EPL - 2018/19 - Game Week 11

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others perished when his helicopter crashed outside the King Power Stadium. The helicopter lost control during take off just after his club Leicester City drew 1-1 with West Ham. This is shocking and tragic. RIP. His adventure in taking Leicester City to the Premiuer League title against all odds will never be forgotten. Ranked 5,000 to 1 in the 2015-16 season, Leicester were crowned Champions! He will be immortalised. You will also remember him whenever you visit Thailand and see his duty free shop "King Power Duty Free. His legacy shall live on forever.

Meanwhile back to the Premier League, after last week's matches, Manchester City reclaimed top spot by virtue of their superior goal difference as they have eight more goals than Liverpool. Both sides have yet to blink as they continued their slight dominance over the rest. Chelsea equipped themselves very well just two points behind the leaders with Arsenal four behind and Tottenham five behind. Bournemouth's stocks continued to rise as Eddie Howe's side climbed to sixth just a point behind Spurs. Watford seemed rejuvenated at seventh and Manchester United went to 8th. That will set the tone for the next weekend.

Bournemouth V Manchester United - How good are the Cherries? Very good. Even at away games having won 4-0 at Watford and 3-0 at Fulham just last week. The Red Devils finally won narrowly at home against Everton (2-1) and endured a nervy end as the Toffees attacked. Paul Pogba continued in his way only he knew how. His run up to the penalty kick was funny as he seemed to be running on the spot with each stride maybe only half a foot and took a long time before he kicked the ball. It was a good strong left hand of Jordan Pickford that made that save and fortunately for Pogba the ball rebounded to him for a simple tap in. Then out of nowhere he tried being too clever when he attempted to chip the ball over his opponent which resulted in Everton scoring. While he is obviously talented you do not know what to make of him in his head. At the Vitality Stadium this time, Bournemouth must surely feel confident and fancy their chances. Manchester United can still be very good but they are not the same fearsome team now. Will Bournemouth melt away again as they have sometimes in previous seasons or will they continue to rise? What better way to get a result here. 2-2.

Cardiff v Leicester - The Bluebirds' 4-2 win over Fulham was impressive but came crashing 1-4 to Liverpool at Anfield but they managed to end Liverpool's clean sheet run. They could now score. The Foxes were unable to win at home against ten men West Ham but the tragedy of the helicopter crash that took the lives five people including Thai owner Vichai just outside their ground should give them some special impetus, strength and fight. Leicester made history in 2015 with Vichai as owner. The city is united and together. Victory is apt. 1-2.

Everton v Brighton - The Toffees were gritty but unfortunate to getting nothing from Old Trafford last week having given the their host a late scare. Jordan Pickford made some good saves and is now a top goalie against penalty kicks. Everton's Portuguese international midfielder Andre Gomes on loan from Barcelona was rather impressive. I thought they played quite well against United with only the final product missing. The Seagulls are on a fine run with three straight wins - all 1-0 meaning they are well organised, has a tight defence and they will get a goal. This should be a tight match. Everton may win but I think Brighton will get a point here. They are in a good moment. 1-1.

Newcastle v Watford - The Magpies are last but one with three points. Newcastle just could not win even if they played reasonably well. Their defeats were mostly narrow. How will Rafa Benitez galvanize his team against the Hornets that looked like they have full recovered their form with two fine wins 2-0 away to Wolves and 3-0 at home to Huddersfield. Newcastle looked doom unless they turn around soon. They could not even win at St. James Park. 0-2.

West Ham v Burnley - If anything, the Hammers were gritty against Leicester last week as they shouldered on with ten men after captain Mark Noble made an uncharacteristic lunging tackle that saw a straight red. Burnley looked helpless even at home as Chelsea plundered them for a big 4-0. Before that it was 0-5 to City. The Hammers must see they have a chance for three points here. 2-1.

Arsenal v Liverpool - The Gunners' 11th straight wins were halted by Palace last week. Unai Emery has to do well here in order to remain in the challenge. Arsenal have not lost for a long time and are playing really well thus presenting a real challenge to their latest visitor. While Ozil was brilliant against Leicester, he was poor against Palace but they have Lacazette and Aubameyang. The Reds have scored eight goals in their last two matches (4-0 v Red Star) and 4-1 (v Cardiff). Where Liverpool used to struggle against the weaker teams that pack their defence they now know how to win them. So far undefeated but they finally conceded a goal to end their clean sheet for some time especially at Anfield. This is a match Liverpool cannot loose as City plays Southampton at home. In fact, they have to win to strengthen their belief and put pressure on City. Till now, we have yet to see Liverpool at their peak and two players will continue to have a key role here - Shaqiri and Fabinho. Time for Salah, Firmino and Mane to really shine. 1-2.

Wolves v Tottenham - Wolverhampton Wanderers, so difficult to beat even when facing the big boys are suddenly finding it hard not just to win but to not loose. Their confidence have been dented and this is a test of their faith and an indication how they will really fare this season. They host a Spurs side that were just defeated at home by City (0-1) and should be bent on winning this next match. Not winning will put some undue pressure and raise question of their season. There is also the rumour of Real Madrid targetting their manager Pochettino after they sacked theirs.  Spurs have stuttered a bit recently. Kane has not scored. Harry needs to be back to his goal-scoring best. They should bring back their imperious form. Wolves could find themselves losing a third straight time. 1-2.

Manchester City v Southampton - The Citizens were not impressive away to Spurs but yet won. There is little doubt what would happen here as the Saints drew their last two matches 0-0 and before that crashed 0-3 to Chelsea at home. However, the Saints know how to play a tight game. 2-0.

Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Chelsea came back quickly with an awesome win without their talisman Eden Hazard. This time, two forgotten players are staking serious claims not just for the club but also country. Ross Barkley out injured fro too long is finally fulfilling his promise? He has scored and assisted for Chelsea regularly returned to the England squad and also scored for England and was Man-of-the-Match last week. He was once touted as the next Paul Gascoigne and also a possible replacement for Steven Gerrard. The the next George Best, the next Ronaldo, or any one small and Latin the next Messi or Brazilian the next Neymar and if French - the next Henry or Mbappe. All these comparison often leads to pressure and eventaully becomes a curse. Ross Barkley should just ignore, work hard and go on to be the new Ross Barkley and give continuous awesome performances consistently so others will be compared to him someday. Chelsea are good so Palace is likely to fumble. 2-0. 

Huddersfield v Fulham - If the home team wins it will be their first win and will change position with their visitor. Poor Huddersfield deserve better. If there is any team and any venue right now that the Terriers could win, it shall be at home to Fulham. The Londoners have faltered and have lost confidence. 1-1.