Another round another set of picks. This week my mother and father are spending some time with me, and by all accounts, looking forward to the Tottenham v Liverpool game and Watford v Arsenal. That’s right, their house has a Spud (I don’t want to use the Yiddo name) and a Gooner. Some would claim that I’m a closet Gooner but at the same time they can’t deny that my team are the Red Meese that play in gold and that currently I think Ighalo is the best player in the top division since John Barnes (before he got fattened up on the Merseyside diet).
For a little additional fun I had them make their picks.
The Spud
Of course Spurs win but Arsenal too? I didn’t expect the Hornet animosity!
| 10/17/2015 | Tottenham | 2 | 1 | Liverpool |
| 10/17/2015 | Chelsea | 2 | 0 | Aston Villa |
| 10/17/2015 | Crystal Palace | 1 | 1 | West Ham |
| 10/17/2015 | Everton | 0 | 1 | Manchester United |
| 10/17/2015 | Manchester City | 4 | 1 | Bournemouth |
| 10/17/2015 | Southampton | 2 | 2 | Leicester |
| 10/17/2015 | West Brom | 0 | 1 | Sunderland |
| 10/17/2015 | Watford | 1 | 2 | Arsenal |
| 10/18/2015 | Newcastle | 1 | 0 | Norwich |
| 10/19/2015 | Swansea | 2 | 0 | Stoke |
The Gooner (I can’t call her the Arse)
A true fan – Arsenal win and a Spurs lost.
| 10/17/2015 | Tottenham | 1 | 2 | Liverpool |
| 10/17/2015 | Chelsea | 3 | 1 | Aston Villa |
| 10/17/2015 | Crystal Palace | 1 | 1 | West Ham |
| 10/17/2015 | Everton | 2 | 1 | Manchester United |
| 10/17/2015 | Manchester City | 2 | 1 | Bournemouth |
| 10/17/2015 | Southampton | 1 | 2 | Leicester |
| 10/17/2015 | West Brom | 1 | 0 | Sunderland |
| 10/17/2015 | Watford | 1 | 3 | Arsenal |
| 10/18/2015 | Newcastle | 0 | 0 | Norwich |
| 10/19/2015 | Swansea | 1 | 0 | Stoke |
The Hornet Picks
And my picks – I apparently love my parents teams more than I love my own.
| 10/17/2015 | Tottenham | 2 | 1 | Liverpool |
| 10/17/2015 | Chelsea | 2 | 0 | Aston Villa |
| 10/17/2015 | Crystal Palace | 1 | 0 | West Ham |
| 10/17/2015 | Everton | 2 | 1 | Manchester United |
| 10/17/2015 | Manchester City | 2 | 1 | Bournemouth |
| 10/17/2015 | Southampton | 2 | 1 | Leicester |
| 10/17/2015 | West Brom | 1 | 0 | Sunderland |
| 10/17/2015 | Watford | 1 | 2 | Arsenal |
| 10/18/2015 | Newcastle | 1 | 0 | Norwich |
| 10/19/2015 | Swansea | 2 | 0 | Stoke |
Klopp to replace Flop at Kop was how we discussed the Liverpool firing and hiring. I’ve been thinking about this and I don’t think Klopp is a dedicated manager. He quit to get a better gig (allegedly) and I don’t know anyone who would say that Liverpool is that better gig. Having Sturridge fit is an advantage but with Harry Kane putting the ball in the back of the net the last couple of games I think he will do it again (only this time one of his players will make sure it’s the opposition net). The Spuds are at home and they are beginning to put things together while Liverpool are doing Humpty Dumpty and falling apart and hoping Klopp is better than all the King’s men.
Chelsea can’t continue to be useless. I know Fabregas has gained some poundage and won’t get better overnight. I know that Ivanovic won’t suddenly be in his 20s. I know John Terry won’t become unsleazy… but Hazard has to have a decent game at some point? Surely? He’s playing Villa so this is a good place to look like you’re playing well.
Crystal Palace are close to the top (4th) so must be considered a favorite against many other teams but West Ham are somehow up there too (6th). Crystal Palace are great when Zaha comes on against Watford and I suspect he will wreak havoc in the West Ham end.
Everton should cruise against Manchester United so that means Manchester will probably win. I can’t get against my man Roberto Martinez though with two weeks to get some improvements in his team (despite his players’ international commitments). Martial can’t continue with his current goal scoring pace and must surely be approaching an inexperienced based barren spell.
Manchester City were the most over-rated team in the league. And then they lost. Then they were losing 1-0 to Newcastle and we absolutely knew they were exposed as pretenders… and then Aguero put five goals against his inferior opposition and the ship was righted. They’re playing Bournemouth who are newcomers to the division who play open football and who have lost a key player. Time for Citeh to show up, I feel.
Leicester have been on a good run but they’re facing a team that is well coached and put together in Southampton. Should be a close game but Ronald will have his boys ready so that he doesn’t have to see hit team lose on the same week that the Netherlands managed to get themselves removed from the European Cup. Expect Southampton to play classy and keep Leicester tied back and not free to play their quick brand of counter-attack.
West Brom are not good. Pullis is not a good manager. No, he’s not. Maybe he’s a nice guy, maybe he gets the best out of the worst at the end of the season… but he’s not a tactician. Luckily Sunderland are worse.
Watford having been playing open football and leading with some pace and relying heavily on Ighalo to hold up play, assist, bring in his team, and score goals. Arsenal are a handful in transition with pace galore. The Moose just don’t have the talent. It will be a bad result but I’m selecting 1-2 to give Watford some pride or purpose.
Newcastle are bottom. Norwich aren’t a lot higher. I don’t expect that will change. Newcastle will win but they’ll still be in the bottom three with the result.
Swansea have not been in top form and it’s time for Gomis to show up. Stoke, despite their alleged best efforts, still have a kick the player and hoof the ball reputation. Maybe it’s Mark Hughes’ reputation. Stoke will play long ball and loose comfortably.
Apologize this is just factual this week. Will try to add humor in the future editions of… me trying to make random picks.