An Americans perspective on the Beautiful Game

Match Day 24

Opening Thoughts
As we enter the first Match Day since the close of a relatively quiet January Transfer
window, each team will be assessing how to push toward the end of the season knowing
exactly what they have available. The big talk of the Transfer Window will be the moves that
did not materialize, more so than the few that did. Think Tottenham blocking the sale of
Adebayor, West Ham playing the shell game with transfers only to run into a wall of Premier
League regulations, and QPRs lack of activity which seemed to aggravate Harry Redknaps
knee to the point of resignation. As for the moves that did happen, kudos to Manchester City
for grabbing the goal scoring power of Wilfred Bony for 28 million, as well as to Chelsea for
shipping off Andre Scherrle for 22 million to fund the purchase of lighting quick winger Juan
Cuadrado for 26 million.

Fixtures and Features

Featured Matches
Tottenham vs Arsenal
This edition of the North London derby is sure to be a cracker! Separated by a mere two
points on the table, both sides will trot onto the pitch oozing with confidence and with three
points on their minds. Speaking of, points have not been hard to come by for either side, each
racking up fifteen points in their last six league matches, only to be outdone by the Reds of
Liverpool who have accumulated sixteen points in as many games.
Enough hype, lets talk personnel. Tottenham have handed Harry Kane a contract
extension, and rightfully so. Kane has the highest goal total in all competitions of ALL premier
league forwards (that means he is above the likes of Costa, Aguero and Sanchez). In addition
to Kane, the blistering form of Christian Eriksen will give the Spurs a lot of confidence at White

Hart Lane. As for the Gunners, you cannot talk personnel without mentioning injuries. For a
second straight game, they will be without their leading scorer, Alexis Sanchez, however, the
emergence of Santi Cazorla combined with the return of Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott have
provided the team with plenty of firepower. Continuing down the injury front, Danny Welbeck
will look to log his first minutes in 2015, though he may be hard pressed to touch the pitch
given Olivier Girouds recent form.
The emergence of Francis Coquelin might be the brightest spot on the Arsenal squad
list. Coquelin has taken over as the field general for the Gunners, constantly vocalizing to the
defenders whom he is charged to protect, disrupting the opponents break and shutting down
passing lanes. Despite a squad filled with International superstars, Francis Coquelin is the
player to watch.
Prediction: For Tottenham, I think this game comes down to Eriksen vs Coquelin, and Eriksen
has the skill and vision to get the better of Coquelin. For Arsenal, they will be looking to play
for the counter attack which has done so well for them over the last few games. However,
with Coquelin responsible for Eriksen, will Arsenals back line be able to contain the dangerous
Kane? This game will have goals, no question there, but it will be the team who best limits
their opposition that will get the result.

Tottenham edge Arsenal at White Hart Lane, Spurs 3, Gunners 2

Everton vs Liverpool
Is there a better rivalry in England than the Merseyside derby? One city, two colours,
and a lovely intertwined history. Separated by Stanley Park and less than a mile between the
Anfield and Goodison Park, proximity is the fuel to the fire of this heated rivalry. Despite all
their differences, one thing both fans will be able to appreciate is the final Merseyside derby
of Steven Gerrards legendary career.
There is a larger gap between the two clubs than there has been in recent years but that
will not diminish the occasion. Neither team has hit the highs of last season. Liverpool, who
were 11 minutes of defense away from winning their first League Title since 1990 (I blame the
collapse against Crystal Palace, not the slip against Chelsea) are now sitting in 7th, but their
recent run of form will have them eyeing the top spots with hunger in their eyes. Having
claimed 16 of a possible 18 points of the last six league games means no team in the EPL is on

a better streak. Everton, on the other hand, sit in 12th and after a very rough December and
January seem to have stopped the bleeding and look to turn the corner. What better time to
do it than at home against your biggest rivals?
Both teams were quiet in the Transfer Window, with the arrival of Aaron Lennon to
Everton on loan being the only move of real note. Liverpool will feel as if they signed a top
striker in the window as Daniel Sturridge returns after five months out with injuries, and
returned with a goal inside 12 minutes of taking the field against West Ham last week. His
return to the team will finally allow Liverpool to get some of the spark and deadly finishing
back that made them so exciting last season.

