Arsenal FC: The Robin van Persie’s are looking pretty much
unstoppable at the moment, if not for, well, Robin van Persie. Others have
helped out with the resurrection: Walcott now has something to play for
(Oxlade-Chamberlaine), Alex Song looks as efficient as ever, transforming
defense into attack almost effortlessly, and with natural full backs in their
ranks (Sagna and Gibbs) Arsene Wenger has cause to wriggle out a very French smile.
This match is a true test of their resolve as they are facing an incredibly
in-form team in Chelsea. Both teams are fancying a counter-attack style of
play, as they vie for entry into the Champions League, which with every Premier
League season seems harder to qualify for.
Key Player — Robin van Persie: I have always been a big fan
of the multi talented striker, but I believe if he had picked up the slightest
of injuries this season, Arsenal would be in seventh right now. He is their
goal machine — scoring, assisting and generally being the main reason behind
anything offensive at that club. John Terry and whoever he is partnered with
will have a tough job holding him down.
Chelsea FC: The Blues come into this game full of renewed
confidence with the arrival of Roberto Di Matteo and a hard fought victory over
mighty Barcelona. This is both a blessing and a curse for the south London
club. Arsenal have the luxury of competing for one competition (a Champions
League spot) and Chelsea are involved in three (FA Cup, Champions League and a
top four finish). One of Chelsea’s many strengths is their depth and they will
have to call upon this if they expect to win at the Emirates Saturday. Having
played Wednesday against the world’s best team, they now have to go to a very
strong opposition, with only two days of “rest.” Expect to see Lampard on the
bench and Torres starting up front.
Key Player — Didier Drogba: The man in form for Chelsea
currently, though the whole team has looked strong as a unit. Drogba seems to
think that he’s 25 again, and is playing like it. He ran circles around Gallas
in the FA Cup game against Tottenham and popped up with the winner mid-week
against Barcelona, no small feat may I add. His power and close control
combined with an absolutely ruthless finishing ability make him one of the
Premier Leagues most feared strikers.
Justin’s Pick: Arsenal 2 – 2 Chelsea Austin’s
Pick: Arsenal 2 – 1 Chelsea
Newcastle United FC vs. Stoke City FC, April 21st
Newcastle United FC: The surprise package this season. Many
thought their fine form would fizzle out by this time but some brilliant
purchases by manager Alan Pardew helped the Magpies in their continued hunt for
Champions League football. Now, that being said, I do not think they have what it
takes to play Champions League ball but a few more acquisitions in the summer could make them
a real force come next season. Back to the present, if Cisse can continue his
ridiculous run of form, I foresee a rout at the Sport Direct Arena.
Key Player — Papiss Cisse: The Senegalese sensation. The
supplier of goals. The stupefier (not a word) of defenses. Yep, he’s been
magnificent since his bargain move from FC Frieburg. Scoring goals seems so
casual for the big man, and I expect him to continue his fine run of form. Ten
goals in nine appearances… need I say more?
Stoke City FC: The club still playing what most call “The
English Way.” A brand of incredibly boring football but gets the job done. That
being said, Tony Pulis has done a magnificent job of forming a team that no one
wants to play against. He is up against a much stronger squad in the form of
Newcastle, who can also play that traditional style of long ball football
mentioned earlier. I suspect Stoke to put 11 men behind the ball and fight hard
for a draw or maybe a 1-0 win. Expect an extremely defensive display from The
Potters.
Key Player — Peter Crouch: The much traveled
striker scored probably his best goal to date a few weeks back and is looking
very much a veteran goal scorer. His aerial prowess and brilliant touch (which
came out of nowhere, see World Cup 2006) make him a pain for any defense. If
Stoke can unleash the 6”7’ striker, Newcastle may have far more problems than
expected.
Justin’s Pick: Newcastle 2-0 Stoke Austin’s
Pick: Newcastle 2-0 Stoke
Manchester United FC vs. Everton FC, April 22st
Manchester United FC: The big man has done it again. Sir
Alex the King has made something out of nothing, yet again. He boggles my mind!
How do you make Johnny Evens look good?! Whatever, stupid Scotsman…:) United are looking like champions once more and I expect a routine win over
Wayne Rooney’s former employers. As much as United are looking like Champions
of England, they will come against a stern test against the blue half of
Liverpool. Everton are not to be trifled with, and are on a fine run of form,
downing Swansea, West Brom and Sunderland with considerable ease. That being
said, United are a superlative team and moreover, the better team. Expect a
battle for the first 60 minutes but United to unleash the beast Rooney against
his boyhood club.
