Read on for my predictions for the upcoming round of fixtures.
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa, St. James’ Park
I fear the worst right now for Newcastle. With Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin out, it’s hard to see where the goals will come from. Aston Villa will be without their star man Jack Grealish too, but they aren’t as reliant on him as Newcastle are on Wilson. An Aston Villa win at St. James’ Park has been overdue, and I think this might be the one where it arrives. One goal will be enough for the visitors.
Prediction: Newcastle United 0-1 Aston Villa
Leeds United vs Chelsea, Elland Road
Leeds United have just one win in five, with four of those being defeats. Chelsea meanwhile, have won six of the last nine since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival. I can see Chelsea winning this one. Leeds haven’t faired particularly well against the big boys. They like to commit bodies forward, and that could leave spaces behind which Chelsea can exploit to devastating effect. They also look susceptible to set pieces; everytime they defend a corner, it looks like they are going to concede. Chelsea at the moment look good value to complete a league double over their bitter rivals.
Prediction: Leeds United 1-2 Chelsea
Crystal Palace vs West Bromwich Albion, Selhurst Park
Palace might be well above the relegation zone, but their performances recently haven’t been that good. While Benteke and Eze have chipped in this season, they still rely heavily on Zaha for goals. The Baggies meanwhile are also struggling for goals (they are the second lowest scorers this season), and I can’t see them troubling Roy Hodgson’s well drilled side. Crystal Palace might nick this, but I am going for a stalemate.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-0 West Bromwich Albion
Everton vs Burnley, Goodison Park
Sean Dyche is slowly steering his Burnley side to safety yet again. They will travel to Goodison Park with confidence given how inconsistent Everton have been, particularly at home. While draw looks a likely outcome, I am slightly edging towards the hosts. Carlo Ancelotti’s men are by no means out of the Champion’s League race yet and they will want to bounce back after a disappointing loss last time out.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Burnley
Fulham vs Manchester City, Craven Cottage
What a difference a few weeks can make. Fulham looked destined for relegation, but now, they are well within a shot of survival. They will be full of confidence after that brilliant win at Anfield. However, they are coming up against an efficient winning machine. After the derby disappointment last week, Manchester City bounced back in spectacular fashion with a 5-2 win. Man City will expectedly dominate possession, it is a question of whether Scott Parker’s men will be able to withstand the pressure. Unfortunately, the answer is NO. But City have been leaking goals lately, so maybe Fulham can nick one.
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Manchester City
Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion, St. Mary’s Stadium
Southampton’s form was looking a lot concerning and while they were never likely to get involved in a relegation scrap, it was important to stop the rot. The 5-2 defeat to Man City was a bit harsh but they can feel confident after two good performances. For Brighton, their results have not gone their way, even if performances suggest otherwise. Come May, they will be safe from relegation but on Sunday, Southampton will take all 3 points.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Brighton
Leicester City vs Sheffield United, King Power Stadium
The Foxes should win this one. Sheffield United are the lowest scorers in the league and after a mid-season rally, look deflated once again. Leicester have tough fixtures at the end of the season and they know the importance of picking up points in games like these. Despite James Maddison’s injury and Jamie Vardy’s dip in form, they have enough firepower to get maximum points against their all-but relegated opponents.
Prediction: Leicester City 2-0 Sheffield United
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur, Emirates Stadium
The big one this weekend. For years, Arsenal have held the bragging rights. But lately, Spurs have closed the gap and at the moment are the dominant force in North London. Both will go in buoyant mood after picking up wins midweek in the Europa League. Spurs haven’t won at the Emirates since 2010 and this might be their best chance to change that. However, I expect Arsenal to rise to the occasion and give their visitors a run for their money. I am predicting a competitive draw.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United vs West Ham United, Old Trafford
Manchester United’s form at home has been suspect all season. West Ham United have had a terrific campaign so far but have come unstuck against the big boys. Another thing going against them is the new found resilience in this Man United back line, keeping cleansheets recently against Chelsea and Manchester City. I don’t think the hosts will dominate or anything, but they will have enough to see them through. It could be a tight affair like their recent FA Cup encounter.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-0 West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Liverpool, Molineux Stadium
Things look promising for Liverpool. Fabinho returned in midfield and they looked good in their 2-0 win against RB Leipzig. They are up against a Wolves side who steadied their ship in February after a poor festive period. They will defend deep and frustrate Liverpool and try to hit them on the break. It’s a tactic that has worked this season against an unsure Liverpool defense, but I think Jurgen Klopp’s men will find a way through and come away with a win, given that their form away from home has been a lot better recently.
Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool