Tuesday 14 March 2017

Premier League Picks Of The Week 28

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 28

The 28th week of the Premier League saw:

123 shots - most by Bournemouth = 22
14 goals - most by Bournemouth & Everton = 3 each
121 fouls - most by Bournemouth = 20
21 bookings - most by Bournemouth = 4
0 red cards
2 penalties - 0 scored (both missed by Bournemouth! See below for more details.)

What a game! Bournemouth went from flop to top, missing two penalties but still able to turn the game around and fight out a 3-2 win against West Ham in an action-packed encounter at Dean Court. The crucial three points moved the Cherries six points clear of the relegation zone after their first win of 2017, much to manager Eddie Howe's relief.

What a team! Man City dropped more points against Stoke in a frustrating goalless draw, the first time the Sky Blues failed to score at the Etihad Stadium under Pep Guardiola in all competitions (19 games). Meanwhile Everton recorded their fifth consecutive home win, a comfortable and confident 3-0 against West Brom, keeping them in the chase for a European space.

What a man! Like his team, Joshua King went from flop to top, missing a penalty but making up for it with a match-winning hat-trick to complete a thrilling comeback. The treble takes the Norwegian forward's total to seven goals in the last five top-flight games, becoming the first Bournemouth player to hit double figures in a top-flight campaign (11). Super sub Oumar Niasse scored two goals to secure a crucial win for Hull City in the relegation battle against fellow strugglers Swansea. The Tigers remain in the bottom three, one point from safety, three points behind the Swans in 16th.

What a goal! Man of the match and moment Romelu Lukaku produced a fine turn and pass to set up Morgan Schneiderlin for his first Premier League goal in 511 days to double the lead against West Brom before sealing the win for Everton heading in Ross Barkley's cross to make it 3-0 at Goodison Park. That takes the striker's league total to 19 goals so far this season, making him top scorer, level with Harry Kane.

What the hell?! Liverpool didn't create a single chance in the opening half an hour and it looked like yet another shocking defeat when Burnley took the lead early on at Anfield thanks to Ashley Barnes, who had a smashing game, in more than one way. Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can denied the Clarets the league double over the Reds, making it 2:1, the Merseysiders recording their first "ugly" win as boss Jürgen Klopp put it. Click here for my full LFC match report.

Click here for my full ByTheMin coverage of the game.

My Predictions - Actual Results
Man City 1:0 Stoke - 0:0
Bournemouth 1:2 West Ham - 3:2
Crystal Palace P:P Tottenham*
Everton 2:1 West Brom - 3:0
Hull City 1:0 Swansea - 2:1
Middlesbrough P:P Sunderland*
Arsenal P:P Leicester*
Southampton P:P Man United*
Liverpool 2:1 Burnley - 2:1 or click here for my LFC match report
Chelsea P:P Watford*
*P = postponed due to FA Cup ties

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

All pictures and stats taken from BBC match reports.

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