EPL 2017/18 - Game Week 31
It was the Premier Leagues' Game Week 31. With the World Cup looming in June, the F.A. Cup fixtures this week and the international break next week, Liverpool and a few other teams no longer involved in the F.A. Cup provided the remaining entertainment over the weekend and did I say entertainment. Even, if all other fixtures were to be played out, Liverpool's 5-0 annihilation of Watford was such a spectacle in every sense of the word.
Salah is now the top-scorer with 28 league goals alone with Kane at 24 and Aguero at 21. He has 28 goals and 9 assists, the highest involvement of any player. He is also the top-scorer in Europe with a total haul of 36 goals, again leading Harry Kane into 2nd with 35 goals (Kane is now injured, what a pity), Lionel Messi at 34, Ciro Immobile at 34, Edinson Cavani at 33, Cristiano Ronaldo at 33, Robert Lewandowski at 32, Sergio Aguero at 30 and Neymar at 28. His 36 goals for Liverpool was the most by a single player in their debut season in the famous red shirt. No African player has scored more in a single campaign with the last being Didier Drogba with 29 goals (in 2009/10 season).
Even Watford boss Javi Gracia compared him to Lionel Messi as Gracia spent years in the Spanish League trying to stop Messi. He should know. Players like Messi and Salah are game changers no matter how hard you work on a plan to try to stop them. Salah is at the moment, one of the best in Europe and the world. "Not only Salah, the whole Liverpool team are one of the best in Europe, they press high, even higher than Barcelona." Then looking at Salah, reminded me of Kevin de Bruyne because much I think and feel Salah could be Player of the Year, de Bruyne could be the only one who could pip him and both were once Chelsea players that Mourinho let go probably because they were not good enough to him.
Cristiano Ronaldo believes "no one will be compared to him because there are not many who could rival his talent or dedication, his work or ethic". those came from his own mouth and at his narcissistic best. His record speaks for himself. An amazing species indeed but for me Lionel Messi is the best. Meanwhile, the F.A. Cup ties have been played and so too the international friendlies. Now, back to the Premier League with not too many matches to go. In Game Week 32, City can step a step closer to winning the title but they have to win at Everton. Match of the day will be Chelsea hosting Tottenham as it will have huge implcation of who qualifies for Champions League next season. Will Crystal Palace halt Mo Salah or will Salah be greatest debutante in a season or the highest scoring?
Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Palace climbed back up to 16th with an important 2-0 away win over Huddersfield halting their losses and on their day could cause problem to any one. They once denied Liverpool with a 3-3 draw when Suarez was around. Liverpool are third having played a game more with Tottenham two points behind with a game in hand so this is a very important game for them to win. Palace have lost to Tottenham, Chelsea and United in a row but all over a one goal margin. They will fight and give a tough game. Liverpool will take heart from their 5-0 thrashing of Watford where they overwhelmed the Hornets and where Salah announced what we already know. The accolades for him have been flowing non-stop. Not only that, he even made the third goal for Roberto Firmino's whose cheeky invention of an awesome goal was what I would do on Play Station 4 only. How dare he! Salah was too awesome as he scored four and the last goal was special as he looked like losing his balance and yet he appeared to have dabbed the ball into the corner of the net. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tly2KiqAIlk (Liverpool v Watford)
Palace are not entirely safe and so will fight for the points. The Reds have become more assured. Karius, van Dijk and the back line are playing with confidence and have kept some clean sheets. The forwards have been imperious and few could stop them and Salah is the King in waiting to be crowned top scorer and Player of the Year. 3 more goals to equal the record and 4 to create a new one in the next 7 matches. If Salah gets a goal or two here, it is game on. 1-3.
Brighton v Leicester City - Brighton in 12th were doing well with a few wins on the trot but fell with two defeats thereafter. Leicester showed they are more than decent with some good results but lost at home to Chelsea. Brighton have not been too bright or on lately and they could play but then Leicester have Riyadh Mahrez and Jamie Vardy who could change a game on their own. Vardy have just pinched one on England duty against Italy and there is no better striker than Vardy playing that way. 1-2.
Manchester United v Swansea - The Red Devils crashed out of Europe but bullied Brighton for a win. You can't complain when you are second but Mourinho has succeeded in making them his kind of team. Swansea now looks a good bet to stay up but playing United away may be too much to ask for a win. Paul Pogba is my player of the year - only for changing his hair colour so frequently. No matter who Mourinho buys (think Sanchez), nothing has changed. That was the reason why they got beaten by Sevilla. Though Swansea got trounced by Tottenham in the F.A. Cup, they have been the most improved side for some time. United should by a little too strong at home. 2-1.
Newcastle v Huddersfield - The Magpies troubles seemed to be over with some inspired displays while Huddersfield struggled recently. Problem is Huddersfield do not play too badly but they are unable to hold their position to the end often losing by one or two goals. The Magpies have played with belief a should take the points. 2-1.
