EPL 2020/21 - Game Week 23

 In a crisis there are opportunities. The Chinese words for crisis is "危机" (weiji) which when separated is "危" (danger) and "机" (opportunity) thus when there is a crisis there are also opportunities. In this abnormal season, everything is different. Rich / poor divide may get wider but the difference among soccer teams gets narrower and have thrown out freak results, etc.

Manchester City are the team to beat as they lead the table with 47 points with a game in hand. Their neighbour United are at 44, Leicester are next with 42 and champions Liverpool at 40. West Ham came up to a deserved 5th as Chelsea climbed up a bit under a new manager with 36 points, Everton dropped off a little with 36 points to 7th, Tottenham have frustrating slumbered to 8th (33 points), Aston Villa recently weakened to 9th (32 points) and Arsenal caught up with some positive results of late to 10th (31 points).

It is just 2 games past the mid-way points. It is quite clear it is City's title to lose as they are playing well, scoring, keeping clean sheets and on a winning streak. I think United are the most likely team to challenge them this season as on their day, they have been very good but lack consistency but in such a pandemic season, it is indeed an opportunity for the Red Devils as all tams are affected by Covid and injuries so this is their great chance. 

Champions Liverpool have been suffering for more reasons. Critical injuries robbed them of their complete first choice centre-backs. Having Henderson and Fabinho as replacement depleted their usual midfield. After 3 years of peak performances, this is the 4th year problem that may occur. Klopp seldom rotate his players and there needs to be freshness in the mind and n the legs. When Klopp first came, Liverpool often struggled with teams that play a low block, parked the bus and defend with ten men but  for the last two seasons they found a way to win such matches even if they were 1-0 wins. Teams have also found and and figured out ways to stop them. Mane cuts in from the left and Salah cuts in from the right, blah, blah, blah. When you are not near perfect in a match then you may get hit.

The Reds will also need somewhat different types of players to create a different path to heaven. Klopp's Liverpool have certain types of players to play in their system and that is all very good but when the middle is crowded out you will need other effective alternative. Low crosses into the box creates chaos and high crosses with aerial supremacy may be an old new weapon. Somehow Liverpool will have to find their way for there is little time and opportunities left. They should not be written off but the challenges they are facing this season are huge ones from the beginning. 

This is the last two weeks before the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Ox begins. How will the Ox brings forth not just health, fortune and prosperity to the soccer teams but also to the lives of many badly affected by this sickening Covid? I hope that blessings aplenty shall pour forth for everyone in the "Niu" Year!

Aston Villa v Arsenal - Villa did the double over Arsenal in 2020 and now sits in 9th one point ahead of Arsenal with two games in hand. Jack Grealish has taken his game to the next and very high level and has been one of the players of the EPL season but of late they have been a bit less consistent results-wise. The Gunners' performances and results have been quite identical. I see them as equal currently but David Luis red card and suspension was unfortunate as he did seemed to be innocent. This could give Villa the edge. 3-2.

Burnley v Brighton - Burnley was on a row with very good performances but lost to Chelsea and City. Brighton have been superb in their last four and undefeated in this time winning three by 1-0 against Leeds, Tottenham and Liverpool. Graham Potter can another here but the Clarets can be very good on the day and I feel they will share the spoils with the Seagulls. 1-1.

Newcastle v Southampton - Alex Jankewitz experienced nightmare when he got sent off in 70 seconds. So too Bednarek with two yellow and saw Southampton who have been too good this season crashed 0-9 but the Saints should be happy to face Newcastle who except for that shocked 2-0 win over Everton have been largely poor. So Southampton have a chance to erase that nightmare. 1-2.

Fulham v West Ham - New loanee Jesse Lingard was on fire as he fired West Ham to a 3-1 win over Villa on the road. Scott Parker has improved Fulham but it seems Fulham could only draw or lose but not win. Tomas Soucek has been outstanding for the Hammers who as a team are playing their best football for some time. I could see a West Ham win. 1-2.

Manchester United v Everton - The Red Devils are bouyant. They must surely smell their chances during this pandemic season. If the Toffees played like when they hosted Newcastle they will get pounded. United are on a fine run and they could push to level City on points though City have a game in hand and if City do not win at Anfield. 3-2.

Spurs v WBA - Spurs have now lost three n a row. WBA on their day can trouble their opponents. Its also interesting to watch how Sam Allardyce cross swords with  Jose Mourinho who is in a fouled mood and some pressure. No Harry Kane and an alternative but still Spurs must find a way to win or it will be another frustrating day. Can't imagine if Spurs lose or were held to a draw because Jose dare not. 1-1.

Wolves v Leicester - Wolves' win over Arsenal at the Molineux means Foxes better beware but still rather inconsistent. Leicester are not 3rd for nothing. They have been brilliant despite a shock 1-3 defeat to Leeds two games back. It was unfortunate Jamie Vardy has been injured. Despite that they have been scoring. Harvey Barnes have been exceptional this season and if Jamie Vardy returns, I see a Leicester win. 1-2.

Liverpool v Manchester City - The Reds fired blanks against Southampton, Manchester United, Burnley and Brighton at Anfield. City have not conceded in six. Bad time to play City. In that time Ilkay Gundogan has been outstanding. Henderson and Fabinho have been good deputies at defence but at least one of them needs to be in midfield. Will new signings Ozan Kabak or Ben Davies get thrown in? I will always choose midfielders in midfield. Liverpool's midfield will need to play quicker. Liverpool have beaten City in the past by overwhelming them and you can't beat City playing their game. If Mane is not involved, there would be even less threat. Based on current form it would be a City win but it is also very highly possible for it to end a draw with each other's respect. This match will make a huge difference to Liverpool's season if they win but to do that there must be dare and lots of players playing to their top level. Liverpool should go all out to win this match. What would be the difference? City are the only team that plays an open attacking game with Liverpool and do not park a bus. 1-1.

Sheffield United v Chelsea - Thomas Tuchels' methods are working and there is belief in Chelsea now. However, it will not be a stroll as the Blades have come back from the dead. They have started scoring and winning. Chelsea just have too much resources available to change and switch and Tuchel may just get another win. 1-2.

Leeds v Crystal Palace - Leeds always pla y an open attacking games so they will win so handsomely or get defeated quite ugly. Paalce have return to winning ways in their last two and their counter attacks so be real quick but Stuart Dallas, Jack Harrison and Partick Bamford are in fine form now. 2-1.