Whilst memories of the 2018 World Cup may be fading, soccer fans can still get a dose of top-class sporting action by checking out what’s going on over in England. The Premier League is just about to reach its climax, and with just ten games left to play, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling contest.
With 28 games having been played, it’s all about the battle at the top of the table between Liverpool and Manchester City. These two northern clubs are far ahead of their rivals, and Liverpool are just one point ahead of Manchester City. If Liverpool manage to stay on course to win the Premier League, it would mark the first time that the club have won the tournament in 28 years.
For a team of Liverpool’s heritage, it’s almost unthinkable that they have struggled for so long. But thanks to the expert guidance of their head coach, Jurgen Klopp, and a host of star players such as Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, it looks like this could be Liverpool’s year.
However, Liverpool have shown a touch of nerves recently as was seen when they were held to draws by lowly-ranked West Ham United and Leicester City. These dropped points have meant that Manchester City have managed to keep up with Liverpool and stand a decent chance of picking up their second successive Premier League title.
As they are the title-holders, many punters are going here to back Manchester City to hold their nerve and overtake Liverpool in the final stages of the season. Pep Guardiola’s team certainly have no shortage of talent, and it’s surprising to see them behind Liverpool in the table.
However, injuries to star players like Kevin De Bruyne, and some embarrassing defeats to teams like Newcastle United have meant that Manchester City are having to fight twice as hard to stay in the title race.
For a long time, it looked like Tottenham Hotspur might be able to keep up with these two clubs. But the North London side have suffered from injuries to famous strikers like Harry Kane, and their two recent defeats at the hands of Chelsea and Burnley have meant that Tottenham may have to just settle for fighting for a place in European soccer next season.
It’s another frustrating turn of events for Tottenham who have so often made their fans suffer by failing to provide a winning result when it counts. Mauricio Pochettino’s team have no shortage of star power, but with a lack of funds made available for any new signings, it’s clear that Tottenham just haven’t quite got what it takes to go the distance.
But what about Manchester United? Everybody knows that this is one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs. Despite this incredible legacy, Manchester United have had a very topsy turvy season. The club made their worst start to a season in decades, and much of the blame was levelled at their controversial manager, Jose Mourinho.
But after Mourinho was given his marching orders mid-season, Manchester United appointed ex-player, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager and the Norwegian has somehow turned things around in dramatic fashion. With a near-perfect record ever since he stepped into the manager’s shoes, Manchester United have catapulted from their mediocre mid-table position and are now in fifth place. Whilst the side a blighted by plenty of injuries, Manchester United are now looking good for playing European soccer next season.
However, don’t discount Chelsea and Arsenal who are equally capable of putting in some decent performances. Whilst both of these clubs will have hoped for better seasons, they are in the top six and will still be fighting hard for European soccer qualification.
Chelsea’s new manager, Maurizio Sarri has had a torrid time in keeping his talented side in check, and star player, Eden Hazard has made no secret of the fact that he is thinking of ending his time with the club. Similarly, Arsenal’s head coach, Unai Emery, will be looking carefully over his shoulder at what has been a relatively disappointing season for such a famous London soccer club.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, it’s largely been business as usual. Everton have been struggling for a mid-table position, minnows like Huddersfield Town are rooted at the bottom of the table, and even Southampton are fighting for Premier League survival. All of which makes for a fascinating few soccer games at the conclusion of this current season.