Matchweek 31 in the Premier League finds Manchester City (-140) as the new favorite to claim the title. They still sit second six points behind Arsenal but City has a game in hand and the two teams meet in a couple weeks at Etihad Stadium.
Earlier this week, Brad Thomas and Drew Dinsick sat at The Pub with Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) of The Athletic to break down the weekend’s slate in the Premier League as well as discuss the still vacant manager’s seat with Team USA.
“I just think Manchester City are at another level right now,” said Tenorio. “When you look at what Manchester City is doing right now, the way that they are playing, the squad that they have…I think the odds that Arsenal drops points are higher now than Manchester City. They (Arsenal) would have to get results on the road against top teams to kind of hold that spot…I feel like this is just going to turn into one of these Pep well-oiled machines at Manchester City where the form has now taken off and we’re not going to see a drop.”
(Read and Watch More: A Deeper Dive into The Premier League Title Race)
Can Chelsea Find Better Form
It seems to be a dumpster fire at Chelsea following Wednesday’s dismal showing on the road against Real Madrid in the Champions’ League Quarterfinals. Tenorio was asked if he thought they could turn things around on short rest against Brighton on Saturday?
“Chelsea hasn’t been that bad on short turnarounds this season,” Tenorio began. “…but Chelsea’s a mess right now…I don’t really love the odds on Chelsea to win here. I feel like the struggles there are significant…They can’t score goals.”
Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) is also reluctant to lay money on the boys from Stamford Bridge.
“The fact that Brighton just absolutely had their way with Chelsea the first time these teams played back in October is still in the back of my head as well.”
Manchester United Travels to Nottingham Forest
The injury to Marcus Rashford is hot news, but Tenorio thinks it may not be easy, but Manchester United can overcome his absence up front when they take to the pitch at Nottingham Forest.
“My only concern is Rashford’s injury…He’s the guy who changes the way they play up front. He’s the go to goal scorer on this team…But Forest is in a bad way…This is not a team I think that’s gonna benefit from a new manager. I’m very, very low on them overall.”
(Read More: The Premier League Relegation Scrap)
Aston Villa v. Newcastle
Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) pivoted the conversation to a match that has grabbed his attention.
“A price on a hot team I’m very interested in is Newcastle (+110)…can Newcastle continue their hot form of play?
“This matchup scares me in general because its two teams that are flying right now,” replied Tenorio. “Very confident. The fans are in it. They’re rolling. The managers have come in to these two teams and kind of changed the identity around them. Both of them are in it for spots in Europe. Both of them look like they are building towards something bigger.”
When pressed for a side, Tenorio responded with a deeper dive into the match.
“When you look at what Newcastle has done in these games, they’re beating some good teams. Villa – when you look at these last seven games they’ve had wins against four of the worst teams in the Premier League…Are they (Villa) that good? Or are they beating the teams that they should beat? I think it’s a little bit more towards the latter.”
Team USA’s Next Manager
As the conversation shifted to Team USA and their upcoming match against Mexico, the inevitable discussion arose regarding the still vacant manager’s position.
“Jess Marsch turned down two Premier League jobs after getting sacked by Leeds...I can understand turning down Southampton...Leicester, though, is a very good job...Why? Why is Jesse turning these jobs down? I think it might be because he’s looking a little bit down the road and saying, ‘I want the U.S. National team job.’ I would say right now Jesse is the favorite to be the next men’s national team coach.”
Tune to the full episode of the NBC Sports Soccer Pub for the manager Tenorio views as a darkhorse, but a legitimate candidate.
Best Bets
Drew Dinsick: Crystal Palace Team Total OVER 1.5 goals (+175)
“Roy Hodgson has completely unlocked the attack of Crystal Palace.”
Brad Thomas: Manchester City Team Total OVER 7.5 corners (-102)
Even if they (Leicester City) don’t want to sit deep and absorb pressure on the road, it’s something they’re going to be forced into.”
Enjoy Matchweek 31 and enjoy the sweat.