EPL 2045/15 Game Week 35

Chelsea will take the title after hosting Crystal Palace this weekend. They deserve it. You can call them boring but they were very effective, consistent, clinical and some times very slick. No other clubs could touch them or catch them this season. 

Leicester v Newcastle - The Foxes are in the form of their lives. It was the first time they have won four games in succession in the top flight. They are hosting the team in the worst form of their lives. The only thing that favours the Magpies is history as in nine meetings between both teams, Newcastle won five and lost none. Records and history means nothing. In soccer as in life, you can't depend on past glory and you are as good as you last deal. Home win. 2-0.

Aston Villa - Everton - Villa had a revival and was impressive recently only to have fell to Manchester City last week plus Gabriel Agbonlahor love scoring against Everton. Meanwhile, Everton has hit a purple patch and playing their best soccer this season only now. The 3-0 thumping of Manchester United was an eye opener as to what they are capable of! Head to head Villa have never beaten Everton the last five times. Everton were so good last week, they could beat anyone. I could see an away win here. 1-2.

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Liverpool v QPR - The Reds failed miserably at Hull handling the initiative back to Man Utd having failed to close the 7 point gap with a win. They have won harder games than Hull. How could they let it slip? Are they mentally weak or not hungry enough? Liverpool have not scored in their last two matches, so too QPR. QPR are fighting for survival so they have nothing to lose. Liverpool can't afford any further setback at Anfield or it will bring them down to seventh place behind Tottenham and Southampton. Their last five head to head clashes were won 100% by Liverpool. Home win. 2-0.

Sunderland v Southampton -The Black Cats have been in similar position before and are now still scrapping by. They need a win over the Saints to get ahead of Aston Villa and Leicester. They are hosting a very good Southampton side who have been less consistent and convincing of late. The last time they met Southampton thrashed them 8-0 at the St. Mary's but they have a good home record against them. It is possible for Sunderland to achieve a draw as even Stoke could not beat them at home last week. 1-1.

Swansea v Stoke - The Swans are doing very well save for that 2-0 loss to Leicester two matches ago. Stoke have remained unbeaten in their last three matches but Stoke seemed to have difficulty beating Swansea away from home in recent history. Three points separate Swansea (8th) and Stoke (9th) position. Swansea could pull away or Stoke could level up but I see a draw here. 1-1.

West Ham V Burnley  - The Hammers early season form have fizzled out. They are now like Coca Cola without gas - flat. Burnley's occasional heroics have gone sour like wine turning into vinegar. Anchored right at the bottom with 26 points, they have four matches to save their Premiership life and also have to depend on others to falter. It's a tough life. Three 0-1 losses to Arsenal, Everton and Leicester seemed to have put paid to their struggles. The home team have not won in four matches. Will West Ham hammer the final nail in their coffin? Burnely have not beaten West Ham since 2011 but given the Hammers poor form there is a little hope. Draw. 1-1.

Manchester United v WBA - The Red Devils looked quite certain to go back to the Champions League as Liverpool shot themselves in the foot. Their last two games of losses were the opposite of WBA's improvement. But it was the manner of United's 3-0 hiding from Everton that should raise some questions. In 2013, the Baggies stole a famous win at the Theatre of Dreams. With Rooney doubtful, will they find a replacement killer to restore their pride such that WBA may suffer a backlash. 2-0.

Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Chelsea will lead by at least ten points and win the league. You have to give it to them for their consistency and application. When they thrashed Swansea some time ago with an awesome display, I thought it will be a new age swashbuckling Chelsea but alas it is not to be. It is a classic Jose Mourinho side. Chelsea is like a golfer who does not excite but always clinical and make very few mistakes. They are hosting a Palace side that prior to the last two games of home losses were beating everyone. Palace is there for the taking. Winning this match in front of their fans at Stamford Bridge would be monumental as they take the title as champions. No one else could catch them. An emphatic win would cap a great season. 2-0.

(Leicester v Chelsea):

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Tottenham v Manchester City - Tottenham do not keep enough clean sheets and historically do not play well against Manchester City. Their previous three meeting ended up 0-6, 1-5 and 1-4. Can they find that same belief that gave them victories over Arsenal and the thumping given to Chelsea? City are back to winning ways but do not forget that they collapsed spectacularly to Crystal Palace and then Manchester United. City have dropped a rung while Tottenham have upped theirs. With the match at White Hart Lane, Tottenham would be looking forward to inflict a memorable victory after their previous thrashing at the Etihad. Draw. 2-2.

Hull v Arsenal - The Tigers have been impressive having won 2-0 away to a victorious Palace and then at home versus Liverpool. This means the visiting Gunners had better watch out for their claws. Arsenal have their own new found belief having dominated Chelsea but just could get the win they needed after so many years without triumphing over their nemesis. The irresistible force could not break down the immovable object. Hull have gotten themselves out of immediate trouble of relegation. Can they trip out Arsenal since they have even scored twice against Chelsea? Don't think so as Arsenal's flowing passing game would require more from them. Away win for me. 1-2.