EPL 2018/19 Game Week 32

The international break for Euro qualification gave us a break from the hustle and bustle of weekly league soccer. England got off to an impressive start with a 5-0 rout of the Czech Republic. Czech Republic are no minnows and it was also the way England played that got them the results. It could only enhance their reputation with the introduction of very young and talented players like Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson Odoi. This is not to mention Manchester City's Phil Folden and Liverpool's Rhian Brewster. You could add Declan Rice, Joe Gomez, James Maddison, Trent Alexander-Arnold, etc. There is also Ross Barkley who left Everton to be with Chelsea but did not feature enough playing on the left and Southgate seemed to have used him correctly in a freer role since Declan Rice protects the back. At one time Barkely was described by some as a combination of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack meaning some genius with power but he was injured too often in the past.

This is an interesting and exciting time for the English but they must make right decisions, appoint the right managers and keep the team together. Meantime the EPL returns this weekend where every single match is crucial for mots teams especially those on top and those below. City are slated to return to top spot when they travel to Fulham in an early match as Liverpool only play on Sunday in a match of the day hosting Tottenham. This week will see some teams in a double-booked week. City are the champions and still the team to beat. It is never easy for Liverpool but they have mounted a very strong challenge. Most teams who have their points at this stage could have won the title in the past. Despite their fantastic season, they could end up with nothing unless City drop points and they do not.

Fulham v Manchester City  - It will be difficult to expect anything than a convincing win for City but you should never underestimate a team in relegation battle. Liverpool found out how tough Fulham can be and were lucky to have won. It will be a great big shock if City gets anything but a win. It is an early match so City should get be on top to lead by a point once again. Raheem Sterling has been in superb form having scored four on England duty including a hattrick. 1-3. 

Brighton v Southampton - The Seagulls are back to winning but you cannot ignore how the Saints had beaten Tottenham or how James Ward-Prowse got deservedly called up by England after his magic free-kick winner against Spurs. Brighton is tough to play and they are home but Southampton can get a result. 2-2. 

Burnley v Wolves - Burnley could play but after shocking Tottenham 2-1, they have been in a slump with four straight losses.Meanwhile, Wolves denied Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and nearly won then sent United out of the F.A. Cup so they are in a very good moment. The Clarets need to be special if they are harbouring any ambition. Mexican striker Raul Jimenez has been a revelation for Wolves. What a player! 1-2. 

Crystal Palace v Huddersfield - Palace are in a mini slump having lost their previous two matches. Huddersfield are doomed to go down but the Terriers showed great courage when they gave West Ham a scare when they led 3-1 before going down 3-4 at the very last minute. Palace should bounce back here but the win may be a narrow one. 1-0.

Leicester City v Bournemouth - The Foxes returned to winning ways as Brendan Rodgers gave ,ore defining roles and clarity to James Maddison and Jamie Vardy.  The Cherries have halted their rot and are now undefeated in two matches. Joshua King has been in fine form with at brace against Newcastle and scoring for Norway. James Maddison's has created the most chances in the league and his superb free kick was a clear testament of his talent and future with Leicester and England. Jamie Vardy got a brace too signalling his return to his best and his landmark of a century goals for Leicester. This should be a good match as Bournemouth too has fine players in Ryan Fraser and especially David Brooks. At their home ground Leicester should ace this. 2-1.

Manchester United v Watford - The Red Devils have hit a road bump and sticky patch after back to back losses under Solskjaer. The Hornets too suffered the same with losses to Liverpool and City. The honeymoon is over as United lost to Arsenal (0-2) and Wolves (1-2). The Hornets have the physicality to match the host but United can still be better than them but it will present another good test to Solskjaer's team. Louis Van Gaal has remarked that Solskjar also parked the best and plays on the counter and the difference between him and Mourinho is that he is getting the results. 2-1.

West Ham v Everton - Remember, West Ham are much better than they had been for sometime. They just need more consistency. Ditto Everton. The Hammers come from behind win over Huddersfield was something to inspire and so too Everton's 2-0 win over Chelsea. West Ham's Declan Rice made his England debut and his stocks are rising as he has been singled out as the best English defensive midfielder while Everton's Michael Kean scored for England. Draw. 2-2.

