EPL Match Predictions Round 20

EPL Match Predictions Round 20

I have missed predicting the past few matches during the Christmas period mainly because I was too busy and the games came so frequently. But now I'm back to look at the matches that will all take place tomorrow on New Years Day. We'll see which teams will start 2014 with a bang and those that stutter.

Round 20

Swansea vs Manchester City

Swansea are going through a bit of a rough patch this month, just doing enough to get by. They are sitting in 11th place and tied Aston Villa away from home last match. They are doing alright defensively but goals are becoming a bit scarce due to injuries to their primary goalscorers. The injury to Michel Vorm is proving to be quite troublesome for the Swans because Guy Tremel is just awful, in my opinion the worst goalkeeper in the premier league. Manchester City's goalkeeper, Joe Hart, seems to have regained his form and put in a great performance against Liverpool and made a fantastic save against Crystal Palace as well. Aguero is back for Manchester City, though the other strikers have done the job without him during injury, especially Negredo. Both of these teams like to possess the ball, probing, waiting until they can unlock their opponents defenses so it will probably be a slower paced game. The Swans are pretty good at home still so it will be a bit difficult for City but I don't see anything but a victory for the Citizens, their attack is just too strong for them.

Prediction: 0-1

Arsenal vs Cardiff City

Arsenal also went through a little rough patch but are back in fine form and sit in first place in the league. Their midfield is finding its rhythm again and Cardiff won't be able to handle the likes of Cazorla, Ozil and Ramsey(who used to play for Cardiff). Ramsey had a brace last time they met in Cardiff and I expect him and the Arsenal team to score many goals. Cardiff are in shambles right now. Their owner, Vincent Tan got rid of their beloved manager, Malky McKay and was even shown booing his own team last match when they tied Sunderland at home. Nobody will want to take up the manager's job their now, especially when he told McKay that not a single penny will be spent in January. Cardiff still have an alright team and good defenders like Caulker but not any good attackers. Their highest goalscorer has been Campbell, scoring 4 and they have Odemwingie, who has scored 2 but these guys won't be able to get close to the Arsenal goal, especially at home and I expect a blowout.

3-0

Crystal Palace vs Norwich

I thought that both of these teams put in remarkable displays last week and if their opposition weren't the Manchester clubs than they definitely would've won. Palace narrowly lost to City at the Etihad, 0-1 and came very close to scoring if not for a save of the year candidate from Hart. Palace are more organized and defensively sound under Pulis but still aren't very good on the attack and their goals have almost always came from counter attacks. This is the kind of thing that happens away from home so I don't think being the home team will benefit them all that much. Norwich are still on their roller coaster and just barely lost to Manchester United last week, and should have at least come away with a point in my opinion. Gary Hooper has been in fine form, living up to his buying price now that his injuries are behind him. I don't think there will be a lot of goals in this one and will be quite sloppy and boring, but you never know what to expect in a Norwich game. I am going to go with a Norwich win, but just barely.

1-2

Fulham vs West Ham

Both of these teams suck right now. I did not expect either of these teams to be in the relegation battle but both of them are in the bottom three right now. This is a massive game for both of them and may determine which of them will stay, and which one will be relegated. This will be an intense game, very physical with little technical displays. West Ham played a very entertaining game against West Brom with it ending 3-3, showing that they can score, but that they struggle to close out games. Fulham were humiliated by being defeated by Hull 0-6, I couldn't believe it when I saw it to be honest. West Ham are set up quite similarly to Hull so I think Fullham will struggle to unlock them, there is just absolutely no chemistry between the Fulham players right now. I am going to go with a West Ham win, just barely.

