What a week of European football; Man City and Spurs played a game for the ages which saw the London side squeeze through on away goals; Ajax rolled back the years to defeat Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus in Turin; and Barcelona and Liverpool emphatically dispatched Man United and Porto respectively.
But there is no rest for the wicked or Premier League clubs as round 35 is on the horizon this weekend, and with a double game week in store, it is vitally important to select the correct side for to get your team moving up the Advertiser Tribal League in association with St Anthony's and Claddagh Credit Union.
Raheem Sterling (Man City ) v Spurs & Man United
The England winger was in inspired form on Wednesday night as Man City fell agonisingly short of the Champions League semi-finals. Sterling scored twice for City on the night and he and the whole of Eastlands thought he had won the tie in the 93rd minute when he slotted past Hugo Lloris in the Tottenham goal. However, VAR came back to punish City, as upon review, the goal was ruled out for an earlier offside in its build-up. City have a chance for immediate revenge as they host Spurs in the league on Saturday at midday. This game and the away tie to cross-city rivals United will go a long way in determining whether The Citizens retain their Premier League crown or if it will go up the M62 to Liverpool. I believe City will be in no mood for dropping points in these two matches especially after their Euro exit midweek. Expect two City wins and my Player of the Year, Sterling, to be on the scoresheet. Make him captain for double points.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea ) v Burnley
The Blues have been a strange bunch this season. Just like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get from Maurizio Sarri's men. One thing we do know is if Chelsea win, it is because of their brilliant Belgian winger. Eden Hazard is my favourite player to watch in the league and has been Chelsea's standout player this season. Against West Ham, Hazard scored a brace including a stunning solo effort to open the scoring at the Bridge. Against Liverpool when the Blues looked solid in defence but impotent in attack, the number 10 was the man who nearly turned around a two goal deficit inside as many minutes as he hit the post and forced a good save from Reds' keeper, Alison Becker. On Monday night, Chelsea welcome Burnley to southwest London. The Clarets are all but guaranteed Premier League football and it is likely Sean Dyche's men will have their minds on the beach. I expect a home win and Hazard to dazzle. Get him in your team.
Abdoulaye Doucouré (Watford ) v Huddersfield Town & Southampton
The French midfielder has been once again, one of the Hornets' stand out players this season as Watford chase their highest ever placing in the Premier League. Along with his long busting runs in midfield, Doucouré has started adding goals to his workrate, with efforts against Man United and Fulham in recent weeks. This week Watford travel to West Yorkshire to face already relegated Huddersfield and host strugglers Southampton on Tuesday. I believe Watford will get six points from these two games with Doucouré playing a big role.
