As we start another weekend, albeit an extended weekend, in the English Premier League, it is quite difficult to get all excited.
No doubt, there are interesting fixtures but following up on a spectacle as last weekend when Liverpool beat Manchester City will be quite a feat.
Expect Liverpool to beat Norwich City (Sunday, 7pm, Ch.810/831), despite the Canaries having a new man in charge. The desperation at Carrow Road plays very nicely into the hands of a marauding Liverpool side that will take advantage of the shaky situation.
Brendan Rodgers will be rubbing his hands in glee at the prospect of another open attacking game, and one step closer to what amounts to a stunning maiden Premier League title.
Over at Stamford Bridge tonight (Chelsea v Sunderland, 12.30am, Ch.810/831), The Boring One will enjoy the visit of a knackered Sunderland, lest we forget their heroics at the Etihad, that will be crawling never mind break into a trot at consecutive high-powered matches.
Jose Mourinho will surely not complain about the fixtures for his "little horse" this time. The bright spot for Sunderland has been Gus Poyet, who has planted a playing style that is only exposed by the players’ individual limitations.
And Manchester City will hang on to third, as even a loss at home to West Bromwich Albion on Monday night (Tuesday, 3am, Ch.810/831) sees no threat from the Arsenal.
A loss at home did I say? That is going to be unacceptable after the comeback draw against Sunderland. The excuses offered up by Manuel Pellegrini would make a hod carrier blush! Even the oldest profession in the world would be having a chuckle!
Poor babies... tired! Fatigued! Gimme a break for God’s sake! The ball has been dropped at the blue side of Manchester, and playing catch-up at this point of the season is something the owners were not looking forward to.
Do we really get excited about Everton versus Manchester United? Okay, let’s try to get really get excited about Everton versus Manchester United (Sunday, 11.10pm, Ch.810/831)!
A win for Everton, depending on the Hull City versus Arsenal result earlier, may or may not put the Toffees in fourth, but it does keeps them optimistic for Champions League football next season.
It went wrong for Everton in midweek and expect a reaction, plus a certain former manager’s return to add spark to a league fast fading into the twilight of the season.
Roberto Martinez would love to do the double over his predecessor, and David Moyes will be looking to get into Europe next season if talk of an ultimatum bears fruit.
All action expected in Cardiff City as the Bluebirds attempt three points against Stoke City tonight (10pm). Home is not the fortress that was expected, and eight home losses quite remain the reason why Cardiff simply is not good enough for the Premier League. Perhaps it was a season too soon for the fast-rising Bluebirds.
At White Hart Lane tonight (Spurs v Fulham, 7.45pm, Ch.810/831), Tottenham Hotspur could do well to finish the season on a high, but there is really no point in breaking their necks to get fifth and Europa League.
The Spurs need a good pre-season for Tim Sherwood to start on a level playing field in establishing himself as a Premier League manager, even if some high-profile European manager is taking over for next season.
Having had to take the bitter with the sweet, Sherwood will value consistency from the team and continuity from the club.
A home win against Fulham will keep the bitter old pros off Sherwood’s back, but a clean sheet should be priority for a team that leaks more than Wikileaks.
The Manager of the Season takes his team to Upton Park to face a Sam Allardyce-inspired West Ham (West Ham v Crystal Palace, 10pm).
Indeed, Tony Pulis must surely bag the accolade in my opinion as he has transformed Crystal Palace into a combative unit with a refreshing outlook on attacking play.
Pulis has for so long been classified as a "route one" exponent but has proven to be otherwise. His Stoke City teams were built on raw aggression and power but inheriting a team that had neither has proven Pulis is a very adaptable manager.
It was nearly the impossible job after Ian Holloway exited with his tail between his legs, but up stepped Tony Pulis and hope he gets all three points this weekend.
Enjoy the football! – April 19, 2014.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
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