EPL Predictions Week 24

I believe it has been over a year since I have published my Premier League predictions. I hope to renew the tradition now.

Tottenham v Arsenal

This is the first of the two derbies to be played this round. It should be a good fight as both North London teams are in fine form. This match will likely be a key fixture in the race for the top 4. Arsenal might be able to recover from a negative result but I don't think Tottenham have that same ability in their squad, so it will be even more important for Spurs to get a positive result. Arsenal are coming into the match on the back of a 5-0 hammering over Aston Villa. Tottenham are also coming off a good 3-0 win over West Brom themselves. This fixture often ends in a draw and I am fearful that this time it will be another draw, and perhaps a dull one as both do not want to lose at any costs.
Prediction: 1-1

Aston Villa v Chelsea

I do not think this will be a great match to watch as both teams will not be at their best. Chelsea will be without arguably their two best players, Costa and Fabregas. Villa have a number of players coming back to the squad such as Vlaar and Cole. I do not think these changes in the squads will change the result of the match, though I think it will make it closer. Chelsea will surely win this match, or maybe a tie because Villa quite frankly can't score to save their lives.
Prediction: 0-2

Leicester City v Crystal Palace

It should be a grand old game, as both teams are pretty desperate for points, especially bottom of the table Leicester. Palace won't go down without a good fight as Pardew has inspired the Eagles to a great run. Leicester will be buoyed by their new signings such as Huth and Kramaric, though I'm not sure it will be enough to save them from the drop. Crystal Palace has a decent away form and I think they will line up defensively to avoid defeat. I am expecting a draw.
Prediction: 1-1

Manchester City v Hull City

Man City are still in the title race, trailing leaders Chelsea by 5 points, a gap that they maintained by getting a draw at Stamford Bridge last week. Hull are simply despicable lately, losing to the turbulent Newcastle 3-0 at home, and this time they will playing at the Etihad. I can't see anything other than a thrashing to add to Hull's woes as they get closer and closer to the relegation zone, a place which I do not expect them to escape from.
Prediction: 2-0

QPR v Southampton

Both clubs are a bit hurt at the moment, though it appears as though QPR are on the ropes. Rednapp has abandoned them to their doom. He may claim that he will be unable to lead the team properly because of surgery but I think we all know its because of the lack of transfer activity that Rednapp so clearly loves to dabble in. QPR fought hard against Stoke last week but it was for naught as they lost 3-1 away from home, a place they despise this season. They will be the hosts this week but I don't think they can beat such a talented team. Swansea's stalwart defense, led by the amazing Ashley Williams, had it in them to get the clean sheet, but QPR's defense simply don't have it in them to mimic them. That said I expect a good fight to be fruitless as QPR begin life without Rednapp.
Prediction: 1-2

Swansea City v Sunderland

I believe this will be a very good match to watch as both teams are coming into it after crucial wins, Swansea against Southampton and Sunderland against Burnley. The Swans are pretty good at home and Sunderland are pretty good at tying, so I think it will be either a tie or a Swansea victory. I don't think Sunderland's attack is good enough, especially against Swansea's defense at home.
Prediction: 0-0

Everton v Liverpool

This is the big kahoona, the second derby of the round, the Merseyside Derby. These teams shared the honors the last time they met thanks to a miraculous Jagielka volley in the last minute. Despite being at home I believe Liverpool are doing too good lately to lose this match. Everton languish in 12th place and only scraped to a 1-0 win last week against Palace thanks to a very lucky deflected goal in the opening minutes. Added to their woes is the possibility of Liverpool's star striker, Sturridge, returning from injury and you have a recipe for disaster. As with almost all Merseyside derbies I am expecting a hard fought and close game, but I have to go with my Reds.
Prediction: 0-1

Burnley v WBA

These two teams will kick off the Sunday games and it will not be one that I will be waking up early to watch. Both teams lost their last games and are in need of a boost. Burnley needed to desperately sign some new players in January and they failed to do so. That said, keeping a hold of Ings was important and will be even more important for them as we are entering a crucial period in the season. WBA simply don't look that great, and while Burnley doesn't either, Burnley at least gives it their all. Pulis doesn't get relegated though, he just doesn't and winning these types of games are the ones that save you in the end. I expect it to be a close match and I think Burnley's intense pressure on the ball will see them avoid defeat.
Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle United v Stoke City

