EPL 2017/18 - Game Week 36

Over the weekend, Liverpool started and were held 2-2 by a defiant WBA at the Hawthorns and Klopp was rightfully fuming. The Reds were dominant and leading 2-0 comfortably but gave away two late goals that were reminiscent of their earlier days of defending set pieces. They were just slightly better than United who of all places lost 0-1 to WBA at Old Trafford just last week. WBA have left it too late to be so good. This is not good preparation to host Roma for the Champions League semi-final tie. On a positive note, they have been given an early warning to buck up and make correction but Europe is different and that is why the EPL is the most competitive league. Liverpool promptly welcomed, dispatched Roma at Anfield and destroyed them 5-2, led 2-0 by half-time and were leading 5-0 by the 69th minute before some bad habits gave Roma two goals and a lifeline for away goals. Mane scored again. Bobby Firmino scored a brace and added two assists and so too Mo Salah who now has 10 European goals, the highest achieved by a Liverpool goal-scorer and the season's goal tally of 43! Both of Salah's goals were magical. The first was when he received the ball on the right, shifted the ball and bang, the left-footed curler hit the top right corner of one of the world's best goalie Brazilian Allison Becker. The second was as subtle as the first was powerful but both glorious. Firmino squeezed the ball through and as Salah ghosted past the defence he half chipped and half flipped the onrushing goalie low into the left corner. Salah was simply unstoppable as he was audacious. Devastating and majestic. We have to pray to the soccer Gods to preserve Mo Salah and keep him injury free for further exploits for a few more games in the Champions League and the EPL. He is destined for greatness and will soon deserve the Ballon d'Or as Europe's number one!

Mo Salah was a nobody with some potential like many when Chelsea bought him. Under Jose Mourinho, Salah has few chances and was probably deemed not good or ready enough and was loan out and later sold but you cannot keep a good man down. It was just that his time has not come and has not shine yet. This applies to you as well. Many footballers or other people in life in general made mistake of thinking too highly of themselves or seeking more money and fame. Going to another place may not necessarily mean that you would seek and achieve greater glory. Of course Salah is special but if you do not have a manager in Juergen Klopp who believes in you and build a team that fit into you or have a fantastic team mate like Robert Firmino who was instrumental in his tracking and hold up play he may yet not be the same Salah we know. Salah's second goal was a good example. 

Anyone who has not watched Liverpool play this season do not know what you are missing in life. I have been defying everyone who loves soccer not to enjoy this Liverpool side. The Reds are the latest instalment of the "Fast and the Furious". The Brazilian team of World Cup 1982 did not win the World Cup but never forgotten for the beautiful soccer they displayed. I also remember Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United for their swashbuckling attacking flair. Then we have Barcelona at their peak of course with Lionel Messi. Liverpool give sucker punches and knock you out cold like Mike Tyson with seconds or minutes such that when you watch them play, you dare visit the toilet, have a cup of tea of turn to your wife and say good night. They take you to the very edge and sometimes heart attack. This Liverpool side if kept together and have their weaknesses strengthened will end all tribalism in soccer. Yes, Roma trailed Barcelona 1-4 and then got through with a 3-0 win in Rome. If they repeat the same scoreline victory in the return leg, Liverpool will be out but we must see Liverpool play in the final where they will face wither Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Liverpool will score even if away at least once or twice and if they get an early goal the better. Liverpool brings joy to the people and will be loved by all except their opponents. 

Had Swansea won at the Etihad, the Baggies would have gone down straight even as it looks inevitable. That was a big IF for the Swans as they were swarmed by a merciless Manchester City side that are going for records now they have the title in hand. This is a sign of what is to come for the blue side of Manchester and with Pep Guardiola, limitless cash and more additions, strengthening, City are set to stay and dominate for some time. 

Meanwhile, Manchester United played a solid game to overcome Tottenham 2-1 in the F.A. Cup semi-final. The Red Devils were mentally and physically tough on the night while Tottenham, so strong when facing other top teams including having beaten Real Madrid in Europe could find no answer and wilted so they will not return to their temporary home at Wembley. Chelsea booked their Wembley appointment with United when they sent Southampton home 2-0. 