Cardiff v Chelsea - Chelsea should look forward to play and win this match. Last time they met, Hazard got three goals in a 4-1 win. Three of Sarri's players were in great form for their country - Kante at centre-midfield for France, Ross Barkley for England and the talented youngster Callum Hudson Odoi. Gianzalo Hugain is clinical but he lacks speed but Sarri believes in him. What if he fails to impress again. Time for Giroud to return? His form in the Europa League was good. Cardiff did gave problems when they had them beaten 2-0 but this is Chelsea and Hazard and Callum Hudson Odoi will give them problems.  0-2.

Liverpool v Tottenham - This match is huge as it has significant implication on the title race. Reds with Lilywhites on a green pitch makes a great game with the Kops comfortable at home. City will likely win at Craven Cottage, so a win here is a must and will be enormous. Sadio Mane is hot and would play a key role. Question is when Salah would hit form as his goal were missing in seven matches. Something is wrong and weighing him down. Could it be his chasing for his landmark goal? Or was it Salah drawing away attention and giving Mane more space? Salah's timely return to form could be crucial. Tottenham seemed to have faltered recently as they have lost Burnley (1-2), Chelsea (0-2) and Southampton (1-2) but still a dangerous team. Luis Van Gall has said that Liverpool are better than City and Barca but the Reds need to win this must-win match as any hiccups will give City a bigger lead. Liverpool won the reverse tie 2-1 but Tottenhma is an excellent team and fighting their own battle for top four so this could well be a pulsating game. 2-1.

Arsenal v Newcastle - The Gunners revived their Europa hopes when they reversed a first leg defeat to win 3-0 versus Rennes. They followed up with an impressive 2-0 win over Manchester United which was massive. Newcastle continued to play their best football recently which has been impressive but they could be pegged back by Arsenal's attacking play unless Benitez conjures and mastermind a surprise and an upset. 2-1.

Watford v Fulham - Watford need a win here as before this they visit Old Trafford. Fulham looked the most promising prospects when they came up but have since faded into oblivion and became the whipping boys of the Premier League. Scott Parker came in too late and it is hard for them to survive but do note that they played very well against Liverpool and there is a thing called pride to play for so the Hornets must not expect a stroll in the park even at Vicarage Road. 2-1.

Wolves v Manchester United - Wolves will be a threat to United as they have already beaten them 2-1 in the F.A Cup quarter-finals. So this is a repeat of that match and United has the opportunity to avenge that match where they were outplayed. Mexican striker Raul Jimenez has been outstanding and at the Molinuex they could still do some damage as they are really an excellent team with many good players. It is possible for them to beat any team and that is how good they are so United have a big challenge on their hands. If Solskjaer plays a cautious game they could get a draw. I believe Wolves could win but to make a few of my Man United fans friends happy, I'll say a draw. 2-2.

Chelsea v Brighton - Chelsea should look forward to play and win this match. Last time they met, Hazard got three goals in a 4-1 win. Three of Sarri's players were in great form for their country recently - Kante at centre-midfield for France, Ross Barkley for England and the talented youngster Callum Hudson Odoi. Chelsea have forgotten their troubles but Everton recently reminded them of new ones when they had Chelsea beaten 2-0. Chelsea are still strong just not as incisive. Home win. 1-0.

Manchester City v Cardiff - City have their work cut out as they host Cardiff after visiting Craven Cottage. Two teams at the bottom so they could make light work of topping the table again. But in their last match City trailed Championship side Swansea 0-2 before coming from behind to win 3-2 amid some controversial decisions. Never underestimate those fighting for survival but City are too good especially Raheem Sterling is in such superb form. 3-0.

Tottenham v Crystal Palace - Tottenham have been run ragged recently and now host London neighbours Crystal Palace after a visit to Liverpool for the first time in their new stadium. Spurs have dropped too many points so Harry Kane and company need to raise their level. Kane scored from the spot for England and Erikssen also starred fro Denmark. Palace is a team that can cause problem for any team and Spurs really cannot drop more points. They should be inspired to win. 2-1.