So time for an update as we approach the end of the Premier League Season. I lost a few weeks blogging but am back on track. The three weeks of outdoor social distance training kept me busy but no more excuses….it’s time to talk about soccer.
The Premier Leagues just wrapped Match Week 36, so just two weeks left and still lots of drama to report. The FA Cup, England’s oldest tournament, gets back underway this weekend with a couple of big games. And just around the corner, UEFA Champions League is about to start back up in the Round of 16. MLS is underway with the League Tournament to open the season. And with all of that, we also are still playing under the umbrella of COVID-19 and hoping the players, officials, referees, coaches and the limited number of fans are all staying safe. Let’s start with a little Premier League update.
Premier League Match Week 36 Update
Just two league games left and the season is done. Although One VERY BIG game tomorrow to officially finish off the Match Week 36. Seems strange to call it a big game, but that is how it works when there is a league with Relegation. #16 West Ham United is playing #17 Watford tomorrow. There is no Championship at stake, no trophies to secure, no Champaign waiting in the locker room to open, but this is a BIG GAME. The stakes are 3 points and maybe a guaranteed stay in the Premier League next year. Both teams are currently sitting on 34 Points and just three points clear of the Relegation Zone. The winning team moves to 37 and is almost guaranteed to stay up. The loser, well, they are still massively at risk. The 18-19th place teams both sit at 31 points and a win gets them to 34 as well. That’s dangerous. There will be tons of drama and the winner just might celebrate like they have won a championship. Staying in the Premier League with all the TV and sponsorship revenue money makes this a critical game for both teams. These relegation battles at the bottom of the table are epic every year. Imagine your favorite football team in the US playing their last game of the year. If the win, they stay in the NFL….if they lose, they get demoted out of the NFL to a lower tier semi-pro football league the following year. Wow! What a crazy ride for the fans of that team as well as owners. From the Penthouse to the outhouse in one game! Uff da!
Race for the Top 4.
Liverpool is crowned as Champions and Manchester City is guaranteed 2nd place, but after that, things get very interesting. Three teams are battling for the Final 2 places in the Champions League. Someone is going to be very disappointed. Champions League is the ultimate place to prove you are an elite club as well as players all want to play against the other best players in the world. He is how things look.
- Liverpool 30-3-3 93 Points
- Manchester City 24-3-9 75 Points
- Chelsea 19-6-11 63 Points
- Leicester City 18-8-10 62 Points (LC ahead on Goal differential)
- Manchester United 17-11-8 62 Points
- Wolverhampton 14-14-8 56 Points
Chelsea has two tough games remaining: Liverpool and Wolverhampton. Leicester City have Tottenham and the an epic battle against Manchester United in what might be a win and get in game. Manchester United face off with West Ham and then the epic battle with Manchester United. I could make a case for any of the three or against any of the three. My hope as a Chelsea fan is that Liverpool and Wolverhampton have little to play for and may just not have the motivation while Chelsea are in desperate need of points to qualify for Champions League. It’s going to be interesting and likely on the last day, each of the three teams could still advance and each could not…..and likely during the course of their two games it will ebb and flow as well. Oh man…..getting nervous just thinking about it!
The Relegation Zone. Things are a little more clear here, but still moves can be made. Here is what we know for sure….Norwich City is getting relegated. That is confirmed. Who, what two, will join them is the burning question. Aston Villa (19th) and Bournemouth (18th) both sit at 31 Points. Just above them is West Ham and Watford at 34 points who play tomorrow, so one of those two teams goes to 37. 37 feels safe. So, it comes down to the loser of West Ham-Watford, Aston Villa and Bournemouth for the final two spots relegated.
Aston Villa plays Arsenal (tough game) and then West Ham….interesting …..on the last day. Bournemouth have Everton and Southampton….both games they can compete in. Watford has Arsenal and Man City….uff da….they better win tomorrow or they could be in trouble. West Ham has Manchester United (not likely a win) and then the likely relegation battle against Aston Villa. More drama!!! It will be a very interesting final day for both the Champions League qualifying and the Relegation Zone.
In honor of Liverpool, check out this video. One of the most celebrated clubs in the World and most popular in England with their first Premier League title in 30 years since their last. What a year!
FA CUP Semi-Finals
This weekend we get the FA Cup Semi-Finals. Four of the top teams in England face off. Whoever survives will make for a great finals.
On Saturday we have Arsenal vs, Manchester City @ 1:45.
On Sunday we have Chelsea vs. Manchester United @ 12:00
Get your popcorn ready, they should both be really good games.
UEFA League Round of 16
The Round of 16 games continues the first week of August….games on August 7th and 8th. There are 4 teams who have already advance to the Quarter Finals: RB Leipzig, Atalanta, PSG and Athletico Madrid. four more team will advance after the next round of games.
Juventus vs. Lyon, Manchester City vs. Real Madrid, Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich and Barcelona vs. Napoli. The highlighted team won the first game of the Round of 16 and is favored to advance. Barca/Napoli was a draw.
MLS Tournament is Underway
The MLS is in Orlando with 24 teams in 6 Groups of 4 playing a season re-opening tournament, World Cup style. It is a round robin format with each team playing 3 games with the top 2 teams from each group advancing. I think the next best 4 advance to form a Round of 16 elimination round. The games in the World Cup groups will run thru the end of July. Teams have played either 1 or 2 games so far in the Group Play. More updates as Group Play ends.
Christian Pulisic Continues to Star for Chelsea
As a Chelsea fan and a fan of US Soccer, I just couldn’t resist to drop in this highlight package. Christian Pulisic is becoming a star in the Premier League; scoring goals, getting assists and generally creating havoc with his dribbling and attacking style. And it so cool!!!!!! Check it out. The new Captain America!!!!
More to follow this weekend. Keep an eye out for more regular updates in the next few months.