Game number 38, the final game of the English Premier League season. It has been a wonderful season, and the most unpredictable in recent memory (ask me, I have lost money). It truely is the best league in the world.
Although we have already seen Man United crowned the Champions with one game to spare, all is not over just yet. We still have an exciting finish ahead of us with European Qualification yet to be decided and the relegation battle is still a fierce one.
Arsenal are away to Fulham at Craven Cottage. Arsenal seem to be a little joke this season (right up there with Torres' goal scoring record this season). 3 months ago the noise from Emirates was all about a quadruple and today they sit 4
th on the log unsure of direct qualification into the Champions League. It looks as if money bags Man City is going to steal that 3
rd spot from them with a win at the Reebok against an out of form Bolton. We shouldn’t be surprised though. Arsenal don’t have the mentality to compete anymore (since 2005). It stems from Arsene Wenger though. Instead of saying “my team failed” (we all know they did), he says “Champion’s League Qualification is still an achievement”, and “2
nd place is good enough for us”. It makes it very easy to see why Arsenal been a joke, Arsene thinks 2
nd and 3rd is good enough for is children. Maybe Mr. Wenger should ask the fans if they are “happy with Champions League Qualification”..... (not guaranteed anymore). “keep the faith”.
Liverpool and Spurs fight for that Europa League spot. An out of form Spurs surprised everyone with their win over Liverpool in front of the Kop to put them into 5
th spot ahead of Liverpool. This makes me happy. Liverpool are away at a inconsistent Villa team, so an outcome will be difficult to predict. But I think Kenny’s men will be good enough. Spurs host Birmingham at White Heart Lane the same time. I can only see a Spurs win. Birmingham, although too good for Arsenal, have been awful to watch and just too predictable. I see spurs winning the race for that “lucrative” 5
th spot, and Liverpool quieting the kop.
The real excitement is down at the bottom of the table though. The relegation battle has been amazing to watch and has been exciting all season. It consists of 5 teams. Wigan, Blackpool, Wolves, Birmingham and Blackburn.
We know West Ham is gone, so is the Gungan looking Avram Grant, he got sacked last weekend. Wigan play a wounded Stoke City at the Brittania. That I feel will be a draw at most for Wigan.
I am saddened that Blackpool have found themselves 18th after such a wonderful start to the season. Ian Halloway has been a breath of fresh air, as has his team’s attacking football. Blackpool go to the newly crowned Champions at Old Trafford to decide their fate. Man United won’t be fielding a full strength team though as they have a certain Barcelona to contend with a week later. This might give Blackpool hope, but ask Schalke what they thought of the “2
nd team” at Old Trafford.
Wolves play Blackburn at home, and I have a feeling they will that wolves will at least get a point.
Considering the fixtures, I have a feeling that Birmingham and Wigan will be going down with West Ham. What do you think?
Over & Out
Fletch
No comments:
Post a Comment