It was a strange week in the Premier League, with both North London clubs thrashing the Merseyside teams, Chelsea enduring a tense goal-fest with Watford and Man United being humbled by Huddersfield. However, what stood out was the continued march of Man City, who look unstoppable at the moment: already five points clear, one has to wonder whether the title race is already a procession. At the other end of the table, Palace returned to form and West Ham was embarrassed by Brighton, here is how I see week 10 going down.
Manchester United vs Tottenham
Manchester United’s good run of form came to a screeching halt against the most unlikely of opponents on Saturday, and that humiliation will undoubtedly be playing on Mourinho’s mind. With Pogba still missing, along with a host of other big names, he must be really regretting losing momentum, with his stodgy attempt to play for a draw at Anfield. Spurs, on the other hand, are flying high, with Harry Kane, being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, in terms of scoring (though he still looks like a donkey to me, I went all in on that one a long time ago). This is a must-win game for both sides, and with the way that City look at the moment, it will inevitably end up in a draw, with 1-1 being the most likely score.
Arsenal vs Swansea
Trying to predict which Arsenal will show up is like pissing against a hurricane: practically impossible, you can be certain that they will lose when you least expect it and win in the same fashion. So, who knows, Arsenal should win, however in my view that is when they are at their least backable, still, to be sensible I will go for 2-1 to Arsenal.
Crystal Palace vs West Ham
Two London clubs teetering on the edge of catastrophe face off in a game that you can be sure will be packed with high adrenaline tackles, loud supporters and truly atrocious football. It will probably come down to, which side makes the least mistakes, which on current form is almost impossible to predict. Still, since it is my job to do so, I reckon the raucous home crowd at Selhurst Park, does the trick and Palace nick it late on 2-1, in an error-strewn game.
Liverpool vs Huddersfield
Liverpool’s embarrassing defensive showing against Tottenham demonstrated that their defense was about as solid as a wet paper bag. While Huddersfield managed to upset Manchester United, in a result which would have been the biggest upset of the season, if Palace hadn’t done Chelsea the week before. Surely, Liverpool will win in front of their home fans, or Klopp may start to be questioned, more than he is already: 3-1 Liverpool.
Watford vs Stoke
Stoke, models of Premier League stability for years, tormentors of the top teams, are suddenly looking remarkably wobbly. A seven-two defeat to rampant City was followed by a less than edifying home loss to Bournemouth, and they now sit just one-point above the relegation zone, having conceded more goals than any other Premier League team. This is a must-win game for them, that they will lose against Watford, who look like a proper team, good enough to do a Southampton or Everton and finish seventh: 2-1 Watford.
Win big cash prizes at SportChamps! Sign up now for 5 FREE Rookies Only tournaments!
West Brom vs Manchester City
With the mood that City are in at the moment, it is difficult to see anyone stopping them, much to my own surprise, they are a runaway train, inflicting destruction, wherever they go. However, if there was one man that stood for the complete opposite to Pep, who may give him an uncomfortable afternoon, it is Mr. Long Ball himself, Tony Pulis. I am saying that West Brom spring an upset here, and hold City to a 2-2 draw because if they don’t the bookies may have to start paying out early on a City title win.
Bournemouth vs Chelsea
Kante couldn’t be more conspicuous by his absence if he tried. From the meanest defense in the league to one of the most generous, Chelsea really do look like a different team, without their French Duracell Bunny. Until he comes back every game will be touch and go, although I still see us defeating Bournemouth 3-1.
Brighton vs Southampton
It’s the derby of the average seaside resorts: buckets and spades all around! All joking aside, both of these teams are starting to hit rhythm, with Brighton humiliating West Ham and Southampton scraping a 1-0 win against West Brom. This game is likely to be rather boring, because that is what Southampton is like these days, with the most likely result being 1-1.
Leicester vs Everton
Leicester completed the arc of their great Shakespearian tragedy, with the players finally deciding to play football again, now their manager has got the chop. Exactly the same thing happened with Ranieri, and as a Chelsea fan, who watched our players do it with manager after manager for about 15 years, I assure you it is not a way to win football games. Everton have problems of their own, with Koeman getting sacked after having pissed away a cool £150 million quid. Now, let's see if Everton have any kind of spine to stand up and show some sort of ticker this weekend. This game has 2-2 thriller written all over it.
Burnley vs Newcastle
This will be one of the most tedious games that you will ever see and Newcastle will undoubtedly set up to get a point, under boring Benitez. Thankfully, Burnley’s organization and plucky spirit will win the day 1-0, as the ginger Mourinho continues his march to bigger and better things.