@0riginalfooty takes a look at the weekend fixtures for the 36th round of Premier League football. Last time out we got six out of ten predictions right and no correct scores. Will we do better this week?
Saturday
Everton vs Sunderland (12:45)
The Toffees were beaten last weekend by in-form Aston Villa and they face another relegation-threatened side this weekend. The Black Cats recorded a priceless victory against Southampton to keep themselves within touching distance of survival. Everton were in good form before last weekend and should be too good for Sundeland.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Sunderland
Aston Villa vs West Ham
The Villans are playing some great stuff at the minute and in Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke they have two of the league’s form players. The Hammers have picked up a little bit in the last few weeks but will still be classed as underdogs in this fixture given Villa’s need for points. One more win for Villa should be enough to seal survival and you’d think it would come here.
Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 West Ham
Hull vs Burnley (15:00)
This is a massive game for Hull and is a final chance for Burnley to give themselves a hope of survival. The Tigers would relegate the Clarets if they don’t lose so Sean Dyche’s side know they must give it a real go to have any chance of staying in the league. Hull’s fixtures are very tough after this but a win here would give them a great chance of staying up and I think they will get it.
Prediction: Hull 2-1 Burnley
Leicester vs Southampton (15:00)
The Foxes were rampant during their match against Newcastle but they won’t have it all their way in this one. Southampton may not have much to play for but Ronald Koeman still expects his team to perform to the highest level. I’m expecting Leicester to escape the drop but they may be frustrated here.
Prediction: Leicester 1-1 Southampton
Newcastle vs West Brom (15:00)
Things keep going from bad to worse for Newcastle and there is a serious possibility that they will get relegated. Their goal difference is worse than any of the sides around them and it’s hard to see it improving any time soon. It’s hard to even see them picking up another point this season. West Brom have hit the 40 point mark and are safe for another season so Newcastle will hope that their level drops and they can up their game. However, their performances have been so poor recently that it makes it impossible to back them.
Prediction: Newcastle: 0-2 West Brom
Stoke vs Spurs (15:00)
This is a game that will matter very little in the grand scheme of things but both teams are playing for pride and to finish as high up as possible. Stoke will be keen to finish in the top ten, which is by no means a certainty given Everton’s resurgence and Spurs will want to push Liverpool all the way for a Europa league spot. Neither side is in terrific form and Stoke are generally good at home so a draw seems the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Stoke 1-1 Spurs
Crystal Palace vs Man United (17:30)
This has turned into an important game for United and one that they could really do with winning. Palace’s season is over and their mini renaissance seems to have come to a halt too. United have gone off the boil and are in danger of giving away a top-four spot to Liverpool. This could go either way so I’ll sit on the fence.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Man United
Sunday
Man City vs QPR (13:30)
City will be keen to end this season as soon as possible but finishing second would be a decent result considering their form in recent weeks. QPR are done and dusted if they don’t find a win here but there has been nothing to suggest that they will make this a contest. Comfortable win for City.
Prediction: Man City 2-0 QPR
Chelsea vs Liverpool (16:00)
While I think the Blues’ season may tail off in the next few weeks after winning the title, I’m not sure Jose Mourinho will let them get away with putting in a poor performance against one of the league’s top sides. This game will matter a lot to Liverpool who would be further boosted if United had dropped points the day before but Mouriho is the master of grinding out results against big teams and this will be no different.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
Monday
Arsenal vs Swansea
The Gunners blew Hull away on Monday night and are in terrific form. Swansea have also performed very capably in recent weeks despite the fact that their season is all but over. Arsenal have secured Champions League football but will be desperate to finish second and I think they will have too much for the Swans.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Swansea
originalfooty.wordpress.com 