EPL 2017/18 - Game Week 19

Everton have Sam Allardyce, Crystal Palace have Roy Hodgson, West Ham have David Moyes and WBA have Alan Pardew. Men of yesteryears, derided by some and when appointed, club fans even let off a collective sigh - "oh no!" Yet these battle hardened warriors with immense experience have taken the bull by its horns resurrecting the fortunes of the respective clubs after taking over. Yet, not all may survive.

They are indeed very admirable. I have more respect for these men than some big name managers who are given unlimited cash to splash. This is to me the same in the corporate world or even in government. Success is relative. 

Arsenal v Liverpool - This match decides if they will switch places between 3rd and 4th. After the United defeat the Gunners drew twice away and narrowly won at home to the Magpies. The Red have similar results but were back in rampant fashion as they trounced the Cherries 4-0 away. Lovren even bounced back to keep a clean sheet and scored a goal. While Liverpool borders between the most brilliant and at times suicidal they remain undefeated in 12 games. Coutinho underlined once again his importance and with the uncertainty of Barcelona looming, Liverpool should seek in return an exchange of Luis Suarez. Ozil last scored a stunning winning goal and will play a key role but the same cannot be said of Alexis Sanchez. Arsenal toiled to beat West Ham 1-0 in the League Cup while Liverpool rested but the Gunners fielded a different team. I wish I have the liberty of soccer managers to field a different team at work on some days or as Klopp has done - rotation. Arsenal are capable of winning but they aren't as clinical as they used to be so if Liverpool's defence hold up and their attack on song, they take the points. Former Gunner Alex Oxlade Chamberlain may have something to prove here. Meanwhile, Liverpool were unbeaten in 12 matches and having kept 7 clean sheets. With Giroud out and Sanchez insipid, Liverpool should take their chance. 1-2.

Everton v Chelsea - You may not believe this but I have to tell you that Everton's last 5 matches were WWWDW! That is even better than Chelsea's WDLWW. What a difference a few weeks made. Recent form suggests the Toffees have made great stride forward with confidence and belief while Chelsea have slacken but still winning keeping 3rd place while Everton are now 10th. Chelsea certainly have the goods to win here but Everton with Sam Allardyce and new found confidence could be a banana skin at Goodison Park. 1-1.

Brighton v Watford - Both teams are in a dry spell and their early season form have dwindled especially the Hornets. In fact Watford's drop in form is quite surprising. The visitors may get a draw but I think Brighton could win this one. 2-1.

Manchester City v Bournemouth - Pep Guardiola's City are a runaway train! If they thrashed Spurs 4-1 to achieve a new Premier League record of 16 wins, how will the Cherries cope unless City have an off day and Bournemouth play at their peak? Otherwise, it would be like picking cherries to eat. It is too unkind for them to have played Liverpool and now City and may plunge into relegation zone after this match. Tough for the visitors and another record for 17 wins? 3-0.

Southampton v Huddersfield - The Saints have plummeted to one place below Huddersfield. To be fair, Southampton actually played very well against Chelsea only to have lost 0-1. Huddersfield lost to Chelsea 1-3 but came back strong with a 4-1 away thumping of Watford. Draw. 1-1.

Stoke v WBA - Stoke are now just 1 point above relegation and Mark Hughes's team has been floundering for some time. Previous seasons were the same only to make a remarkable come back later and more than survived. Will it happen again? If it happens a bit too late, Mark Hughes may be out of job. The Baggies have gone down to 19th in the table but should be given credit for holding Liverpool 0-0 away and then lost 1-2 at home to United where they attacked so well in the last quarter and may have gotten a draw. I see that Stoke are having some problems. Will this be their game from which to pick up form at the halfway mark? Alan Pardew and the Baggies may be happy to play them. 1-2.

Swansea v Crystal Palace - Swansea are at their lowest ebb while Palace's struggles seemed to be over so you must give credit to Roy Hodgson. Roy knew what he was doing. Paul Clement who lsave Swansea to retain Premier League status is having the fight of his life to turn things around but alsa he has been sacked before another match. Palace are playing really well. Could home advantage be of any help or will Swansea lose again? Swansea must be brave and take the game to their opponent and not play safe. 1-2.

West Ham v Newcastle - If Roy Hodgson is  the hero at South London then David Moyes is the saviour of sorts at East London.  The comeback guys have done a wonderful job when others have given up on them or naysayers about them. The Hammer kept three clean sheets beaten Chelsea 1-0, held Arsenal 0-0 away and trounced Stoke 3-0. Who would have believed this was even possible. The Magpies are fresher as they rested while West Ham toiled in the League Cup. To get a point is not beyond Newcastle but they have been poor as their position suggests. Will Rafa devise a plan to get a point? 2-1.

Burnley v Tottenham - Turf Moor is a difficult place to visit and even more so now. Sean Dyche's team have been defying the odds with the cheapest collection of players on the cheapest budget and yet produce a team of fighters and smart players capable of roughing it out with the best. They are in 6th a point behind Arsenal and one behind Tottenham. What a team! Burnley will not win the league but they can do a Leicester or more. Tottenham must respond after the huge defeat by City which cast question marks about their credentials but Burnley won't be easy and could pose a few problems. 1-2.

Leicester City v Manchester United - The Foxes have fully recovered and are a place behind Spurs. Their record of the last 5 matches matched United 4 wins and a defeat but the manner of their defeat in the last match at home to Palace (0-3) is surely of concern. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have the resources and pragmatism to win again. But I am not impressed that with their huge resources at their disposal, their football have not been that great. Lucky Devils. 1-2.

Boxing Day Matches

Tottenham v Southampton - Tottenham should bounce back by now and while Southampton usually ply well they lack a cutting edge. 2-0.

Bournemouth v West Ham - David Moyes may not be liked by all but he has done wonders. Eddie Howe is a very good young English manager fighting for survival after a great last season. Based on their game play this could be a draw. 1-1.

Chelsea v Brighton - Chelsea are not at their clinical best but they are still very good. Another win is only natural and Morata is back. It will be difficult for Brighton visiting. 2-0.

Huddersfield v Stoke - Huddersfield could win this one and Stoke have been poor. Mark Hughes may be on the sack list. Stoke need to play out of their skin to win and good for a draw but Huddersfield at home may nick it. 2-1.

Manchester United v Burnley - Manchester United are still very good but they surely could have been a lot better. Mid-week League Cup defeat will haunt them though they have a few changes to their line up. This is Christmas time and Burnley will not be intimidated but  ask a few questions of them. 1-1.

Watford v Leicester City - Watford was way ahead of Leicester early on but now the Foxes are 8th and the Hornet 10th, four points apart. It could be an interesting match. 2-2.

WBA v Everton - Can Alan Pardew win this one? Big Sam Allardyce is unique. He is someone nobody wants but everybody needs. He and his team even fighting against relegation have never been relegated. Pardew's team showed sign of improvement but Allardyce's Everton took leaps and bounds. 1-1.

Liverpool v Swansea - Only complacency could do Liverpool in. Free scoring machine versus winless Swansea at Anfield. The Swans could just be left flapping their wings with manager Paul Clement gone as the Liver birds could just swarm them. 4-0.

Newcastle v Manchester City - You have to make best use of every opportunity in every situation because sometimes out of the frying pan you could be jumping into the fire and the fire is coming to St. James Park. 1-3.

Crystal Palace v Arsenal - This London derby could be a bad surprise for visiting Gunners. I see Palace quite highly charged and could steal something if Arsenal are not careful but Arsenal are a really good team and experienced enough to pull one through. 2-3.