0-1

Liverpool vs Hull AFC

This will be an interesting game for sure. When Liverpool played Hull away from home they struggled against the organized Hull defense and were caught by surprise at Hull's attack and lost 3-1. Hull are coming off the win of a lifetime and will certainly be on a high from it. Liverpool did well against Manchester City and pretty good against Chelsea but their thin squad numbers were exposed and even had to call on 19 year old Brad Smith who has never played an EPL game before. Gerrard is set to come back into the starting 11 and just in time because Joe Allen is out for a short while now. Suarez struggled against the big teams but I expect him to continue to prey on the smaller teams like Hull. Liverpool have been very vulnerable from set pieces and Hull scored a lot of those last week against Fulham so look out for that. I expect both teams to score, but Suarez and Liverpool will get back to winning ways by scoring more.

3-1

Southampton vs Chelsea

Southampton were a bit unlucky not to get at least a point from their last match away to Everton, losing 1-2. They are still a great team and are quite good at home. Chelsea played one of the best matches I've seen them play against Liverpool with David Luiz doing an exceptional job as a center mid. Ramirez comes back into the team after serving a one match suspension. Eto'o scored for Chelsea last game but it was Hazard who was the attacking force for them and I expect him to continue that. Southampton shocked Chelsea last match by scoring within 13 seconds of the whistle so they must be aware of their threat. I think that it will be a pretty even game and that it will end in a draw.

1-1

Stoke City vs Everton

Stoke were defeated quite easily by Tottenham last week, 0-3. Everton got a result against a good Southampton side last week. I think Everton will be able to win this one without too much trouble. Assaidi has done well for Stoke, scoring against Chelsea and ...another team. Well I don't know really what else to say about this one. Everton have only lost two games this season which is amazing but Stoke is still a work in progress under Hughes. I think there won't be too many goals because both defenses are really good.

0-1

Sunderland vs Aston Villa

Sunderland have been a bit unlucky this season though I'll admit they aren't the greatest team. Aston Villa are starting to get sucked further down the table and it is only a matter of time before they are in the relegation battle. A win will get Sunderland out of the relegation zone and I think they will do it. Their strikers are starting to get things right and it will be hard to choose who starts, though Fletcher scored last game so he'll probably start. Villa's strikers have been struggling even more lately and it was only Agbonlihor who scored last game. Benteke needs to get things going again and he will have his chance against a horrible Black Cat's defense(mainly cuz they depend on ex-Man U players :P). I think there will be quite a few goals and I think Sunderland will bring their game and take all 3 points.

2-1

West Brom vs Newcastle

I think these teams are quite similar in their set up but it is Newcastle that are enjoying this season. Newcastle lost to Arsenal away from home but it was only 0-1 so that won't get them down too much. West Brom tied in a 6 goal thriller at West Ham last week and tied the game before that 1-1. Steve Clarke was doing an alright job with WBA but the owners didn't think it was enough and haven't picked a replacement yet. Newcastle will take advantage of West Brom's unorganization, I guess that isn't a word but oh well. Goals can come from anywhere in the Newcastle team and they will probably score more than West Brom, but because they are at home I'm going to go with a tie.

1-1

Manchester United vs Tottenham

I hate both of these team so so much! This will be the best game of the round though. Man U were able to just get by Norwich 1-0 but Tottenham ended their poor run of late with a 3-0 win over Stoke. I believe it was a tie last time these guys met and will be remembered because of that great goal from distance by Sandro. Sherwood needs to find his best 11 and try to stick with them as much as possible and get some fluidity and chemistry into the talented side, if they can achieve that then they will be very dangerous. Without Rooney Man U are simply a top 4 or 5 team so if he has a good game then they will win. This one is hard to call but I don't see Tottenham winning this match and I'm going to go with a slight win for Man U.

2-1

January Transfer Window Preview: Center Midfielder

I continue my preview of Liverpool's potential moves in the January 2014 transfer window by looking at potential center midfielders that could be signed. We have already looked at potential left back options for Rodgers and I concluded that either Ryan Bertrand or Martin Montoya are the most likely transfers.

Liverpool's scarcity in their midfield was shown during Liverpool's last match against Chelsea on Sunday when Joe Allen went off injured and had to be replaced by Brad Smith, a 19 year old with no top level experience. I have been very impressed with Liverpool's midfielders so far this season but I do believe we need another to challenge for a starting spot. So here are some midfielders who are linked with a move to Liverpool.