These teams aren't really challenging for anything, and aren't currently in danger of the relegation zone, so I don't think either side will be too bothered at the result. Two points favor Stoke in the table currently thanks in part to the transition period happening at Newcastle. Their manager, Carver, has all the passion in the world for Newcastle and will be desperate for a win to state his case for the permanent manager job. I don't think the players share his passion at all and I don't expect them to really care and Stoke will be happy to try and catch them on the break. This is a hard one to call but I am going to go with Newcastle, simply because they are the home side.
Prediction: 1-0

West Ham v Manchester United

West Ham won this figure the last time they met each other, at Old Trafford. Man U are currently on a bit of a roll, in terms of getting results at least. West Ham's current form in a bit wishy washy, they lost to Liverpool away from home last week 2-0 and only registered like 2 shots on goal, with none of them even close. Being at home will buoy their hopes and they seem to always be in the mood to take on the big boys like Man U. The Red Devils are doing alright, and yet find themselves in third place nonetheless. It should be a great match to watch, and it is hard to call. I am going to go with my gut, though it might just be more hope than gut, a West Ham win to get the double.
Prediction: 2-1

Liverpool's transfer window so far

Liverpool have had a very active transfer window to date so far and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Luis Suarez has been sold and despite Rodgers' claims that they are not "pulling a Tottenham" they have emulated the Spurs' in bringing in a host of new, young players. Despite this I believe Liverpool have done a magnificent job this transfer window in bringing in talented and hungry players who will fight for places and trophies this season. There is still some unresolved transfer sagas such as bringing in Spanish defenders Javier Manuillo and Alberto Moreno. There are also rumors that Mario Balotelli could be on his way to Anfield, which would definitely be entertaining to say the least. Mostly though there are musings that there could be further exits as Rodgers seeks to get rid of the dead wood. He has already sent out Alberto, Aspas and Wisdom on loan and it seems as though Robinson and one of our current right backs will be leaving too. As to which one it will be is up to debate but in my opinion I believe it is Johnson who should be sold. Daniel Agger is once again being linked with a move away and his exclusion from the match with AC Milan yesterday has only fanned the flames of him being sold. The good preseason form of Coates and Toure, but most importantly the acquisition of Dejan Lovren has pushed Agger further down the pecking order at center back. I have loved having Agger at Anfield but I believe the time is right for him to leave, he has unfortunately made too many errors.

Everything is shaping up pretty well for Liverpool as we approach the beginning of the new Premier League season. The question on everyone's mind is can Daniel Sturridge become a world class striker to fill the void left by Suarez, or will Suarez's absence mean that the Reds will be out of the Champions League once again. I believe that Liverpool need another striker and a left back and then they will be ready to succeed in the EPL and Europe and I think Moreno and Balotelli are the guys to do the job. Even if they aren't brought in I will still be happy with all the work that Liverpool has done this transfer window. I for one cannot count the days until the new season starts but I suppose watching Liverpool take on Manchester United in the International Champions Cup will be a good distraction.

The Perfect Transfer Window for Liverpool

Liverpool will be returning to Europe's elite competition, the Champions League thanks to their second place finish in the EPL last season. The competition brings new expectations as well as opportunities for Liverpool, especially in the transfer market. Gone are the days of losing players like Willian and Mkhitaryan to Champions League teams, now the Reds are able to really bring in some ringers. The thin squad needs strengthening but even more so in need of an injection of Champion's League level players in order to push on from the successes of last season. So far Liverpool have addressed the need of more squad players in bringing in the experienced striker Rickie Lambert as well as the promising midfielder Emre Can. Neither of Liverpool's signings thus far are capable of dislodging any of the current starting eleven. So what do Liverpool do now? What do they need to do in order to be successful next season?

