EPL 2017/18 - Game Week 12

After the international break, this week we start with a good laugh and not take life too seriously. It is one of the funniest moment in soccer that I could remember. Watch:

http://www.football365.com/news/mainz-keeper-explains-how-he-mistook-penalty-spot-for-ball

The soccer boss must do something about it like changing the penalty spot into a square or triangle. A triangle pointing towards goal may be good. Why didn't anyone thought of that before?

In an era of soccer athletes, an iconic play-maker and true artist has retired. He will be remembered as an all time great. The maestro is Andrea Pirlo. He is adored by everyone as he is so recognizable and unique. Pirlo is for purists and he is not built for soccer. He is a  direct contradiction to what a soccer player should be like. Weak, slow and he almost never head the ball. You have never saw him sprint nor has he put in tackles but he is sublime and a genius. He belongs to the Brazilian team of 1970 and 1982 World Cup fame. He is more Brazilian technically than most Brazilian soccer players these days. Lofted chipped balls over defences were last seen in the form of Michel Platini. Watching Pirlo can help you to destress because he is totally himself on the pitch no matter who his opponents are or what the situation is, he is never flustered. European and World Cup champion. Long live Pirlo!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUg9Sx28MlA (Andrea Pirlo)

There was also less happy retirement from international soccer of another Italian great - long serving goalkeeper and continuously one of the world's best - Gianluigi Buffon. The handsome gentleman has been consistently rated one of the world's best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkB_Jox9h2E (Gianluigi Buffon)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKxa5ZYeNdI (Buffon)

Then there is Daniele De Rossi, a colossal defensive midfielder for Italy. The veteran responded angrily when he was asked to warm up and come on against Sweden at a time when Italy was searching for a goal late in the second leg and he pointed to Lorenzo Insigne who is a forward or attacking midfielder and then man who could have saved the Italian demise. He was caught on camera angrily telling his coach "why the hell should I go on?" and pointed to Insigne. Was he great and did he do the right thing at that moment? Germany's Low said that was greatness. Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years since 1958.

To all the West Ham fans, it was a sad day for the inevitable when Slaven Bilic was sacked. Bilic was great just two seasons ago and returning to the Hammers as their manager was made in heaven. He was a hero in the first season where at the Boleyn ground, West Ham in their final campaign had a most memorable finish when they had Manchester United beaten 3-2. Two wins in eleven matches was not good enough and all good things must come to an end. 

Arsenal v Tottenham - The Gunners are facing a severely testing time.  Their run of fine form ended after the away 1-3 loss to City and now they are hosting the London derby and welcoming Tottenham Hotspurs.  Arsene Wenger must unleash Lacazette as he has scored more than anyone else there and he has just added a brace in a friendly with Germany. Invaluable, I would say if they want to get something here. If Sanchez and Ozil show improved form, together with Lacazette they could do well. 

Tottenham lost 0-1 to United but showed real strength and true character to beat Real Madrid 3-1 followed by a narrow 1-0 in over Palace. Three different types of games but stuff that champions do. Spurs may have concerns as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks pulled out of England's squad. Kane will be a huge boost as he has a great scoring record against Arsenal. Spurs may also be without Lloris and Alderweireld. Christian Eriksen is in superb form not only for Spurs but he bagged a hattrick in an impressive 5-1 away win for Denmark against Ireland. You have to note that Ireland do not lose like that so it was something special and to qualify for the World Cup. Eriksen was touted to be the Messi of Denmark some years back but though he showed glimpses of greatness he did not shine in previous major tournament. He is without doubt one of the top world players today. Question is will he be too tired. I feel Tottenham could win this but with mounting injuries it may affect them. 2-2.

Bournemouth v Huddersfield - The Cherries surprised Newcastle to win at St. James Park. Not many teams can do that. Huddersfield too recovered from that Liverpool defeat to win 1-0 at home against WBA. I would put both teams right now equal in strength, fight and form. Either could win with one outstanding moment but I figure a draw is likelier. 1-1.

Burnley v Swansea - Just to let you know that Burnley are level on points with Liverpool and Arsenal. This says so much about Sean Dyche. Their last two matches were victories 1-0 at home to Newcastle and 1-0 away to Southampton. Swansea welcomes back Wilfried Bony, much needed in their quest for goals after four straight losses. Despite playing well, they lost 1-2 away to Arsenal and 0-1 at home to Brighton. You feel sorry for Paul Clement and his boys. 1-0.

