Runci’s Top Corner: EPL Preview GW35

Discussion in 'Blog' started by Fridge, Apr 21, 2012.

By Fridge on Apr 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM
  1. Fridge

    Fridge New Member

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    Here’s a rundown of GW35 as the race for the title, top 4 and fight for relegation all hots up. Join me over the break…

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    Man Utd v Everton

    Utd recovered well from their loss at Wigan to take four off Villa in a home banker. Rooney – who has been shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award – didn’t let some patchy form stop him from scoring a brace, albeit a penalty and a deflection.

    This game at a glance looks like one of two potential banana skins for Utd, Sunderland away on the last day being the other. And if Utd can post a victory here, then you feel it’s a huge step towards the title.

    Baines will miss out with a hammy. Drenthe has been dropped for disciplinary reasons.

    Wolves v Man City

    Balotelli is the only out for City but since they’ve scored 10 in his two game absence it shouldn’t be too much of a worry. Tevez and Aguero have both scored four in that time.

    Like earlier in the season, City are really punishing their opponents into submission. Yaya Toure should come back in. Richards and Zabalta continue to be rotated. On form, Wolves are going to take a hell of a spanking. The unfortunate Hennessey is now out for the season for Wolves.

    Arsenal v Chelsea

    RVP fresh from his tête-à-tête with Gary Caldwell will face up against a weakened Chelsea defence. Ivanovic (suspended) and Luiz are both out, which will likely see Cahill and Bosingwa get some game time.

    Bosingwa may not yet have recovered from the 3-5 game the last time these two met, when RVP scored a hat-trick.

    Arteta will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, while Benayoun will be absent due to his loan arrangements. Drogba is out with a knee injury.

    Fulham v Wigan

    TopHeavy mentioned that Martinez should win the Manager of the Year award for what he’s done this year with limited resources. If they stay up it’s hard to disagree. Personally, I’m happy to see four fellow countrymen playing their part in it. Caldwell, Maloney, McArthur and McCarthy. Ok McCarthy plays for Ireland, but he’s Glasgow born and raised and the fact that he turned his back on his country doesn’t change the fact that he’s a product of Scottish Youth Football.

    Another one whose made his mark is Moses and Latics supporters would be disappointed to read that he wants to leave the club. They won’t be disappointed with wins over Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal, or the two losses in 11 that takes them 5pts clear of relegation. Wigan know all about miracle escapes though and won’t be celebrating quite yet.

    Fulham will welcome back Pogrebnyak while Dempsey is more prolific against Wigan than any other team.

    Liverpool v WBA

    Liverpool and Andy Carroll are finally starting to show some form and will certainly be lifted by the victory over fellow scousers Everton in the FA Cup. Reina will come back in after suspension while Carroll deserves to keep his spot. Woy Hodgson will be hoping for the rare feeling of an Anfield victory but might need to make do without Fortune.

    Newcastle v Stoke

    Due to the FA Cup, Newcastle were afforded a free weekend to put on their slippers, smoke their pipe and cheer on Wigan to their stunning Emirates win. It brings the Champions League dream that bit closer to Tyneside.

    They’ll fancy 3pts here as well as they take on a side that must just be taped together after their marathon season.

    Krul is a slight doubt after jarring his back in training. Cisse and Ben Arfa are on fire and Newcastle will be looking for their sixth straight win.

    Blackburn v Norwich

    All of a sudden things don’t look so rosy for Blackburn. While they’ve gone on a run of four straight losses, the most recent a 3-0 humping at Swansea, relegation rivals QPR and Wigan have pulled out all sorts of victories.

    On the plus side, this game is winnable and they still have Wigan to play in the run-in.

    Hanley will miss out which means the mutinous Givet will most likely come in.

    There’s as much chance knowing what Lambert’s line-up will be as there is of Ross Lyon telling the truth so take a punt and you might get lucky.

    Bolton v Swansea

    They’re still in a relegation spot but with games in hand. They also have 3pts for the taking here. Bolton will need to come into this game well-fired or Swansea will get into their stride and pick them off as they’ve done to so many others this season.

    Sigurdsson with six goals in seven aways would be central to that. Miyaichi will most likely come back in after being rested.

    Villa v Sunderland

    A mis-firing mid-table Sunderland, who have little to play for, is a perfect opportunity for Villa to finally put to bed the possibility of relegation.

    MON is again talking about the possibility of playing some fringe players, again I’ll believe it when I see it.  O’Shea, however, may come back in if deemed fit enough.

    QPR v Spurs

    Should be a top game this one. Spurs desperate for a top 4 finish (top 3 to pip Arsenal would be even better no doubt) and QPR desperate to stay in the league. Everything to play for here and it will come down to who wants it more in this London derby.

    Cisse’s suspension is over and will most likely come back in.
     

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Discussion in 'Blog' started by Fridge, Apr 21, 2012.

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