Sell the unwanted:
Liverpool's owners will certainly be willing to spend the cash this summer as a show of good faith to Rodgers and to prepare for the Champions League. Despite the influx of available funds Liverpool still would benefit from offloading players who are simply getting their pay by sitting on the bench. Cissokho and Moses are already gone as they did not impress while on loan last season, provoking Rodgers to say that he does not plan on going back into the loan market again. Assaidi impressed in spurts while on loan to Stoke City last season but small injuries is hampering his chances. All parties involved would benefit from his sale to another team. Pepe Reina did decently while at Napoli last season but not good enough for Napoli to want to put out the cash Liverpool want for him. His wages are a stumbling block for his departure but he still needs to find somewhere else to play as Rodgers lost faith the Spaniard. Daniel Agger is again rumored to be offered a move away and it might be best if he was sold his summer as Sakho looks to have dislodged the loyal but at times shaky Dane. Suso is also rumored to depart though another loan move to continue his progression might be best. Also worth mentioning is Borini's great development last year, I believe he should be given more chances at Liverpool next season.

Strengthen the defense:
The defense was Liverpool's achille's heel last season. Skrtel was fantastic (especially off corners) and Johnson usually solid but the second center back and the left back were big problem areas last season. Sakho was decent and will improve with time but Toure was simply awful and cost the Reds crucial points with his blunders. I believe an additional center back should be brought in, and my first choice would be Southampton's Dejan Lovren. Liverpool were linked with the Croat last summer but became a Saint instead but now seeks a move to a Champions League club. Liverpool are boosted in the chase for his signature by his reported transfer request sent to his club's management.

Another weak point is of course the left back position. This has been a problem area for Liverpool for years and Enrique was thought to be our left back saviour, but inconsistency and long term injuries have made that impossible. Liverpool must now seek a new saviour for the left back position and there are many options for them. Alberto Moreno is being reported as close to a move but that Sevilla's high demands might stop the deal from materializing. If Moreno is not signed there are many other young talents for Liverpool to pursue. They include the Swiss/Chilean/Spanish/German Wolfsburg player Ricardo Rodriguez who can shield and tackle like nobody's business and is a great free kick taker, and is only 21 years old! Then there is the adaptable Marcos Rojo of Argentina and Sporting Lisbon. He is just as comfortable at left back as he is in the center and is starting for his country during the World Cup, and is only 24.

Champions League quality attacking midfielder:
I believe that Liverpool don't need to many players brought in so it wouldn't be the worst thing if an attacking midfielder wasn't signed. Coutinho is doing very well and still has a lot to learn at only 22 years old but I do believe Liverpool can bring in someone to start in front of him. Adam Lallana seemed to be the first choice for Liverpool but that move seems a ways off from being completed due to Southampton's reluctance to sell. Another, higher profile target is Alexis Sanchez whose future at Barcelona is again being questioned as a new manager takes the helm at the Nou Camp. The options for Liverpool in this position are many and have the ability to attract a really good attacker this summer.

In conclusion I believe 3 players should be sold and 5 players brought in(including Emre and Lambert). By making these changes I believe that Liverpool will be able to repeat the surprisingly lethal attacking backed by a more organized and talented back line. I for one am really looking forward to next season, though having the World Cup to pass the time makes it a bit easier to get through.

The one player that Liverpool needs

Liverpool have defied everyone's expectations this season and are still in this title race. Liverpool were undone by the stalwart and quite frankly, annoying Chelsea defense on Sunday. Mourinho exploited Liverpool's weaknesses, forcing them to try and break them down around the 18 yard box. Liverpool are very much a counter-attacking team, not usually ones to score from great distances. Gerrard, Coutinho and even Allen took shot after shot, all of them straight at Schwartzer. Liverpool's midfield has greatly improved this season thanks in large part to Rodgers' great management, but there still needs to be more tact and skill in our midfield ranks. In my opinion Liverpool needs to sign one more midfield player in order to mount another title challenge next year, and that player is Adam Lallana.

Lallana was impressive last season, but even more so this season. He is the long standing captain of Southampton, his boyhood club. He is nearly 26 years old and is in the form of his life, scoring a total of 10 goals this season. He has a very good claim to be named in Hodgson's World Cup squad. He has been named in the Team of the Season for his performances.

Lallana plays in a number 10 role, as an attacking midfielder, but is able to be deployed in multiple midfield roles. He plays much like Coutinho, but more effectively in my opinion. His passing and shooting is superior to Coutinho's and I would like to see him take his place in the starting lineup. We must remember that Coutinho is only 21 years old and has a long way to go yet. He will continue to improve under Rodgers but I believe that improvement is needed immediately in order to succeed next season.

