Weekly column: The EPL season reaches its climax*

*Post updated below

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Down and out? Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea reacts after Everton’s fourth goal and second in two minutes to deny Sir Alex ferguson’s men the win — and possibly the EPL title (APF Photo).

Don’t you just love this time of year when it comes to soccer?

Today at 11:30 a.m. we have the first of three Champions League games this week — two from Europe, the other from CONCACAF – when Barcelona attempt to overcome a 1-0 deficit to Chelsea in the second leg of their semifinal (live on Fox Soccer and Fox Deportes).

Personally, I’ve barely had time to catch my breath from a stunning turn of events Sunday in the EPL and if you don’t know what I’m talking about click here to read this week’s column.

Now comes the question — where are you going to watch Monday’s pivotal game?

At least that was on the mind of one Harbor Area reader (I’ll keep his identity a secret in case he has to call in sick to work Monday) who sent this email that landed in my inbox at 6:05 a.m.:

Just read your article on Monday’s game. Love your soccer coverage and wish we could get more of it. My brother and I are two of those Americans who have become huge EPL fans the past few years. Usually we TIVO the Monday games and watch at night but we are both planning on taking Monday off work and watching the game live. We want to watch it at a pub and soak in the atmosphere. Can you recommend one? We were thinking of the Cock and Bull in Santa Monica but we live in San Pedro. I am not sure if there is a good place closer than S.M. Any recommendations?

Ah, the age-old dilemma: Watch from home in comfort and peace, but miss the camraderie of fellow fans or head out to a local bar or pub and hope you can actually find a seat for a big game.

Well, a list of soccer-friendly pubs in Southern California I made for the last World Cup still lives on here, but always call before you go because by now some of the information is outdated.

If I lived in San Pedro I’d give this pub a call and see how many football fans they’re expecting, while the San Pedro Fish Market made a special effort to welcome soccer fans during the 2010 World Cup.

Anyone else have any other specific suggestions?

And a general word of warning to anyone trying to get through the door of an English pub in Santa Monica or The Underground in Hermosa Beach on Monday — get there early.

And, of course, MLS announced today that top English (and clubs from other nations) will again play in the U.S. this summer in the 2012 World Football Challenge for those who just can’t get enough.

Update

ESPN announced today it has moved coverage of the game from ESPN2 to ESPN, marking the first time the channel has aired a midweek EPL game.

“Given the magnitude of this match, we wanted to take advantage of the live SportsCenter lead-in to incorporate our on-site resources in previewing what will be the biggest match of the season in the Barclays Premier League,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director, programming and acquisitions.

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