EPL 2015/16 - Game Week 33

With six matches left to play, for ten other teams with seven then Liverpool and Everton left with eight, the decider for the title is now every match. For fans, once again, we are preparing how to counter the withdrawal symptoms. Just keep calm and do not get violent. This weekend, it is business as usual with the Match of the Day at White Hart Lane, where title contender Tottenham host Manchester United. It could make or break for both teams - one for the title and the other for Champions League qualification. The other key game would West Ham v Arsenal. 

West Ham v Arsenal - The Hammers need a flawless performance to press on for a place in the Champions League. So too the Gunners who still has slim hopes to win the title. West Ham though undefeated have drawn their last three to Manchester United and Chelsea (both away) which were good results but they have let slipped at home by a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Arsenal after consecutive defeats at home to Watford and Barcelona have bounced back strongly with an away 2-0 win over Everton and then a 4-0 thrashing of Watford. In the past Arsenal would comfortably win this London derby but not any more. The Hammers unsettled their rival away from home the last time and could do so again. If Arsenal concedes a free kick you can consider it a goal from Payet. Nobody bends it better since Beckham. Draw. 2-2.
Aston Villa v Bournemouth - The once mighty Villans have fallen. If they could somehow muster a home win here, they could survive another week. After 32 matches, they have only won thrice this season scored 22 and conceded 62 goals with their last five matches being all losses and have not scored in four matches. The consolation is that the Cherries' last two ended up being thrashings from Tottenham and Manchester City. It's too late. Away win. 0-1.
Swansea v Chelsea - The Swans have never beaten Chelsea in the league but they have improved recently and got better results than their visitors. It may not be a stroll in the park for Chelsea. Stamford Bridge have already announced their new boss in Antonio Conte so will they be interested and motivated to play for Gus Hiddink? Swansea may surpise you by holding them. 1-1.
Watford v Everton - Both sides have fallen to 14th and 12th respectively and on a downward spiral. Odian Ighalo has stopped scoring after scoring non-stop. History favours Everton but this time they should just eke out a draw as Everton have not scored in two matches now. 1-1.
Southampton v Newcastle - Although they lost their last match away to leader Leicester City, the Saints have been quite impressive. The Magpies who have some of the best supporters in the Toon Army do not deserve this year in and year out - suffering. Their poor form is only second only to Villa. Even before Benitez came onboard, Steve McClaren came too late. Don't they have a long term plan and pick the right manager? If Newcastle won this one it would be a major upset but who is to say no. I have a soft spot for Newcastle since Kevin Keegan's teams at St. James Park. For this match, head v heart and the head wins. 2-1.
Crystal Palace v Norwich - Life's fortunes can change quickly. Just like the earth's rotating, one day you are ahead and the next you are behind. For mere mortals like us, we must always be humble. It has nothing to do with Palace but their results have nosedived and are in 16th. The Canaries are a place and three points behind having played a game more. Home advantage is good but Palace is the only team in the top four tiers who has yet win a league game in 2016. Norwich are in better form. 1-1.
Manchester City v WBA - Pelligrini is leaving, City is fourth and their chances of winning the title is really slim but Kevin de Bruyne is back and to devastating effect. WBA are tough and just a place behind Chelsea but their record with their host is underwhelming. City are still a very good team. 2-0.
Sunderland v Leicester City - Sunderland have been scrapping for points and they drew all four previous matches. The Foxes have won all four of their last all by 1-0 margin. So therefore, Leicester knew how to win the title. This is why in life you do not need to follow others but be original and be yourself. In Vardy and Mahrez I trust! 0-2.
Tottenham v Manchester United - Match of the day. Tottenham are genuine contenders for the title. Six matches left but seven points adrift and anything can happen. United are chasing a Champions League spot. Spurs have not scored against United in three meetings. United will visit White Hart Lane with a ploy to absorb the heat and strike on the counter but Spurs have Eric Dier to stop them and Eriksen and Kane are key to a victory. Spurs must win if they want the title but it won't be easy so a draw is highly possible. I am going for a Spurs win here as they have been really good and deserve it. 2-1.
Liverpool v Stoke - They said Liverpool were good against Dortmund away. Sturridge has been well rested and should be unleashed against Stoke. Liverpool have the better record but captain Jordan Henderson is out. Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross is back but it depends if Arnautovic is cleared to play. Question is after the exhaustion of playing Borussia Dortmund in mid-week will Liverpool feel tired or rejuvenated by the good performance and result? It could be a draw unless Sturridge and Coutinho brings out the magic. Liverpool may have the slight cutting edge in attack. 2-1.

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