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Interesting times

May you live in interesting times is a curse often attributed to Chinese culture as most will know and in the Premier League era there will be heartbreak for 2 sets of fans currently within reach of next season’s Champions League spots. As it stands, Chelsea (35 games), Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United (34 games) are all within 3 points of each other and there’s no clear direction of who will pick up the two qualification spots with all 4 dropping points in the previous round. Goal difference favours Spurs (+29), while points in the bag also favours Spurs and Chelsea (67). Arsenal have the top 6 slaying Wolves away in the next round, United play City and Chelsea in the next two. All of which means Spurs can secure a foothold in the top 4 with a home win over Brighton but with the form of these four, nothing is certain yet.

Pogba lead the charge for the  with 12.5 points ! Dirk scored 6.5 and I managed 8. Jabu managed 6 and I failed miserably with 4.5.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal

Tyron

WOL 2 – 1 ARS

Bleh

Dirk

WOL 2 – 1 ARS

I just feel like the top 4 race is getting a bit farcical and Wolves at home could quite well beat Arsenal

Marcel

WOL 2 – 2 ARS

Can Wolves keep their threat against the top 6 going?

Man. United v Man. City

Tyron

MUN 1 – 2 MCI

Will this be the first time Liverpool support Man Utd???

Dirk

MUN 1 – 2 MCI

Everton put 4 past United, I just can’t see Ole rousing the performance he’d want out this team for the derby.

Marcel

MUN 0 – 2 MCI

United are in disarray, no second half comeback this time

The Hacked Pack

Liverpool v Huddersfield

Tyron

LIV 2 – 0 HUD

Salah will probably still dive even though he doesnt need to

Dirk

LIV 2 – 0 HUD

Liverpool will be way too strong for the Terriers here

Marcel

LIV 4 – 0 HUD

Relegated Huddersfield will do well to restrict the carnage to only four against

Tottenham v West Ham

Tyron

TOT 2 – 0 WHM

West Ham may join their vacation clubs early

Dirk

TOT 2 – 1 WHM

A big London derby but with Champions League spots on the line Spurs should have the extra motivation to win it here

Marcel

TOT 2 – 1 WHM

Harry who? Spurs almost look better when he’s not available

  Crystal Palace v Everton

Tyron

CRY 1 – 1 EVE

Two superbly inconsistent teams… who knows what you will get here

Dirk

CRY 1 – 2 EVE

Everton are in excellent form and even though Palace have had their moments I think Everton will have the little more to win it here.

Marcel

CRY 0 – 0 EVE

I threw the bones, they all went under the couch

Fulham v Cardiff City

Tyron

FUL 1 – 0 CAR

Because I really don’t like Warnock

Dirk

FUL 1 – 2 CAR

Cardiff still have a sniff of safety and that desperation will find the goals they need to be starve off relegation for another week

Marcel

FUL 0 – 1 CAR

I thought Cardiff looked good against Liverpool, better than Fulham have all season anyway

Southampton v Bournemouth

Tyron

SOU 2 – 1 BOU

Ralph has done a magnificent job since coming on board

Dirk

SOU 1 – 0 BOU

Bournemouth have not been at their best at all lately and the Saints will find a massive goal to ensure safety for another season

Marcel

SOU 2 – 1 BOU

Outplayed last time out, the Saints will have to bounce back with some determination

Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Tyron

WAT 1 – 1 WOL

Watford probably want it a little more

Dirk

WAT 1 – 1 WOL

A best of the rest fixture where I think they’ll cancel each other out

Marcel

WAT 2 – 1 WOL

Watford have nothing left to play for in the league and might start to look ahead to the FA Cup

Man. United v Chelsea

Tyron

MUN 2 – 1 CHE

To give Arsenal hope again

Dirk

MUN 2 – 1 CHE

A big game in terms of the Champions League postions but both teams are out of sorts, I think home advantage may be telling for United

Marcel

MUN 2 – 1 CHE

Chelsea are an odd team, brilliant in moments and diabolical in spells

Brighton v Newcastle

Tyron

BRI 1 – 2 NEW

They have more points since November than every club outside the top 6

Dirk

BRI 0 – 1 NEW

It’s been a long time since Brighton scored and an on song Newcastle should be too strong here

