EPL Game Week 29

In our local soccer scene, I read about Alexander Duric in probably his last season in the S-League. He has represented Singapore and been the S-League top scorer for many seasons. What is amazing about him is that he is a sprightly 42 years old. He passes his fitness test with aplomb and an even greater attribute about him is his attitude and his gratitude. He made Singapore home and has been a grateful son. His passion extended outside of soccer and he even found time for charitable works. I am full of respect for him. Soccer players, foreign or local should learn to emulate him.

For last week, I would highlight a few matches with contrasting fortunes. Arsenal was shocked 0-1 away by Stoke City. The Gunners will soon meet both Tottenham and Chelsea - London derby away from home before hosting Manchester City and then visit Everton. Then there is the reverse game with Bayern Munich. Their brilliant and promising start to this campaign seems uncertain now. 

Roy Hodgson has experimented with younger players in England's World Cup preparation. Players like Gerrard can still play a role but there is no expectation for England this time so Hodgson should take the opportunity to use the younger players. Adam Lallana, Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling have responded well and Luke Shaw is only 18.

Newcastle surprised everyone after their recent poor form when they visited Hull and thrashed them 4-1. Their passionate manager Alan Pardew got carried away and seemed to have head-butted a Hull player which nearly turned into a fracas and shall now be faced with punishment.

Meanwhile, Liverpool continued where they left off with another awesome performance tearing Southampton apart 3-0 away from home. Question by now should be - can Liverpool actually win the title if they continue their winning ways? 

WBA v Man Utd. - In the past Man Utd's win over WBA was routine. In the reverse tie in September 2013 WBA won at Old Trafford. WBA have drawn their last two matches at home including holding leaders Chelsea 1-1. Utd is lacking in confidence and may find this a tough visit. They may not be in the best frame of mind with the Olympiakos match weighing in their minds. WBA can frustrate them. 1-1.

Cardiff v Fulham - Both sides are getting desperate as they reside as the bottom two with one point separating each other. Cardiff have shown little improvement after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over but they lost narrowly 1-0 to Tottenham last week. Fulham was improving under Rene Meulensteen but he was soon sacked. Felix Magath could do little as he watched his side went down 1-3 at home to Chelsea. Cardiff have home advantage but they are not scoring. Fulham are away but they scored in their last 4 matches home or away. A point a piece is not ideal but this is what they may end up with. Or will Magath inspire the visitors? 1-1.

Palace v Southampton - Palace have improved quite a bit while Southampton despite playing well are not getting the results. They lost their last two matches. The Saints will have to be are their attacking best if they hope to win. I expect captain Adam Lallana, strikers Jay Rodriguez, Rickie Lambert to play a part after their England call up inspiration. 1-2.

Norwich v Stoke - The Canaries have been highly inconsistent. They lost to Cardiff, held Man City 0-0, lost to West Ham, beaten Tottenham 1-0 and got trounced 1-4 by Villa. The unbeaten results were home games. Stoke have been impressive. They had beaten Man Utd., held Southampton, Swansea, lost narrowly 0-1 to Man City and beaten Arsenal. Both are strong at home. Their historicla records are level. They had a 1-1 draw long ago then previous 4 meetings ended 1-0 evenly for both teams. I pick a draw. 1-1.

Chelsea v Tottenham - Unspectacular leaders Chelsea could pull away further from the rest if they win this London derby since the other teams are not playing. Tottenham are not doing too badly themselves under Sherwood. Their two meetings in 2013 ended in 1-1 and 2-2 draws. I suppose it will be a tight and closely fought match. Draw. 1-1.