EPL 2020/21 - Game Week 26

Haha, what a wretched and strange season Liverpool is enduring after a record winning season and being crowned Champions of England, Europe and the world. We all know about the long term injuries of Virgil Van Dijk followed be Joe Gomez and Joel Matip meaning their whole first choice centre-halves were ruled out for the whole season. Even their midfielders turned centre halves are now wiped out with Fabinho and Henderson injured. Even Jota who came on brightly to strengthen the once feared front three has been out for so long. I am not aware of any team suffering from such casualties in one season resulting in calamity. Without these key players the Reds are struggling to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. It is hard to fault Klopp even if he remains stubborn as he has won trophies in the last few seasons that few could playing the way they have been playing. Without VVD you mays till cope but without the entire centre defence pulling two key midfielders Fabinho and Henderson back changed their engine room. Even the wing backs are suffering and the midfield and finally in attack. Klopp often plays with the same players and seldom rotate which is very good when no one in injured but bad when many were injured as all replacements would have lacked playing time. 

Even when they dominated the ball with high possession they have been conceding goals in key areas and in key moments. The latest defeat by Everton was a case in point. The Toffees played very well especially in defence where Holgate, Keane and Godfrey were outstanding and Jordan Pickford, the one who injured Van Dijk pretty much made all the great saves to deny them. Six games at fortress Anfield and 3 defeats and 3 draws when they have previously kept a 68-game unbeaten run. When will they start winning again. The mentality monsters, the pressing and winning machine have lost it. The soccer gods have put them on tests never seen before and not just the players and management but for Liverpool fans. 

But Klopp and his Liverpool side have won the biggest trophies and played really incredible football for the last few years and being labelled the "Unbearables" for being unplayable, for coming back from behind even with big deficits and even scoring late to win. Why are they now suffering results that are unthinkable? Liverpool plays a very high intensity game with a high defensive line and Virgil Van Dijk is exactly the player brought in with Allisson Becker to do just that. They could still continue if Matip and Gomez are there. While Fabinho stops many in the middle Henderson drives the energy and long through balls from midfield. Not every player is suitable for a role in such a system and even suitable ones identified needs plenty more time to adapt and apply. It is designed to win matches against many teams but this system works only if all or at least most of the key players are there. That is why they are still dominating ball possession, creating chances but have lost matches as they broke down in key areas and key moments. That fluidity in transition and confidence is gone. They could do so and excel in a few matches like against Spurs and West Ham then they failed to do so in others. Klopp sticks to a 4-3-3 to some is a lack of tactical flexibility. 

But Klopp is stubborn and will continue to play in the same way as it has beaten every other method in soccer for a few good years which is not wrong as a philosophy but this is extraordinary circumstances. If the players are less well versed or still do no have that familiarity yet then stop playing nice balls from the back and make all necessary adjustments to not leak goals at first. Liverpool have been giving away goals, easy goals and then they have to chase a game opening themselves up even further. Adapting to a new normal is what Liverpool needs. How is West Ham doing so well this season under David Moyes? Simply because he has been training West Ham to play to their strength, individually and as a team. Forget nice and win ugly for now when yo do not have all the tools I supposed and to stamp the losses and easy goals conceded, he could also alter their formation for a start instead of the usual 4-3-3 to give opponents an element of surprise. Otherwise, that is why every team now seems to have a chance. Pundits are now calling Liverpool an "easy touch". Klopp works on blind faith and care for his players which can be excellent but he let go Lovren, Clyne, Lallana. Loan out Harvey Elliot, Harry Wilson and just recently Minamino. How could he rotate now? It is up to Klopp and his boys to respond. Or else it will eat into their strength. 吃 力 is eat strength in Chinese or "jialat".

Manchester City v West Ham - Reuben Dias has been one of the most important players for City. He not only just slotted in like he has been there forever but his presence has rejuvenated John Stones who is now playing like a defensive god. Portuguese Joao Cancelo is another amazing player who has contributed so much to them. Cancelo not only cancels out the opponents attack, he has been so effective attacking them too. Of course Ilkay Gundogan is having his own stellar season. That is why City have been brilliant. Now unbeaten in 17 games winning 13 in a row, they look unstoppable. West Ham are having their best season in a long time. Gone are the days where City could beat the Hammers like 3-0 or 4-0 and these days City are winning 1-0 too. I expect West Ham to play well once again and they can surprise but given City imperious form they should win. 2-1.

