EPL 2017/18 - Game Week 8

The World Cup qualification is almost over and done. When Iceland did so well and had England beaten in the European Championship it was no fluke. Their 2-0 win over Kosovo was more than enough to see the nation of only 335,000 people going to the 2018 finals in Russia. Yes, only 335,000 people. They have set a new world record being the smallest nation by population to have reached a World Cup! They were even two points clear of Croatia to top their group with 7 wins, a draw and 2 defeats. Before that, it was Trinidad and Tobago with 1.3 million (2006), Northern Ireland with 1.5 million (1982), Slovenia with under 2 million (2002) and Kuwait (1982) with 2 million. Even more incredible is the fact that Iceland has only 20,000 registered players (including females) making them the planet's smallest playing pool but Iceland has a UEFA qualified coach for every 500 people, England has one in 10,000. Singapore soccer has a lot to learn from here from these countries with small population. Where is our sporting culture? What is our infrastructure? Who are leading our sports organisation? Where is the passion? Why are we organised and passionate only up to school level? 

Wales is another small nation with a 3 million population that has done so well especially in the last European Championship. However, it was heartbreak this time as they lost 0-1 at home to Ireland. They went into this match with a point ahead and just needed not to lose but Ireland (4.7 million) did it in an away game with high tension and much at stakes. Northern Ireland pipped once power house the Czech Republic to second place in Group C. The USA have made so much progress over the years but this time around no chance for Russia to tap them. They needed a win at Trinidad and Tobago but lost 1-2. The Netherlands who gave us Cruyff and total football will be wandering in the desert as they finished level with Sweden with 6 wins, 1 Draw and 3 Losses but lost out on goal difference (+9 v +17). It is disappointing as we love to watch the Dutch play in the World Cup. Argentina have not been convincing and then in the final game, finally got a special Lionel Messi hattrick and won 3-1 away to Ecuador where they have lost before at this high attitude venue. The World Cup needs Messi more than anyone else.

England - same old England. I watched the match against Slovenia for just one half and it was a good way to make one sleep. Why didn't Southgate field an attacking side to showcase how good they could be since the result has no consequence. English players trained with and play with and against some of the world's best players in the Premier League and in the Champions League. Say John Stones at Manchester City, Dele Alli and Harry Kane at Tottenham. There are rumours that Real Madrid are courting Kane and willing to offer Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Kareem Benzema for him making Kane one of the most sought after player in world football at present. Though these three did not play badly, why is it that whenever a player wears the Three Lions shirt, they inevitably turned into someone else? They are just never the same. Even when Gareth Southgate first came in as manager, he eased out Wayne Rooney boldly and made some good decisions with players but eventually his pragmatism took over when confirmed as manager. His decision to play Jack Butland was a good one. For me he should be the new goal keeper. While Hart can be still good and experience, he is not the same anymore. There is no point going to the World Cup with the same old players playing the same old way. Some experience may be needed but you have to be bold to bring in players. Trying out young Harry Winks was good but are there no more other players since Winks is not even a regular at Spurs. He had a good game but things should not get overboard. If nothing changes, England will struggle yet again and go out the first round or so. A soccer team is not just about picking the best players, it is about how you are going to mould them into an organised and fighting team playing to their strength with great team work, confidence and believe. How does the couch trained, plan a system galvanise the team. Since there is less or no expectation from this England team, you need a bolder vision for the future. Using the motto of the English's SAS: Who Dares Wins, their soccer could learn something. With Chile out, we will miss Alexi Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, Wales (Gareth Bale), USA (Christian Pulisic) and the Netherlands (Virgil van Dijk and Arje Robben), the goal keeping skills of Jan Oblak (Slovenia), Naby Keita (Guinea).