Marcel

BRI 0 – 1 NEW

The Toon were a great watch in the last round, let’s hope it continues

Burnley v Man. City

Tyron

BUR 1 – 3 MCI

With no fisticuffs

Dirk

BUR 0 – 2 MCI

City will be looking to ensure that Liverpool will have points to chase, and this isn’t the Burnley of last season. City to win

Marcel

BUR 0 – 2 MCI

City shouldn’t drop points here, they have the best 2nd string team by far

Leicester City v Arsenal

Tyron

LEI 1 – 1 ARS

Where Arsenal take that hope that they have been given, shit it out and order some more (dunno what he means either -ed)

Dirk

LEI 1 – 2 ARS

Rodgers had the Foxes looking better but Arsenal will have more to fight for and should find the win they need

Marcel

LEI 2 – 1 ARS

When backing

Arsenal there’s two things to consider. Is it a home game, and who is the opposition? Lacking any midfield grit, the Gunners will probably take the lead then fall apart, again.

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Interesting times

'Interesting times' in the Premier League

May you live in interesting timesis a curse often attributed to Chinese culture as most will know and in the Premier League era there will be heartbreak for 2 sets of fans currently within reach of next season’s Champions League spots. As it stands, Chelsea (35 games), Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United (34 games) are all within 3 points of each other and there’s no clear direction of who will…

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Is this round the title decider?

Is this round the title decider?

In a week where Manchester City beat Spurs but lost the tie and Liverpool progressed to the Champions League Semi-Final by thrashing the local Portuguese green grocers from Porto we have a possible title deciding weekend ahead. ‘Pool, the league leaders, have what appears to be a doddle away to virtually relegated Cardiff City while City play Spurs again (3rd time in 2 weeks). It’s probably not…

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Liverpool and Arsenal to drop points this round

We’re into the business end of the English Premier League with the winner still undecided with 5 matches to play and the European slots also up in the air with 4 clubs trying to secure the remaining two automatic qualification places. It’s been a long time since the league was this exciting, this late in the season. Significantly, two of us think Liverpool will drop points against Chelsea while we all agree City should win their match putting them top. Interestingly, we all have United and Spurs winning while we all think Arsenal will drop points again away.

In the previous round JP’s primes won the with 11 points ! Tyron 5.5 and I managed 4 and Dirk scored 2.5.

Leicester City v Newcastle

Tyron

LEI 2 –  1 NEW

The Toon aren’t safe yet and I don’t expect them to get any closer this weekend

Dirk

LEI 2 – 1 NEW

Foxes are on a decent run of form and at home they should have enough to see off Newcastle.

Marcel

LEI 2 – 0 NEW

I don’t want to admit it but Rodgers will do good things with Leicester and beating Newcastle is one of the easier things to achieve

Tottenham v Huddersfield

Tyron

TOT 2 – 0 HUD

Bye Terriers

Dirk

TOT 2 – 0 HUD

Even without Kane Spurs will be looking for a good win to keep themselves in the top 4.

Marcel

TOT 2 – 0 HUD

Even without Harry Kane, Spurs are too good for relegated Huddersfield

  Brighton v Bournemouth

Tyron

BRI 1 – 0 BOU

Brighton just look a little better than the Cherries right now

Dirk

BRI 1 – 0 BOU

Brighton need the points more here and I think that will be the difference between the two sides.

Marcel

BRI 1 – 1 BOU

I was tempted to go for a scoreless draw but it’ll probably wind up 4-4

Burnley v Cardiff City

Tyron

BUR 1 – 1 CAR

Cardiff will have eyed this as a must win game, I don think they will

Dirk

BUR 2 – 1 CAR

This is probably Cardiff’s biggest chance to get themselves out of the relegation places, but I think Burnley will find the goals they need to get themselves safe.

Marcel

BUR 2 – 1 CAR

Burnley can almost guarantee safety with a win here, Cardiff need to win to have any hope of surviving

Fulham v Everton

Tyron

FUL 0 – 2 EVE

Bye Fulham

Dirk

FUL 1 – 2 EVE

Everton have finally found some form and even an away trip from London won’t affect them.