WBA v Brighton - Brighton have not won at the Hawthorns in their last 10 visits but this is pandemic season. Their 6 game unbeaten run ended and earned only a point in their last two games. The Baggies earned 2 draws in their last 2 matches against United and Burnley. Problem with the Seagulls is that while playing well they lack the cutting edge to finish. WBA will give them a real challenge. 1-1.

Leeds v Aston Villa - Patrick Bamford bagged his 13th league goal of the season followed by the excellent Stuart Dallas and a superb free-kick goal from Raphinha for an impressive 3-0 win over the Saints. Villa have not won here since long ago. The Villans are not as effective now as the first part of the season although still dong well. No more whipping boys but with their best player Jack Grealish injured may find things tougher. January till now have not been as good as they became inconsistent with LWLWLWDL. Leeds are the same with a LWWLWLLW. This could turn out an exciting match for the football both are playing. Leeds win because Jack Grealish is injured and may not feature. 3-2.

Newcastle v Wolves - The last 4 times they have met ended 1-1 and for the football they are playing now, it looks a 1-1 game. Maybe even 0-0. The Magpies have to remember how they beat Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park but since then they have only beaten Southampton and lost 3 matches. Wolves are back to winning in their last two matches and could continue that momentum. They will both play to a draw. 1-1.

Crystal Palace v Fulham - Fulham are unbeaten in 4 and have even won twice. Palace are on a LLWWLLW while Fulham are DDLDWDW. I see that Fulham are playing better and won;t be surprise if they win. 1-2.

Leicester v Arsenal - Arsenal were actually pretty good against City last time. Arteta was after all a former City coaching staff with Pep Guardiola. I do think he could make the Gunners grate again, I mean great like Donald Trump making America great again. Leicester have not lost in their last 4 meetings and Jamie Vardy is a thorn having scored 11 against the Gunners in 10 games. However, Leicester shocked themselves after being downed 0-2 in their second leg tie at home against Slavia Prague in the Europa round of 32 and KO from the competition after a 0-0 away draw. The Gunners' 3-2 win thanks to Aubameyang over Benfica for an overall 4-3 victory will boost their morale. Yet again young Bukayo Saka was tops with two assists. To me, young Harvey Barnes has been Leicester's most impressive and he will take some stopping. It should be an interesting or even exciting match here. I pick a high scoring draw. 2-2.

Spurs v Burnley - If you think that Jurgen Klopp is having a hard time, tell that to Jose Mourinho. Friends who are Spurs' fans are often cursing with his selection and game play. The defence first no risk tactics have been backfiring. So teams that could stop Kane and Son prosper. Mourinho is threading thin ice and rumours will start to spread. There was a report suggesting that Tottenham are targetting RB Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann to replace him. The 4-0 Europa win over Wolfsberger with MOTM Dele Alli scoring once 2 assists and Gareth Bale showing his soccer prowess and not just golf are welcomed relief. Players like Bale and Alli are what high risk players to Mourinho because they play with risks and risk losing the ball. Mourinho' soccer is risk-averse, not high risks high returns. Well, you get to pluck the low lying fruits then. Alli's bicycle kick goal was one to behold! He is the type that Spurs have been missing. He was outrageous! Alli is still just 24, played in the World Cup and already got 25 goals before he was 21. Time for Jose to set him free as they face a stubborn Burnley who are unbeaten in 4 matches (1 win 3 draw). Nick Pope has been outstanding since last season and has been continuing this season such that Spurs are reportedly interested to sign him to replace Lloris. It is this player they need to beat if they hope to win. If Mourinho name a team to play hoping not to lose it shall end a draw. A more adventurous game plan - win. It is quite simple. 2-1.

Chelsea v Manchester United - Get this - Chelsea have just won 1-0 away in the Champions League against Spanish leader Athletico Madrid, a very strong team under Diego Simeone who are leading ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Chelsea are now well-drilled and solid and have out-thought and outplayed their tough opponent. The spectacular overhead kick solitary goal from 34 year old Olivier Giroud, scorer of many spectacular goals in the past must have been a master stroke since he hardly featured regularly and validated Tuchel's selection. He played 3-4-2-1 with Hudson-Odoi and Alonso as wing backs. A very significant win just before they host Manchester United. Meanwhile, Mason Mount continues to prove Lampard has been right with his selection with an excellent outing. There was even one moment of great brilliance as he left two opponents on the floor before he made a stunning pass. He is going to serve Chelsea and England well as he is only 22. United have not lost away this season. Since a 1-2 defeat to Sheffield United, the Red Devils have not lost in 8 matches (winning 4 of them) all competitions. Their 4-0 away win over Real Sociedad was impressive thought the 2nd leg ended 0-0. Chelsea are unbeaten in 9 matches (winning 7 of them) in all competitions since a 0-2 defeat to Leicester. It has to take something special from Chelsea to win this and I think there will be goals. Could be an exciting draw but Chelsea quite a force again in recent times under Tuchel and I think they can eke out a win despite me predicting United win quite often. 2-1.

