Here are my matchweek 31 predictions as Spurs host Manchester United, Man City entertain Leeds and Leicester travel to high-flying West Ham.
Matchweek 31 Predictions
Fulham vs Wolves, Craven Cottage
Fulham gave themselves a fighting chance but three successive defeats have enhanced their relegation prospects. They really shouldn’t have lost the last game, having led up till the 78th minute. Wolves may not have reached the heights of the past couple of seasons, but they are still a tough team to beat. They are well capable of heaping further misery on Scott Parker.
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Wolves
Manchester City vs Leeds United, The Etihad Stadium
Leeds have conceded 20 goals in 5 visits to the traditional Big Six, and now they face the biggest of the Big Six. Therefore it is natural to see them conceding plenty against the league’s top scorers. While Leeds themselves score a handful, they won’t be able to score many here. Marcelo Bielsa’s men gave City a run out in the reverse fixture, but I can’t see the same happening.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-1 Leeds United
Liverpool vs Aston Villa, Anfield
With memories of that 7-2 drubbing still fresh, Liverpool will surely want revenge. But having not won at Anfield in eight games, will they finally end that run? According to me, no. While Villa have been holistically poor over the last nine or ten matches, I can see them nicking a point here. The hosts have ground to make up in the Champion’s League and this game could take a back seat because of that.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea, Selhurst Park
In midweek, Chelsea showed that the weekend disaster was a one-off. In Crystal Palace they face a team who don’t have much to play for. Chelsea still look to be struggling in the goals department under Thomas Tuchel, and could have difficulties against a usually well-drilled Roy Hodgson side. Expect a tight and cagey affair in a narrow away win.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea
Burnley vs Newcastle United, Turf Moor
Last week was a contrasting one for the two teams. Burnley let a two-goal lead slip, while Newcastle picked up an encouraging draw. Burnley are well clear of trouble at the moment though that could change with a Newcastle win. But I don’t see Newcastle winning, despite having their key attackers back. This has all the makings of a draw.
Prediction: Burnley 1-1 Newcastle United
West Ham United vs Leicester City, London Stadium
With Jesse Lingard in the form of his life, anything is possible for West Ham right now. Their recent matches have been entertaining and I expect the same from this one. Leicester have lost seven of their eight games at home, so they won’t mind an away game to get back in the mood. However, picking up maximum points from a trip to East London looks a tough ask.
Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Leicester City
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
You just don’t know what to expect from both these teams. They can be so good on their days but those days are rare. Somehow, United do pick up results and more so on their travels, which is why I am predicting an away win. The visitors start poorly and grow into games, while Spurs tend to throw away games late on. A perfect recipe for a trademark Manchester United come-from-behind win. Read the full match preview.
Prediction: Spurs 1-2 Manchester United
Sheffield United vs Arsenal, Bramall Lane
The pressure of picking up three points is as high as it can be for Mikel Arteta. Against a Sheffield United team who have nothing at stake but pride, it could be very difficult. Goals have been a problem all season for the Gunners and that is going to be the case again. Having said that, they still should have enough to get past their bottom-placed hosts.
Prediction: Sheffield United 0-1 Arsenal
West Bromwich Albion vs Southampton, The Hawthorns
Things are looking promising for Southampton. They are into the FA Cup semi-finals and comfortably above the relegation picture. The likes of Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond also seem to be picking up form. The Saints will look for a strong finish to the season, starting with a win here. West Brom shocked everyone last week but they also know it was a one-off and I think they’ll come crashing down to earth.
Prediction: West Brom 1-3 Southampton
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Everton, American Express Stadium
Last game aside, Brighton have recently shown how effective they can be. They will fancy their chances against an Everton team who are winless in three. The Toffees will be desperate to get back to winning ways to reignite their push for top-four. At the moment, I think the two teams are evenly matched and I can’t see either winning.
Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Everton