Marcel

FUL 0 – 2 EVE

Everton haven’t lost at the Cottage in a league match since 2009

PUMA “HACKED” ONE 19.1 FG field tested

Man. United v West Ham

Tyron

MUN 2 – 1 WHM

United were not bad against Barca, if they produce that quality its an easy win

Dirk

MUN 2 – 0 WHM

West Ham could be the kind of side to get under Uniteds skin, but they have been out of sorts and United at home should be able to take advantage of that.

Marcel

MUN 2 – 0 WHM

United need to address their home form and if they want a top 4 place this is a must win match

Crystal Palace v Man. City

Tyron

CRY 1 – 3 MCI

Easy win for City

Dirk

CRY 1 – 3 MCI

City slipped up against Spurs mid week but will want to show they can take title again and will get an important him here.

Marcel

CRY 1 – 2 MCI

Palace can be tricky, City to go to the top of the league but not without a fight

Liverpool v Chelsea

Tyron

LIV 2 – 1 CHE

I could see Chelsea snatching a result, but the extra two days rest for Liverpool will be the difference for me

Dirk

LIV 1 – 1 CHE

Hazard has been in inspiring form lately and I think he could be the thorn in Liverpool’s side here and help Chelsea get an away draw.

Marcel

LIV 1 – 1 CHE

Ultra defensive performance from Chelsea to secure a point?

Watford v Arsenal

Tyron

WAT 1 – 1 ARS

Arsenal’s away form is poor, Watford might have a focus on the cup though

Dirk

WAT 1 – 0 ARS

Watford will be buoyed from their FA Cup win and think they can take this form to get a massive win over a stuttering Arsenal.

Marcel

WAT 1 – 1 ARS

Watford are a tough team to play and Arsenal still struggle with form away from the Emirates

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Liverpool and Arsenal to drop points this round

Manchester City to take top spot by the end of the weekend, if you believe what we say!

We’re into the business end of the English Premier League with the winner still undecided with 5 matches to play and the European slots also up in the air with 4 clubs trying to secure the remaining two automatic qualification places. It’s been a long time since the league was this exciting, this late in the season. Significantly, two of us think Liverpool will drop points against Chelsea while…

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Is Pep handing the league to Liverpool?

After last season’s 100 point rout by Pep’s City, the Spaniard said it was incredibly tough to beat United into 2nd place by 19 points and we all thought he was mad. Perhaps he meant it was incredibly tough to play 4 competitions without a winter break? 19 points is six clear wins more than your nearest rival. Either way, this season the other team from Manchester are struggling to keep the pressure on Liverpool through the Christmas season with 3 defeats in their last 4 matches. Meanwhile United are closing the gap to Arsenal and Chelsea and may just be in the contest for a Champions League position come the end of May.

On the superbru front, the misery continues for me as I slide further down the table to 42nd (-6) Tyron is still climbing at 37th (+3), while Dirk is in the mid 50s. Franna_JVR is the winner for last round with a score of 13.5.

Brighton – Everton

Tyron

BRI 1 – 2 EVE

Everton bounced back nicely from the Spurs defeat

Dirk

BRI 0 – 2 EVE

Because blue is better than red (Liverpool)

Marcel

BRI 1 – 2 EVE

Brighton have a lot of fight in them and they picking up points more regularly than I gave them credit for early in the season but Everton must win to have any credibility.

Lucas Digne brilliantly finds the corner of Burnley’s net with a free-kick

Fulham – Huddersfield

Tyron

FUL 1 – 0 HUD

Two poor teams, someone has to win

Dirk

FUL 1 – 0 HUD

Ranieri, tinker tinker, rock rock, win win

Marcel

FUL 1 – 0 HUD

I’ve watched both teams play recently. Fulham are horribly unlucky but Huddersfield are crap.

Leicester – Cardiff

Tyron

LEI 2 – 0 CAR

Leicester to beat Cardiff, yup should be straight forward

Dirk

LEI 2 – 0 CAR

Vardy ruining Warnocks New Year

Marcel

LEI 2 – 0 CAR

Leicester are knocking teams in the top 6 over for fun, long may it continue. Cardiff are still crap.

