As Matchweek 32 kicks off in the Premier League, Manchester City’s drive to claim both the Premiership and Champions League titles seems to be gaining momentum. They easily dispatched of Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, and they have a suddenly injured and struggling Arsenal team in their sites in the Premier League.
Earlier this week, Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick sat at The Pub with Janusz Michallik (@JanuszMichallik) of ESPN and SiriusXM FC. Croucher (@croucherJD) talked about the machine that is Man City as well as this weekend in the Premier League. The discussion began with a look at Manchester City as the favorites to win the Champions’ League now that they semfinals are set.
Champions League
“The odds right now say that this is close to done and that Man City are just going to run away with the Champions’ League.”
Michallik did not fully endorse City, though.
“On the one hand I look at Man City and see Pep who knows his team and doesn’t complicate things as he’d done in the past…but then again you have to look at Real Madrid and their recent history. This is Real Madrid…It doesn’t really matter when and who they play…no problems whatsoever.”
Dinsick (@whale_capper) reminded the boys of last season’s outcome between City and Real Madrid.
“There is no bigger dragon in the Champions League for Man City than Real Madrid. Last year’s collapse was unbelievable.”
Arsenal v. Southampton
Arsenal still sits atop the Table but their lead is eroding as they have coughed up two goal leads in back-to-back matches. The Gunners get Southampton this week in what should be a get right spot.
“Arsenal have done a tremendous job,” said Michallik. “If they win it, its an unbelievable story because remember a couple years ago when they were finishing 8th those two seasons where I think everybody including myself, were asking for Mikel Arteta‘s head, but they were patient. They stayed with it.”
But the former US National Team player likes Manchester City.
“If you look at Manchester City (of late), they don’t lose control of the game. I’m tilting towards Manchester City.”
(Read More: How to Watch the Premier League)
Newcastle v. Tottenham
Michallik agrees this one is a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions.
“For me, Spurs are done…the manner in which you lose at home to Bournemouth, that’s psychologically…What he (Conte) did and what he said were true but you still don’t do it. He’s done Spurs I think a massive disservice. That’s undermining everything.”
Brentford v. Aston Villa
Dinsick pivoted the conversation to Aston Villa’s game at Brentford Community Stadium.
“I gotta tell you I wouldn’t have guessed late in the season I’d care about Brentford v. Aston Villa but here we are.”
Michallik likes what is happening at Aston Villa.
“Villa pretty good away from home and Ollie Watkins likes his chances it seems everywhere now…Brentford are tough…but I think here Villa may go from strength to strength. If not three points, at least a point. They’re not losing here.”
Relegation
The question posed to Janusz Michallik was, “Who goes down?”
“The Saints I don’t think are going to save themselves. I’m still not sure about Forest…I worry about Leeds. When you lose like this…five and six (goals given up) at home, psychologically I mean…I still worry about Everton…They are so wide open which is unlike Sean Dyche teams…It hasn’t gotten better under Sean Dyche…Leeds, Everton, and Leicester…its touch and go for all of them.”
(Read More: The Battle to Avoid Relegation)
Premier League Best Bets
Drew Dinsick Crystal Palace ML (+105) v. Everton
“The rate at which Everton gives up goals on the road is staggering. Palace should be able to absolutely pour it on in this one.”
Jay Croucher Brentford ML (+140) v. Aston Villa
“So Aston Villa are seven points clear of Brentford in the Table having played the same amount of games. By expected goals, expected points that should be flipped around the other way. The Villains have been getting a little bit lucky. Brentford have been getting unlucky.”
Watch the full episode of today’s Soccer Pub.