Sheffield United v Liverpool - When things are not going your way or worse, the chicken that eats your saliva also dies. I thought Trent was innocent as he fell and then Calvert-Lewin fell over him but the referee awarded a penalty. Even without this controversy, the Reds might have lost. So soccer as in life, you have to work to create your chances and score goals. Klopp needs to devise a new game plan to win games and even if they can't they will need to stop losing so easily. Stop conceding the silly goals with school boys errors. 

The Blades have won more games than Liverpool since January. If Sheffield wins it will be another record as they last did that in 1994. Though residing at the bottom, the Blades work hard and fight well and can be tough. They are likely to sit tight and try to score from the counter. With their experience, Liverpool must know they should not be caught. The Reds simply cannot afford another silly mistakes and another debacle. For a start they will have to start firing. If West Ham and Fulham have beaten them, why not Liverpool. It has to start here for the Reds because Chelsea are coming up next. Will their curse be lifted without captain Jordan Henderson?  0-2.

Everton v Southampton - Southampton's dip extended to 8 games without a win after such a fine run before that. They have lost their last 4 away games and also lost their way. The Saints suffer such a dip every season which I do not understand. Everton are looking seriously good. Afert defeats to Fulham and City they bounced back to beat Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in donkey years. This would have inspired them tremendously. Given the current contrast, I have to go for a win for Everton. 2-1.

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Manchester City v Wolves - Last 7 times they have met,  they drew 3 times, each team won twice. So you can say Wolves have been a bit of a bogey team for City for whatever reasons even when City have been very strong. Their last 2 meetings were at the Molineux where Wolves won 3-2 and lost 1-3. Only this time Wolves are not as good as they were. So it looks City is good for another win. Can anyone stop City even for just a game or two? I think Wolves can trouble City. Perhaps Nuno Esprito Santo has some special tricks. 1-1. 

Burnley v Leicester - Sean Dyche will typically design a game plan to soak and strike at Turf Moor. Vardy will of course be theri go to man but it is Harvey Barnes who could make a difference as he runs at defenders. Burnely have beaten Leicester like once in every 3 or 4 games. They won when they last met in January 2020. So its not so straight forward and the Clarets have won at Turf Moor fairly regularly. 2-1.

Sheffield United v Aston Villa - Up to now, Sheffield United have only 3 wins and anchored right at the bottom with only 11 points, 3 behind WBA and 11 behind Fulham. Much also depends if Jack Grealish will be back from injury. In their last 9 meetings they have won 3 times each and drew 3 times. Even Stevens. Villa has more advantages as they have more players who could score - Watkins, Trezeguet, Traore or even McGinn and Barkley. A narrow away win. 1-2.

Crystal Palace v Manchester United - Since 2018 to 2020, they have met six times and the Eagles won once (3-1) and drew once with the rest in defeat. The Red Devils have gotten better and it will be a huge upset if United do not win here but then they last met in September 2020, Palace won 3-1 at Old Trafford. They did that too with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in 2019 but don't seemed to do too well at home against the Red Devils. 1-2.

Fulham v Spurs - Spurs were held 1-1 by Fulham in January. Since then, Fulham have improved and playing better while Spurs have declined. Mourinho needs to be brave to win matches. Now Spurs games and their results are dependent on who Mourinho plays. They drew 1-1 in January and if Fulham plays a good game then I see a draw but Kane and Son may be too good. 1-2.

WBA v Everton - In the last 4 meeting Everton won twice but were also held twice. Ancelotti has made Everton quite a force and they should continue to do well. WBA can occasionally surprise and shock like they did to United (1-1). The Toffees will have to be very good to win. 1-1.

Liverpool v Chelsea - The last 3 league meetings were won by the Reds - 2-1, 5-3 and 2-0. Their fortunes have changed and now Chelsea are leading by 3 points. It is a direct fight to oust the other for top four finish. On current form Chelsea can win but with mud on their faces, the champions cannot be lame and the Blues are difficult to beat now and Tuchel have even tighten their defence. 2-2.