EPL - 2018/19 Game Week 25

There was a huge upset in game week 24 when Newcastle United led by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez did the improbable bey beating Champions Manchester City at St. James Park (2-1). This has huge implication on the title race but Liverpool did not make full use of the advantage as they were held 1-1 at Anfield by Leicester who played a good game. This means that Liverpool up just a point more to lead by five. With 14 matches left, it is still anybody's game. This may go down to the wire. 

Tottenham v Newcastle - Tottenham are having many key players missing through injury and morale are not at the usual high as they slumped to a 0-2 defeat by Crystal Palace in the F.A. Cup but bounced back with a 2-1 win over Watford keeping them in third place and seven points ahead of fourth. Meanwhile, the Magpies did Liverpool a big favour with an unlikely upset of Manchester City (2-1). This is a big result for the Magpies who are now five points clear from the relegation zone. Defeating Champions City was no mean feat and a repeat performance could make life tough for Tottenham. However, this will be away and Heung-Min Son is back for Spurs and immediately scored against Watford. Even Fernando Llorente seized  his chance to score. I believe Newcastle is capable of defending well and if they keep a tight space a draw here is possible. Tottenham may still just edge it. 2-1.

Brighton v Watford - The Seagulls became unlikely victims of Fulham who came back from 0-2 down to win 4-2. The Hornets form is good even as they lost to Tottenham narrowly. Brighton have the home advantage but to leak four goals to Fulham is a disaster. Both sides are physically strong so expect a contest which should turn into a draw. 2-2.

Burnley v Southampton - The Clarets did a big favour too for those fighting for top four honours when they held the Red Devils 2-2 at Old Trafford. Save for that 0-5 thrashing bu City they are doing quite well again but the Saints have been impressive since Ralph Hassenhuttl took over. They have beaten Leicester (2-1 away) when Liverpool can't even beat the same team at home, beaten Everton (2-1) and were held at home (1-1) by Palace. Recent results put both teams on par on form and confidence meaning that they could just cancel each other out for a point apiece. 1-1.

Chelsea v Huddersfield - Chelsea were stunned and humiliated 0-4 by Bournemouth. This was quite a shocker! This was despite playing Gonzalo Higuain. Did the Cherries played out of their skins or Chelsea in rapid decline. Could it be Sarri's criticism of the players which led to this? Player power again? Meanwhile, Huddersfield dominated Everton with 58% possession and yet lost 0-1. They just could not win. After 24 matches, they have won just twice, drawn five and lost 17 times scoring a total of only 17 goals and conceded 41. With just eleven points it is now a tall task to even survive. It shall be a big shocker if Chelsea do not win here at Stamford Bridge as they are now in fifth level on points with fourth placed Arsenal. 2-0.

 

Crystal Palace v Fulham - That Palace was able to beat Spurs in the Cup means they are up to the challenge of any team. Fulham suddenly became brilliant when they had Brighton soundly beaten 4-2. What was more impressive was they were 0-2 down by the 17th minute and they have lost their previous four matches. I know some are predicting an away win based on Fulham's last result and yet others picking a home win based on Palace previous performances. My call shall be a draw in this London Derby. 2-2.

Everton v Wolves - The Toffees squeezed out an away 1-0 win over bottom team Huddersfield. Wolves were even more impressive when they hammered the Hammers 3-0. Wolverhampton Wanderers are so good they currently sits 7th in the table just behind Manchester United and above Everton. It won't be easy at Goodison Park but Everton have not been impressive of late while Wolves are cruising. So to me Wolves have the upper hand but the home side could get a point. However, I feel an away win for the Wolves is very possible. 1-2. 

Cardiff v Bournemouth - Welsh club Cardiff are the best of the wort right now with 19 points and third from last. The performed well and gave Arsenal a good game but lost. Bournemouth have just beaten West Ham 2-0 and Chelsea 4-0. Six goals without reply. Cardiff's goal against Arsenal was their first in five matches so they may not score again while the Cherries are on song. 0-2.

Leicester v Manchester United - The Foxes had a great result at Anfield (1-1) despite their recent short comings. The lucky Devils were two down at Old Trafford to Burnley but scored from a penalty in the 87th minute and then levelled through Lindelof at 90+3 minutes to end the match 2-2. If they repeated the Liverpool performance and this time at home they could actually win here or at least win a point. It is also about time that Jamie Vardy scores. United will want to win this match to catch up with Chelsea and Arsenal. Solskjaer refreshing new broom sweep clean has taken its full effect. It is really not that simple as United has long term issues to revamp. Well, at least they are enjoying themselves. You ought to as the pressure is less when you are not fighting for the title. The Red Devils can win this one but Leicester can be dangerous. 1-1.

Manchester City v Arsenal - If Newcastle were tough and they got beaten then the Gunners should pose a bigger challenge to the Champions. Another loss will completely put them is a difficult position. On paper, City should bounce back win by scoring a few goals against a porous Gunners' back line. That is entirely possible but it depends which Arsenal turns up and how Unai Emery plays. If Arsenal charge from the blocks they could score against any team. Just look at how they played Liverpool and Chelsea. If they show City too much respect, they will lose. Experts are saying it is 3-1 to City. The last four EPL matches at the Etihad was 0-2, 2-2, 2-1, and 3-1 but history are for record keeping. It is what happens on the day that counts. It does not look like City is going to have a stroll in the park but at home and their quality means they could win. Arsenal have their own battle to fight for top four and are equally dangerous in attack. Nerves will play a part here. Draw. 2-2.

West Ham v Liverpool - West Ham may be home but that they meekly surrender to Wolves showed their frailty. Last four times they have met favoured Liverpool strongly. In both home and away fixtures in the last two season Liverpool have won 4-0, 4-1, 4-0 and 4-1. The Hammers have lost their last three matches and conceded nine goals. Against Liverpool they are likely to sit back making it difficult for the Reds. Liverpool cannot make the same mistake. City's loss at Newcastle offered the opportunity to make it a seven point lead at the top. They were home at Anfield and hosted Leicester who were not in peak form but instead of winning they drew 1-1. So Liverpool did not rise to the challenge despite Mane getting a goal by the third minute. So this West Ham game can be a potentially tricky encounter. 

David Miller of the Daily Mirror commented: "On a freezing, treacherous pitch, with a makeshift defence against a swift counter-attacking side led by a proper goal-scorer, you sometimes have to take your medicine and not get beat...so maybe not quite the disaster many people think." 

Liverpool have not kept as many clean sheets recently with a patched up back line. At the same time, last season's swashbuckling soccer has evolved into a more mature and cautious approach where they could control matches usually dominating with 60 to 70% possession. Dominating possession these days do not guarantee results. Leading by just a goal itself is a potential banana skin. The problem this season with the 4-2-3-1 is they have become too predictable as they patiently build up to get their goals. The front foot soccer with real intent is gone. There is that lack of the element of surprise. Bruce Lee is a strong advocate of using the element of surprise to catch your opponent. Liverpool should apply this principle so as to keep their opponents guessing. This is again an opportunity for Liverpool to get three full points as City are facing a tougher opponent. 0-2.