Lallana is the main reason for Southampton's great form this season. Their style of quick,attacking football is very similar to that of Liverpool's. He will fit in perfectly with Rodgers' squad and be a success for many years for the Reds. He will cost a pretty penny, probably in the region of 20 million pounds, but that should not be a problem as Liverpool will be due a big payout for reaching next season's Champions League, which will also help to convince players of Lallana's quality to join.

Passing the Test

Many were doubting if Liverpool had the mental strength to cope with being in this title race and if they could pull off a win against Tottenham today. That question was answered with a resounding yes as they beat Spurs 4-0 at Anfield. I am not sure if Liverpool will win the title but they are certainly in this title race until the end and I am just loving it. I was however asking another question lately: is Philippe Coutinho good enough, or does Liverpool need to go out and find someone to start above him? That question was answered today as well, and with the same answer, yes, yes he is good enough.

Philippe Coutinho was brought in a year and a half ago and was fantastic during the second half of the season. He has done pretty well this season, though not as good as he did when he first arrived and I had begin to wonder if attacking midfield is a key transfer area for Liverpool in the summer. Last summer Liverpool went after a few different attacking midfielders like Mkhitaryan and Willian, but they failed to convince any to come and settled for young Luis Alberto, who has played a very minor role. So Coutinho continued in his crucial role in the starting lineup, playing in 31 games so far this season but only scoring 4, 3 before today. Today Coutinho started the buildup to the first goal and scored the third and was impressive throughout the match. Now I am convinced that he can be fantastic for Liverpool for years to come. 

Because of his big involvement at Liverpool it is easy to forget that he is only 21 years old, with his best years still to come. I think back to Jordan Henderson who was brought in when he was only 21 years old to Liverpool as well. For the first year and a half Henderson was largely criticized by the Anfield faithful, but as he grew and matured he developed into a mainstay in the starting lineup. Coutinho, while he has his flaws, is better than Henderson was when he was 21, so just think of how great he will be in two years time.

Coutinho's biggest weakness is his shooting prowess but Liverpool are doing fine letting SAS do the scoring for them. Today Coutinho showed that he is still capable of a goal every once in a while when called upon. Liverpool will undoubtedly be able to bring in the kind of players that turned them down last summer now that Champions League will return to Merseyside. Though now I am seriously doubting if any of them will be able to uproot Coutinho from his starting role. Rodgers has proven that he is great at developing young talent (he did work with clubs' youth setups before making the jump to management), and I believe that he will help Coutinho achieve his full potential. So I am happy to report that today Liverpool and Coutinho both passed our tests.

My 5 Most Wanted Liverpool Summer Transfers

Everyone can now agree that Liverpool will be playing in the Champions League next season. This means two main things in terms of transfers: Liverpool need a stronger and deeper squad and now they can attract better players to play for them. Here is my top 5 players I would like to see playing for Liverpool next season and their back-ups.

5. Ashley Cole or Bacary Sagna

-Liverpool's defense is the area that needs the most improvement over the summer and an injection of experience will help greatly. I picked Cole first because left back is the area that needs the most help and Cole will serve the Kolo Toure role for the left back position. Either can serve not as a starter week in, week out, but can help cover them.

4. Yevhen Konoplyanka or Jay Rodriguez

-Liverpool came very close to signing for Liverpool in January and his club have said that he will probably make the move in the summer. The Ukranian would provide some great pace and experience to the front line of the attack. Sterling is great, but at 19 years old it is a bit much to ask him to start all the time. I am a big Rodriguez fan, he is a great finisher and I think he would fit in well to the trident attack that Liverpool play with. Though I am a little hesitant that either of them can make enough of a difference at a big club like Liverpool, especially Rodriguez, but I would like to see one of them given a chance.

3. Adam Lallana or Mateo Kovacic

-I have included another Southampton player, and he will not be the last on this list. Lallana is in my opinion the best player on their team. The way he plays is just so smooth, simple and creative. Coutinho is not quite doing enough for Liverpool, especially in scoring goals, which Lallana is doing very well in again this season. His backup is Kovacic, a young attacking midfielder at Inter Milan who is making a big impression this season. He is reportedly not happy in Italy and may be making a move to a bigger club this summer. In terms of entertainment I think Lallana is player I want the most to leave for Liverpool.

