Prediction for April 8th
For the record, I have spent the most amount of time analysing this weekend's match. There are really a lot of tough matches. But finally, I stick to what caught my eyes at the first look. Charlton versus Everton.
Everton at 10th position and Charton at 11th. Very close and with no handicap given for either side, it makes it even more difficult. So, what makes me think that this is a good pick? Two things I see in Everton attracted me. Firstly, Everton seems more hungry for success. After finishing 4th last season, Everton's target has been raised. Although they can't finish in fourth again, they are still hoping to qualify for Europe next season. Charlton on the hand seems settled for their mid table finish and probably will concentrate on their FA cup pursue.
Second, the return of Arteta will give the Everton attack the "third dimensional" edge. Without Arteta, Everton plays a flat attack from the flank most of the time. Efficiency is reduced as it become easy for opponent to defend against. With Arteta back, the Everton strikers can expect more penetrative passes from the middle. Besides an additional attack option, it also keep the opponent guessing on where the attack will come from next.
So, conclusion, take Everton at level ball.
Man U can snatch title from Chelsea
After 8 consecutive wins, Manchester United is now able to close the gap between them and Chelsea to 7 points, down from a massive 15 points eight matches ago. Back then, everybody have somoehow concluded that the title will be Chelsea's again but after the latest win by Man U and Chelsea's draw at lowly Brimingham, people are sitting up (including myself) to look at the whole table again; 7 points apart and 6 games more to play, including one head to head match. Is it possible for Man U to win it?
Using the very simple but smart tool
at www.myfootballcrazy.com (choose tool at the nav. bar), I am able to better look at the possibilities and the final score.
For Chelsea to win, the crucial game is not the one against Man United, because definitely they want to have it wrapped up by then. The crucial matches are their home games against West Ham & Everton.
Man United has a big, big game against an equally in-form Arsenal next. If Chelsea win against West Ham and United lost or draw against Arsenal, it will severly dampen the morale at United. If United does not survive the next tough game; at Tottenham, who is also chasing for a Europe. And Chelsea win against Everton, United will find themselves joining the celebration party when they visit Stamford Bridge on 29th April.
For Manchester United to win the title, they have to overcome Thierry Henry and Arsenal. The strength about Arsenal now is that Henry is not the only player carrying the scoring burden. His striking partner, Adebayor is equally lethal.
If United does beat Arsenal and Chelsea doesn't win against West Ham, then the pressure will be on Chelsea. United should then continue their good form and win the rest of the fixtures. They will then need Chelsea to just fumble another game and of course lose the game when they meet on 29th April.
Which of the above scenario will come through is anybody's guess but what is definite is we can expect a nail biting finish to the league title and lots of drama.
A Short Interview with Drogba (I am the striker Chelsea need)
There are a lot of talks recently about Chelsea buying a new striker for the next season. Shevchenko is the front runner but may cost more than $50mil pounds. Eto was also mentioned. How have all these talks make the current striker, Drogba feel? Let me have a chat with him.
Crazyguru : Hello Drogba.
D.Drogba : Yes. Hello.
CG : There have been talk about Mourinho buying a new striker to replace you.
DD : I have heard about them. I don't care.
CG : Sounds confident. Your recent performance has not been that good. Is that the reason for the replacement call?
DD : No, definitely not. I have the quality and skill of a world class striker....YA(roar like a tiger)
CG : Woah......impressive. Sounds like a fierce tiger.
DD : No, it is actually an African lion.
CG : I see....
DD : Sometimes you have to look at the overall performance of a striker and not just how many goals he score. Mourinho knows this well, so he will always play me.
CG : So, what is so special about your game?
DD : You can't tell?(Sign) First one, I dive a lot. You see, I am a big guy, strong man. So, when the referee sees that I fall down, he will definitely think that it must have been a big push by the defender on me.(ha...ha...)
CG : I see.....
DD : That is not all. I complain a lot to the referee and you see the sulking face I got? Its not easy, I practice a lot in front of the mirror you know. Mourinho even got this drama director to coach me. This is important also. After numerous complains, the referee feels guilty and will definitely want to give you something after a while, of course preferably a controversial penalty.
CG : I am beginning to understand your importance.
DD : Look at Crespo, you think he can do that sulking face? He cannot. I tell you, both of us went for the class but the director ask Crespo to leave within 10mins, say he is not talented. On the other hand, the director says that I am a raw talent, like a African unpolish gem. He thinks that if US can have hollywood and India has bollywood, I could be the father of Negro-wood.
CG : Interesting. You sure already got a career carved out after your football one.
DD : Yes. Ok, I got to go for drama class. Today's class is "How to act like being elbowed on the face when actually was hit on the stomach".
CG : Nice, will look forward to the performance.
DD : Yo, bye.
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Weekend Game Wrap Up
(reference...see my picks in the articles below)Saturday's game; win for Arsenal but lost the stupid Chelsea game. Arsenal was awesome, destroying Aston Villa like it was an exhibition show game. The touches and passes shows that they are back to their best.
On the other hand, I don't know what to say about Chelsea. They have basically a full squad and definitely the fire power upfront but just can't score. From what I see, there are two problems. The first one, Drogba; again I have to say, he is a waste of time. He is like non-existence, and there was no decent strike at the goal. Crespo definitely played better. This really puzzles me as to why Mourinho can't see this. Second problem; the forwards are not passing the ball around. They are too individualistic. Wingers are trying to hard to dribble pass the defenders from the wing and midfielders are walking straight to the Birmingham wall.
One simple fact about a team game is, if you don't play as a team, you will never play to your full potential.
Sunday was a good pick on Middlesbrough. They were able to win even with only one striker up front. So, two wins and one lost this weekend, not too bad lah.
Short Prediction - Take Middlesbrough
It was a bit of a rush day for me so my prediction is going to be short; take Middlesbrough.
The +1/2 goal is generous given that both Man City and Middlesbrough are of quite similar standard, never mind the gap in their position in the league. In any given day, either team can beat the other one.
Choosing Middlesbrough is because of the generous handicap and also comparing to Man City, Middlesbrough is on a better form.