In the meantime, take a look at how the national team kits of each team could look like if they are designed according to their flags:

http://www.goal.com/en-sg/news/how-would-international-kits-look-if-they-copied-each/8prxy0zcozvj1uyrpxas5vhhv

Liverpool v Manchester United - The Reds seemed not to have won for ages now and the injury of Sadio Mane poses even more question marks for them as they welcome the Red Devils who have won so many matches and conceded only two goals. This makes Coutinho and even more important player. A proven match winner and brilliant player, there were times I wondered if he slowed down play by holding on the ball too long. He should be moving up to the left again instead of midfield. Liverpool are creating many chances every game but have been less clinical which may be a form of lacking confidence while United are winning even when not playing well. That sums up who would be the favourites this Saturday even as they play at Anfield.  Klopp's game while a joy to watch has become too predictable and his use of substitutes too has not been impactful. This will be a different game in terms of how both sides will play. Liverpool need to start winning again and there is no better way than to win this match that could change their season. If they do not get a result here, Tottenham awaits them at White Hart Lane the following week. Two very important matches in two weeks with European soccer in between could make or break a season. In form and consistent Mohamed Salah is the man to watch as his brace for Egypt brought them to Russia after 28 years. Daniel Sturridge may yet get another run. If Sturridge plays then Coutinho will be in midfield.

Question is will Mourinho park another bus? Fellaini who was in great form is injured. On current form, it would be an away win for United but soccer does not work this way. Sometimes, two teams that respect each other turn out a different and even boring match but this should not be boring. Good news for Liverpool fans is that last time Lukaku met Matip, he hardly got a kick. Lukaku is scoring freely becuase of great service to him. Cut them off and he is a loner but United are dangerous with Marcus Rashford and if he operates on the left would Alexander Arnold Trent or Joe Gomez the better choice? There will be goals! Draw. 2-2.

Burnley v West Ham - The Clarets versus Claret and Blue aka Hammers. Sean Dyche is the reason Burnley is doing so well on a limited budget. All great managers could achieve by making wise decisions and good deployment of their limited resources and not just in soccer. Bilic is a little safer for now but West Ham have been struggling since last season. Burnley at home will be just a wee bit too tough. 1-0.

Crystal Palace v Chelsea - It is hard to believe Crystal Palace have yet to score a single goal after 7 matches let alone win  a fixture. They did improve a bit under new manager Roy Hodgson but hosting Chelsea now is of scant relief. Good news for Palace would be the absence of top scorer Alvaro Morata. I can't see Chelsea getting anything than a win. Maybe just not more goals with Morata out. Away win making it 8 losses in a row. 0-2.

Manchester City v Stoke City - City are scoring for fun with 17 goals in 4 matches. Aguero'sa car accident meant Stoke face less danger but then City have great strength in depth such that Raheem Stirling, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus could do equal damage. Unless Mark Hughes could get his boys to do something really special, it should be away win. 3-0.

Swansea City v Huddersfield Town - Both are winless in their last four and five games respectively. Huddersfield's sound an fury of earlier in the season has slowed. Swansea is capable of playing a good game under Paul Clement but the results have not been coming. Maybe this time. 2-1.

Tottenham v Bournemouth - Tottenham have been ruthless again. Erikssen and Alli are back to creating and scoring. Harry Kane can't stop scoring after a barren August. Eddie Howe's side has suddenly under perform and lacking the confidence they had last season. Kane to score again and home win. 3-0.

Watford v Arsenal - The Hornets are having a great season while the Gunners are back and unbeaten in their last four. Marco Silva is making Watford win, hard to beat (unless you are Man City) and even very watchable. I think they are better than Leicester, Stoke or WBA, etc. When they drew 3-3 with Liverpool on the season opener, it was because they were really good. Arsenal can ignore this at their own costs as Watford could surprise. Alexis Sanchez is Arsenal's best player and even if he is still sulking he is a pro and he is the man to deliver the points for the Gunners. Arsenal have Lacazette too who could net one. I do not think Arsenal will win big though. 1-2.

Brighton v Everton - Host Brighton can be unpredictable but Everton with the squad they have and the bigger names are in an unexpected situation. Koeman could be in danger. I mean Koeman has made every team better except Everton. Burnley were bettter so fortune smiles on them this time as Brighton are limited but the greater danger is that if he still could not win this, his exit may become imminent knowing the impatience of management and fans these days. When they were abject and lost to Burnley, Koeman was quoted that Everton played well. May be he was protecting his players but what Everton players needed  is a kick on their behinds. 1-2.

Southampton v Newcastle - Both sides do not have formidable attacks but good defensively. They are set up in that particular way. There will not be many goals I supposed. A draw is very likely. Draw 1-1.

Leicester City v WBA - The Foxes are a better side at home but they are having a difficult start just like last season. Fortunately Vardy is scoring but Mahrez has been a faint shadow of himself. The Baggies were no longer as formidable as at the beginning an it is possible for Leicester to ssecure three points. 2-1.