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It’s matchweek 26 in the Premier League and there are some interesting midweek fixtures
of Manchester City Finally a late show Liverpool Just held yesterday The title race is alive while it’s starting to get very interesting at the bottom of the table.
The Premier League action shows no signs of slowing down and there’s a midweek round to keep us entertained.
Here, we look at the fixtures and offer some predictions:
Tuesday
Chelsea vs Leeds (7.30pm)
A traditional rivalry dating back to the 1970s, games between these two sides always come with an extra dose of animosity.
Both enjoyed excellent wins at the weekend, Leeds eased past Nottingham Forest to ease their relegation fears while Chelsea were too good for Wolves at Molineux. Liam Rosenier continued to impress at Stamford Bridge with only defeat as he succeeded Enzo Maresca against Arsenal in the EFL Cup.
Leeds’ high-energy game is better suited to the frenetic atmosphere of Elland Road and for that reason, we think Chelsea will push this one.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Leeds
Everton vs Bournemouth (7.30pm)
Everton’s win at Fulham at the weekend pushed them into the conversation for European football next season. David Moyes’ approach is rarely easy on the eye but he finds a way to win matches. Bournemouth have also bounced back in recent weeks – both sides go into the game unbeaten in five league games. An away win would see the Cherries level on 37 points with the Toffees.
Prediction: Everton 2-2 Bournemouth
Tottenham vs Newcastle (7.30pm)
Thomas Frank has been under pressure for most of the season but, for Eddie Howe, the increased scrutiny surrounding his position is new. The visitors haven’t won in the league since January 7 and with crunch games to follow in the FA Cup and Champions League, it’s shaping up to be a crucial period.
One disaster turns to another disaster. Self-appointed board critic Cristian Romero failed to back up his battle talk with actions and his red card at the weekend will further affect a defense already without several key players.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle
West Ham v Manchester United (8.15pm)
Manchester United continue to enjoy life under Michael Carrick. Four games and four wins in interim charge, the latest against Spurs on Saturday. Carrick has revitalized the club with some direction under Ruben Amorim and they have their sights firmly set on a Champions League place.
A month ago, a trip to West Ham looked routine but the Hammers are enjoying a revival as they look to escape the bottom three. Saturday’s 2-0 win at Burnley moved them within three points of Nottingham Forest, while Leeds and Spurs were also within reach.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Manchester United
Wednesday
Aston Villa vs Brighton (7.30pm)
Villa were never really in the title race but any hopes they had of challenging Arsenal and Manchester City have now been dashed after one win in four league games.
An injury crisis in midfield didn’t help and they lacked motivation again in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
The home game with Brighton is undoubtedly a chance to get back on track. The Seagulls have been without a league win since January 3 and this is shaping up to be a rare season without continued progress in the Amex. Boss Fabian Herzeler could do with a win but he won’t get one here.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-0 Brighton
Crystal Palace vs Burnley (7.30pm)
Palace’s win in the M23 derby at Brighton yesterday took the pressure off boss Oliver Glassner. Palace looked to be sleepwalking towards relegation and are not safe yet, but another win at home to doomed Burley would be another step in the right direction.
The Clarets are 11 points from safety and are unlikely to go up. Defeat to West Ham at the weekend snuffed out any slim chance they had of starting a revival and the next few weeks could be tough for Scott Parker’s men.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Burnley
Manchester City vs Fulham (7.30pm)
With six minutes remaining in their game at Anfield, and Manchester City losing 1–0 to Liverpool, their title challenge was about to suffer a major blow. After twenty minutes, City won 2-1 and gave Arsenal their hopes of a major shot in the arm. It wasn’t a convincing performance but that doesn’t matter at this stage of the season.
A win against Fulham would move City three points behind the Gunners, who do not play until Thursday. Fulham have lost three of their last four in the league.
A repeat of the nine-goal classic at the start of the season would be nice but Pep Guardiola will settle for something more regular.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Fulham
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves (7.30pm)
Forest’s defeat at Leeds and West Ham’s win 24 hours later meant that the threat of relegation by Trent intensified. The good news is that they play host to a Wolves side on Wednesday that could turn out to be the worst in Premier League history yet.
City have lost six of 12 at the ground this season, but that record pales in comparison to Wolves’ results on the road. P12, W0, D3, L9.
home win
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Wolves
Sunderland vs Liverpool (8.15pm)
While the fallout from City’s win at Anfield focused on its impact on the title race, it was a major blow to Liverpool’s hopes of securing a financially necessary Champions League spot. Arne Slott’s men continue to threaten but then produce mixed results.
The trip to the Stadium of Light is, to the surprise of many, one of the Premier League’s toughest assignments this season. The Wearsiders will be putting the rest of the division’s unbeaten home record on the line.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-2 Liverpool
Thursday
Brentford v Arsenal (8pm)
What is Keith Andrews doing in Brentford? A weekend win at Newcastle means they go into a free-hit against seventh-placed Arsenal on Thursday but just four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. You’d pick them against most sides on Gtech but Arsenal aren’t most sides.
Gunners have multiple strings to their bow: they can play, they can mix it up and they know the dark arts. It is a colossal fabrication.
Prediction: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
