EPL Game Week 33
Tottenham who got thrashed 5-0 at White Hart Lane knew exactly how Liverpool would play but yet in less than 2 minutes were 1-0 down. Liverpool were rampant and dominant. No one likes to play Liverpool any more. It is uncomfortable to play Liverpool these days. Something special is happening at Anfield. They have already over-achieved. Tottenham's defence actually looked nervous. Liverpool's confidence have rubbed off on each other. Mignolet could now kick so well sending his goal kick to a team mate far away. Flanagan played like a seasoned pro and could even dummied Aaron Lennon. Glen Johnson could now defend even with his forays upfield. Raheem Sterling was turning every opponent inside out and was sensational. Mind you he is only 19. Jordan Henderson continued his good form and always intelligent. Coutinho scored a brilliant goal and was probing with his telling passes. Sturridge ran his opponents ragged and at will. Suarez scored a wonder goal - he was almost knocked off balance with a defender breathing down his neck he took a low shot with his left foot just inside the post the only one spot that would be a goal. He chased several lost causes and nearly made something out of nothing. They make every game pulsating.
Man City v Southampton - Man City at home are quite unstoppable but Southampton seemed to have a good record when they played City. City won 3-2 at home in 2012 but lost to the Saints 1-3 in early 2013 before they drew 1-1 at the end of 2013 at St. Mary's. Southampton can and is capable of scoring against City. It is at the defensive end whether they could stop City's attackers from scoring. Can Southampton win the midfield tussle? If the Saint continue their good form, they could eke out a draw. It may not be easy for City as Southampton plays a solid passing game. 2-2.
Villa v Fulham - In recent times, both could not win away to each other. The last two meetings at Villa Park were a draw (1-1) and a narrow win for Villa (1-0). While Villa have been wildly inconsistent, Fulham have been rather poor. Benteke is out but still playing at home Villa could have a slight edge but is inconsistent and Fulham is fighting for survival. 1-1.
Cardiff v Palace - Cardiff played an incredible game at WBA last week. The match was 2-2 when they conceded 4 minutes into injury time then they equalised in the next minute. Palace have just stunned Chelsea 1-0. Will they build on that? In their last five meet ups, Palace won all 3 home games while Cardiff won both their home matches. There were no drawn games. Palace played out of their skins when they had Chelsea beaten. This could be their first draw. 1-1.
Hull v Swansea - Hull have lost twice recently while Swansea have improved with a win and a draw. Swansea's improvement could be due to the return of Michu? But the Tigers have home advantage and are usually more resilient at home. Even Stevens. 1-1.
Newcastle v Man Utd - The Magpies record against the Red Devils were not too bad but their current form is a concern as they have lost twice consecutively 0-3 to Everton at home and 0-4 to the Saints away. 7 goals without reply. Man Utd showed much improvement but after meeting Bayern Munich in an expected taxing match at Old Trafford what could they do with both Bayern and Newcastle? A 4-1 win over Villa and a 1-1 draw with Bayern Man Utd may have turned the corner. For being so poor for so long this is Man Utd's best spell meeting Newcastle's worst. 0-2.
Norwich v WBA - Norwich seemed to be WBA's boogie team having won 4 out of 5 previous meetings. It will be close but the Canaries to prevail. 2-1.
Chelsea v Stoke - Chelsea's shock by Palace could have affected them and they would have just returned after playing PSG in Europe and were soundly beaten but they have a good record against Stoke having won 4 in 5 meetings in the past. You have to take note of Stoke's recent form that reads WDWWW. So it may not be a stroll in the park even if you are Chelsea and they have their mind on PSG. Draw. 1-1.
Everton v Arsenal - Everton are currently 5th in the table four points behind the Gunners with a game in hand, so this will be an epic match. Except in their last meeting, all previous encounters between the two were close with 3 draws and a 1-0 win by Arsenal with no wins for Everton. It will not be easy for both teams to win so I feel it is going to be a draw. 1-1.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=695247837184477&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater
West Ham v Liverpool - The Hammers are safe and the 2-1 victory at Sunderland was important. When they last met at Upton Park, West Ham won once (3-1) in 2011 and lost 2-3 in 2012. They cannot be underestimated as Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan and Liverpool reject Andy Carroll can create trouble but big Sam Allardyce will have his hands full plotting how to stop the Red tide. West Ham have won 2 on the trot after 3 straight losses while Liverpool won all of their last 8 matches. When they last met Liverpool won 4-1 at Anfield. The Hammers scored 7 but conceded 8 goals in their last 5 matches. Liverpool's goal difference in their last 5 matches read 18-4. Expect a tussle from the home team but after the dust settles, Liverpool ought to continue their mean streak and red hot form. 1-3.
My son just got me this, it has been 24 years. It is about time. "You'll Never Walk Alone".
Can Pool do it for six more times? Their fate is in their own hands.
West Ham (A), City (H), Norwich (A), Chelsea (H), Palace (A), Newcastle (H). Win all and they are champions. The Hammers are safe so Liverpool should be able to win this if they do it right. The City game is an absolute must-win. Norwich is till fighting relegation, so absolute commitment is needed. Meeting Chelsea at Anfield is another must-win because beating City and Chelsea would gain them six points and deprive the other 2 teams of 3 points each. Palace by then should already know if they are up or down so Pool can do it. The final game is at home to Newcastle. If they won till here, they should land the title. If Liverpool do not win it, next season would be tougher because City and Chelsea have the $$$ to upsize. Now is yet and yet is now!!!
Tottenham v Sunderland - Sunderland are in bad shape as they are second last having just lost 1-2 to West Ham at home. Tottenham by their own standard and ambition are also in bad shape lying sixth in the table. Both their last 5 matches made for apalling reading. Sunderland read LDLLL while Spurs read LLDWL. Gus Poyet shall face a tough time. 2-1.
Comments