Tottenham – Wolves

Tyron

TOT 2 – 0 WOL

Spurs to continue their run and consolidate second

Dirk

TOT 2 – 1 WOL

Spurs, because football isn’t coming home yet

Marcel

TOT 2 – 0 WOL

With a net spend of 130 odd million since their Chinese owners took control, Wolves should be knocking on the door of the top 6 but will probably have to settle for 10th. Spurs are a class above and should be putting the pressure on City and Liverpool with a win here

Watford – Newcastle

Tyron

WAT 1 – 0 NEW

Watford to punish Newcastle

Dirk

WAT 1 – 0 NEW

Newcastle need a new owner desperately

Marcel

WAT 1 – 0 NEW

Newcastle can set up to frustrate with Rafa but Watford don’t have 40 points yet so expect them to push for the win

Juan Carlos Carcedo, Unai Emery and Ainsley Maitland-Niles attempt to get a tactical message across

Liverpool – Arsenal

Tyron

LIV 2 – 1 ARS

I hate it, but Arsenals defence will give Liverpool enough chances to win

Dirk

LIV 2 – 3 ARS

Arsenal, just because football isn’t coming home yet

Marcel

LIV 3 – 1 ARS

I would love to say Arsenal will give the scousers their first defeat of the season but I just can’t see it happening. Liverpool another step closer to the title.

Crystal Palace – Chelsea

Tyron

CRY 2 – 3 CHE

Lets go for a Christmas classic

Dirk

CRY 1 – 1 CHE

Palace surprises for the festive season

Marcel

CRY 0 – 1 CHE Palace can play on their day. This isn’t their day. Narrow win for Chelsea.

Burnley – West Ham

Tyron

BUR 1 – 2 WHM

West Ham are in good form, Burnley are shit

Dirk

BUR 1 – 2 WHM

Pellegrini is such a charming man

Marcel

BUR 0 – 1 WHM

Tough match to call with the Hammers terribly inconsistent but I think they should win this one

Southampton – Man City

Tyron

SOU 0 – 3 MCI

I cant see the City slide continuing

Dirk

SOU 0 – 2 MCI

Saints ain’t marching on

Marcel

SOU 1 – 2 MCI

Southampton are resurgent but surely not against the Citizens? I do think City will have to score more than one to win though.

David De Gea gets a palm to the ball, denying Huddersfield

Manchester United – Bournemouth

Tyron

MUN 2 – 0 BOU

United to continue their fine form

Dirk

MUN 2 – 0 BOU

Because we all miss Jose

Marcel

MUN 2 – 0 BOU

The toughest test so far for Ole but I think United can keep a clean sheet here.

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Round 19 takes place on Boxing Day!

The post Is Pep handing the league to Liverpool? appeared first on Run Ride Dive.

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Is Pep handing the league to Liverpool?

After last season’s 100 point rout by Pep’s City, the Spaniard said it was incredibly tough to beat United into 2nd place by 19 points and we all thought he was mad. Perhaps he meant it was incredibly tough to play 4 competitions without a winter break? 19 points is six clear wins more than your nearest rival. Either way, this season the other team from Manchester are struggling to keep the…

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Round 19 – The Premier League, the race for 4th

What a week! Liverpool win, City lose, Chelsea lose, United play entertaining attacking football.

What does it mean for us? Well I don’t think anyone realistically thought City would lose to Palace and only the bravest would predict Leicester going to the Bridge and beating a really good Chelsea team. On the United front a change in management brought about a radical change in playing style and as a result, 680 million United fans went to bed happy for the first time in a while. Perhaps the battle for fourth is back on.

On the superbru front, the misery continues for me as I slide further down the table to 36th (-6) Tyron is right on my heels at 40 while Dirk is in the mid 50s. Wagon Wheels  is the winner for last round with a score of 12.5. Dirk’s gone walkabout looking for a sheep again, we randomly assigned him comments in his absence.

