Despite there being just a handful of weeks remaining in the season, storylines abound in the Premier League. From Manchester City’s pursuit of three trophies to Liverpool clinging to a spot in Europe to the battle to avoid relegation, the boys at The NBC Sports Soccer Pub discussed all of it this week with Tom Rennie, the lead commentator at talkSPORT.
Jay Croucher wound Tom up quickly by asking him about his club, West Ham United.
“Broadly, the season has been rotten…I think they’ll be safe, but they’ll be safe having beaten no one of worth all season long…It’s been ten months of constant anguish. Thanks for asking.”
Erling Haaland and City Seek Three Trophies
After that laugh, the discussion turned to the top of the Table. Manchester City potentially has ten games over the next five weeks. That stretch includes six Premier League games, three Champions League matches, and the FA Cup Final. No question that is a lot of football in just a handful of weeks. Can City pull off the Treble?
Rennie (@thomasjrennie), the host of the Grumpy Pundits podcast, believes City falls short.
“The Premier League is gonna be won so I think we can knock that off now. I can’t see them being beaten by any of the teams that are left…The Premier League is going to be won probably before the penultimate week of the season. I think they’ll win the FA Cup as well…The Champions League is interesting. It’s really interesting because I think they’re in the Final now essentially. This is the two teams that should be in the Final…every single element points towards Manchester City but as people who gamble as you and I do, it’s not ever wise to bet against Real Madrid…I just have a feeling Real Madrid will win the Champions League.”
(Read More: How to Watch the Premier League)
Mo Salah and Liverpool Seek a Spot in Europe
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have endured an uneven ride to say the least this season. The highs have been historic – March 5’s 7-0 smackdown of Manchester United – but the lows have been just as jaw dropping – February 4’s 3-0 shutout at the hands of Wolverhampton. Despite the bumps in the road, Liverpool remains in position to gain a spot in Europe for next season. Currently in 5th, Mohamed Salah and co. control their own destiny with weeks remaining on the season.
“I think with Liverpool the issues are pretty clear at this point,” said Rennie. “…the midfield has simply not had enough quality in it…add that to the fact Virgil Van Dijk has not looked as good as he used to be…and up front they lost Sadio Mané…we all underestimated the loss that it was…(but) in the final ten games Liverpool always finds a way.”
Leeds United in a Panic to Avoid Relegation
Leeds United appears to be in panic mode as they scramble to maintain their status in the Premier League. Earlier this week, Manager Javi Gracia was sacked after a mere ten weeks and twelve games on the job. He was joined on the soup line by their now former Director of Football, Victor Orta. Sam Allardyce steps in as Leeds rolls the dice with yet another manager with four games remaining in their season. Goal differential is all that currently separates Leeds from relegation.
“Its so odd,” Rennie noted. “The days of Allardycian football have long past. He plays in straight lines. He gets teams to be fully committed. He gets them to knock it in the channel, win a corner, rough up the opponent…I don’t see how he can turn this around in this timeframe to get the points required…no manager who has ever been appointed from the first of April onward and kept a team in the Premier League…Leeds are in total free-falling panic…This fit is bizarre.”
If you enjoyed this episode, try Rennie’s podcast, “Week in the Tackle”. Tom Rennie and his wit also are a tremendous follow on Twitter (@thomasjrennie).
(Read More: Newcastle v. Arsenal set for this weekend)
Best Bets in the Premier League
This week’s episode of The NBC Sports Soccer Pub ended with the team’s Best Bets:
Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) Liverpool v. Brentford OVER 2.5 Total Goals (-110)
“This has been just like an autobet for any Liverpool match. Its hit in six out of seven.”
Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) Tottenham v. Crystal Palace Both Teams to Score (-140)
“Palace is back…Spurs have been miserable keeping teams off the scoreboard.”
Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) Manchester City v. Leeds UNDER 3.5 Total Goals (-105)
“Leeds may not cross the halfway line.”
Enjoy the weekend of Premier League football.
Enjoy the sweat.