Liverpools formation of 3-4-2-1 (some call it 3-4-3) will match up favorably against the
4-2-3-1 of Everton. Look for the Liverpool wingback to be heavily involved in the flanks forcing
Everton players to track back or move out of the middle to cover. This will help neutralize
Evertons counter attack ability and create more space for Coutinho to unlock a defense that
will already be on the back foot against the pace of the Liverpool attack, namely Raheem
Sterling. Sterling has shouldered a lot of the burden since the departure of Luis Saurez and
injury to Daniel Sturridge, but he has done so wonderfully. Sterling grows with every game and
is becoming one of the top talents on the continent, at the age of 20 his potential is enormous.
With Sturridge on the field, whether starting or off the bench, defenses will have a hard time
covering both, allowing both men more chances to show us just how good they are.
Everton has a tall task ahead of them, even at home. Roberto Martinez will have his
squad ready for the battle all the same. Martinez likes to play with an emphasis on possession.
This will help take some pressure off the defense as Everton will hope not to have to deal with
constant attack from Liverpool, but possession could also hurt them. When in possession,
Everton like to get their fullbacks forward.. and as Baines and Coleman go forward, the center
back becomes isolated and vulnerable if and when Liverpool steal the ball and get a fast break.
With Liverpools pace, there will be a huge responsibility on Gareth Barry and Muhamed Besic
to break up the counter attack and be support for the team when in possession. Another
worry is a few too many fast breaks from Liverpool could require some cynical tackles to break
up the attack, and that means cards will follow.
Prediction: No matter the outcome, the Merseyside derby is always a wonderful event.
Liverpool need this win to keep the push for Champions League next season moving in the
right direction and Everton will want the point to keep from having to look over their shoulder
at the relegation zone as we move through the final third of the season. The return of Daniel

Sturridge and form of Liverpool coming into this game will prove too much for Everton. Even
at home, these teams are moving in two different direction and I cannot see any result other
than a Liverpool victory.
Liverpool beat Everton at Goodison Park, Reds 3 , Blues 0

Remaining Predictions
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Only one winner here, Chelsea. Aston Villa cant buy a goal and Chelsea have plenty of
players who can score them. Paul Lambert might be looking for a new job soon if this goes as
predicted.
Chelsea trounce Villa, 4 - 0
Leicester City vs Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace were amongst the busiest clubs in the Transfer Window bringing in
players and securing the ones they have. Leicester sit bottom of the table and need a result to
avoid a gap forming between them and the rest of the league. Luckily, Leicester are the home
team and play very tough at home.
Leicester secure an important point, 1 1
Man City vs Hull City
Man City will feel a little unlucky to have not gotten 3 points against Chelsea. At the
Etihad, what chance do Hull City really have? The answer is none.
Man City win comfortably, 3 0
QPR vs Southampton
QPR need points. They just lost their manager, failed to do much business in the
Transfer Window and are on the wrong end of a relegation battle. Luckily they have one of the
Leagues top scorers in Charlie Austin and a great home ground in Loftus Road. They will need
both this weekend, but I think it will be enough to come out with something.
QPR grab a much needed point, 1 1

Swansea vs Sunderland
The Swans will be flying after Jonjo Shelveys winner against Southampton. They will
take that momentum and use it to their advantage at home against Sunderland. The defense
must remain aware of Jermaine Defoe, but I think the Swans will be able to get it done. as
long as Shelvey plays like he did last week and doesnt lose discipline as he has been known to
do.

Swans over Sunderland, 2 1 (if Shelvey stays on the field)

Burnley vs West Brom
Tough game to call. Burnley are strong at home but I think West Brom are the better
side. That and the reports of unrest in the West Brom dressing room after Berahino looking for
bigger things could be enough for Burnley.
Its a toss-up at Turf Moor, 1 1
Newcastle United vs Stoke
Newcastle have cooled off since a great opening to the campaign and Stoke seem to be
hitting their stride recently. Look for a tight contest but it will be Stoke enjoying the ride home.
Stoke steal a win away, 1 0
West Ham vs Man U
West Ham looked to do a handful of business toward the end of the Transfer Window
but very little of what they wanted bloomed into completion. Manchester United have
assembled a superstar squad but the results have been far from convincing. Even so, they find
themselves in 3rd, but a lot of teams are snapping at their heels. West Ham will do those teams
a favor at home.
West Ham make the race for Champions League spot more interesting, 2 - 1