EPL Gameweek 34 - Match Previews
Liverpool vs Manchester City is the biggest clash this weekend – a potential title decider
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
With both teams 7 points clear of relegation, and a game in hand on those in the zone, both Palace and Villa will be looking to simply consolidate safety in this match, with a winner moving to 37 points, ever closer to the much talked about 40 point mark.
Palace come in on much stronger form, having won their past two matches, against Chelsea and Cardiff, whereas Villa have lost their past 3 matches in a row. Tony Pulis will fancy his chances here against an underpowered Villa side at Selhurst Park.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2–0 Aston Villa
Fulham vs Norwich City
After the Cottagers’ late win over Aston Villa last week, Fulham will welcome Norwich to Craven Cottage aiming to drag the Canaries back down into the relegation dogfight. A win for Fulham would take them to 30 points, only 2 behind Norwich, whereas a win for Norwich would take them 8 points clear of 18th pending other results, and a step closer to safety.
Fulham will need to look elsewhere for firepower however, with Kostas Mitroglou not expected to be fit for the clash.
Prediction: Fulham 1–2 Norwich City
Southampton vs Cardiff
The Saints will look to bounce back from a a rough time last weekend, when they were soundly beaten by Manchester City and also suffered the loss of in form striker Jay Rodriguez knee injury. The entirely unconvincing Cardiff will visit St. Mary’s needing a miracle from here on in to save their season. Hard to see anything other than a Southampton win here.
Prediction: Southampton 3–0 Cardiff
Stoke City vs Newcastle United
A Stoke City side looking to cement their best ever Premier League finish will come up this weekend against a Newcastle team who have played without any passion recently, shipping 11 goals in their last 3 games and scoring none. Alan Pardew has his work cut out to keep his players motivated, but Stoke should have the means to achieve victory at the Britannia in this fixture, particularly if Newcastle play to their recent form.
Prediction: Stoke City 2–0 Newcastle United
Sunderland vs Everton
Roberto Martinez’s Everton team, on a run of six league victories and seeking Champions League football, will travel to the Stadium of Light this weekend aiming to overtake Arsenal in 4th place with a win over Sunderland. The Black Cats on the other hand will be looking to show far more intent and fight than in the mauling they received from Tottenham early in the week.
Gus Poyet has conceded it will take a miracle to save the team from relegation, and it’s exactly what they will need here if they are to usurp an Everton team on an inspired winning run.
Prediction: Sunderland 1–3 Everton
West Bromwich Albion vs Tottenham
With West Brom still not safe from relegation and Tottenham in the fight for a European place, the visit of Spurs to the Hawthorns carries plenty of weight for both teams’ seasons. Five points out of 18th spot, Albion will be looking to further their bid for safety with a win, whereas a loss would put them right in the dogfight to survive. Spurs however must surely win if they are to continue their slim hopes of taking 4th place, but also to try and hold onto 6th place from a quickly finishing Manchester United.
Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 0–2 Tottenham
Liverpool vs Manchester City
In a game that could go a long way towards deciding the destination of the Premier League title, Liverpool & Manchester City will meet at Anfield looking to seriously further their title bids. Victory for the Reds would put their destiny firmly in their hands, while a win for the Sky Blues would put them in the title box seat with games still in hand.
The potential return of Sergio Aguero against an often suspect Liverpool defence could be massive in this game; likely to be decided by the brilliant forward lines of both teams.
Prediction: Liverpool 3–2 Manchester City
Swansea vs Chelsea
With all the attention on Liverpool vs Manchester City, Jose Mourinho will need to make sure that his charges do not slip up in the title race after their incredible midweek success in the Champions League. They travel to the Liberty Stadium to take on a Swansea side still trying to clear itself from the relegation fight. The potential absence of Eden Hazard could be an issue for Chelsea, although the recent form of Andre Schurrle means that the Blues should come out of this clash unscathed.
Prediction: Swansea 0–2 Chelsea
Arsenal vs West Ham United
With only one win, and three losses from their past 6 matches, a stuttering Arsenal will welcome West Ham to the Emirates, desperately trying to keep their 4th place hopes in tact. A spirited West Ham, fought bravely before going down to Liverpool last week, and could Spell trouble for a Gunners’ side that were torn to shreds by a devastating Everton outfit.
Prediction: Arsenal 2–2 West Ham
Everton vs Crystal Palace
The Toffees welcome Palace to Goodison Park for what will be both Club’s second match of the game week. Everton come into the game week on the back of 6 straight wins and some scintillating form, whilst Palace are on a run of two wins in a row, including their defeat of Chelsea. Tony Pulis’ men will need to stifle Everton’s dynamic midfield and the brilliant Romelu Lukaku if they are to have any chance of going home with a result.
Prediction: Everton 3–1 Crystal Palace
Manchester City vs Sunderland
Manchester City will come into their second fixture of this game week off the back of their blockbuster against Liverpool, whereas Sunderland will be backing up after the visit of Everton to the Stadium of Light. The Etihad has not been a happy hunting ground for many this season, however Sunderland will be looking to repeat their trademark 1-0 win over City from earlier in the season when City visited.
Regardless of their results in their first matches, both sides will view this as a crucial clash; with City fighting for the title and The Black Cats fighting to remain in the Premiership next season.
Prediction: Manchester City 3–0 Sunderland