Meanwhile, back to the EPL. In this Game Week 36, there are only a few matches left and whatever ambition you have at both ends of the table. 

Liverpool v Stoke City - If the Red could overwhelmed Roma 5-2 at Anfield, what could Stoke do? After all, Liverpool put five over City over two legs and in one fell swoop hit Roma for five. But this match is different, Stoke needs to survive and Liverpool with one foot in the Champions League can't afford another big time injury like poor Alex Oxlade Chamberlain who has been in superb form and now will not only miss the rest of the season but the World Cup. Tragic. Wishing him a speedy recovery. I wanted to say 3-0 which is simply because it has been easy for them to score three frequently but I believe Klopp may rest a few players or will he play them and take them off at some stage? Klopp will probably rest Lovren, Trent Alexander-Arnold and replace them with Klavan or Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne. Moreno could come in for Robertson. Ings or Dominic Solanke could replace Firmino leaving Mane and Salah (to chase his goals) and the midfield fills itself with Henderson, Milner and Wijnaldum. 

Liverpool have never lost at home to Stoke for a record 54 times, the longest ever unbeaten home run in top flight history. The last time they met in the first tie it was 3-0. No team conceded the fist goal more often this season than Stoke and are winless in 12 away games. One more goal from Salah will see him crush a new record of 32 league goals in a 38 match season. He has scored 7 consecutive times at Anfield and one more to equal Suarez's record. Liverpool may play like they did WBA, in control and this time to win. 2-0.

Burnley v Brighton - Burnley's brilliant winning run ended against Chelsea but Brighton got a good home result hosting Spurs. Brighton usually do not score or score just a goal while Burnley have been scoring 1-2 goals. At home, Burnely are good to win this one. 2-1.

Crystal Palace v Leicester City - Palace are in better form than the Foxes. Their results were clear as in their last five matches they lsot only once  and that to Liverpool. Leicester have in 9th have nothing to fight for while Palace are not entirely safe. Zaha and Vardy will score. 3-2.

Huddersfield Town v Everton - Like Palace, Huddersfield need a result here especially at home. Last week's 1-0 win over Watford was important and they will try to win this one but Everton are better than Watford. Both side are low on scoring. Draw. 1-1.

Newcastle United v WBA - The Magpies' great winning run came to an end last week defeated 0-1 by Everton. The Baggies good results came too late - undefeated in their last three matches including an away victory over Manchester United and when they held Liverpool 2-2. Newcastle will find it tough to win despite playing at home. 1-1.

Southampton v Bournemouth - The Saints are in really bad shape. Winning this match will not see them climb above their current 18th. Nobody can really remember when they last won a match. The Cherries haven't won in four but the last two were against United and Liverpool. Both teams are capable of scoring two goal each and so it shall be two a piece. 2-2.

Swansea City v Chelsea - Swansea remains vulnerable even as they have a game in hand over the bottom two especially after last weeks 0-5 mauling by City and now hosting a fast improving Chelsea who needs the points to try to get in front of Spurs whom they trailed by five points with four matches to go. I could not understand why Arsenal released Alain Giroud  who has been outstanding for Chelsea but things may not be too easy here. 1-2.

West Ham v Manchester City - The Hammers three match unbeaten run ended with a thrashing at Arsenal while City were merciless last week. West Ham need the points to be sure and City have nothing else but to go for new points and goal-scoring records. 1-3.

Manchester United v Arsenal - Arsene Wenger takes on United for the last time and it could also be the last handshake with Mourinho. Their heady days of the two best sides in the EPL are gone even if United are in 2nd position. Currently, the Gunners have one of the worst away record. United were also excellent in the F.A. Cup semi-final victory over Tottenham. The Gunners'only hope must be to win the Europa which itself may be posing a problem with a home 1-1 draw against Athletico Madrid. With the all important return tie in Spain next week who will Wenger field? Lacazette and Welbeck are playing well but Arsenal's recent result against the Red Devils have not been great. A home win is on the cards but for Wenger's sake, it would be a draw. 2-2.

Tottenham v Watford - Tottenham were less convincing in their last three matches but the Hornets have lost their sting long ago. Having crashed at home to City, held by Brighton and defeated by United, I expect a backlash coming from Harry Kane, Erikssen, Alli and Son. 3-0.