BPL PREVIEW: Chelsea, City, United to hold on to top spots after last game of 2014

BY SUNDAY OMEIKE

Fear not Barclays Premier League (BPL) fans, although it’s the last games of 2014, there’s more to come in 2015.

The BPL preview panel – which includes my fanatic self – has been slugging it out since the start of the season but currently on a winter break due to the harmattan ravaging the country, but not our precious Premier League despite the snow ravaging most of England.

Before going into the games proper,  It is noteworthy to single out a plea bargain to the Premier League CEO, Richard Scudamore, and his briefcase-wielding cohorts not to even moot the idea of a winter holiday for England as it is the practice in the other major football leagues – notably Germany, Italy, France and Spain – in Europe. They should be reminded that the BPL games are the high points of Christmas and Boxing Day holidays for many a football fan around the world.

TOP TRIO

TOTTENHAM V MANCHESTER UNITED

Harry Kane has been dragging Tottenham along in the past few weeks to good effect. The Tottenham youth product has been in blistering form, netting 13 in 18 games this season, including five in the BPL.

The 21-year-old’s battling displays has imbibed a never-say-die attitude in Spurs which has seen them claim late wins, and Christian Erickson also weighing in with winners. However, they still look shorn of their industrious past.

Manager Pochettino has been pragmatic and his defence has been anything but inspiring. Fazio and others have been epileptic, to say the least, and captain Kaboul can’t get a game in recent times. Their defence makes right picking for Manchester United’s mega-rich attack spearheaded by Robin van Persie. The Dutchman is back on form and his movement brought about the third goal against Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Falcao is also showing good form while Juan Mata looks at home moving into channels. Captain Wayne Rooney is now a midfielder and looks the part. He has scored 8 in 8 matches and when in form he simply is unstoppable. Their defence is also most ravaged in England with no co-ordination but David De Gea’s heroics in goal have seen them through the toughest of times. Both defences are suspect and it could make for an entertaining game, and like Roy Keane said of the Manchester United spirit created by Sir Alex in his recent book: “Boys, it’s only Tottenham.” Prediction: 2-3

SOUTHAMPTON V CHELSEA

Everything was rosy for Ronald Koeman until Southampton faced the big boys of Manchester (City and United) and Arsenal also inflicted defeat on them. After six games without a win however, the Saints have rediscovered their mojo, winning their last two convincingly with three goals scored each and one conceded. Facing Chelsea at this point when they’re just back in form could be bad news and the game coming 48hours after the last will mean they are not are their highest level because they have a thin squad. Compare that to table-toppers Chelsea and the gulf in class is evident.

Jose Mourinho’s men know how to get a win under any circumstance. They beat West Ham to the ground last time out and Diego Costa seems to be back on form. The Special One has a big squad to choose from and knows who and what to rotate but expect talisman Eden Hazard to terrorise a jaded Southampton defence. Do not expect much entertainment in this one, just an intriguing tactical battle from two men who learnt some of their trade under Louis van Gaal at Barcelona. Prediction: 1-2

WEST HAM V ARSENAL

A London derby with lots of intrigue at play

For once in this game’s history, Arsenal are the lower placed team and I think Hammers’ boss, Sam Allardyce would ring that into his players ears to instil some confidence in them ahead of this fixture. More good news for the Hammers is that their major players Enner Valencia, Diafrie Sahko and Alex Song are back.

Also, there is big man Andy Carroll upfront if they want a direct approach but Allardyce should not make the mistake of starting him in this tie because his side would pay for such tactic. It would allow the Gunners monopolise possession which is their strength and the presence of a mercurial Alexis Sanchez upfront is trouble. The Chilean has adapted well to English football and although not accustomed to playing in the winter, he has taken to it with aplomb.

The loss of Giroud to a stupid red card will limit their options in attack but Arsenal’s defence is shaky and West Ham should attack it by playing from all sides, not lumping the ball forward. Prediction: If Carroll starts, West Ham would probably lose, but if not, their chances are bright. I still think this is going to be a draw. 1-1

BEST OF THE REST

LIVERPOOL V SWANSEA

A resurgent Liverpool against the tidy Swansea side from Wales

Brendan Rodgers helped forge their style and the club has been wise enough to appoint managers that favour it while utilising players suited to it. Liverpool, on the other hand, have had to change tactics several times this season with several terrible results. The latest was to bring talisman Raheem Sterling to spearhead the attack in a 3-4-3 formation and to good measure. They have won two in three and a game at Anfield is an extra boost.

However, it is left to see if Rodgers would tweak his newfound winning formula with the likes of Bony disturbing his back three and Siggurdsson posing multi-threat with his creativity and free-kick specialty.

I expect lots of passes in this one with a completion average of 90% achievable by both sides. I refuse to predict this one (although a cheeky 2-1 score line should do it for both sides).

MY GAME OF THE WEEK

Hull City v Leicester City

Steve Bruce can count himself a lucky manager this week. He got the perfect gift from Santa Claus. He got a first win in 11 attempts, and it came away from home against a highly pragmatic and boring Sunderland team. Hull City – despite their eccentric owner – are the darling team of many commentators and analysts, not only because of the likeable nature of Steve Bruce but also because his teams always work hard.

Leicester City on the other hand had a wretched Boxing Day. Not only are they bottom of the table and six points from safety, they have not won a game in 13 attempts and were grossly unlucky to lose to Tottenham on Boxing Day: a huge blow.

Nigel Pearson’s wards have been below-par for long, only their determination has stopped them from losing by wide margins.

The game is a relegation six-pointer and the manner in which they came from behind to win at Sunderland, Hull City will win this tie somewhat convincingly but not without a brave Leicester performance. 3-1

LIKELY BORING GAME OF THE WEEK

ASTON VILLA V SUNDERLAND

Not much to say about this game apart from the fact that a goal should nick it for Villa and the most likely scorer is Benteke. Aston Villa don’t score much while Sunderland are non-adventurous when playing away from home except the team is Newcastle United.

A loss for the Mackems in my opinion. 1-0

REST OF THE PACK

NEWCASTLE V EVERTON

Two teams desperately searching for form. Newcastle are injury-ravaged while Everton’s top players are grossly underperforming. Their manager, Roberto Martinez is a smooth talker but his team needs a performance from somewhere soonest. Something has to give in this fixture and I hope my darling Newcastle seizes the opportunity, as Pardew has promised. 2-1

MANCHESTER CITY V BURNLEY

Manuel Pellegrini’s men are the most in-form team in the league with seven consecutive wins. Burnley are trying to swim against the relegation tide. A comfortable win for the Mancunians. 4-0

QUEENS PARK RANGERS V CRYSTAL PALACE

QPR at home against lower table opposition is a sure 3-pointer for Harry Redknapp’s men. Their home form is what has kept them out of relegation trouble. Crystal Palace have gone off-key in recent matches and they can spring the usual surprise. Charlie Austin to score again. 2-0

STOKE CITY V WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Stoke’s away form is better than the home form, but manager Mark Hughes has assured fans it will click with time. Bojan is in form and the team ticks when he’s on form. West Brom are on a winless run and Bojan is not the person to face currently. 2-1