CUP SUCCESS FOR UNITED: It has really hit the business end of the season as the league draws to a close, and we have hit the cup semi final week. All teams remaining in the cup are Premier league sides, which sets up two very interesting semi finals. Plenty to look forward to over the next couple of days!
EVERTON’S SEASON TO GET WORSE
Fans are not happy with Martinez right now, it looks like he could be on his way to the exit door at the end of the season, and you have to see the reasoning behind this. Everton have really underachieved this season. They have a good enough side that should be competing for a European spot, but they find themselves way back from this spot. Morale seems to have gone from the team, particularly when you look at their performance against Liverpool during the week.
The Everton side were all over the place against their local rivals, and as much as they may have been saving themselves for this weekend’s game, the performance and result had to be extremely demoralising. As the season has moved on, Everton have gotten worse, which really doesn’t bode well for Martinez, as he looks to have lost the squad. Although this is a semi final of the FA Cup, I can’t see these guys being able to get up for the game.
United have been a bit better of late. They have been getting some good results, and are looking increasingly solid at the back. They have been keeping plenty of clean sheets, and with Lukaku’s disappearance the last few weeks I could easily see them getting another one tomorrow. This really has a 1-0 United win written all over it. With the injuries and illness in the Everton side, they are pretty stretched, can see them playing a pretty defensive style tomorrow, but I don’t think they offer enough going forward without the likes of Coleman. I think this will be a bitter end for Everton, and Martinez’s time in charge. Verdict – Back Man United
STOKE TO PUT UP A BATTLE
Watching Stoke get easily beaten by Spurs on Monday may lead you to believe that they are already in holiday mode. They have no shot at Europe and are safe from the drop, so they are just playing out the rest of the season, trying to avoid any injuries. This weekend will be different though. Hughes will be back at Man City where he felt he wasn’t given enough of a chance so he will be eager to get a result.
Man City could and should have one eye on the Champions League next week, so I’m thinking they will rest a couple of the main men like De Bruyne and Aguero. I think Stoke will be pretty attacking, like they were in the sides’ other meeting earlier in the season. Their front line could really cause some trouble again against an uncertain Man City back four.
Pelligrini will definitely have his eyes on the Champions League. He will be gone at the end of the season, they are out of reach in the league and have a better chance than ever to reach a Champions League final. Winning that is the trophy he really wants before he finishes up at City. I was tempted to go with laying City, but there is an excellent price on Stoke +1.5 at 2.02, so I think this is a great bet for the games. Verdict – Stoke +1.5
YOUNG GUNS TO GET IT DONE
Chelsea have little to be playing for in what remains in this season. It has been a big disappointment, but they are looking ahead to next year already. Hiddink has said he will play some of the younger brigade, giving them some valuable experience, and seeing if they can impress in the first team. This should open the door a bit for Bournemouth.
I just don’t think they have it left in the tank to get a result. They have had an excellent first year in the Premier League, staying up obviously would have been their goal to start the year off. This weekend just looks to be a bit out of their reach. They have been worn thin by injuries all year, playing a pretty shallow squad, and the players look to be feeling it in their legs at this stage.
Only worry for Chelsea is playing too many kids could end up in them being caught out. But these guys will be determined to get a good result, and a good performance so they can show their worth to the new manager. I wouldn’t break the bank on them getting the win, but I definitely think they are worth a small bet. Verdict – Back Chelsea
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