EPL 2020/21 - Game Week 19

Manchester United are top of the league (36 points) and three points clear of Liverpool (33 points)! For the first time for a long time and will this be their season amid the pandemic? Next trip to Anfield will be a cruncher since another win would bring them six points clear and if Liverpool were to win then the Reds will reclaim the leadership but it is not so simple this season as you can see. Manchester City (with a game in hand) are on 32 points and strongly back in contention. Leicester (4th) and Everton (5th) are on 32 points, Tottenham are on 30 and even Southampton are on 29 points and Aston Villa have 26 points (with 2 games in hand). Chelsea have dropped the most in 9th with 26 points, same as West Ham (10th). My sons' friend bought me this lovely Christmas present - a magazine that captured Liverpool's glorious season in 2019/2020 that gives you every detail and every match of the historic season! Thanks!

This is Game Week 19, which brings the season to almost the halfway line so it will be a milestone and teams lay down their markers to mark their territory. A very significant weekend awaits. No one has won anything yet but it is a good indicator provided teams sustain their performances. The scheduling has been disrupted too. Some way to go.

Wolves v WBA - After beating Chelsea in mid-December, Wolves won only once and drew twice in 6 games. WBA are worse - after that gallant defiance against Liverpool where they stole a point, they have gone down 0-5 to Leeds and 0-4 to Arsenal. Wolves are organised but they won't score so many as they play a cautious game but WBA must hope to get something. If Sam Allardyce can galvanize his team. 0-0.

Leeds v Brighton - Leeds are 12th but they should be higher and they have lost their last two matches, 0-3 to Spurs and 0-3 to League Two Crawley in the F.A. Cup so it is troubling. Brighton are still not winning games and they last won in November. A 0-1 defeat to City is no shame. The Seagulls drew 4 out of their last six without a win. 2-2.

West Ham v Burnley - West Ham are undefeated in 3 and they even went to Goodison to beat Everton. Burnley lost narrowly (0-1) to United and can be stubborn and difficult to beat but the Hammers are too good now and I fancy them to take all three points. 2-1.

Fulham v Chelsea - The recent talk now is who is going to replace Frank Lampard. Scott Parker has delivered them to 6 matches unbeaten, 5 in the league. Although they did not win but drew 5 in the league, 3 were against top and in form teams such as Liverpool, Southampton and now Tottenham. This is not welcome news for their latest visitors Chelsea who are the opposite having lost 4 out of 6, winning one and drew the other. Fulham are better than you think and not easy to beat at Craven Cottage. If Chelsea ae not careful, Fulham may even win this London derby. 1-1.

Leicester v Southampton - At the end of the match where the Saints defeated Liverpool, manager Ralph Hassenhuttl was in tears. He and his team have been fantastic! I have been saying they are a superb team, excellent manager and fine players and they are strutting their stuffs this season. Only 3 points separated them and likewise Brendan Rodgers has done a great job. Its a game that both could win but the Saints are so good you expect them to get something and play well against any team. 2-2.

Aston Villa v Everton - Postponed.

Sheffield United v Tottenham - At last! Sheffield Unite won a league game this season on their 18th attempt! I have thus predicted correctly for their 1-0 win over Newcastle so this must be their catalyst for survival. For Tottenham, once again they dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Fulham after taking the lead through Harry Kane. They allowed the Cottagers to have 15 shots against them and Spurs created less chances than their opponent and are 6th now. A midfield of Winks and Hojbjerg in a 4-2-3-1 showed a lack of boldness and typical Mourinho. The Blades would be encouraged and if Spurs were to play like they did Fulham, they may not win but still Spurs will have too much quality especially with Kane and Son. 1-2.

Liverpool v Manchester United - Klopp got it wrong to bring back two injured players straight into the fray - Thiago and Chamberlain. He also played captain Henderson as a centre-half and a Liverpool backline that consisted only one real defender in Robertson as TAA was replaced by Milner later. Manchester United have been buoyed by their own form, possibly the most in-form team with their string of good results. Paul Pogba is a hero again. The stakes have been raised and Liverpool have to respond most appropriately to try to reclaim lost ground. This will be the biggest test for both teams but unfortunately played at an empty Anfield. The Red Devils often raise their game against Liverpool in this derby and have an advantage of their lead. 

Why Man U can win - in-form, on winning streak but winning streak has to end at some point, they raise their game when they play Liverpool due to derby competitiveness and rivalry for supremacy. Bruno Fernandes but he drew a blank in last match. Penalty king. No Anfield advantage. Will try to be the team to end unbeaten Anfield record. Will soak and strike through counter. They are having the rub of the green.

Why Liverpool will win - Think Barcelona and how they often overcome the greatest odds in so many matches. Mane is back scoring. Thiago Alcantara. Anfield is still a fortress and unbeaten in years. Will the real Trent Alexander -Arnold please turn up. He can make a huge difference offensively if he recaptures his old form. 

The pandemic has really changed things in so many ways. This is a game that both teams would want to win and if they don't City re ready to pounce. Both are top teams and a draw is possible but I think Liverpool will turn up to win the game. 2-1.

Manchester City v Crystal Palace - City are not at their previous level but they are still too good for many teams. The recent 1-0 win over Brighton was a case in point as they sprung up to 3rd, 4points behind leaders United and just one behind Liverpool in 2nd. Phil Foden is now fulfilling not just his role but his promise and potential. City are looking good again and I think they are the favourites for the title. 3-1.

Arsenal v Newcastle - After recovering with a string of wins they were held by Crystal Palace. Newcastle could set up to get the same result as Palace. 

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West Ham v WBA - West Ham have stability and more consistency. WBA have struggled. Home win. 2-0.

Leicester v Chelsea - Leicester are in better form than Chelsea and Chelsea can't afford not winning again after a poor run but they do have so much attacking qualities so Frank Lampard must hope to bring back their better form of earlier in the season. 2-2.

Leeds v Southampton - Postponed.

Fulham v Manchester United - Scott Parker has improved Fulham so much. They drew their last 5 matches with two 0-0 and three 1-1. They have surprised Liverpool and Southampton and before that beaten Leicester. United are growing in confidence so no easy task but I am telling you that Fulham could spring a surprise here. Most will surely think its a Red Devils win but I saw how Fulham have been playing - well organised, much stronger defence and they can strike. 1-1.

Manchester City v Aston Villa - City have an excellent chance for the title. The team has settled and the early season problems are over. They are back! Villa have been exciting to watch but the recent Covid issue has seen the matches postponed and they may lack match sharpness. Other than that they can really give City a game. Expect to City to win but this is a strange season so there could be some surprises. 2-2.

Liverpool v Burnley - The Reds have not lost to Burnley at home since 1974 and depending on the match against Man Utd they have the enviable home record. Burnley can be tough and Nick Pope can be their saviour again but I am considering a Liverpool win. 2-0.