English Premier League Breakdown
I have always admired Jose Mourinho’s personality, but it’s time to embrace the idea that Pep Guardiola is a genius. Since losing to Crystal Palace in late October, Manchester City owns a 14-1-0 record in the English Premier League. That’s right, the league that many consider the best in the world.
After 25 games, it seems like only a catastrophe, or Liverpool, could prevent the Citizens from winning the title. The Reds have been building a streak of their own and are nine points behind, potentially six with a game in hand.
Let’s check what happened in the last EPL fixture, including how our betting online predictions did. That includes what’s happening in the relegation zone and the Golden Boot race.
Going for the Treble
Norwich was Manchester City’s last victim. The Citizens had no mercy and crushed the Canaries 4-0. Raheem Sterling was the Man of the Match after scoring a hat trick. That also allowed him to become the team’s top scorer with 10 goals.
Precisely, that’s one of the reasons why I think it’s time to embrace that Guardiola is a genius. The Citizens play without a natural center-forward and still are one of the top scoring teams in the league. They share the top spot with Liverpool, with both scoring 61 goals.
Speaking of Liverpool, the Reds have played one game less and that’s why the gap could be reduced to six points. Plus, the two will meet again in April. Their first meeting finished 2-2.
Most recently, the Reds defeated Burnley 1-0. They haven’t lost in their last five games, finishing with a clean sheet three times. I’m telling you; April’s game could be like Frazier vs Ali.
As if that wasn’t enough, both still have a chance to win the treble. That means winning the EPL, the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup. Liverpool could also win the EFL Cup. Man, what a time to be a soccer betting enthusiast.!
Back in Top Four
Cristiano Ronaldo scored again and Manchester United returned to the winning column. The Portuguese striker ended a six-game streak without scoring and led the Red Devils to a 2-0 victory over Brighton. Bruno Fernandes also scored.
Thanks to that victory, the Red Devils are back in the top four. However, Arsenal and Tottenham have played three fewer games than them. The Gunners are four points behind while the Spurs are seven points back.
I think they should be more worried about the Gunners because the Spurs lost their last three games. Plus, their next opponent is Manchester City and their chances aren’t good. Tottenham is offering a +1000 price in the sportsbook.
You must be wondering what happened to Chelsea? Well, the Blues are sitting in third place. Most recently, they defeated Tottenham 2-0. Also, they advanced in the FA Cup and won the FIFA Club World Cup. The Blues depend only on themselves to finish in the top four and qualify for the UCL.
Chelsea returns to the EPL action this weekend against Crystal Palace. The Blues dominate the odds board thanks to a -155 price.
Turning Things Around
There’s one more team that hasn’t lost in its last five games, including winning the last three in a row. I’m talking about Newcastle, now sitting in seventeenth place. Most recently, they defeated Aston Villa 1-0 with a goal from Kieran Trippier. And everybody was saying that he left Atletico Madrid only for the money.
The Magpies now own a four-point advantage over Norwich, the team sitting in 18th place. Plus, they’ve played one game less than the Canaries. West Ham United comes next for them. That’s a tough one.
Watford and Burnley complete the relegation zone. Neither have won in their last five games and I think the bad streak will continue this weekend. Norwich will visit Liverpool (-850) while Burnley will visit Brighton (-135). Forget about an upset, don’t include them in your soccer picks.
New Contenders
Mohamed Salah hasn’t scored in recent weeks, but the Pharaoh remain atop the EPL scoring chart with 16 goals. He alone has scored more goals than Norwich. No wonder the Canaries are offering a -600 price to be relegated.
Anyway, Salah is followed by teammate Diogo Jota, who has scored 12 goals, and Raheem Sterling with 10. It took 25 games for a player from Manchester City to be among the league’s top scorers.
Of course, Ronaldo is in the race, but the Portuguese standout has scored seven goals less than Salah.
