Saturday, July 25, 2020

Final Week - EPL 2019/20

The EPL comes to an end this Sunday with the dice still rolling for a few teams. They don't come more important than the clash between Leicester and Man Utd for a spot in next year's UCL.

The Red Devils have been in sublime form since the restart and although they seem to have sputtered slightly lately, they will go with the favours of the market in this crucial match-up. They certainly did not produce the dominant display that was expected of them in their last match against West Ham; they looked tired and devoid of any creative ideas. Against Leicester, this kind of performance will be lethal. The Foxes are not in great form themselves and will need a last hurrah at home to guarantee that final UCL spot. They are badly missing the injured Maddison in the middle of the park and seem to have an over-reliance on Vardy to score. How they will contain Bruno Fernandes and the dynamic trio of Rashford, Martial and Greenwood will be key to their chances. A win is required for the hosts and they will need to ensure they are not trailing in the match. If Utd produce their form of a couple of weeks back, they will be hard to beat. It will be a testament of the mental toughness of this team if they can pass this hurdle convincingly. I think they will.

Chelsea need at least a draw to ensure UCL qualification but Wolves is not going to be easy to overcome. I am not at all convinced with the quality of the Blues at the moment. Take Pulisic and goalscorer Giroud out of the equation and I think they will have struggled mightily in the last few games. If Kante comes back to boss the midfield on Sunday, that gives them a leg up but the French will certainly not be at 100% fitness. It might be worth going for a visitor win here or maybe Chelsea will work tooth and nail to cling to a draw if they are at pains against tenacious Wolves.

I think Watford and Bournemouth will accompany Norwich and go down. Obviously, no one knows the inside details but the Hornets sacking manager Pearson last week looks as dumb a decision as any. Putting an interim manager days before facing Man City proved the dumbness of the decision as they shipped in 5 goals that put them in relegation zone because of inferior goal difference! I don't see them getting a decision at Arsenal. Maybe a draw can save them but it will be a hard-earned draw.

I don't see Bournemouth getting the miracle they need to stay up. They will have to go beat Everton and hope for Aston Villa and Watford to falter. The Cherries have been a great to watch  in the EPL for the past years but it looks a tall order for them to stay up.




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