EPL 2016/17 - Game Week 24 And Talking Cock

While we are intoxicated by EPL excitement week in and week out, we lament the state of soccer in Singapore. Where Kallang used to be a place in Malaysia Cup folklore an dour 12th man, the spanking new state of the art National Stadium is so sparingly used by the Singapore national team. Maybe it is too expensive to play there or will the crowd come? Even for the NDP, I read we have to pay an exorbitant price. Perhaps someone forgot to put a clause specially for national usage. It was also reported that some residents complained about noise coming from a soccer training ground and probably by now they have to stop. Former national coach Jan Poulsen lamented about the lack of soccer fields - the most basic requirement other than the ball in soccer. How will Singapore soccer even improve? Once upon a time we have Farrer Park and we discovered many talents there.

Talking about noises, it was reported that some residents in Sin Ming complained about fowl play. Er, I mean some fowls at play. Then they were culled. Noises are everywhere. Manage them. As long as they are within reason. You can always close your window. I know there are people who bought a unit at a condominium near a BBQ pit and then complained about the noise and smell from the BBQ pit. What were you expecting? Smell from steamed fish and braised chicken? I happened to know these chickens roosting there when I went to a mechanic there and while waiting to for the car to be serviced, I would observe them. Some could fly up to the nearby temple's rooftop or the top branch of a tree. The loudest noise would come from the cock, no the rooster as you can see here when it crows.

Look at these beautiful birds. Descendants of the Red Jungle Fowl or not or they all are, we should study carefully before making rash decisions. We culled golf courses and now we are culling chickens and many things else. Already young children may think that chickens grow in a plastic bag at a supermarket. We should not have a culture where you ban or think something is bad just because you do not understand it.

Chelsea v Arsenal - Think of that match when Chelsea got routed by the Gunners at the Emirates. Arsenal fans got really excited. Can Arsenal do the double over their London rivals? Because Arsenal are third and nine points behind, this is a real and direct opportunity to halt or slow down Chelsea's march because it is still Chelsea's title to loose. While Chelsea remains unbeaten after the 1-1 draw at Liverpool, Arsenal with a less recognized team thrashed Southampton 5-0 away but limped to a shock 1-2 defeat at home to Watford. That was a complete three points lost. Again Arsenal's soft centre have been exposed. This is an equally good chance for Chelsea to avenged that humiliation in September. Arsenal must go for a win but the match is with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but based on last week's form book it should be another three points for Chelsea? The Gunners will do themselves and everyone else a big favour with a win, so will Chelsea eventually falter like Newcastle once did, how Liverpool suffered the same and only last season Tottenham were the same? This is a London Derby so expect some fireworks. Wenger should not play it safe. Danny Welbeck scored a brace but I could understand he needed to be rested just after recovery from long term injury but Walcott was hot and had a hattrick. Why not bring him on? Start Giroud and let Sanchez rule the wings and he could bring on Lucas at a later stage. If Arsenal show their soft centre, Chelsea and warrior Costa will pulverise them. But the home side will be wary of the Gunners attack. Draw. 1-1.

Crystal Palace v Sunderland - Both sides recorded very good results last week. Just who expected Palace to win 2-0 away to Bournemouth and Sunderland to hold Tottenham 0-0 at home. Palace is third from last and the Black Cats remains last. Sam Allardyce knows all about Sunderland whom he rescued from relegation last season. It will be a fight to the death as second last Hull also created an upset at Old Trafford with a 0-0 draw. With 15 matches to go, every point counts and these are the matches both must win against each other. 2-1.

Everton v Bournemouth - The Toffees are doing well again in 7th place and hosting the Cherries who seems on a bit of free fall. History also favours the home side so Eddie Howe needs to come out with a stupendous game plan to overcome and they have not won a match for some time. Everton is growing in confidence so Bournemouth's next win has to wait. 2-0.

Hull v Liverpool - The Tigers have proven that their claws are out. Having beaten Manchester United 2-0 in the cup, they repeated another feat several days later by playing the Red Devils to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. They did that even with the loss of Robert Snodgrass. Liverpool, be warned! Losing points to weaker teams has happened a few times and Klopp may yet regret not boosting his defence and goal keeping department. Either the keeper makes his defence uncertain or the defence makes the goalie nervous or it could be both. In their last five meetings, each won two and drawn the other. There are 15 matches left to play and Liverpool can ill afford to drop any more points and they have yet to win this year. Besides, Hull have improved with new manager Marco Silva and they have a goalie in top form. Liverpool must control the game not just in possession. A win here is a must as they could narrow the gap with Chelsea if Arsenal win or draw. 1-3.

Southampton v West Ham - The Saints advantage is that they have won their last two matches against the Hammers and West Ham have not won in their last 7 visits to Southampton. After clever wins over Liverpool in the cups, Southampton have fumbled after getting trounced by Arsenal and then losing at Swansea. West Ham's revivial was shortlived as they crumbled at home to City. It shall be all square. 1-1.

Watford v Burnley - It will be the first time both sides are meeting in the top flight. In their last 9 visits to Vicarage Road, Burnley have only lost once. The Clarets are playing well and on a good run while the Hornets stunned Arsenal away. It means Watford is capable of winning even more son at home but then Burnley is not Arsenal and are a steely team that will give their host a run for the money. 2-2.

WBA v Stoke - Both teams are doing well but Stoke look like a team on form showing steel in holding United and Everton. Looks like a draw to me as WBA are strong at the Hawthorns. 1-1.

Tottenham v Middlesborough - Boro are winless after previous eight trips to White Hart Lane. If you are the superstitious type, then Tottenham can win the title this year as it is the year of the Rooster which is a Cock that is Cockerel. But back home, we are culling the Cocks, Roosters and chickens so superstitious or not the greater forces at work are the authorities. Tottenham were surprising held 0-0 at Sunderland last week but this time the Cockerels must crow with no let up. 2-0.

Manchester City v Swansea - City's record against Swansea is W8 D2 L1. It is a daunting task for the visitors even if they have been superb recently with wins over Liverpool at Anfield and then beating Southampton with two wins in a row. This is against a backdrop of City thumping West Ham 4-0 away. Swansea are now just above the relegation zone and level on points with Champions Leicester. Will they pull off another amazing feat? At the Etihad City would be too strong. 3-1.

Leicester City v Manchester United - The Foxes record against the Red Devils looks sombre - W1 D3 L13 and it has been a very poor season for the Champions. Ranieri seems clueless these days. If great success brings forth failure then all soccer clubs, business organisations and countries should take note. Was it just the loss of Kante or the lack of hunger? Meanwhile, Leicester can take comfort that United though preserving their long unbeaten record have been under performing the last time being held 0-0 by Hull at Old Trafford leaving Jose Mourinho livid. He was so incensed that he dragged Jurgen Klopp into the picture even when Liverpool was playing someone else saying that the fourth official said that he liked Klopp's passion but Mourinho received different treatment. Moreover, he crudely brushed aside a journalist during an interview and marched off: "If you do not know football, you should not be have a microphone in your hand". Leicester can possibly hold United to a draw but their poor form means that a even a tepid United can win. So, is Mourinho playing mind games with Klopp and Liverpool because he coveted the 4th spot? Or is he just talking normal in the year of the rooster, that is talking cock. 1-2.