Bournemouth v West Ham (3pm)
This is do or die time for Bournemouth. They've slowly but surely been slipping towards the drop zone and they need a big result to pull them out of trouble. They certainly have the capacity to pull out a win in this game, but they've been crippled by injuries in key areas of the pitch and West Ham have excellent away form, having beaten Saints, Swansea and Boro all away since Christmas. I really do fear for Bournemouth, and I think that this will be one that West Ham manage to win based on current form.
Prediction: 2-1 West Ham
Everton v West Brom (3pm)
7th v 8th in a reasonably tasty clash at Goodison Park. Everton's loss at White Hart Lane was their first since Christmas, having clocked up a nine game unbeaten streak. They're certainly a side in hot form, especially at Goodison Park where only Liverpool have secured three points this season. West Brom are themselves in good nick, but their loss at home to Palace last weekend was incredibly disappointing, and you have to say that on balance, Everton should run away with this one.
Prediction: 3-1 Everton
Hull v Swansea (3pm)
This is a really tough one to call. Two teams that look much better under their new managers and have gone some way to sliding out of danger. But Hull especially still look serious relegation candidates and have a lot to do, whilst Swansea look to be nearly out of danger. On current form, you'd have to back Swansea to nick it, but Hull need the points more and are at home, so that might just give them the edge. Plus, Llorente scored twice against Burnley so he's due a two or three game cold streak before scoring another brace to remind everyone how good he is.
Prediction: 1-1
Liverpool v Burnley (4pm Sunday)
As much as there is a palpable sense of nerves amongst Liverpool fans ahead of this crucial game in their season, they shouldn't be too worried. Of their shambolic league performances against smaller sides since Christmas, almost all of them have been away from Anfield, where the Reds have still only lost once all season. Moreover, all three of Hull, Swansea and Leicester had the new manager bounce behind them. Burnley meanwhile, still only have two draws away from home all season, and have very little to play for beyond pride, as they're nine points clear of the drop zone and slap bang in mid-table. With Divock Origi looking set to start, Liverpool will have a more direct threat, and should win this one comfortably if they can grab an early goal.
Prediction: 4-1 Liverpool
Chelsea v Man United (7:45pm Monday)
As promised, a bonus prediction for Chelsea v Man United on Monday night at Stamford Bridge. To be blunt, it's hard to see United standing much chance in this one. Chelsea's defence is too well organised for United's poor finishing to be overcome by their sheer creativity, and the likes of Hazard and Costa are in fine form, whilst United will be missing their big game talisman, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Whilst the lack of Ibrahimovic will give some of United's fringe players a chance to shine, Chelsea have only lost one game at home for a reason this season, and that was before they switched to the three at the back system that has already essentially won them the title. The last time these sides met, it was 4-0 to Chelsea and whilst I don't think this result will be as emphatic, I don't think United have improved enough since then to make a game of it.
Prediction: 2-0 Chelsea
The Hard and Fast Section
- Wales 22-9 Ireland. Match point England.
- France beating Italy as expected. England on afterwards.
- Ferrari testing well. Could be a tasty year of F1.
- Herath breaks record to trump Bangladesh. Legend.
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