EPL 2015/16 - Game Week 5

I am loving it! I am not talking about McDonald's, I am talking about Premier League soccer! I am not talking just soccer fever but also election fever. I like it so much I feel we should have it once a year. Haha. We should also have a league and point system and those really not up to the mark can get relegated where even the champions can get yellow or red cards and citizens can be linesmen and referees. You can also add on a transfer policy. When you watch some of the rallies, they have huge crowd. Why? Simply because the people can associate and feel a connection to the party. They struck a chord and made sense. 

Next tap these fellows who can bring in the crowd to revitalise our S-League. Imagine at each match the same number of people turn up. You can sell kits, mugs and scarfs and definitely there will be rivalry. The problem with our S-League is a lack of rivalry. While in school, our soccer teams' rivalry were intense and some legendary. When it came to national level it became less organised but still at the time of the Kallang Roar very intense and even fanatical. So what happened between the line? Why is our S-League and at national level so muted? For the S-League, it definitely lack rivalry. Yes, more acceptance in the political arena and more rivalry in the S-League is the way to go.

Now back to the Premier League. Everybody loves the underdog. Like how while many love Manchester United, there are many more who hated them. Before the international break, the results were bordering on fairy tale - Chelsea 1 Crystal Palace 2, Liverpool 0 West Ham 3, Swansea 2 Manchester United 1. The beauty of life  is being unpredictable. The table reads (1) Manchester City, (2) Crystal Palace, (3) Leicester City, (4) Swansea City. Keep going lads.

Everton v Chelsea - John Stones is the one to watch.Chelsea wanted him so badly and he was recently selected for England. Everton lost just twice out of seven encounters with the Blues who have shipped eight goals in their last three away games. Chelsea are in unfamiliar territory with four points from four matches. They have to dig deep and Mourinho must make changes nad hope that their key players hit form otherwise it will be a long year for them. Everton are not at that same level as in 2013 but they are still a good side playing at Goodison Park. Draw. 1-1.

Norwich v Bourneouth - The Canaries have been surprising competitive thus far, however, Norwich have never beaten the Cherries in the league since 1951 way before I was born. Their only consolation is playing at their home ground at Carrow Road and the Bournemouth have injuries in a few key areas but their 23 year old English striker is heading the scorer's chart with four goals!1-1.

Crystal Palace v Manchester City - Palace are in second place three points behind Manchester City. If they spring another surprise like they they had Chelsea beaten at Stamford Bridge, then not only will City not have an easy time but they could level the points but they are facing a relentless City side that have scored ten times without reply so the task at hand is a daunting one. In their last five meetings, City won five and scored eight goals without reply but in their last match at Selhurst Park, Palace won 2-1. Can Alan Pardew create another miracle? Will Palace's pace and physical strength trouble City? Or will City continue as run away leader? City shall give a debut to their new 55 million pounds signing Kevin de Bruyne and he could be the trump card. I like surprises and the underdog so my vote goes to a draw. 2-2.

WBA v Southampton - Baggies' striker Berahino is distracted as he could not move to Tottenham. A the Hawthorns, WBA lost just once to the Saints in five meetings. In their last match WBA shocked Stoke 1-0 away so it is not a walk in the park for the visitors who themselves just came back with a 3-0 win over Norwich. Both their historical records are about equal. I pick a Southampton win. 1-2.

Arsenal v Stoke - The Gunners usually struggle at the Britannia while Stoke have never won at the Emirates. If Arsenal wish to be taken seriously their season starts here. Stoke have injuries and suspension and are weakened while Arsenal have won seven straight home games against Stoke. With Stoke still finding their feet even having lost their last match at home to WBA, it is a probable home win. 2-0.

Watford v Swansea - At Vicarage Road, Watford have lost their two previous meetings to Swansea City and have not beaten the Swans in four meetings. Swansea have all the ability to win here if they bring that same game they gave when they held Chelsea and beaten Manchester United. Watford have only scored in their opener against Everton and look goal-shy. Swansea to win. 0-2.

Manchester v Liverpool - This is a match that could turn their season. Captain Rooney has just overtook Bobby Charlton's long standing record of goal-scoring for England and is inspired. Liverpool have a poor record at Old Trafford and worse, they have lost in all their last five meetings home and away. Liverpool was very poor at home to West Ham the previous match while the Red Devils themselves lost 2-1 at Swansea. I think the biggest match this week will turn into a draw as they cancel out each other as United are not that impressive as well. Rodgers will have to play a different game. Benteke should score but first he must get the better of improving Chris Smalling and Danny Blind. Liverpool is also without Coutinho who is suspended. 1-1. 

Sunderland v Tottenham - The Black Cats are without a victory at the Stadium of Light against Spurs in their last five meetings. That is the visitors only consolation. Tottenham are in 16th with only three points compared to their last season's high. Sunderland are clawing themselves back with two draws. Spurs drew three times so far and only scored in half of the matches. The only good news is Harry Kane has scored for England and could find his scoring touch in this match. First win for Tottenham. 1-2.

Leicester City v Aston Villa - The Foxes are third in the table and I like the way they play. Credit to Claudio Ranieri. In nine matches at Filbert Street (now called the King Power Stadium), Villa have only won once there. Leicester City should cement their place with another win. 2-1.

West Ham v Newcastle - I do not know how to predict the Hammers any more. They lost both their home games against weaker teams then went on to conquer Arsenal 2-0 away and Liverpool 3-0 away. Based on this trend they should lose to the Magpies this time. Newcastle are stuck second from last but they are actually playing better than their position suggested so I think if they stick to their game plan devised by Steve McClaren they could get a result here. 2-2.