Matchweek 26 had some thrilling finishes from Son Heung-Min’s injury-time winner to Manchester United’s nail-biting 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
With only 12 games to go in the season, each match is vital for league positioning. The top clubs will be thirsty for points after enduring a tough week in European competitions. With another entertaining weekend of matchups ahead, let’s predict how they will play out.
Chelsea vs Tottenham (Saturday, 7:30 a.m. EST)
With no Harry Kane, Son, Tammy Abraham, or Christian Pulisic, you tell me where the goals are supposed to come from? You certainly wouldn’t put any of your hard-earned money behind someone to score. It’s unfortunate as this game means so much in the race for the top four.
At this point in the season, there isn’t a whole lot that separates these two clubs—with that being said, I expect a draw. The only question that remains is will it be 0-0, or does each club earn a scrappy goal?
Prediction: Tottenham 0, Chelsea 0
Burnley vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 10 a.m. EST)
While we tune in to watch the players, it’s the managers that will have the most influence over the game. This matchup features two of the best managers in terms of tactics and defensive organization: Sean Dyche of Burnley and Eddie Howe of Bournemouth.
Both of these clubs will be tough to breakdown and score against. It doesn’t help that neither team has creativity and quality going forward. This one will certainly be hard-fought.
Prediction: Burnley 2, Bournemouth 1
Crystal Palace vs Newcastle (Saturday, 10 a.m. EST)
Sitting 14th and 13th respectfully in the table, neither club can afford a slip-up. Neither side will be confident though, as both suffered big losses last weekend. Sometimes in matchups like this, both teams play for the point while hoping to gain a little separation from the drop zone. Palace has the ability to score multiple goals, while Newcastle plays defensive-minded in their 5-4-1 formation. I see a few goals and a win.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2, Newcastle 1
Sheffield vs Brighton (Saturday, 10 a.m. EST)
This one features clubs going in the opposite direction. Sheffield is flying high in both the league and the FA Cup. Brighton, meanwhile, feels like a club freefalling their way into the drop zone.
With fifth place now going to the Champions League, Sheffield won’t miss an opportunity here to grab points against a lesser team. Everything in this matchup screams of a comfortable win.
Prediction: Sheffield United 3, Brighton 1
Southampton vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 10 a.m. EST)
Even though Southampton has lost three straight, they’ve turned in some really good performances against teams like Liverpool and Tottenham. Being back at home in a winnable game should have the Saints feeling confident.
Villa will be picking themselves up after Son’s injury-time winner last weekend stole a point from them. In a stretch where Villa needs all the points it can get, that goal felt like a dagger. They have the players but are lacking confidence at the moment.
Prediction: Southampton 2, Aston Villa 1
Leicester City vs Manchester City (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. EST)
Leicester will be looking for their first win in three games coming off of two grueling ties against Wolves and Chelsea. They have the players to compete and will hope the King Power Stadium faithful can will them to victory. A loss against City, coupled with other results, could have Leicester feeling the pressure from fourth place.
Man City erased any doubt that a potential ban from Champions League football would distract them. Winning comfortably 2-0 against West Ham, the players showed they still mean business. Their attacking and press is enough to get the win. Oh, and they have better players.
Prediction: Manchester City 2, Leicester City 1
Manchester United vs Watford (Sunday, 9 a.m. EST)
Manchester United have played well against the top clubs this season, but have dropped points against the league stragglers, including Watford. Thankfully for them, they are coming off a win against Chelsea. They know this clash will be critical in keeping pace with everyone else aiming for fourth place.
Watford will certainly be hoping they can repeat their earlier performance against United. Life will be tougher this time though at Old Trafford. A win could see them climb out of relegation.
Prediction: Manchester United 3, Watford 1
Wolves vs Norwich City (Sunday, 9 a.m. EST)
Wolves continued their excellent season with a thumping win in Europe, 4-0. The team is flying high and believing they can be the team that secures fourth place. Nobody has found it enjoyable playing against the Wolves this season, and especially so at the Molineux.
Norwich fought hard last week but eventually fell 1-0 to Liverpool. While they can take confidence from that game, they really needed the points instead. Things certainly don’t get any easier this week and they’ll be hoping Wolves have an off game coming off of European action.
Prediction: Wolves 3, Norwich City 0
Arsenal vs Everton (Sunday, 11:30 a.m. EST)
Things finally appear to be turning around for new manager Mikel Arteta. Coming off of two consecutive wins, the team appears to be adapting to his tactics. In what once seemed like a dream, fourth place is now a reality and a win against Everton will boost them right into the conversation.
Life under Carlos Ancelotti is just fine for the Toffees. Sitting in ninth, the team is looking to make its own push for fourth place. Their legs will be fresher than Arsenal’s because the Gunners played midweek. Everton is entering a crucial stretch of games against Arsenal, United, and Chelsea, so starting off well is a must.
Prediction: Arsenal 1, Everton1
Liverpool vs West Ham (Monday, 3 p.m. EST)
Liverpool will be itching to get back on the field after having suffered defeat midweek in the Champions League. They won’t let that shake them though, as the club is on a mission this season. Having only dropped points once, they are five wins away from a title. Expect Liverpool to bounce back at Anfield.
West Ham continued their poor form by getting blanked by City last time out. In fact, three of their last four games they’ve been shutout. One of those shutouts was at home against Liverpool. It certainly looks like the drought will continue.
Prediction: Liverpool 3, West Ham 0
Enjoy all the goals and watch out for a free kick wonder! I’m feeling a James Ward-Prowse stunner this weekend. Enjoy the action!
Follow Jason Mattis (@LockoftheDay1) on Twitter for more Premier League content.