2. Mateo Musacchio or Stephen Caulker

-Liverpool's center backs have been the most inconsistent players for Liverpool this season and I believe that there needs some change in this area. I don't know very much about Musacchio but I have been hearing a lot of great things about him. He is young and a great passer for a center back. His contract expires in the summer and a lot of clubs will be lining up for his signature. Caulker is a great center back as well, at a terrible team with Cardiff and will probably be sold when his team are relegated to the Championship.

1. Luke Shaw or Alberto Moreno

-Shaw is almost undoubtedly moving to a big English club at the end of the season with Chelsea leading the charge and Man U also trying. Moreno might be a more realistic, but might be as equally good as Shaw as well. Either way I think a new, young left back is the most important position to strengthen in the summer. Good left backs are hard to come by and Liverpool need to fork over some serious cash and get one of these guys.

Top 10 Possible Summer 2014 Transfers

1.       Lewandowski to Bayern Munich

-The Polish international has already announced his plans to sign a contract at Bayern, switching from his boyhood club Dortmund in another controversial move between the two clubs. With Lewandowski coming in, will Bayern sell one of their current strikers, like Mandzukic to make room for him?

2.       Falcao to Chelsea

-Falcao has long been linked with Chelsea and everyone was surprised when the Colombian international signed for Monaco in a big money move, which cost Monaco 50 million to get him from Atletico. Mourinho has fanned the flames on the rumors of Chelsea’s interest, but with his current long term injury will Chelsea make a big money risk? If he is brought in who will leave Chelsea? Torres, Ba, Eto’o?

3.       Luke Shaw to Chelsea, Man U or Liverpool

-It’s still hard to believe that the left back is only 18 years old. He is the hottest young English talent at the moment and all the big English clubs are circling. He will cost a pretty penny though, more than 20 million perhaps. Man U are on the lookout for a new left back with Evra due to leave at the end of the season but he is a known Chelsea fan, though Liverpool are also looking for a new left back and Rodgers probably willing to give him the most game time and champions league football next season it is hard to tell who will win this race.

4.       Victor Valdez to PSG or Monaco

-Valdez has already stated that he will not renew his contract at Barcelona, for some unknown reason. It is still unclear as to who will offer him the best deal for a free Bosman transfer. PSG and Monaco have been the ones most rumored to bring him in, though there are rumors of an English or Italian move for him. We will just have to wait and see if he will be any good without being on the best team in the world to back him up.

5.      Toni Kroos to Manchester United

-Kroos was close to moving to Man U earlier this year but a move never materialized. Man U signed Mata instead who hasn’t really made a difference for them yet. Kroos is a more defensive minded midfielder, all action which is what Man U are in desperate need of. It will be hard to prize him away from his boyhood club Bayern but it might be worth it.

6.       David Luiz to Barcelona

-Luiz has long been linked with a move to Barcelona, he has been seen as the replacement for the ageing Carlos Puyol. Chelsea have been adamant that he is not for sale but he has not been playing as much for Mourinho as he did in the past, so they might decide it is time to cash him in for a big payout.

7.       Van Persie to either Juventus, PSG or Arsenal

-This kid is a whiner. When things aren’t going his way he gets frustrated, doesn’t work hard and looks for a way out of the club. He seemed to really enjoy Sir Alex but now with his man crush retired be will probably be looking for a club to close his career with, my guess is out of the country with a big club like Juventus.

8.       Julian Draxler to Arsenal

-A deal for the young German international was close to happening in January but never came to pass. Schalke have been adamant that he will not leave anytime soon but they might decide to let him go in the summer, especially if they are unable to qualify for the champions league.

9.       Eliaqium Mangala to Manchester City

-Mangala has been linked with Man City for a while now. He has excelled with Porto over the past couple seasons and will probably make a big move soon. Man City are having some defensive worries with Demicellis making mistakes and Lescott out of favor with the manager. City surely have the money for it and will be looking to shore up their defense this summer.

1.   Mario Balotelli to Chelsea

-This is another rumor that Mourinho has fanned the flames with. Balotelli started his career with AC Milan quite well but this season has been a disaster for him and his team and they sit midtable right now. Mourinho has repeatedly been whining about his lack of good strikers and a move to Chelsea might benefit all involved as Mario did pretty well with City in England before.