Every week, Sportsnet.ca will chat with Sportsnet soccer commentator James Sharman about the big stories and issues in the Premier League, and preview the weekend’s games.
Burnley and QPR have been relegated. There are only two matchdays left in the season. Who will be the third team to go down?
Last week I suggested it would be Sunderland, but that the Hull-Burnley match might change everything. Hull lost. It has changed everything. Steve Bruce’s outfit has two games left: at Tottenham and home to Manchester United. Spurs seem to have quit on this season, so there is hope there, but the Black Cats have three games left, including the first against a resurgent Leicester City. That might end up being a must win as they close out the season at Arsenal and Chelsea. But given how Dick Advocaat has seen his team win two straight, surely they will gain more points than Hull. Newcastle is the other team to keep an eye on—just dreadful, but I suspect they will just survive. The fact that there are so many connotations left as we approach the final two weeks makes for plenty of drama.
Saturday programming alert: Watch Southampton vs. Aston Villa on all four main Sportsnet channels at 7:30 am ET Sunderland vs. Leicester City on all four main Sportsnet channels at 9:30 am ET, Burnley vs. Stoke City on Sportsnet World at 9:30 am ET and Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace on all four main Sportsnet channels at noon ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
Three teams—Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United—are still fighting for second and third place, and the automatic Champions League group stage berths. Who will finish fourth and be forced to play a qualifier to get into the group stage?
Arsenal face Manchester United this weekend which could make things interesting, with the Gunners up by two points on their rivals. However they also have a game in hand on United, so I am comfortable predicting that it will be Luis Van Gaal who has to take his team to some far flung part of Europe in the qualifiers this summer. Liverpool will be unable to overcome the goal differential edge United has, even if they win out and the Red Devils crash out. Not a bad season all considered for Van Gaal then—remember this was going to be a transitional year, albeit a highly expensive one, but they are back to the big show.
We’re almost at the end of the season. If you could vote for the league MVP, for which player not named Eden Hazard would you cast your ballot?
There are lots of great candidates. John Terry was brilliant for Chelsea all season. Alexis Sanchez was spellbinding for Arsenal in his first season in English football. Less sexy choices might be Morgan Schneiderlin at Southampton or Harry Kane at Spurs. For me, the obvious choice would be David De Gea. During the low patches this season for Manchester United, there were matches where De Gea was the sole reason they picked up any points. Goalkeepers rarely win games for teams, but there were times when he absolutely stonewalled better sides.
Monday programming alert: Watch West Bromwich Albion vs. Chelsea on Sportsnet World at 2:00 pm ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
Steven Gerrard plays his final game at Anfield on Saturday (vs. Crystal Palace) before heading off to MLS. You’re a big Stevie G fan. What are some of your fondest memories of him playing for the Reds?
So many great moments, and generally great moments in huge games. If I have to highlight one, it must be his performance in the 2005 Champions League final. That was a game Liverpool had no business winning, but once the second half whistle blew, Gerrard put that team on his shoulders with his typical rampaging runs, pinpoint passing, and a massive goal. What a game. Special night, special player.
Do you think he might return to Liverpool on loan during the MLS off-season? If so, is that a wise move, both for him and Liverpool?
I really hope not. The entire MLS loan fiasco is a topic for another day, but let us remember Gerrard for his positive contributions. Limping back to Anfield to satisfy his ego benefits no one. I don’t think he is the type to do this to be honest, and if he ever returns it will be as a coach or a manager. As for Liverpool, this is a huge moment to put a new face and identity on the club. Traditionally they do a good job in such times, so let’s hope they don’t consider such loan nonsense in 2016.