EPL 2019/20 - Game Week 34

Five more matches left and the season will be over. Somehow soccer matches without the fans is like an election without the rallies. Few more days and the election fever would be over. Thankfully EPL plays out on a yearly season and while the World Cup takes four years, the Election takes up to five years. They should have an election every year so that we can have something to look forward to, have an extra day of public holiday and if the MPs are no good, we can change them. One year is good enough for probation, promotion and relegation. We can also look forward to new talents as in soccer's new signings, etc. Some become stars like a duck to water. Others fail and become anonymous only to fade away. 

Liverpool were lacklustre but won 2-0 at Villa Park and when City sunk to a shocker at Southampton 0-1, Champions Liverpool  now lead by 23 points. Jamie Vardy shot up the goal-scorers chart with a brace against Palace in a strong 3-0 win. The Red Devils showed fight and purpose with a 5-2 romp over Bournemouth Bruno Fernandes and youngster Mason Greenwood were outstanding. Wolves were defeated 0-2 at the Molineux to a resurgent Arsenal. Chelsea were good again with a 3-0 trouncing of Watford. Burneley drew 1-1 with Sheffield United and Newcastle and West Ham battled to a 2-2 draw. 

 The top of the table from 2nd reads: (2) City - 66 points, (3) Leicester - 58, (4) Chelsea - 57, (5) Manchester United - 55, (6) Wolves - 52, (7) Arsenal - 49. No one can afford to slip as Champions League qualifications is at stake. In (8) Sheffield United - 48, (9) Burnely - 46 and (10) Tottenham - 45, all could mathematically go up if they win theire remaining ties and others lose. 
Its equally intriguing at the lower half especially at the bottom. (15) Brighton - 36 points, (16) West Ham - 31 need a couple more wins to be relatively safe. (17) Watford - 28 points is just behind and a point above the Plimsoll line. (18) Aston Villa - 27, (19) Bournemouth - 27 and (20) Norwich - 21, Norwich is going down.
Crystal Palace v Chelsea - Palace have been in rapid decline and on their last 3 matches conceded 8 goals scored none but they are safe in 14th. Chelsea came back in style with a flattering 3-0 win to hold a 2-point lead over United. They cannot slacken. 1-3.
Watford v Norwich - The Hornets lost all of their last 3 games, conceded 6 goals and scored only once. Their position is precarious and survival is in their own hands. The good thing is they are hosting Norwich who do not play so poorly but just could not win. 1-1.
Arsenal v Leicester - Both sides roared back to life - the Gunners won their last 4 matches, scored 10 times and conceded once. That is good form and a winning run. Leicester have an impressive season but recently have finally gotten a good win with Jamie Vardy back to scoring. This is an important match as either team's result has a bearing on the rest jostling for position. 2-2.
Manchester City v Newcastle - City were very impressive against Liverpool but since returning they have lost twice. 1-2 at Chelsea that conceded the title and 0-1 at Southampton. It could be Guardiola's worst record. The Magpies are storm riders. Maybe City too have nothing to fight for but not for lacking commitment, just like Liverpool. Newcastle just very recently lost 0-2 at home to City and City just lost to the Saints. City will be too strong. 3-1.
Sheffield United v Wolves - Sheffield United have stopped the rot. A rot that set in after lockdown. Wolves unbeaten run was ended by Arsenal allowing both the Gunners and the Blades to draw nearer. This match has significance. The Blades are back a wee bit and Wolves are still good but at Bramall Lane Sheffield United could get a point. 1-1.
West Ham v Burnley - After quite many defeats, the Hammers have recovered and had beaten Chelsea and drew Newcastle. To be completely safe, they need more points. Burnley are having a great season in 9th and unbeaten in 3. West Hams' last 2 matches have been encouraging but Burnley are doing  fine. I say draw. 2-2.
Brighton v Liverpool - Brighton have been a battling team and Liverpool have not been playing that well since returning except for the great game against Palace but yet they churned out a 2-0 win against Villa who somehow made things difficult for them. Somehow the Reds will probably get a win. 0-2.
Bournemouth v Spurs - The Cherries seem quite a goner with their pathetic results. They need a miracle not to join Norwich. Spurs loss to Sheffield United was lamentable. I like Bournemouth but I do feel that they have left  it a bit too late this time. 1-2.
Everton v Southampton - The Toffees are unbeaten in 3 matches and will pose a threat at Goodison Park. Southampton, a point behind won't be easy. Ask Manchester City who lost 0-1 at the St. Mary's. If the Saints could beat City, they can beat anyone but Everton can be a tough nut at Goodison Park so it's a draw for me. 1-1.
Aston Villa v Manchester United - Villa battled and played well at Anfield. It was just the finishing that was the difference. United may be the most in form team at the moment. 13 goals in 4 matches and conceded 3. How will Villa stop Fernandes, Greenwood, Martial and Rashford? Seems like Villa may not survive this ordeal. 0-2.

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