Key Player — Sir Alex Ferguson: The Mastermind. The maestro.
The grey-haired handler. Call him what you want, he’s brilliant. I honestly
want to see him strap on his old boots and make an on-field appearance. I know
it sounds ridiculous but look at Scholes and Giggs. Why can’t he do it??? Next thing you know he’ll convince Cantona
to come out of retirement. Christ! Leave them alone! No one’s judging you if
you call it a day, man!
Everton FC: Everton are coming into this game full of
confidence, having disposed of Sunderland 4-0. They are also sitting in seventh
place in the league, which is no small feat considering the dogfight at the top
of the table. The do have a tremendous task on their hands heading to Old
Trafford. Nullifying the threat of Rooney will help slow United down, but the
real problem will come in the final 15 minutes. United are notorious for
scoring late goals, a true testament to their character, and have done so on 18
occasions already this season. If Everton can play 95 minutes of solid defense
and try and counter the counter, they could come up with a surprise win.
Key Player — Leighton Baines: The Dynamic left back is
looking like usurping Ashley Coles place in the England line up, and for good
reason. He has been astounding for The Toffees this season, coming up with five
goals and two assists. On the other end of the spectrum, he’s helped keep nine
clean sheets and been the team’s most consistent player. His task Sunday will
be to nullify the wide right player (Nani, Young or Valencia, all of whom are
incredibly dangerous). A daunting task, but an attainable one for the England
international.
Justin’s Pick: Manchester 2-0 Everton Austin’s
Pick: Manchester 3-0 Everton
Liverpool FC vs. West Bromwich Albion FC, April 22st
Liverpool FC: There is a mini revival on the Merseyside and
that comes in the form of Andy Carroll. Yes, the much-maligned striker has
found the goings tough and after 16 months of mediocrity, he’s now hitting
excellent form. It’s becoming infectious, and Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and
Martin Skrtel (Liverpool player of the season for me) are feeling its affects.
Liverpool are at home to a mediocre West Brom side who will probably sit back
and defend, trying to catch Liverpool on the counter-attack. If Liverpool can
restore the defensive stability of earlier this season (Johnson, Skrtel, Agger,
Enrique) West Brom will be the first of many casualties to the Reds. Expect a
forward game from Liverpool, playing Suarez and Carroll up top as a front two,
If Kenny has any sense about him. It was Fernando Torres that came up with the
winner the last time these two sides met — can the new number 9 do the same?
Key Player — Andy Carroll: A few weeks ago, I had written a
first draft on the failures of the big striker and man, I’m glad I didn’t post
that! He has done very well for himself in the last couple of weeks but he
still has a lot to learn. His ability in the air is second to none and he’s
getting better at bringing the ball down but there are some glaring weaknesses
in his play that still need to be worked out. As a conditioner, I would drill
the young man on his lower abdominal area, as he suffers from tall mans abs
disease — all upper abs — hence his weakness in dribbling and acceleration. If
he can get those down, he will be absolutely unstoppable. To the present, he
will almost assuredly lead the line against West Brom, and if he can continue
his run of form, they will have a lot to think about in defense.
West Bromwich Albion FC: The former boss comes home. Kenny
recently said Roy will be welcomed back with a warm reception, but I don’t see
this in the cards. He left Liverpool in shambles and I don’t think the Kop will
be as forgiving as Dalglish is insinuating. West Bromwich Albion are coming off a 1-0 victory
over QPR heading to Anfield. Roy’s ability to muster wins against top teams is
well noted (Man U, Juventus, Liverpool) and the men in Red will have to be
aware of this. He’s the king of the underdog story and he’ll be hoping for a retelling
against his former club.
Key Player — Youssouf
Mulumbu: The Congolese international has been the engine room for
West Brom this season. He does it all: defend, attack and everything in between. He
has been the most consistent player for West Brom and they will look to him to
break up Liverpool’s attack and transition defense into attack with pace. He
strength and vision will be required in full force as he faces one of the best
midfielders in the world in the form of Steven Gerrard. If he can stop the
prolific Liverpool skipper, West Brom have an outside chance of leaving Anfield
with all three points.
Justin’s Pick: Liverpool 2-0 WBA Austin’s
Pick: Liverpool 2-0 West WBA
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