point for home advantage. 1-1.

Man City v Stoke - City return from Europe and can be tired but their deep squad means there would be little difference. Having lost 0-2 to Barca at home seemed lame and their chances of progressing to the next round seem bleak unless they produce a super human effort at the Nou Camp. Stoke have been pretty good in remaining unbeaten in 3 matches and claiming the scalp over the red half of Manchester plus they always give City a good game. At the Etihad, City have shown no sign of slowing down except that Chelsea hiccup and going down to Barca. Anything less than a win could make that trip to the Nou Camp an anti-climax. 3-1.

WBA v Fulham - In their last 5 fixtures both teams could not win any match with WBA having 3 draws and Fulham only 1 but Fulham scored twice in their last two matches coming from behind to hold Man Utd 2-2 and then having lost narrolwy 2-3 to Liverpool. WBA held Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea at home so it is unlikely that the visitors will have an easy time. Only history favours Fulham who won twice and drew 3 times in their previous 5 meet up. 2-2.

West Ham v Southampton - The Hammers have suddenly awaken in time and won their last three fixtures each time scoring a brace without reply while the Saints are still playing good soccer but result have not been as consistent. Earlier in the season would have been a Saint's win. 2-2.

Palace v Man Utd. - In their respective last 5 matches, Palace clocked in 3 wins and 2 losses for 9 points and Utd. had only 2 wins and 2 draws for 8 points and have not won in 3 matches. It is a must win match for Utd. as a draw here is equal to a slow kill and losing is not an option. Losing again is like immediate death. If City and Arsenal are not in Barcelona's and Bayern's class much less the Red Devils. 1-2.

Liverpool v Swansea - Though Liverpool lost to Arsenal in the F.A. Cup, they have no European travel and freely awaits the Swans to be sent to the Anfield slaughter house. Only Man City has scored more than Liverpool by a few goals. In Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling, the triple S could chew up the Swans and spit out the feathers if they play up to scratch but Swansea have a good past record against Liverpool but this Liverpool is capable of rewriting all records. Ask Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal about it. They did not know what hit them. Plus Swansea's Michael Laudrup was more and Brandan Rodgers was the ex Swansea manager. With such an exciting team and attacking play, it would be a crime if Liverpool did not qualify foe Europe. Time for Suarez to score a couple. 3-1.

Newcastle v Villa - The Magpies are surviving on past reputation which was their early season form. They have nosedived no, make that free fall but currently still lies in 9th position. Newcastle have not scored a single goal in 4 matches and suffered straight losses in three, Villa have not scored in 2 matches. 0-0. 

Norwich v Tottenham - The only thing Norwich have over Tottenham was a good past record. The Canaries have not tasted victory since 4 matches ago while Tim Sherwood's Tottenham are back with a 4 goal annihilation of Newcastle at St. James Park. Can the Canaries spring a surprise? At best a draw but I think Tottenham should just edge them. 1-2.