EPL 2016/17 - Game Week 19

It is amazing that globally, the economy sucks and yet soccer is doing a roaring business. Soccer agents are peddling their stars and making mega bucks. In the past, you could seeing ageing stars in their 30s making a beeline to play in the Middle-East where the oil money is and later some to North America. These days, we are seeing much younger players moving to China to play in Shanghai, etc. It is all about the money. There is the latest news that Chelsea's Brazilian star Oscar is moving to Shanghai for a reported 60 million pounds and a weekly salary of 400,000 pounds! Where did the money come from. A drop from heaven? The danger is if left unchecked, someday, somewhere, something will run aground. They will affect the other top leagues and some day bankrupt the system. When the Chinese want something they will pay and over pay be they be freight or soccer players. 

This will put pressure on the rest of Europe and the world. It is important for players to not just play for money but to hone their experience and skills to develop as players. It is not helped by big teams with deep pockets who buy top players to build a big squad and some of these players have fewer opportunities to play. Rich teams could actually buy players to stifle the competition. Let's see how it pans outs.

Week 19

Hull v Everton - Last time they met here, Hull won 2-0. Except for the thrashing by Arsenal and Liverpool and a trouncing by Tottenham, Hull were not bashed by everyone but still they are right at the bottom now, they really need points to survive but they have stopped scoring. For Everton, Ross Barkley looked a frustrated young man for the way he lunged at Jordan Henderson and in danger of losing his shine but they still have Lukaku who could add a few more goals. It is going to be tough when you are down. 1-2.

Burnley v Sunderland - Both sides may be at the bottom but when they lost they were usually close margins. How can they overcome and turn defeats into victories? Burnley fought well but lost 1-2 at home to Tottenham while Sunderland got 3 precious points with a 1-0 home win over Watford. Their previous encounters were close affairs so this one could end as a draw. 1-1.

Chelsea v Stoke - The only hope for the rest of the league is that when they last met at Stamford Bridge, Stoke held them 1-1 and then at the Britannia, Stoke won 1-0 with the goal from Arnautovic but the Potters also have not won away in eleven visits. Looking at both sides, it could likely be  low scoring affair and last season was exceptionally bad for Chelsea. Last time they met, it was at Stamford Bridge and it ended 1-1. If any team that seem able to get into Chelsea it is Stoke with their red and white striped banana skin. 1-1.

Leicester v West Ham - The only good news for the Foxes is that they were unbeaten by the Hammers in the last three. At least West Ham are getting the results even if they didn't play as well or winning 1-0, Leicester continued to be in danger of making their own history of going down after being historic Champions just last season. There are usually three to four goals when they previously met. Currently, neither one is superior which makes it uncertain. Draw. 2-2.

Manchester United v Middlesborough - United are fortunate to get two home matches during time. Last October in the League Cup Boro won on penalties after a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford and Boro have been boosted by a 3-0 win over Swansea 2 matches ago. United are in a good position to win and consolidate their position but beware that Middlesborough held Aresnal 0-0 and City 1-1 both away from home. 1-1.

Southampton v WBA - Past encounters were close with zero or one goal. It will be hard labour as they will cancel out the other. The Saints do not score many but are hard to break and so too the Baggies. 0-0 is even possible here but I say it will be a draw at 1-1.

Swansea v Bournemouth - In recent years, Swansea have not beaten Bournemouth. Now that gap is even bigger with Swansea in 20th and Bournemouth in 10th. Recent altercation with other competitors made it an even clearer distinction between the two. Unless a superb performance comes forth from the home side, it may be another win for the visitors. 1-2.

Liverpool v Manchester City - Liverpool have won three in a row against City. The last one in March had Lallana, Milner and Firmino scoring but Liverpool has grown stronger and better. City are supposed to have been better under Guardiola but it appeared so only at the beginning and in their last match when they have beaten Arsenal and last won at Anfield in 2003. One thing is sure, it shall be a great match to watch due to the managers' philosophy of attractive attacking soccer. Pity that Aguero (suspended) and Coutinho, Matip (injuries) would not feature but there are plenty of other stars and action to ignite the passion. Possibly a high scoring match that might end in a draw though the Reds having a superior historical record. Only a win will favour either team as they try to keep pace with Chelsea. Liverpool seem to play better against better teams who attacks so this is good. 2-1.

Watford v Tottenham - The Hornets have never beaten Tottenham in a Premier League match. When Spurs won at Vicarage Road last year, it was their first in six attempts. Watford could prove tough but Tottenham should prevail but not with a big scoreline. 1-2.

Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Last time they met here it was 1-1. Somehow Arsenal do not win big against Palace perhaps because of the way both play and most often it would be 2-1 to the Arsenal. Sam Allardyce returns from disgrace from his England sacking to do what he does best - rescue from relegation. His first task is to organise and make the play better in the right places but there is no time to make it much better so the Gunners should get full points with another win. 2-1.