It’s matchweek 26 in the Premier League and there are some intriguing midweek fixtures
Manchester City’s late show at Liverpool yesterday just about kept the title race alive while at the bottom of the table it is starting to become very interesting.
The Premier League action shows no sign of slowing down and there is another midweek round to keep us entertained.
Here, we look at the fixtures and offer up some predictions:
TUESDAY
Chelsea v Leeds (7.30pm)
A traditional rivalry harking back to the 1970s, games between these two sides always come with an extra dollop of hostility.
Both enjoyed excellent weekend wins, Leeds cruising past Nottingham Forest to ease their relegation fears while Chelsea were too good for Wolves at Molineux. Liam Rosenior continues to impress at Stamford Bridge with the only defeats since he succeeded Enzo Maresca coming 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 edge this one.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Leeds
Everton v Bournemouth (7.30pm)
Everton’s win at Fulham at the weekend thrust 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 picked up as well in recent weeks – both sides go into this game unbeaten in five league games. An away win would see the Cherries draw level on 37 points with the Toffees.
Prediction: Everton 2-2 Bournemouth
Tottenham v Newcastle (7.30pm)
Thomas Frank has been under pressure for most of the season but, for Eddie Howe, the increased scrutiny around his position is new. The visitors have not won in the league since January 7 and with crunch games to follow in the FA Cup and Champions League, it is shaping up to be a crucial period.
Spurs lurch from one disaster to another. Self-appointed board critic Cristian Romero failed to back up his fighting talk with actions and his red card at the weekend will further affect a defence 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 in interim charge and four wins, the latest against Spurs on Saturday. Carrick has revitalised a club shuffling along with little direction under Ruben Amorim and they have their sights set firmly on a Champions League place.
A month ago, a trip to West Ham would’ve looked routine but the Hammers are enjoying a resurgence as they look to escape the bottom three. Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Burnley saw them close to within three points of Nottingham Forest while Leeds and Spurs are also within reach.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Manchester United
WEDNESDAY
Aston Villa v Brighton (7.30pm)
Villa were never really in the title race but any lingering hopes they may have had of challenging Arsenal and Manchester City are now over after a run of one win in four league games.
An injury crisis in midfield has not helped and they again lacked inspiration in the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday.
A home game with Brighton is undoubtedly a chance to get back on track. The Seagulls are without a league win since January 3 and this is shaping up to be a rare season without steady progress at the Amex. Boss Fabian Hurzeler could do with a win but he may not find one here.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-0 Brighton
Crystal Palace v Burnley (7.30pm)
Palace’s win in the M23 derby at Brighton yesterday relieved the pressure on boss Oliver Glasner. Palace had appeared to be sleepwalking towards relegation and although they are far from safe, another win at home to doomed Burley would be another step in the right direction.
The Clarets are 11 points from safety and with little chance of staying up. The weekend defeat to West Ham eliminated any slim chance of them starting a revival and the next few weeks could be difficult for Scott Parker’s men.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Burnley
Manchester City v Fulham (7.30pm)
With six minutes to go of their game at Anfield, and Manchester City losing 1-0 to Liverpool, their title challenge was about to take a major hit. Twenty minutes later, City had won 2-1 and given their hopes of catching Arsenal a major shot in the arm. It was not a convincing performance but it matters not at this stage of the season.
A win against Fulham would move City three points behind the Gunners, who don’t play till Thursday. Fulham have lost three of their last four in the league.
A repeat of the nine-goal classic from earlier in the season would be nice but Pep Guardiola would settle for something a little more routine.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Fulham
Nottingham Forest v Wolves (7.30pm)
Forest’s defeat at Leeds, and West Ham’s win 24 hours later, means relegation fears have intensified by the Trent. The good news is they play host on Wednesday to a Wolves side that could yet become the worst in Premier League history.
Forest aren’t great at home, losing six of 12 at the City Ground this season, but that record pales into insignificance compared to Wolves’ results on the road. P12, W0, D3, L9.
Home win.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Wolves
Sunderland v Liverpool (8.15pm)
While the fall-out 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-required Champions League spot. Arne Slot’s men continue to threaten much but then deliver mixed results.
A trip to the Stadium of Light has, much to many people’s surprise, been one of the hardest assignments in the Premier League this season. The Wearsiders will put the division’s remaining unbeaten home record on the line.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-2 Liverpool
THURSDAY
Brentford v Arsenal (8pm)
What a job Keith Andrews is doing at Brentford. The weekend win at Newcastle means they go into Thursday’s free-hit against Arsenal in seventh place but just four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. You’d fancy them against most sides at the Gtech but Arsenal are not most sides.
The Gunners have multiple strings to their bow: they can play, they can mix it, and they know the dark arts. It’s a formidable concoction.
Prediction: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
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