Fulham vs Wolves

Tyron FUL 0 – 1 WOL

Fulham are dire, Wolves are wasteful …

Dirk FUL – WOL

Learning Baby Shark

Marcel FUL 0 – 1 WOL

Wolves were just starting to go on a good run and then ran into Liverpool who had the run of the green. Fulham are pretty bad, Wolves should pick up the points.

Burnley vs Everton

Tyron BUR 1 – 2 EVE

Burnley played a Stoke like performance against Arsenal and were fortunate not to receive two red cards, Everton will punish them if they want to play Rugby instead of football

Dirk BUR – EVE

Ignoring my responsibilities

Marcel BUR 0 – 1 EVE

Everton shipped 6 against Spurs on Sunday but should resurrect for this fixture.

Crystal Palace – Cardiff

Tyron CRY 1 – 0 CAR

Palace will have the whole of Liverpool supporting them after their City win

Dirk CRY – CAR

I’m a bad friend

Marcel CRY 2 – 0 CAR

Fresh off handing City a lesson in counter-attacking football, the Eagles host Cardiff who got battered by Ole’s United in Wales. Only one winner in London on Boxing Day

Leicester – Man City

Tyron LEI 1 – 2 MCI

Surely both of these teams wont repeat their shock results of the previous round

Dirk LEI – MCI

I rather run around with sheeple than meet my obligations

Marcel LEI 1 – 2 MCI

Leicester could upset City but it will be a master stroke. Pep’s quest for a repeat Championship will be under pressure with Liverpool opening a 4 point gap in the previous round.

Liverpool vs Newcastle

Tyron LIV 2 – 0 NEW

Say it quietly, because their fans will not keep it quiet, but Liverpool are looking like a title winning team

Dirk LIV – NEW

My wife likes Liverpool

Marcel LIV 1 – 1 NEW

This is a fixture where you would expect Liverpool to reaffirm their dominance but Newcastle can be frustratingly resilient at times

Anthony Martial scored on his 100th PL appearance for Manchester United, only the fourth Frenchman to reach this tally for the club after Eric Cantona, Mikael Silvestre and Patrice Evra

Man United – Huddersfield

Tyron MAN 2 – 0 HUD

Huddersfield on a downward spiral, United will play with a freedom not allowed by Mourinho

Dirk MAN – HUD

Glory Glory Man United

Marcel MAN 4 – 0 HUD

United have been freed from Mourinho’s bus and the game plan is ‘attack, attack, attack’. Could be a very entertaining match for Red Devil fans

Tottenham – Bournemouth

Tyron TOT 2 – 0 BOU

Spurs are playing really well, i hate it

Dirk TOT – BOU

If Spurs win the league I’ll have to become a Spurs fan

Marcel TOT 2 – 1 BOU

Spurs might have some injuries to key players but should still have enough class to see off a lackluster Bournemouth

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 22 goals in 31 PL matches, five more than the next Arsenal player at the same stage, Thierry Henry with 17

Brighton – Arsenal

Tyron BRI 1 – 2 ARS

This will be a very tough game for the Gunners, having lost here last year, but I think they will do enough

Dirk BRI – ARS

I wish Arsenal were in the title chase with Liverpool instead of City

Marcel BRI 1 – 2 ARS

Notoriously poor travelers, Arsenal, will have to win to stay level with Chelsea and keep the gap to United at 8 points.

Watford – Chelsea

Tyron WAT 1 – 2 CHE

Chelsea likely to bounce back from their Leicester defeat. Its going to be tough

Dirk WAT – CHE

Before I became a City fan I was a Chelsea fan

Marcel WAT 1 – 0 CHE

In a contradiction to my Arsenal prediction,  Chelsea could slip to fifth if Watford win in this London derby.

Southampton – West Ham

Tyron SOU 1 – 0 WHM

Saints to continue the Danny Ings inspired upward spiral. Why not

Dirk SOU – WHM

I hope I get a shiny new sheep for Christmas

Marcel SOU 2 – 1 WHM

I’ve been quite impressed with the changes at Southampton since Mark Hughes was removed. The football is a lot more exciting, the style watchable and the last two wins well deserved. Let’s go Saints!

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Round 19 takes place on Boxing Day!

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