EPL 2016/17 - Game Week 38

Chelsea won the EPL League title because they are the best team over a whole season. They played as a team and they have a very good manager in Antonio Conte. They were in terrible shape but when Conte arrived he inherited the team, made clever tweaks to players (Victor Moses has been a transformation) and the system (3-4-3) and added important players (N'Golo Kante) and he invigorated Eden Hazard and Diego Costa. An excellent manager always make use of limited and available resources to achieve goals. Chelsea were also fortunate with injuries and have the advantage of using mostly the same players without going through major rotation. Not being in the Champions League helps as Leicester City did the same last season. Next season they will need reinforcement. Congratulations to Chelsea and their fans. Now for the rest and their last match of the season. If you see people feeling lost during weekends, it is probably due to the end of the soccer season.

Arsenal v Everton - The Gunners could end up 5th and missed the Champions League if Manchester City and Liverpool win. It would have been the first time after 20 years that Arsene Wenger missed out the top four. Wenger is still a good manager for what he has done for them and the EPL and the players who came and went and now but Arsenal continue to have a soft underbelly especially when opponents are very physical and Wenger must not be stubborn in signing only certain similar types of midfielders. He needs a very good strikers who can score 20 goals or more a season and he must keep Alexis Sanchez who by far is their best player and he is the kind of players who is tough mentally and physically and he make and score goals regularly. 

The Toffees appointment of Ronald Koeman was important. He led Southampton to their highest place and points in history. Everton caught up and improve and lies in 7th place now even if they lose their last match and can make a history if they win here. Arsenal has gone 20 league home games against Everton unbeaten (W16D4), their longest ever unbeaten streak against any team. Everton did win in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park. Arsenal are in great form having won their last four matches and having scored ten goals whereas Everton won only once (in their previous match) and scored only once in four. Arsenal to flourish. 2-0.
Burnley v West Ham - In 14 outings, the Clarets have only beaten the Hammers twice and lost 9. Though Liverpool played well, their collapse and thrashing at home once against showed their problem this season from last year's high. The loss of Dimitri Payet may have also played a part. Based on the last 3 seasons, West Ham have lost their last match of the season but on the other hand they had Tottenhem beaten but it was the only goal they had in four matches. Burnley at home is tough so it points to a draw for me. 1-1.
Chelsea v Sunderland - The newly crowned champions versus the relegated bottom most team. This match is just the perfect venue to close the season at Stamford Bridge for Blues fans. There is not a starker contrast - Conte's ascension and David Moyes tough life. Perhaps he should have stayed put at Goodison Park. One with tears of joy, the other tears of sorrow. Add to the fact that Chelsea have won 20 out of 24 league games against Sunderland means it will be an even taller task. Chelsea will get maximum points. 2-0.
Hull v Tottenham - Even Marco Silva could not save the Tigers from going down despite some gallant attempts but at the other end Tottenham have no peers in their run up with their historic stretch of being unbeaten at home and their great attacking verve throughout this campaign which seemed like a solid continuation where they left off last season. When Harry Kane popped in four goals in mid-week for a big 6-1 win away to Leicester City , you would even hope that they continue this way next season and they deserved some silverware. Pochettino has confirmed he is staying and needless to say they have to keep the talismanic Kane who has scored more than 20 each season and now looked set to be the top scorer again. His compatriot Son has also shone and with the brilliant Dele Alli and the mercurial Erikssen. Kyle Walker has became the best right back in my opinion and Alderweireld the rock at the back, Spurs just need to add a few more quality players in key position as they enter Champions League and they could go one better and become champions. For the little spending, they have been the best team in all aspects. Tottenham could be champions next season if they could handle the Champions League campaign.

Hull's record against Tottenham has been abysmal - D2 L6 and only managed 2 goals in six encounters and Hull have not scored for 3 matches and got crushed 4-0 by Palace in their last one. 0-3.
Leicester City v Bournemouth - The Foxes have not beaten Bournemouth in the Premier League. Leicester are hosting their second match at home after a 1-6 thrashing by Tottenham while Bournemouth have remained unbeaten in their last four including three wins. A win by the home team will see them take 10th position over Bournemouth whom they trail by two points. 2-2.
Liverpool v Middlesborough - The Reds Champions League qualification rest on this match and their fate is in their own hands. The 4-0 demolition of West Ham last week was impressive. Daniel Sturridge scored the most important opening goal to calm the nerves. The woodwork save the Hammers more damage and Coutinho gave a brace of  his special. Everyone know how good Liverpool can be when attacking but the defence needs an overhaul and if Klopp could fix it successfully, they will be even better. They need not only to overhaul the defence, they need a good left back, keep all their top players - Firmino, Coutinho, Mane and Lallana. They need to add a few more high quality players and beside keeping Sturridge, need a top scorer.

Coming into this match, Liverpool are unbeaten in 21 matches at Anfield with a Win-15, Draw-6 record. Boro's meek submission in their previous two matches to go down versus Liverpool's explosive form means a Liverpool win is eminent especially at home at Anfield but this is where their weakness lies - Anfield against weaker oppostion. There is no margin for error. So Liverpool should win it in style at Anfield to qualify and end the season on a relative  high. 3-0.
Manchester United v Crystal Palace - The Red Devils sacked Moyes, sacked LVG and appointed Muorinho. They signed Ibrahimovic, Bundesliga Player of the Year, the most expensive player in the world Pogba, were unbeaten in 25 games and are finishing sixth and that is the problem. Mourinho threatened to field a youth team against Palace. They may get better next season, what else could be done? Who dares wins. That was how Ferguson galvanised his team. From Busby Babes to Fergie's Fledgings and now Mourinho's mob. What is the difference and they say milk is milk. ONly good news here is United have not lost to Palace in 15 games W12 D3. Palace hammered Hull 4-0 last week. They are already save and depends on Sam Allardyce if he wish to give further embarassment to Mourinho. If Mourinho fields a largely untested team then do not expect battle hardened Palace to cave in. 1-1.
Southampton v Stoke City - The Saints have done well at 8th position while the Potters have fallen short this season. In nine previous clashes they have drawn five and won two apiece. Their final result have always been closed if either team won from 1-0, 2-1 to 3-2. This is likely to be a draw. 1-1.
Swansea v WBA - The Swans have survived and Paul Clement has saved them. Swansea have the habit of beating the Baggies at home winning four out of five. Tony Pulis has yet to register a win at the Liberty Stadium. Although WBA are in 9th their last five matches were disastrous - LLDLL while Swansea's LWDWW has saved their season. They have been impressive. Swansea should wrap up the season with a home win for their fans. 2-1.
Watford v Manchester City - The Hornets have no beaten City in seven encounters having lost 5 and drew twice. Watford last five results were appalling having suffered five losses. City will cement their third position safely and start Pep will start thinking of next season. 0-3.

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