Here are my predictions for gameweek 30 as Leicester host champions-elect Man City and Liverpool travel to Arsenal.
Chelsea vs West Bromwich Albion, Stamford Bridge
On paper, this should be a foregone conclusion. However, West Brom are the perfect embodiment of a team Chelsea have been struggling against under Thomas Tuchel. The Baggies have already picked up impressive draws at Liverpool and Man City. Most of the Chelsea contingent out on international duty have played three games in two weeks, and some have picked up injuries too. But still, I expect the Blues to pick up a win, though it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Leeds United vs Sheffield United, Elland Road
At the moment, any team playing Sheffield United will fancy their chances. The Blades are in a wretched situation right now, with Chris Wilder also gone. They travel to a fearless Leeds United team who should win this one comfortably. The intensity and work rate with which Leeds play will be too much for the hapless visitors. But Marcelo Bielsa’s side are vulnerable to set pieces and may end up gifting a goal from that route.
Prediction: Leeds United 3-1 Sheffield United
Leicester City vs Manchester City, King Power Stadium
At the moment, it is hard to see Man City losing. Leicester though, have the perfect game plan to beat Pep Guardiola’s charges. They can sit back and absorb pressure and few teams are as lethal as they are on the break. The visitors have a tricky trip to Borussia Dortmund on the horizon, so maybe Pep will rest some key players for this one. The Foxes will be boosted with the return of James Maddison, and I see a competitive match with goals at both ends panning out.
Prediction: Leicester City 2-2 Manchester City
Arsenal vs Liverpool, Emirates Stadium
The season-on-season guarantee for goals, but I am not expecting much fireworks this time around. The match could end in a draw. Liverpool will be boosted with the return of Diogo Jota and Fabinho in midfield, but they will have one eye on the midweek trip to Madrid. Arsenal look solid at the back and shouldn’t worry much about a Liverpool attack which has scored just three goals in the last five Premier League games.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
Southampton vs Burnley, St. Mary’s Stadium
Both teams should probably be safe from any relegation worries in this final phase of the season. The two teams are level on points and on goal difference, indicating there’s little to separate them. The Saints picked up an impressive win to advance to the FA Cup semi-finals, with the likes of Nathan Redmond returning to form. If that continues, Southampton may nick this one but Burnley will be riding the wave of confidence after that impressive away win at Everton.
Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Burnley
Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur, St. James’ Park
If there was any team that needed an international break, it was Newcastle. Now with Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almirón back from injury, the Magpies will be confident of getting a result against Tottenham. St. James’ Park hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Jose Mourinho either. Don’t be surprised to see Newcastle nick something from this game.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Spurs
Aston Villa vs Fulham, Villa Park
The home team may still be without their talisman Jack Grealish. Without him, Villa have struggled for goals and are relying on the performances of Emiliano Martinez and co. to get results. Fulham since the turn of the year have looked so disciplined defensively. Notwithstanding the capitulation at home to run-away leaders Man City, they have racked up impressive cleansheets. However, scoring goals remains a concern for Scott Parker’s men, which is why I expect the defences to come out on top.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-0 Fulham
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion, Old Trafford
This one’s hard to predict because of the nature of the two teams. Man United’s home form has been see-saw, while it always is a question mark whether Brighton will finish off the chances they create. In the reverse fixture, there was a lot of late drama and Brighton really gave United a run for their money, and I expect the same here. The Seagulls are one or two positive results away from securing their status, and they could get one here.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Brighton
Everton vs Crystal Palace
Some poor performances recently have left Everton behind in the top-four race. Their home form has been suspect all season and now they are up against an uncertain Crystal Palace side. With Roy Hodgson and several first-team players nearing the end of the contracts, things aren’t looking positive going forward for Palace. And so, I feel Everton can capitalize on this despite their less than satisfactory home form.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United, Molineux Stadium
After a mid-season slump, Wolves have steadied the ship somewhat. They will look to keep things tight at the back and frustrate their visitors. After dropping two points against Arsenal, West Ham will be eager to bounce back. Both teams have scored 36% of their goals from set pieces, so expect a corner or a free kick to decide the outcome of this one. The Molineux is a tough place to visit, and I don’t see West Ham getting maximum points from their trip to the Midlands.
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 West Ham United