Palace 2-0 Brighton
Zaha is finally delivering goals instead of complaining. If he thinks he’s been kicked around he won’t enjoy this fixture which has a reputation of being overly physical, often crossing the line. Both need to keep their discipline in a game I never understand is called a ‘derby’. Palace have more match winners.
Cardiff 0-2 West Ham
Having stayed tight most of the season, Cardiff have waited for the worst possible time to start leaking goals. They need to go back to basics and build from there? Being mostly a Championship squad, do they have the leaders to turn the tide?
Huddersfield 2- 1 Cherries
Eddie Howe will hardly be looking over his shoulder, but he will identify this as the ideal chance to get a morale boosting win. It was very unlike him to surrender possession to City, one of the first times I seen him sacrifice his principles. That suggests a lack of confidence, and it could be a case of if they can’t win this game, when will they win?
Leicester 3-0 Fulham
A lot of people will think Rodgers deserved to taste defeat the same weekend Celtic were winning in the cup.
What he didn’t deserve were people to break into his house, the latest example of football fans thinking they can behave differently in the world of football. The longer be has on the training field, the more he will teach his squad his philosophy. This is the ideal game to make his home debut.
Man City 1-0 Watford
Man City haven’t got enough credit for winning their last 2 games without playing well, which will please Pep more than winning 4-0. Injuries, particular to Fernandinho, could lead to another twist in the title race, he’s the one talent they haven’t got a replacement for. City though might prefer Watford not parking the bus. Going 4 points clear and putting maximum pressure on Liverpool is too big an incentive.
Newcastle 1-0 Everton
I don’t want to be that person, but for a club with lofty ambitions, Everton acted like a small club in their 0-0 draw with Liverpool. I can understand their fans enjoy putting a dent in their rival’s title hopes but the players shouldn’t be playing for a draw, not with the quality they have. The whole occasion affected their final ball and touch, while Silva acted like he had won the cup. It means nothing if they revert to type here.
Southampton 1-2 Spurs
Spurs are now catchable in the race for the top 4. The fixtures have been kind in that they play the day before the 4 sides below them. It would have been interesting if they were having to play catch up. The win in Dortmund might give them the confidence boost they need.
Sunday
Liverpool 3- 0 Burnley
By the time they kick off, Liverpool could be 4 points off the top, they had a chance to be 7 clear a month ago. What will worry Klopp is his front three are playing like the pressure is getting to them, the longer they draw a blank, the harder it will be to re-find their form. An early goal will be critical
Chelsea 1-1 Wolves
When Sarri needed them to, his Chelsea players have stepped up. They have one foot in the quarter finals of the Europa League and are in charge of their own destiny in the race for the top 4. They know Arsenal/ Man U will take points off each other, meaning they should be up for this. Wolves have a good record against the top 6 though.
Arsenal 2-2 Man United
I don’t worry about these types of games. At the Emirates, I’m confident we can beat anyone. I’m more concerned we will win here and then get complacent in upcoming away days. Unai Emery was tactically out thought when we met in the FA Cup, but is the type of manager who will have something else up his sleeve. I did think United are due for some bad luck and assumed that could be due to the amount of injuries they have. Then though they get that amazing win in Paris, and suddenly are coming to London buzzing with confidence.
Dan Smith