Ivan Rakitic

The 24 year old Croat has enjoyed an out of this world season so far. He can operate in any center midfield role but excels as an attacker the most. He has scored 9 goals in 22 matches so far this season with I think 5 assists as well. From what I've seen of him his play is quite similar to a young Steven Gerrard. As Gerrard gets older and closer to retirement FSG need to be looking for someone to inherit his throne, and I think Rakitic would do the job splendidly. He would come at a high cost for sure though, with some sources saying it would take 33 million pounds to prize him away from Sevilla. It might not take nearly that much though as Sevilla have had financial problems for the past few years and had to sell Negredo and Jesus Navas. Sevilla made a butt-load of money from those sales so you would think that they would be set for at least a while but you never know. Rakitic has personally said that he is 100% committed to Sevilla but that you never know what will happen and has expressed his flattery at being linked with a move to Anfield. Liverpool missed out on a huge blockbuster buy this summer and might decide to splash the cash to bring in one hell of a footballer who can fire them into the top 4 and beyond.

Probability: 2 out of 5

Jorginho

I'll admit that I had never heard of this kid before the rumors appeared that Liverpool were interested him during the summer but now he is a name most people know due to his amazing season in Serie A with Hellas Verona. He has scored 7 in his 16 appearances, helping the promoted side reach sixth place in the league currently. I wasn't too excited about the link at first but now I am. The 22 year old was born in Brazil but moved to Italy very early and has played for the Italy U-21's so far. His playing style is a mix between Philippe Coutinho's and Steven Gerrard's in my opinion. He could provide real depth in Coutinho's position or play in a more defensive role in the midfield as well. His price was set around 7 million pounds but it will probably cost around 10 now that he has done so well recently. It was reported yesterday that two top officials from Verona were at the Chelsea v Liverpool match, supposedly to talk about a deal with Liverpool for Jorginho. I think Jorginho would be a great buy, not as good as Rakitic, but a good back up just in case Rakitic's price tag is too high.

3 out of 5

Emmanuel Badu

That's Badu jostling with Raheem Sterling during last year's match against his club Udinese. The 23 year old Ghanaian defensive midfielder was reportedly linked with a move to Liverpool today. Liverpool are more in need of another defensive midfielder than an attacker in all fairness and Badu fits the bill. He however is not the player Liverpool needs in order to push for a Champions League spot this season. He is a better tackler than the others but he is still not that great of a defender, especially with his head. Badu has a decent shot from distance and nicks the occasional goal. He would be the cheapest option for sure, probably costing around 6 or 7 million pounds. Rodgers was quoted as saying that he is looking for players to improve the starting 11, not the squad and I don't think Badu is even close to as good as Lucas. I pray that Liverpool do not buy Badu, it would be a terrible mistake to be sure.

1 out of 5

Adam Lallana

Lallana has been making headlines ever since his team, Southampton, regained their Premier League status. Lallana has been even better this season and has had a few England National Team call-ups to reward his great run of form. He is much like Gerrard during his days of being a human dynamo, marauding from box to box. He would be a great future replacement for Gerrard for sure and would be a great addition in January. He is a great striker of the ball but even better in possession, he is like a mix between Joe Allen and Gerrard in my opinion. I cannot say if he would be able to displace the current center mid's we have to start each match for now but would get more playing time in the future. He definitely wouldn't be cheap probably costing in the region of 15 million pounds. Lallana has spoken repeatedly of how much he has enjoyed his time at Southampton, his only club, and rules out a move anytime soon and says he would turn down a move to Man U or Liverpool, so this move is quite unlikely.
1 out of 5

Verdict:

These are the most likely to be signed in January, though there could be others, but to be honest another center midfielder is low on the the Red's wishlist at the moment. My guess is that probably 2 players will move to Liverpool in January but it probably will be a left back and attacking midfielder/wing instead. That said I really hope that Liverpool sign Rakitic and would also be happy with the joining of Jorginho as well.

