EPL 2015/16 - Game Week 24

Norwich 4 Liverpool 5, what an incredible game! Bu for Liverpool to have conceded four goals to Norwich who hardly scored meant there is a porous back-line and that Norwich is even worse. Leicester City were back at their best and deservedly topped the table again. I mean who could beat Stoke City 3-0 these days? You could see the Foxes were confident, never stopped running and were hungry with Mahrez threatening and Vary scoring again. You stare into Vardy's eyes and you could sense the hunger. They were not only hungry but thirsty. After all, they have a player called Danny Drinkwater. 

Meanwhile Tottenham back their title credentials with an emphatic away 3-1 win over Palace and you should have watched how 19 year-old Dele Alli scored a world-class goal which to me was reminiscent of goals that could only be scored by Glen Hoddle or Paul Gascoigne. Surely England have a mouth-watering player at their disposal. Alli took the ball harmlessly with almost his back to goal, flicked it over a defender, spun around and in one fell swoop, hit a first time volley into the corner of the net leaving all spell-bound. What a stunner! Harry Kane continued his scoring prowess with an unstoppable header, this despite going a goal down.

Arsenal once again, showed that Chelsea were created to be their krytonite and Diego Costa their evil nemesis. They just can't beat Chelsea. Manchester United suffered what could be their final straw going down by a goal in their Theatre of Dreams - seldom mentioned these days as dreams turned to nightmares to Southampton. There are no league matches this weekend due to the F.A. Cup. So, the next matches will pan out in midweek:

West Ham v Aston Villa - The Hammers are sixth and having quite a special season. They led City twice with Valencia on song only for Aguero to equalize twice. They have no reason to fear Villa who re having their own little revival remaining unbeaten in their last five. Villa could even get a point here if West Ham let up. The Hammers have a bit of distraction over the weekend with the F.A. Cup tie with Liverpool but they have one of the season's top signings - Dimitri Payet who can destroy teams. You can really look for good players and good people without burning a hole in the pocket. Villa could surprise but I am counting on Payet to make a dent here. 2-1.

Leicester v Liverpool - Last time they met at Anfield, the Reds had the Foxes beaten 1-0 and Leicester have not beaten them in the last seven times. Leicester is numero uno now leading the table. To be the new surprise champions they cannot let slip. It is a match that either side could win. Somehow Liverpool won the previous tie but Leicester have the better defence and better scorers. Though Liverpool last won 5-4 away to Norwich, conceding those goals showed a glowing weakness but the way they came back was kind of crazy! However, despite their shortcomings, they showed determination and are on a winning streak, penalty kicks in the Cup included. I think this would be a pulsating game that may end as a high scoring draw. Vardy and Mahrez are worth a goal so too the form of Firmino. 2-2.

Sunderland v Manchester City - 2 weeks back, Tottenham tore the Black Cats apart 4-1. Surely the City slickers could match that? But City themselves were held by West Ham last week going down as early as the 1st minute and allowing their opponents to lead twice. There is a sure sign of weakness in defence. The smaller teams or more physical teams are surprising the big boys so it can happen here but Sunderland are not at West Ham, Stoke or Everton's level. Sunderland have to wait for other teams to garner some points for surival, not here. Sergio Aguero will be in the thick of things. 1-3.

Arsenal v Southampton - The Gunners were caught with their mental frailties again when they lost to Chelsea at home. You see almost every team could beat Chelsea and hold them this season but not Arsenal and Arsenal do not always beat Southampton but do a bit better at the Emirates. Do not forget the Saints won plaudits for their away win over Manchester United and have now kept three clean sheets while Arsenal slumped at home to Chelsea and have not won in three matches while Southampton won their last three. That is a big change in fortune. Last two times they have met were at the St. Mary's and the Gunners lost 0-2 and 0-4. Arsenal need to be on song here but otherwise I say draw. 1-1.

Norwich v Tottenham - The Canaries have lost four in a row while Tottenham are going great guns and their defence are not like Liverpool. They went to Palace and won 3-1 so why can't they repeat that? Spurs are certainly Hot Spurs now! Norwich may have signed Steven Naismith but even that may not be enough. Tottenham are growing from strength to strength. Their only concern now should be whether Mauricio Pochettino would be prised away by the other top teams and if they could keep their young talents like Dele Alli and a few others. 0-2.

Crystal Palace v Bournemouth - The visitors should be encouraged by the poor form of their host. Of course Palace could rebound back if Alan Pardew could arrest the slide but Bournemouth can mount a serious challenge for the spoils here. They have lost just once in five matches while Palace have the reverse record of just one win having lost four. Palace could suddenly come alive again to restore their pride and form or remain in the doldrums. The Cherries are good for a draw here. 1-1.

Manchester United v Stoke - The Red Devils used to score a lot of goals against Stoke more than any other team but this is LVG's team who are shy of goals even as Stoke lost here in all their last seven visits. This season, we are seeing a lot of such old records broken like how West Ham last beat Liverpool when the Beatles were playing. Stoke have fared very well against the other bigger teams like Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal. Though United and Rooney are scoring again evidenced by the 3-1 win over Derby in the F.A. Cup, Stoke are a different story. Expect old boy Mark Hughes to make a case here of at least snatching a point. 1-1.

WBA v Swansea - The Baggies are drawing too many matches but this one may not end in a draw as each time these two play, it is either victory or defeat. But forces at Swansea have awaken with two straight wins including a impressive win over Everton at Goodison park. Is this the effect of their new manager Guidolin? Tony Pulis teams are built to be hard to beat but the swagger is back and Swansea look like graceful swans again. Expect the momentum to continue. 1-2.

Watford v Chelsea - The Hornets have kept a clean sheet 50% of the time at home. Chelsea have been unbeaten for awhile but still stuck in the quagmire at 13th position. They may have bullied Arsenal off the park but Watford would be a different story. The Hornets lost their way a little but they lost away to Southampton and Swansea, two teams that recovered their form. Chelsea are still lacking a certain edge. Watford won't be so easily bullied like Arsenal. I say draw. 2-2.

Everton v Newcastle - Everton were doing really well then suddenly after two draws and a loss are having question marks of their own. The Magpies are no different and Newcastle usually do not do particularly well against Everton at Goodison Park. Besides, Romelu Lukaka and Ross Barkley tend to score against the Magpies but Everton have now won in their last four matches and Newcastle can make it difficult. Draw. 2-2.