Having not lost all season, Manchester City have managed to lose twice this week: their first loss was to Liverpool and their second was when they decided to withdraw from the Alexis Sanchez race. Guardiola might not think that he needs him, but Sanchez is world class and if he goes to United, then the gap between the two teams, definitely narrows. Apart from that Chelsea can’t score, Arsenal remains mediocre and Liverpool still can’t defend. Here is how I believe week 24 will go down:
Brighton vs Chelsea
A slew of tedious home draws, missing out on an angry Chilean midget, and now chasing Andy Carrol, whose only redeeming feature is that he made our signing of Torres seem slightly less stupid. From unstoppable champion,s to aimless in just under 6 months, at least we’re doing better than we were two years ago: we should win this game, but who knows, given our current funk. Still, I am going to predict that we get a 2-0 win, although I wouldn’t be surprised if Brighton pulled off an upset.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal’s best player just jumped ship to Manchester United, and you wouldn’t be surprised if Ozil, followed him out of the door, which almost guarantees that against all logic Wenger will be given a 100-year contract, so he can rebuild the team that he has managed for twenty years in his own image. He just needs a little bit more time, and he is bound to get it right! Arsenal will be a depressed place and with the form that Palace is in, I am going to predict that they manage a 2-2 draw, to the disappointment of the locals.
Burnley vs Manchester United
With Alexis Sanchez, all but signed, Mourinho and the Old Trafford faithful, will be a bit more cheerful this week and there is no question that he will make them a lot better, although it, sort of, lessens the effect of Mourinho’s claim that Guardiola is buying the Premier League. Still, he is a good buy and I wish him nothing but misery at his new club (unless Chelsea somehow buys him). I fancy Burnley to pull off a surprise in this game, they were very good at Old Trafford, and I think that they will achieve the exact same result: 2-2.
Everton vs West Brom
I am one of the few people in England that has always rated Theo Walcott, and I have always personally felt that Wenger, held him back, because he disliked him. I think that £27.5 million could prove to be a steal, for a club that recently spent £50 million on an Icelandic attacking midfielder. They will win this game, with or without the England winger, because West Brom is an awful team: 3-0 Everton.
Leicester vs Watford
This game is the very definition of a mid-table game, with nothing on the line, meaning that it will be entertaining, and could go either way. However, I reckon that it will end up 3-2 to Leicester.
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Stoke vs Huddersfield
Is Paul Lambert the answer to Stoke’s woes? It is possible, and I have nothing against the man, but he didn’t work wonders with either Wolves or Blackburn. Whether he is or isn’t Stoke, will probably win this game, thanks to the legendary ‘new manager effect’, a scientifically proven phenomenon where lazy footballers perform better, when they feel like they might be dropped or sold. I reckon that it will end up: 2-0 to Stoke.
West Ham vs Bournemouth
The members of the West Ham board must be sniggering about the crazy, ludicrous £25 million pound asking price that they have put on the head of a 29-year-old striker, who has scored two goals all season and generally spends more time injured than on the pitch. While Bournemouth must be buzzing after their comeback win against Alexis Sanchez’s old club. I fancy Bournemouth to keep their momentum rolling and pick up a crucial 2-1 away win.
Manchester City vs Newcastle
If City were playing against anyone else after their first loss of the season, then there would be a small chance of an upset that would reopen the title race. However, they are not, and the chances of Newcastle scoring against them are about the same as Andy Carroll turning out to be a good signing for Chelsea. So, I reckon that City will take out their frustrations on the toon army, thrashing them 6-0.
Southampton vs Tottenham
Spurs seem to be stuck in Premier League ‘no man’s land’ at the moment: well clear of Arsenal, yet unable to really get involved with the battle for second place. Luckily for them, they get to play Southampton this week, who are experiencing their worst season in years. They should win this game, with the most likely score being 3-1 to Tottenham.
Swansea vs Liverpool
Fresh from destroying Man City and then almost throwing it away, Liverpool look like a team on the up, although their defense still looks dodgy to me and a world class keeper would do them the world of good. Although they won’t need one against Swansea, and I reckon that they could play me in goal and still win, against the South Wales club, who seem completely unable to score. This game could end up with a cricket score, but I will be conservative and say, 3-0 Liverpool.