January Transfer Window Preview: Left Back

January Transfer Window Preview

We now have less than a week until the January transfer window opens! Merry Transfermas! Hopefully Santa will see that Liverpool have been good this year and surprise us with a big name signing that will help Liverpool secure a Champions League stop this season. Rodgers says that the squad is big enough and now he is looking to bring in players to be inserted straight into the starting lineup.

Liverpool are in need of a few players as the squad is a bit thin at the moment and if someone was to get injured or go through a rough patch of form then we could be in trouble. The most obvious position in need of strengthening is left back. This has been a problem area of Liverpool's for years now and although Enrique has done a decent job this season injuries are keeping him from holding down a regular spot. Cissokho has been a bit of a dud and looked completely out of his league in the Man City game today and Flanagan still has some work to do as well. So a starting, young left back is the first priority for me. Here are some left backs that have been linked with Liverpool recently. They are listed in the order of a probable move to Liverpool.

Ryan Bertrand

The 24 year old Englishman is probably the most likely left back to join Liverpool in January. I think he is very similar to Ashley Cole in appearance and playing style but he hasn't had too many opportunities at Chelsea, especially this season and now is the third choice left back behind Azpilicueta and Cole. It was rumored that Liverpool were interested in a move for Bertrand in the summer but a move was never made but now that he is further down the pecking order it might happen now. He still has a way to go but he has a lot of potential and could be a future starter for England. His situation reminds me a lot like Sturridge's move to Liverpool last year so I think this might happen for around 8 million pounds.

Probability: 3 out of 5

Martin Montoya

The 22 year old Spaniard currently plays for Barcelona and is starting to get more playing time there, playing part in 12 matches overall this season. It was rumored that Ian Ayre, Liverpool's managing director, flew out to Barcelona in order to hash out a possible move for Montoya to Liverpool. He has been linked with a move to Anfield for a while now but I still don't know if this is a move that Montoya is interested in, as most Barcelona players are very loyal to the club. He is the best choice for Liverpool but price and his decision to renew contract talks with Barcelona could make this one a no go.

Probability: 2 out of 5

Dennis Aogo

Aogo is a German international that is currently on loan to Schalke from Hamburg and has been doing very well this season. He is a little bit older at 26 years old but still has many good years in him. He would be more of a gamble for Liverpool and I don't think he would be the best purchase right now. To be honest I don't know too much about him or seen him play a whole lot but I just think there are better, younger players Liverpool should focus on instead. The fact that he is already on loan to another club would also make things very difficult.

Probability: 1 out of 5

Fabio Coentrao

This player coming to Liverpool is a bit of a long shot but is still a possibility and I personally would like this player moving here the most. He has proved himself one of the best up and coming left backs at his time with Real Madrid since 2011 with Mourinho using him quite a bit. His playing time has gone down considerably this season only playing part in 4 matches so far, it was even rumored that Real tried to offload him in the summer. His attacking prowess is fantastic though can be caught out of position on occasion but marauding fullbacks is what Rodgers is looking for. He wouldn't come on the cheap though, my guess is somewhere around 12 million would do the trick but there are plenty of clubs interested like Tottenham, of course.

Probability: 1 out of 5

Verdict:

Liverpool are in a much better position to bring in high quality players to Anfield, quite a bit more than a few months ago even. It is still a bit of a stretch to bring in players like Coentrao or Montoya though it is still a possibility, though I believe that Bertrand will be the one to move to Liverpool in January. He is out of favor at Chelsea and already has strong connections to Liverpool through former teammate Sturridge and former coach Rodgers. Hopefully this deal can be done early in the window so we can send Cissokho back to Valencia and send Flanagan out on loan for the rest of the season.

I will be covering the other positions that Liverpool need to strengthen in the January transfer window in the coming days so check back soon!