EPL 2015/16 - Game Week 19

We are at the half way mark. It is during this period that some teams may flounder. Take heart, after all, tis the season to be jolly. It is hard work in the EPL after Christmas. This is the period that could break teams. Arsenal have a great opportunity as the others like Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are not doing as well. I do not doubt Leicester City but they have a smaller squad and I pray that they do not suffer injuries or suspension or loss of form especially to Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. They have other good players but the squad is thin and not as deep. Who will still be jolly?

Norwich v Aston Villa - Villa are the Canaries bogey team. This one thing is clear. The last 5 times they have met Norwich never won. In their last 2 away matches Villa earned 2 draws while Norwich went to Old Trafford and won. Can Villa show enough resistance to get something here or will the home team be further inspired? This Christmas period can break teams. Norwich would have faced the hardest running team in Tottenham two days earlier while Villa battled West Ham at home. Villa could get a draw here. 1-1.

WBA v Newcastle - The Baggies were doing well remaining undefeated till that home loss to Bournemouth. They now host a resurgent Newcastle that beat Liverpool 2-0 and won at Tottenham. Besides, the Magpies have lost just one of their last 7 meetings with WBA. The Magpies' history with WBA favours them. With the last 7 played, they lost just once, won 4 and drew 2. Tony Pulis's team do not loose so easily. So I say draw. 1-1.

Everton v Stoke - Both sides are level on points and are playing well. Both lost their home match, Everton to a very good Leicester side and Stoke to an improved Palace. This will be close and interesting. The Toffees do not concede goals easily to Stoke, to be exact only 9 in 20 games and never more than once. However, last season, Stoke won both ties but the record was W7, D1 and L2 in favour of Everton. Barkley and Lukaku are firing more consistently than Shaqiri and Arnautovic. Home win. 2-1.

Crystal Palace v Swansea - It is a no-brainer that Palace is the stronger and better side but Swansea halted their losses with a draw the last game and Palace have only won once in 8 clashes with Swansea. In 4 meetings at Selhurst Park, Swansea won 3. Swansea must turn the corner here or Palace will march on. Swansea are unfortunately are not in the best shape nor form. 1-0.

Watford v Tottenham - To start with, the Hornets are unbeaten in their last 5 home games against Tottenham but in their last 5 head to head in all competitions, Watford have not won, drawing twice. Spurs are undefeated in their last 7 competitive matches. But on current form, even Tottenham could not match Watford. Draw. 2-2.

Arsenal v Bournemouth - The Cherries are on such a good run that to meet a strong Arsenal is unfortunate but if they could beat Manchester United and Chelsea they could beat anyone. Watch out Gunners! Only history is against them as Arsenal remained unbeaten in 21 premier league meetings against newly-promoted sides. This will only be the second time they meet in competition. Can Bournemouth have an extended good run with another upset? Or will they fall? Do not be surprise if the visitors steal a point here but Arsenal must realised their chance to land the title this season and they must make hat while the sun shines. 3-2.

Manchester United v Chelsea - This is a match of past greats. They have been so poor of late that this match is not a top billing any more even if the rivalry is still there. There will also be few goals. Even when they were a much better team, United found it hard to play Chelsea and have a poor record against them and Chelsea have inflicted more defeats over them than any other clubs. The only thing going for them now is a home match at Old Trafford but then they have lost to lesser teams here of late. It is too early for Guus Hiddink to chase things. 0-0.

West Ham v Southampton - The Hammers could nick a win here even as they became draw specialists. But the Saints need points to save their season or they could quickly go down to relegation territory. The last time Southampton visited Upton Park they won 3-1 but that was a very good Saints' side. Since Dimitri Payet's injury, West Ham have not been the same. He was their cutting edge. Draw. 1-1.

Leicester City v Manchester City - The amazing thing is that last year this time, the Foxes were so far behind in points but in their last 9 matches, they won 7. It also clearly meant that at that time of the season, they certainly have the stamina to go the distance. They are far away from the chasing pack except Arsenal and City so a good result here a home will only cement their position furthermore. By this time, all fans whose teams are no longer challenging for honours will be supporting this amazing team. Therefore, I truly hope for their dreams to be realised and for the most unlikely to happen which is like the miracle of the Singapore story. It is also like many a story of us and our lives. City can be defeated. There is nothing better for many of us to see than a 50 million pound team rubbish all the big money 300 million pound clubs and people. Come on Foxes! Mai pen rai to the Thai owners. 2-1.

Sunderland v Liverpool - Sam Allardyce has a tough job. A couple of wins later they found themselves back to the same old thing. This is not something new but the black Cats have been struggling  every season only to escape at the very last minute. Will history repeat itself? Liverpool themselves are back in the conundrum. I was reminded by a staunch West Ham supporter that YNWA - You'll Never Walk Alone could be You'll Never Walk Again. We are smack right in the middle of the season and come January, Klopp has no choice but to make changes. Liverpool's defence sucks. They can be quite good at times but the average performance  is one that is below par. The midfield can be brilliant at times but lacks bite and in the front line there is no consistent goal scorer. Klopp has to wield the axe, introduce some new not just quality but the right players. Losing to Newcastle and drawing WBA at home are not the stuffs of champions. Sunderland have a poor record against Liverpool. So this is a match Liverpool must win to close the year. 1-2.