Friday, February 7, 2014

EPL Week 25

It remains to be seen how crucial Chelsea's win at the Etihaad will be in the standings at the end of the season. It has certainly stopped Man City from crushing the league at this point. This week-end is a top 4 clash between Arsenal and Liverpool.

Liverpool v/s Arsenal. I certainly don't think any of the two will win the league. The way I see it at this point, is that the Gunners will come out 3rd. Whether the Kops get the UCL 4th spot much depends on how good the comeback from Man Utd will be, if ever there is a comeback, that is. Were it not for their current injuries, I would have fancied the hosts to be strong contenders for the win. There's a team spirit and a will to win that flows in this Liverpool team that wasn't there in previous years. Manager Rodgers has simply been outstanding playing his cards so far and has the S & S strike duo running to full effect. However, it remains to be seen whether a lack of recruitment during the January trade window will have effects during the season run-in. The Gunners have the talent to beat any team any time, but there are still question marks as to their disposition when the chips are on the line, as in Saturday's match. They have a potent attacking force and much of their chances of winning will depend on how well they can contain Suarez and Sturridge. If they can keep them quiet, Ozil and Cazorla can create damage on the other side of the pitch. It looks very much to be a battle of the wills that will win it and if there is to be a winner, I see the Reds just edging this one. It might very well end up in a high-scoring draw. So, the selection is Liverpool as a draw-no-bet.

Aston Villa v/s West Ham. The Villains have been shaping up well in the last few weeks and they are my confident selection for a home Win. I don't see West Ham parking the bus as against Chelsea a few weeks back as they will fancy their chances to go get a result.

Chelsea v/s Newcastle. Got to be a home Win. I cannot see a struggling Newcastle stopping an in-form, buoyant, and confident Blues team at the moment.

Crystal Palace v/s West Brom. It has been rewarding to side with Palace at home over the past weeks and I see the trend continue. They are solid at home and the Baggies are prone to be scored against. The Eagles are a draw-no-bet selection.

Norwich v/s Man City. Negredo and Dzeko were poor against Chelsea and missing Aguero is definitely a negative for the Citizens. The above duo usually are prolific against lesser opposition and I expect at least one of them to be on the score sheet in this game. City are a Win selection.

Southampton v/s Stoke. It looks like the Saints of old are back and they are a strong value Win selection. It tooks 2 incredible goals for the Potters to overcome Man Utd last week-end and I just don't fancy their luck prolong in this game.

Sunderland v/s Hull. The hosts are on the up and should get the critical 3 points against the struggling visitors. I am believer of the Poyet renaissance of the Black Cats and they will beat the drop in my estimate. Hull are struggling mightily on the road mainly due to their lack of firepower and are relying mainly on their home form for survival. Sunderland are a Win selection.

Tottenham v/s Everton. I have a feeling that the visitors will nick this but will sit on the fence on this one.

Man Utd v/s Fulham. If the Red Devils cannot beat Fulham at Old Trafford, then they should not even be talking of a Top 6 finish. In my books, Fulham are going down. This should be a home win with RVP, Rooney and Mata relishing a possible goals galore.


Win: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Man City, Southampton, Sunderland, Man Utd
Draw-no-bet: Liverpool, Crystal Palace

No comments:

Post a Comment