Watford v Bournemouth - The Hornets conceded 8 goals in their last two matches - 0-3 to Arsenal and 0-5 to Liverpool. These are hornets without their stings. With their early season problems over, they are playing a lot better now and have been scoring in every match but Bournemouth are fighting back. Watford did not play badly, just that Liverpool were too good the last time. To get a point away is not bad. Draw. 1-1.
WBA v Burnley - The Baggies have lost everything and it is really hard by now for them to overcome and to survive. Burnley are back to their best and surely out of the desert. Burnley were impressive in their last two matches even when away so they could get their win. However, they are one of the more boring teams to watch other than Manchester United. So it could be a match that is really hard to watch. 0-1.
West Ham v Southampton - This is a straight fight to avoid the dreaded drop. Hammers fans watching their team are like watching horror movies. The Saints are not a lot better, just slightly. It shall be Mark Hughes first match as Saints manager and may inspire a different result but West Ham and David Moyes are in free fall and conceding buckets. My Hammers's fans' friends are unhappy. Actually Southampton are playing better. Just that at home West Ham can be better but it was not the case the other week where they got trounced 0-3 by Burnley. Moyes started very well but what have happened? 1-1.
Everton v Manchester City - The Toffees cannot complain about their 9th position considering the wretched start to the season. This is a practice match before City visits Anfield in the Champions League. It would be more interesting for them to play another European team. It shall be followed by a Mancurian derby with United before the return leg at the Etihad. Everton will feel confident with their last two wins in a row. City are 16 points clear with 8 matches to go including this match so if they were to win their next three matches no one else could catch them and they would be crowned champions regardless. Can Everton's good form prevent them from getting 3 points. Will City rest key players but even so they can still be too good for their host? Sam Allardyce could devise something and if City drop points there is no surprise as they have bigger fish to fry on another part of Merseyside. 1-1.
Arsenal v Stoke City - The Gunners are back to winning ways. Two wins over AC Milan in the Europa must be ranked as impressive (2-0 away and 3-1 at home) and a 3-0 win over Watford in between. Stoke have not won for quite some time and their last two being defeat does not help them in their quest to stay up. Even as Arsenal hope for others to falter and they win, it is a long shot and their hope for Champions League would be better served through winning the Europa. Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan would be the help here. 2-0.
Chelsea v Tottenham - Both sides have a game in hand over Liverpool but Chelsea are seven points behind and Tottenham just two. Both must play to win as a draw does not help their cause and both are out of the Champions League. Chelsea must win all their remaining matches for a chance. With Harry Kane out, Son has been shining but it may just be a bit harder to win. Chelsea are still good without being special so I see a draw here. 1-1.
Salah is now the top-scorer with 28 league goals alone with Kane at 24 and Aguero at 21. He has 28 goals and 9 assists, the highest involvement of any player. He is also the top-scorer in Europe with a total haul of 36 goals, again leading Harry Kane into 2nd with 35 goals (Kane is now injured, what a pity), Lionel Messi at 34, Ciro Immobile at 34, Edinson Cavani at 33, Cristiano Ronaldo at 33, Robert Lewandowski at 32, Sergio Aguero at 30 and Neymar at 28. His 36 goals for Liverpool was the most by a single player in their debut season in the famous red shirt. No African player has scored more in a single campaign with the last being Didier Drogba with 29 goals (in 2009/10 season).
Even Watford boss Javi Gracia compared him to Lionel Messi as Gracia spent years in the Spanish League trying to stop Messi. He should know. Players like Messi and Salah are game changers no matter how hard you work on a plan to try to stop them. Salah is at the moment, one of the best in Europe and the world. "Not only Salah, the whole Liverpool team are one of the best in Europe, they press high, even higher than Barcelona." Then looking at Salah, reminded me of Kevin de Bruyne because much I think and feel Salah could be Player of the Year, de Bruyne could be the only one who could pip him and both were once Chelsea players that Mourinho let go probably because they were not good enough to him.
Cristiano Ronaldo believes "no one will be compared to him because there are not many who could rival his talent or dedication, his work or ethic". those came from his own mouth and at his narcissistic best. His record speaks for himself. An amazing species indeed but for me Lionel Messi is the best. Meanwhile, the F.A. Cup ties have been played and so too the international friendlies. Now, back to the Premier League with not too many matches to go. In Game Week 32, City can step a step closer to winning the title but they have to win at Everton. Match of the day will be Chelsea hosting Tottenham as it will have huge implcation of who qualifies for Champions League next season. Will Crystal Palace halt Mo Salah or will Salah be greatest debutante in a season or the highest scoring?
Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Palace climbed back up to 16th with an important 2-0 away win over Huddersfield halting their losses and on their day could cause problem to any one. They once denied Liverpool with a 3-3 draw when Suarez was around. Liverpool are third having played a game more with Tottenham two points behind with a game in hand so this is a very important game for them to win. Palace have lost to Tottenham, Chelsea and United in a row but all over a one goal margin. They will fight and give a tough game. Liverpool will take heart from their 5-0 thrashing of Watford where they overwhelmed the Hornets and where Salah announced what we already know. The accolades for him have been flowing non-stop. Not only that, he even made the third goal for Roberto Firmino's whose cheeky invention of an awesome goal was what I would do on Play Station 4 only. How dare he! Salah was too awesome as he scored four and the last goal was special as he looked like losing his balance and yet he appeared to have dabbed the ball into the corner of the net. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tly2KiqAIlk (Liverpool v Watford)
Palace are not entirely safe and so will fight for the points. The Reds have become more assured. Karius, van Dijk and the back line are playing with confidence and have kept some clean sheets. The forwards have been imperious and few could stop them and Salah is the King in waiting to be crowned top scorer and Player of the Year. 3 more goals to equal the record and 4 to create a new one in the next 7 matches. If Salah gets a goal or two here, it is game on. 1-3.
Brighton v Leicester City - Brighton in 12th were doing well with a few wins on the trot but fell with two defeats thereafter. Leicester showed they are more than decent with some good results but lost at home to Chelsea. Brighton have not been too bright or on lately and they could play but then Leicester have Riyadh Mahrez and Jamie Vardy who could change a game on their own. Vardy have just pinched one on England duty against Italy and there is no better striker than Vardy playing that way. 1-2.
Manchester United v Swansea - The Red Devils crashed out of Europe but bullied Brighton for a win. You can't complain when you are second but Mourinho has succeeded in making them his kind of team. Swansea now looks a good bet to stay up but playing United away may be too much to ask for a win. Paul Pogba is my player of the year - only for changing his hair colour so frequently. No matter who Mourinho buys (think Sanchez), nothing has changed. That was the reason why they got beaten by Sevilla. Though Swansea got trounced by Tottenham in the F.A. Cup, they have been the most improved side for some time. United should by a little too strong at home. 2-1.
Newcastle v Huddersfield - The Magpies troubles seemed to be over with some inspired displays while Huddersfield struggled recently. Problem is Huddersfield do not play too badly but they are unable to hold their position to the end often losing by one or two goals. The Magpies have played with belief a should take the points. 2-1.
Watford v Bournemouth - The Hornets conceded 8 goals in their last two matches - 0-3 to Arsenal and 0-5 to Liverpool. These are hornets without their stings. With their early season problems over, they are playing a lot better now and have been scoring in every match but Bournemouth are fighting back. Watford did not play badly, just that Liverpool were too good the last time. To get a point away is not bad. Draw. 1-1.
WBA v Burnley - The Baggies have lost everything and it is really hard by now for them to overcome and to survive. Burnley are back to their best and surely out of the desert. Burnley were impressive in their last two matches even when away so they could get their win. However, they are one of the more boring teams to watch other than Manchester United. So it could be a match that is really hard to watch. 0-1.
West Ham v Southampton - This is a straight fight to avoid the dreaded drop. Hammers fans watching their team are like watching horror movies. The Saints are not a lot better, just slightly. It shall be Mark Hughes first match as Saints manager and may inspire a different result but West Ham and David Moyes are in free fall and conceding buckets. My Hammers's fans' friends are unhappy. Actually Southampton are playing better. Just that at home West Ham can be better but it was not the case the other week where they got trounced 0-3 by Burnley. Moyes started very well but what have happened? 1-1.
Everton v Manchester City - The Toffees cannot complain about their 9th position considering the wretched start to the season. This is a practice match before City visits Anfield in the Champions League. It would be more interesting for them to play another European team. It shall be followed by a Mancurian derby with United before the return leg at the Etihad. Everton will feel confident with their last two wins in a row. City are 16 points clear with 8 matches to go including this match so if they were to win their next three matches no one else could catch them and they would be crowned champions regardless. Can Everton's good form prevent them from getting 3 points. Will City rest key players but even so they can still be too good for their host? Sam Allardyce could devise something and if City drop points there is no surprise as they have bigger fish to fry on another part of Merseyside. 1-1.
Arsenal v Stoke City - The Gunners are back to winning ways. Two wins over AC Milan in the Europa must be ranked as impressive (2-0 away and 3-1 at home) and a 3-0 win over Watford in between. Stoke have not won for quite some time and their last two being defeat does not help them in their quest to stay up. Even as Arsenal hope for others to falter and they win, it is a long shot and their hope for Champions League would be better served through winning the Europa. Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan would be the help here. 2-0.
Chelsea v Tottenham - Both sides have a game in hand over Liverpool but Chelsea are seven points behind and Tottenham just two. Both must play to win as a draw does not help their cause and both are out of the Champions League. Chelsea must win all their remaining matches for a chance. With Harry Kane out, Son has been shining but it may just be a bit harder to win. Chelsea are still good without being special so I see a draw here. 1-1.
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