FA Cup semis to be explosive
Man City 2-1 Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger’s decision to play three central defenders at Boro was justified by the positive result. It’s the kind of proactive management he will need in today’s crunch FA Cup semi with Manchester City. I am however throwing my weight behind City. Why? Vincent Kompany’s leadership and good defensive instincts have liberated the Sky Blues. Additionally, playing two holding midfielders, one of whom is Fabian Delph, has given City better balance. This game promises to be a cracker.
Chelsea 1-1 Tottenham.
Chelsea surrendered midfield control at Manchester United, just like they did in their 0-2 loss to Spurs. Starting Cesc Fabregas, Ngolo Kante and Nemanja Matic is crucial for Chelsea as they start this encounter as slight underdogs. Over this cracker, I am sitting on the fence because I expect a reaction from Chelsea. They also have a very good head to head record with Spurs.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Bournemouth 2-1 Boro.
Bournemouth’s improvement in recent weeks has been driven by better defensive organisation. Otherwise, on the opposite end they are a potent attacking side, which isn’t something you can say of Middlesboro. The visitors will make a fight of it, as they are in a last chance saloon but Joshua King, Benik Afobe and Jack Wilshere are primed to pounce.
Hull City 3-1 Watford.
Did you know that Hull City boss Marco Silva has not lost a home game for five years? His arrival at the KC Stadium has coincided with an upturn in fortunes. In fact, the Tigers have won five out of their last six home matches, in addition to beating Manchester United in the League Cup. They are my pick to top Watford in a close match up.
Chelsea 2-0 Southampton.
This is the first of four must win home games for Antonio Conte’s league leaders. A bit more squad rotation might be required for a team not used to playing twice a week. Southampton are a talented side but they are no match for Chelsea. I am backing Diego Costa to end his extended goal drought. Home win is my verdict.
Burnley 1-2 Man Utd.
Every once in a blue moon Jose Mourinho reminds us about his tactical prowess. At Old Trafford last Sunday, his tactics were spotless. I expect more of the same as he gets more traction out of his large squad. Burnley are a very strong side playing at Turf Moor. Sadly, form has deserted them. Anthony Martial will show why he is the reigning UEFA young player of the year.
Swansea 1-1 Stoke City.
It’s now or never for Paul Clement, whose superb credentials as an assistant manager at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich require better results. Sadly, a poor run of results has taken confidence out of the Swans game. Stoke City carry a significant goal threat. That is why I am going for a stalemate.
West Ham 1-2 Everton.
Slaven Bilic’s Hammers are not playing with their usual verve. A mixture of kamikaze defending and wayward finishing has left them with just one win in six. Everton are chasing European football to improve their bargaining power in the transfer market. I am therefore backing Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas to do damage in London.
Liverpool 2-0 Cry Palace.
Liverpool are at their strongest when they play three central defenders, or play three central midfielders with Lucas Leiva in a deep lying role. Crystal Palace have enjoyed a good spell but I like what I saw at West Brom. Liverpool were sharp, hungry and precise. Anfield will rock tonight.
Cry Palace 1-1 Tottenham.
Sam Allardyce usually enjoys his role as king maker. The Eagles were unplayable in dismantling Arsenal at Selhurst Park and caused a football earthquake with a win at Chelsea. Wouldn’t it be typical of Big Sam to park the proverbial bus and deny Spurs the spaces they like running into? Expect a fiery London derby.
Arsenal 2-0 Leicester City.
Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are back to playing their best football. The club’s two superstars are showing its not just about the money by rolling their sleeves and going to work. That Ozil completed his highest number of tackles in two years shows he means business. Leicester City will make it difficult as they aren’t yet safe. However, Arsenal should edge it.
Boro 1-0 Sunderland.
This fixture will be contested in the Championship next season. Although Sunderland ended their goal drought in grabbing a two all draw with West Ham, I can’t see them breaching the Boro rearguard. I expect some home comfort for Boro.
