We’re set for a hugely entertaining Super Sunday this weekend – as four of the top five are up against each other. Flying Man City host Arsenal, while an out of form Chelsea face the return of Mourinho to Stamford Bridge.
Elsewhere, Spurs take on Crystal Palace following on from their incredible Champions League triumph over Real Madrid, while there is a must win game for Everton – after being knocked out of the Europa League, they face a Watford side looking to bounce back after two straight defeats.
Meanwhile, West Ham host Liverpool, while there are important games down the bottom, as Stoke take on Leicester, and Hudderdfield hosting West Brom, still searching for their first win since August.
Chelsea vs Manchester United
This is a hugely important game, not only due to the return of Mourinho to Chelsea – but the fact that should Chelsea lose, they’ll be seven points behind their opponents, and potentially being twelve points behind City. Conte might be feeling a little pressure after their shocking outing in Rome, but expect the blues to show a lot more fight on Sunday, with fans hoping to see the eager return of N’gilo Kante. Man Utd have had a solid, if not spectacular week. The victories over Spurs and Benfica were deserved – but they weren’t eye-catching performances. Lukaku has now gone six games without a goal, a drought which you wouldn’t want from your big money signing. The Belgian will no doubt be desperate to score on Sunday – in what I can see being a draw.
Prediction: Chelsea 1 – 1 Man Utd
Manchester City vs Arsenal
It’s getting better and better for Guirdiola and City at the minute. A 4-2 win over Napoli saw them qualify for the knockout stages, still remaining undefeated in all competitions. City have only dropped two points so far, whilst scoring a remarkable thirty-five goals. Sergio Aguero became their all time record goal scorer mid week, an amazing achievement for the Argentine – who will be looking to score more against Arsenal. The Gunners looked shady at the back last week against Swansea, so a visit to the Etihad won’t settle any fans nerves. Their attacking threat of Ozil, Sanchez and Lacazette will boost fans confidence – but I still can’t seem them picking any points up here.
Prediction: Man City 3 – 1 Arsenal
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
Wednesday night at Wembley really showed how good a side this Spurs side is. Beating the back to back Champions League winners 3-1 in what was an outstanding performamce will give this Spurs side so much confidence. They’re already into the knockout stages, which means Pochettino can afford to rest a few key players for the remaining games. Harry Kane will be eager to return to League action though, and will certainly want to bag some goals against bottom of the league Palace. The Eagles fought back well against West Ham – coming from two goals down to get a point shows good spirit from this Palace side – something that will please Hodgson. At Wembley though, it’s hard to look past anything but a Spurs win though.
Prediction: Tottenham 4 – 0 Crystal Palace
West Ham vs Liverpool
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Slaven Bilic will be furious that they let a two goal lead slip to Palace. The Croatian is still under pressure, so three points last week would have been extremely helpful. They have been poor so far this season, and if it weren’t for Joe Hart last week – it would have been another defeat. This Saturday though, the Hammers face the visit of Liverpool, whose form has improved slightly after successive 3-0 wins, albeit against weaker opposition. Mohammed Salah is in great form, so I can see the Reds getting another win here.
Prediction: West Ham 1 – 2 Liverpool
Everton vs Watford
The importance of this game for Everton cannot be underestimated. They simply have to win here, after only managing two wins in all competitions this season. The Toffees were knocked out of Europe on Thursday night, which now means they can now fully focus on the Premier League. David Umsworth has already said how big this game is for the club – and also himself. Win and Umsworth may get the job full time. Anything but a win, then a new manager would be needed at Everton immediately. Watford will want to bounce back after two defeats in a row. The loss at home to Stoke will hugely disappoint Marco Silva, who will want his Hornets side to get back to winning ways this weekend. Even without Troy Deeney, I think Watford will take something from this game
Prediction: Everton 1 – 1 Watford
Stoke vs Leicester
Mark Hughes had been coming under some criticism – after his side’s poor start to the season. Before their victory at Watford, they only had two wins before that, so it was a big three points for the Potters. At the Brittania, they are always difficult to beat – so it won’t be easy for a confident Leicester. Following the sacking of Craig Shakespeare, the Foxes have won both their games – with new manager Claude Puel winning his first game in charge last week. Away from home won’t be easy for Puel – but with Vardy and Mahrez looking in better form, a draw is the most likely result here.
Prediction: Stoke 2 – 2 Leicester
Southampton vs Burnley
Burnley have had a really good start to their campaign, currently sitting in 7th . Usually they are impressive at home, but this season they’ve started collecting points away from home – at top sides too. Southampton are starting to look better – after looking quite dull at the start of the season. The Saints have picked up a few points lately, and were unlucky not to get the win at Brighton last week, but Pellegrino will know they need to start scoring more goals. Despite their promising start, I can see a Saints win here, but don’t expect many goals.
Prediction: Southampton 1 – 0 Burnley
Newcastle vs Bournemouth
Newcastle were really poor on Monday night at Burnley – a performance which will really frustrate Benitez after some impressive performances so far this year. At home though the Magpies are difficult to beat, meaning it’s a tough ask for Eddie Howe and Bournemouth. The Cherries have been unlucky this season, but ultimately they are in 19th, and need wins soon. There are some hugely important fixtures ahead for Howe’s side, but I can’t seem them gaining any points up at Newcastle.
Prediction: Newcastle 2 – 0 Bournemouth
Huddersfield vs West Brom
For the first half of the game at Anfield, the Terries did well to be level with Liverpool. The second half was a different story however. Huddersfield fans will still be delighted with how the season has gone, currently in 13th, if they want to survive however – it’s these kind of games they need to start winning. At home, they have looked good, so it will be tough for Tony Pulis’ team. Despite scoring two goals against City, the Baggies are still without a win since August – meaning they are just two points ahead of the relegation zone. Pulis will want a good performance this weekend, but I can only see a dull draw.
Prediction: Huddersfield 0 – 0 West Brom
Swansea vs Brighton
Paul Clermont will be pleased with how the Swans played last weekend – even if in a losing cause. This game though is a definite must win. Anything but three points and they could fall into the drop zone. Swansea fans will hope striker Wilfried Bony will start against Brighton, so the Welsh side can start scoring more goals. Brighton have had a solid start to the season – while the Seagulls have looked promising at home, away they’ve not been quite as good. I can see Brighton winning this though – as Swansea look very short on confidence at the minute.
Prediction: Swansea 0 – 1 Brighton
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