IT was a case of ebb and flow for Premier League clubs in midweek – as table toppers – Chelsea maintain their foothold in the race for the title – with a win over City. While United and Liverpool could only manage a draw at home to Everton and Bournemouth respectively as defeat to Crystal Palace and a win for Hull ensured the relegation battle becomes – even more intense and intriguing.
Here are my MW 32 predictions and analysis:
SPURS V WATFORD
Spurs had to leave things late in Wales; as they came from behind to win Swansea 3-1, and ensured they keep their title hopes alive – even without their talisman Harry Kane. They would be looking at maintaining their pursuit of Chelsea in the race to determine the EPL champion and also maintain their brilliant run of form at home. Watford are poor away. So, it’s a sure – Spurs win for me here.
MY PREDICTION: Spurs 2-0 Watford
MANCHESTER CITY V HULL CITY
Pep Guardiola and his wards haven’t won any of their last three league games, and would be urging to change that – when Marco Silva leads his charges to the Ethihads on Saturday. Manchester City can’t afford anymore slip, in their race to finish among the top 4. Hull would definitely ensure they cause their opponents troubles, as they even showed they can score goals in their match against Boro in midweek. But it’s no stopping City win in this clash.
MY PREDICTION: Man City 3-1 Hull City
MIDDLESBROUGH V BURNLEY
Steve Agnew is still looking for his first win – since he took over from Aitor Karanka as manager of Middlesbrough. They struggle to score goals and would find things difficult playing a resolute Burnley side. I’m going for a draw in this one, with Boro most likely to win, though.
MY PREDICTION: Middlesbrough 0-0 Burnley
STOKE V LIVERPOOL
Stoke haven’t won any of their last four league games – loosing three and drawing just one. But they face a Liverpool side that finds smaller teams in the league difficult to play. And with Stoke stronger and better at home, it’s hard for this one not to end in stalemate.
MY PREDICTION: Stoke 1-1 Liverpool
WEST BROM V SOUTHAMPTON
West Brom are in some sort of pinched situation at the moment and would be looking at; turning that around. Meanwhile, Soton have been doing quite well – both home and away. It’s going to be a difficult clash for both sides and also a difficult one to call. I see Soton nicking this one.
MY PREDICTION: West Brom 1-2 Southampton
WEST HAM V SWANSEA
West Ham are really languishing at the moment, loosing their last five matches, and haven’t won a league match since February. Swansea are also suffering at the moment but are still better off than the Hammers in terms of form. The pressure will be much on Slaven Bilic and his charges to change their fortune and ensure they overcome Paul Clement’s Swansea. West Ham should win this clash.
MY PREDICTION: West Ham 1-0 Swansea
BOURNEMOUTH V CHELSEA
Bournemouth have earned most of their points playing at home and have proved to be giant stoppers at the Vitality Stadium. But they face high-flying Chelsea side, that would be seeking to maintain and improve on their lead at the top of the table. It’s going to be difficult for Chelsea at Bournemouth. Hence, I’m going for stalemate here.
MY PREDICTION: Bournemouth 1-1 Chelsea
SUNDERLAND V MANCHESTER UNITED
David Moyes’s side can start looking forward to life in the Championship, except some form of miraculous results changes that fate. But, Man Utd have been drawing matches they ought to be winning. And Sunderland would also fancy their chance of inflicting more injuries on Jose Mourinho’s side. Those United players would be demanding much better performance from each other and a win on Sunday, would be the only thing on their minds.
MY PREDICTIONS: Sunderland 1-2 Man Utd
EVERTON V LEICESTER CITY
Everton have been impressive at home in the league, but lost this same fixture in the FA Cup in January. They would be seeking to improve on that FA Cup defeat to Leicester at home, even as they get set to challenge a Leicester side that have won all their last five league matches – and are unstoppable at the moment.
MY PREDICTION: Everton 2-2 Leicester City
CRYSTAL PALACE V ARSENAL
Palace come into this clash on the back of a devastating midweek defeat at Southampton, after subjecting Chelsea to a shocking 2-1 defeat at the Bridge last weekend. They face an uphill task in challenging an Arsenal side that is tasked with a top four finish. And if Arsene Wenger wants to see his side play Champions League football next season, then, he should begin by winning this clash.
MY PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
Follow Odiko Godwin on twitter @OdikoGodwin.
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