Crystal Palace v Everton - Palace fought back to level West Ham 2-2 two weeks ago but lost 0-1 narrowly to Tottenham. It was their performances under Roy Hodgson that caught the eye. There is more belief, desire and bite. Everton conquered their own demons at Goodison Park. What a feat that was considering the pressure they have been facing and being 2-0 down to come back with three goals was really something! David Unsworth is worthy. If either side were to give away points, such great works would have gone to waste. I think for the moment,m they are equal. So a draw may be best prediction. 2-2.

Leicester v Manchester City  - The Foxes are on a good run. City are on their best run and pulling away from the rest. Their statistics are quite frightening. So far they looked unchallenged. They could be the best in Europe too. Somehow, we all believe such a run must come to an end. But when? Leicester's style can give opponents problems. That was how their title was won two seasons ago. Jamie Vardy has given German defence problems not just recently but when he scored a unique goal last year. He is the kind of striker that is so different and you may not know how to handle him. The home team has to play out of their skins to create an upset but it is unlikely. John Stones is now so commanding at the back and even scoring and his reassuring displays against Germany and Brazil has put him a good stead. 1-3.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCvPPGY8aUY (Vardy goal)

Liverpool v Southampton - The Reds have now won three in a row, keeping two clean sheets while scoring ten goals. The Saints laboured but conceded at home and lost 0-1 to Burnley. Klopp need to continue this way without being soft at the back again. So dropping Lovren seemed to have stop the rot and confidence returns. Joe Gomez will gets his place as I have often said he should. The lad is strong and fast and his Man-of-the-Match performance against Brazil on his first full debut was really something. Mane may be doubtful due to injury as he was sent back by Senegal but Sturridge could fill in. Also Mohamed Salah gives the impression that he could score in every game or at least he will make some. He may even be the best signing of the season. Liverpool must continue this streak and take advantage of the venue at Anfield to make Liverpool great again. The return of Adam Lallana will also be a huge boost. He is such a wonderful player to watch and he can make Liverpool tick. Then there is Dominic Solanke who has been growing in stature.  Southampton can still be tough so Liverpool need to be careful and Virgil van Dijk would want to show that Liverpool should still sign him in January. 3-1.

WBA  v Chelsea - The Baggies can't be in worse shape. It is not s good time to host Chelsea who played a commanding game against Manchester United. WBA have not won and have been in a slump for too long. Pulis's team were very tough then. Chelsea responded to the Roma slaughter in a perfect way. Morata is a gem and shall be key to Chelsea's season. They will be much more clinical and should stay in the hunt with an away win. 0-2. 

Manchester United v Newcastle - Mourinho is still smarting after a demoralising defeat to Chelsea. There was report that Paul Pogba could return. Lukaku scored a brace in his country's friendly v Mexico. The Magpies can be tough opposition. Benitez built his team to be difficult to break down. Newcastle would restrict their chances. Unless United are clinical, they could still win but it may not be a big margin. Newcastle uncharacteristically lost 0-1 at home to Bournemouth the previous week. They have been stuttering of late. United need a convincing win or the knives will be out. It would be interesting to watch Mourinho and Benitez renewing their rivalry. Maybe there are more knives. 2-1.

Watford v West Ham - The Hornets' march has wobbled. A home loss (0-1) to Stoke and away defeat at Everton (2-3) has halted their great season. Will Watford bounce back? The Hammers led Palace but buckled to draw 2-2 the previous week. Joe Hart showed still have something left in that match but also when he played Brazil. He need to keep that form to help West Ham. David Moyes is back and has much to proved himself all over after life at Old Trafford ended. You may think of him poorly but he was great at Everton. He may yet be the guy to deliver the team and navigate them safely from relegation zone. Like it or not West Ham may immediately respond by at least not losing. 1-1.

Brighton v Stoke - Brighton have been surprisingly good. Unbeaten in last four matches but they drew their last two home games 1-1 and won both away games. Stoke is still inconsistent. They lost at home, won away against Watford then drew Leicester at home. Stoke need to raise their game and may not overcome Brighton so easily. Can Mark Hughes come out with something more? Well, they may just steal a point. 1-1.