This Weekend will see some of the heavyweight clubs in the EPL battle for supremacy in the FA Cup, while others will see what they can make of the games that come their way in the league. I will take you through my thoughts and predictions as it concerns both the EPL and FA Cup games this weekend.
EPL and FA Cup Predictions
BOURNEMOUTH V MIDDLESBROUGH
Bournemouth haven’t been on a good form recently, but it is against struggling clubs like Boro that they earn most of their points from (especially when playing at home). So, I just expect Bournemouth to have this one; based on their impressive records at home and against lowly rated teams in the league.
PREDICTION: Bournemouth 2-1 Middlesbrough
HULL CITY V WATFORD
Relegation stare Hull City in the face, and they would be looking to count on their recent inspiring home records, which have seen them win 4 out of their last 5 home games; drawing one. Watford would just come here and try to cause Hull some sort of havoc, but I don’t see them (Watford) getting anything from this game.
MY PREDICTION: Hull City 1-0 Watford
SWANSEA V STOKE CITY
Another club engulfed in relegation battle, and would need nothing more than all 3 points, when they tackle Stoke on Saturday. They haven’t won any of their last 6 league matches, but this is another opportunity for Paul Clement and his wards to stake their claim – and try to turn their season around.
PREDICTION: Swansea 2-1 Stoke
WEST HAM V EVERTON
The pressure is mounting on Slavan Bilic to at least get his side into the top 10 at the end of the season. And I really see them putting in a spirited effort in this game. Everton have been experiencing some sort of purple-patch in the league (especially at home), and Lukaku just can’t stop scoring at the moment. Would be difficult for both sides, but I just think, West ham would have too much for Everton.
PREDICTION: West Ham 2-1 Everton
BURNLEY V MAN UTD
Really caused United pain and anguish – when they visited Old Trafford – earlier on in the season. And with United still without any defeat – since their embarrassing 4-0 thrashing at Chelsea, they would be wanting to inflict similar pain on their host on Sunday. A United win is all I see here.
PREDICTION: Burnley 0-1 Man Utd
LIVERPOOL V CRYSTAL PALACE
We have seen Sam Allardyce go to Chelsea and pick up all three points this season, and also beating Arsenal 3-0 recently in the league. Though Liverpool have looked dangerous and clinical with points these days, I still see them struggling against Palace on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace
FA CUP (Semi-Finals)
CHELSEA V SPURS
Always going to be difficult for both sides, this derby. And with Spurs flying at the moment, Chelsea know they are in for a cracker, when they clash with their London rivals in Wembley. Though Chelsea have more experience, and have been very successful in this competition, it’s still going to be very tough for them. I see this one being decided via penalty kicks.
MY PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-2 Spurs
ARSENAL V MAN CITY
The FA Cup is now Pep Guardiola’s only realistic chance of getting his side a trophy this season, and ensure he too doesn’t end the season without any silverware. Arsenal haven’t been encouraging – with their recent form in the league, but they are still going to make things difficult for their opponent on the day. This match would be very entertaining to see, as both sides would set out to attack nonstop. I’m backing City to win this.
MY PREDICTION: Arsenal 1-2 Man City
Follow Odiko Godwin on twitter @OdikoGodwin
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