EPL 2020/21 - Game Week 27
When City played West Ham last week, all you need to do was to peer onto the City bench - Jesus, Rodri, Sterling, Cancelo, Foden, Laporte, Mendy, Silva, etc. Weren't that the first team? Then the same thing when City hosted Wolves, the team and bench was the other way around. Unbelievable!
Then you watched Brighton dominate with 70% of the ball, had 15 shots, created 8 chances with 4 big ones, failed to score from 2 penalties given and thwarted by Sam Johnstone's brilliant goalkeeping. Unbelievable!
Leicester failed their test against Arsenal who may have found their mojo but they were without their influential players James Justin and James Maddison amd now will be losing Johnny Evans and Harvey Barnes at this important juncture of the season.
How Tottenham were rewarded for being brave as I have proposed by playing Kane, Son, Moura and Bale and the latter made things look so simple with his 2 fine goals and an assist. Chelsea and Manchester United played out a drab goalless draw where the Blues controlled the game with the Red Devils trying not to lose.
Where Liverpool finally played centre backs as centre backs albeit in yet another new pairing which may have been their 20th plus new pairing by now? Where goalie Adrian returned to play after such a long time in the absence of the grieving Alisson Becker due to his father's tragic passing. Finally the Reds won but then lost to Chelsea 0-1 at Anfield in what was their 7th without a win and 5th defeat. This is horrendous and a huge blow to their hope for the top 4 to qualify for the Champions League. No UCL means no golden potty and difficulty in getting top players. LOL! Maybe Liverpool need to burn this into a glass of water for every player to drink it for good luck...
Sheffield United v Southampton - Sheffield United fired blanks for 3 games then stunned Aston Villa 1-0 and fortunately hosting a Southampton side that has lost their way. So unflappable n confident earlier on, now they are winless in 4 and also fired blanks in 2. The Blades have won 4 while the Saints only once since December so will Southampton's 9 game winless streak continue? It really is a good chance for Sheffield United to pounce and they mostly win or lose by a one goal margin. 1-0.
Aston Villa v Wolves - Villa showed they could modify and cope even without their talismanic captain Jack Grealish who may return for this match. Wolves were holding up well v City but crumbled in the last 10 minutes and conceded 3 times. Villa's early season form has tapered off while Wolves are still inconsistent. Villa are recently winning or losing by a one goal margin just exactly like Wolves. Jack Grealish's return could spur them but it looks unlikely he would be back from injury. Traore, El-Ghazi and Watkins can be quite good. 2-1.
Brighton v Leicester - the Seagulls are still scratching their heads as to how they have lost to WBA. With the injuries to a few of Leicester's key players, surely they should take their chance. The Foxes also seemed to have lost their form. Since Brighton had beaten Tottenham and Liverpool they have not won with 2D and 3L. Every win or defeat was by a single goal. Leicester have lost twice and drew with Burnley in their previous game. 1-1.
WBA v Newcastle - The Baggies will hope to do another "Brighton" on Newcastle who are probably level with them on form but the Magpies have lost 7 out of 8 away games. Somehow they got a point from Wolves last week. If WBA can get a point against United why not Newcastle? 1-0.
Liverpool v Fulham - In their last 5 games, Liverpool won only twice and lost 3 times while the Cottagers were unbeaten and have won twice. It was at their last meeting at Craven Cottage where they were held 1-1. Fortress Anfield has crumbled. 7 games without a win and 5 defeats in a row. What is happening? Should not Fabinho be back in midfield to protect his defence and for them to play differently oppose to a high defensive line? A team leaking goals and not scoring is a recipe for disaster. If they don't win this one and start to win many more, there will be more problems. It is unfathomable even if the team has suffered injuries and without their centre backs. With 11 matches left to the season's end it is imperative that Liverpool win this game and play with some style and conviction or it will be the biggest stumble for a champion. It offers a chance for the Reds to avenge their 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in December. Fulham are playing well and Liverpool sucks so they have to be careful not to make the same mistakes. Liverpool's deterioration has been quite shocking so each and every player must respond like their lives depended on it. There is no more time and they must turn it around. Right here. Right now. 2-0.
Manchester City v Manchester United - This derby is the game of the week. City are leading United by 15 points having played a game more. A win for City in this Mancurian derby will see the points stretched to an unassailable 18. City are on an incredibel winning run but the Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 3 games v City (1D, 2W) and lost just once in six at City (W4 D1). The game offers a direct opportunity for United to close the gap with the leader. Will this be a pulsating game of a boring one where United will sit back only to counter here and there? United's last 3 matches were all 0-0 and their biggest player Bruno Fernandes has gone missing. I suppose City will win again and run away with the title. 2-0.
Tottenham v Crystal Palace - Tottenham were very good as they tore Burnely apart but struggled at Fulham. Palace have awaken a bit and are unbeaten in their last 2 games. Kane, SOn, Bale and Alli could so some damage here but watch for Zaha to be back. 2-0.
Chelsea v Everton - Everton have not won at Chelsea since 1994 but lost just one of their last 6 meetings and Chelsea look unbeatable recently. Everton won all 3 games before this and kept 3 clean sheets. Chelsea also kept 3 clean sheets in a row and even more before that. They are also winning by the lone goal in games. It depends on who blink first. Richarlison has scored on all previous 3 games and is hot! See if Chelsea can keep him quiet. 1-1.
West Ham v Leeds - West Ham were very good even against City and is having a great season. David Moyes is now a well-loved man. Leeds are good to watch but their results have not been too good. While professional sportsmen are making tons of money, the fans, the hoi polloi are struggling to make ends meet, to buy match tickets and merchandise. There was a report that when Marcelo Bielsa became Leeds manager, he was told that the average fan have to work at least 3 hours to afford match tickets. He wanted his players to understand the fans so he made his players pick up litter at the training ground so they could understand and appreciate better. It became a truly humbling experience and that was why the fans adore him and players respect him. As usual, they will take the game to the Hammers but in doing so, they could also get hammered. There could be a few goals. 3-2.
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