Southampton v Hull (3pm Saturday)
Southampton's form has been a mixed bag, largely due to their opposition. Comfortable defeats to Chelsea and Man City were preceded by wins over Crystal Palace, West Brom and a draw to Bournemouth. So this is a game that the home team will remain very much favourites for on paper, especially factoring in that Hull's away form is positively wretched, as the only point that they've picked up away from home since September was at Old Trafford three months ago. Whilst it's possible that Hull nick a 0-0 draw, I think it's more likely that Southampton win easily, as Hull have conceded 15 goals in their last 5 away games.
Prediction: 2-0 Saints
Stoke v West Ham (3pm)
Stoke's last home game was a much needed 3-1 win over Hull City, their only win in their last seven games. West Ham, meanwhile, have just one win in their last ten games, a 1-0 win over Swansea. These are two teams in wretched form, and as such I'm tempted to go for a draw, but on paper, and with home advantage, if one of these teams is likely to nick it, it'll be Stoke.
Prediction: 1-1
Sunderland v Bournemouth (3pm)
Sunderland are well and truly in last-chance saloon. Hull are four points away from sealing the home team's relegation, and if Sunderland lose, then Hull only need a point from their last four games to down the Black Cats. All things considered, Bournemouth are in decent form, with just two defeats in their last eight enough to lift them into mid-table. It's certainly better form than their opponents, who are now nine games without a win, picking up just two points and scoring two goals in that period. 0-0 is my money, but whilst Bournemouth's away form isn't good, they're certainly good enough to win this game against a shambolic Sunderland side. That said, if Bournemouth at home isn't the game Sunderland need to at least prolong their stay of execution, then they're going down without even a whimper.
Prediction: 0-0
West Brom v Leicester (3pm)
One point from their last three games has slowed the momentum of Leicester's surge up the table, but they remain in a healthy position, with five games to pinch the one more win that would all but guarantee safety, assuming that they aren't safe already. On paper, this is a tough one for the Foxes. They have wretched away form, whilst West Brom have been exceptional at mopping up teams below them this season, especially at home, where four of their six defeats have come from teams above them in the table. But West Brom's form has slipped, Leicester look a much better side, and I think I'm going to plump for a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Crystal Palace v Burnley (5:30pm)
To be blunt, I just predict Burnley to lose every single away game, with 13/17 of their trips from Turf Moor resulting in defeats, and without a single win to their names away from home. This one is no different, especially with Palace in fantastic form. Whilst it's very plausible that Burnley come and nick a point, especially Palace are unpredictably patchy, the home side should win this one.
Prediction: 2-1 Palace
Man United v Swansea (12pm Sunday)
This one is a home banker, but it's going to be less easy than some United fans might think it would be. United are constantly drawing sloppy games at home and have a GD of just +12 at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, Swansea's away form is wretched, having lost their last six games on the road. They're in dire straits, and you'd expect United to sweep them aside, albeit with maybe a little bit less gusto, given that Swansea will be scrapping for every point and United will be resting players for the Europa League, playing less than 72 hours after their gruelling 0-0 draw at the Etihad, and with injuries and suspensions up to their eyeballs.
Prediction: 2-1 United
Everton v Chelsea (2:05pm)
The toughest test remaining for Chelsea's title credentials, as they travel to an Everton side with exceptional home form. I strongly suspect that Antonio Conte would take a draw from this one, as Spurs have harder fixtures to come and Chelsea have a nice run, but nevertheless Chelsea will have to go for the win. I think they have the firepower, especially as Everton tend to struggle in the biggest games, but I do think Conte could well take the point if push comes to shove.
Prediction: 1-1
Middlesbrough v Man City (2:05pm)
It's been a rough few weeks for Man City, as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United have consistently nicked results off them despite City dominating the games. For City, this is however, a golden chance to get back to winning ways and begin the romp to the end of the season. It's hard to imagine that they don't have enough fire power for this one, as Boro have nothing less than a disgrace in recent weeks, barring a 1-0 win against worst side in the league Sunderland. Might be tougher than it looks on paper though.
Prediction: 3-1 City
Spurs vs Arsenal (4:30pm)
North London derbies always have a bit of extra bite about them. For both of these sides, this is an absolutely vital game, as it's categorically a must-win for both. Arsenal simply cannot afford to lose more ground in the race for 4th, as they're already behind City, Liverpool and United. And Spurs have to win every single game to keep their flickering title hopes alive. In terms of form, it's hard to look past Spurs, who have won 8 in a row, and haven't dropped points at home since October, with 12 wins and 2 draws at White Hart Lane in the league this season. Not to mention Harry Kane loves his London derbies.
Arsenal on the other hand, have awful away form, particularly against the top teams, as they've lost to Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City and Everton away this season, as well as Palace and West Brom in recent weeks. There's no evidence that this will be anything other than a comfortable Spurs win, but it's a North London Derby and Spurs have a notoriously poor mentality, so who knows what could happen.
Prediction: 3-1 Spurs
Watford v Liverpool (8pm Monday)
After slipping up at home to Palace, every game remaining is massive for Liverpool. They remain in pole position for a top four after the 0-0 draw in the Manchester Derby but need to keep winning. This is a tough away fixture which should work in the Reds' favour, especially with Adam Lallana back from injury and Watford having reached 40 points and sewn up a mid-table finish. I think on balance, Liverpool will have enough, as Watford's record against the top teams is pretty poor.
Prediction: 2-1 LFC
The Hard and Fast Section
- Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs all won in midweek. Figures.
- Selby and Higgins leading, set for World Championship Final.
- Ferrari flying in Russian practice.
- One Day Cup is back. Huzzah.
No comments:
Post a Comment