Here are Dan’s EPL Predictions with just three games left in the title race. This would seem like a last chance saloon for Arsenal, and even a win will still leave us nail-biting on the result between our rivals, Chelsea and Man United. There will be a lot of nerves around this weekend….
Dan’s Predictions….
Liverpool 5-0 Huddersfield
I keep making different narratives for the title race but we might have to accept that both City and Liverpool might simply win all their games. It means you have to feel sorry for who finishes runners up as this is not a case of one side bottling it. In a run in where you have to be flawless, could you pick a better game? Even if Anfield feels the nerves, I just cannot see the visitors holding out for 90 minutes.
Spurs 1-0 West Ham
Forget the race for 4th, Spurs allowed themselves to be overtaken and no one took advantage. That allows them to have more than one eye on midweek. They are just a win against Ajax from a CL final, will Spurs ever get a better chance? It’s only natural they will be distracted, which means they might make harder work then this compared to usual.
Palace 1-0 Everton
In theory both should be buzzing after their shock wins last Sunday. Yet both sets of fans will tell you it would be like both of them to follow it up with not showing up at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Fulham 3-1 Cardiff
So since relegation has been confirmed, Fulham look a threat on the attack which I been waiting for all year. In other words, individuals are playing for moves away from the Cottage. Cardiff have to chase the win which plays into the home sides hands.
Saints 3-1 Cherries
Can’t see Cardiff doing enough to drag Saints back into the dog fight, meaning they should enjoy this derby.A few more games left or a few less points and I would worry about Eddie Howe’s men, they don’t want to take this form into the start of the next campaign.
Watford 2-Wolves 3
Could be the game of weekend. If not for standards of top 2, two contenders for manager of the year. With zero pressure, no reason why this can’t be ‘you play we play’. Wolves to edge it, which will just make them think they should have won that FA Cup Semi Fina.l
Brighton 1-0 Newcastle
Brighton are tip toeing to safety. Only Cardiff winning can force them to be more ambitious. Newcastle are the ideal visitors and they equally won’t mind a conservative game. Both managers would take a 0-0 now if you offered it to them.
Leicester 3-1 Arsenal
A month ago I got hammered for accusing our fan base of being arrogant in the assertion that we had the easiest run in. Our away form over the last two years shows the Everton and Wolves results should shock no-one. Where Emery can earn his money is by preparing his men for this Sunday like it’s a cup final. Despite losing 3 out of our last 4 league games, we are not out of the equation. Win and Chelsea have to win at Old Trafford for our fate not to be in our own hands. Whoever finishes 4th will do so based on the other two not taking advantage, not anything great they have done. Still, there is no point feeling sorry for yourselves if there is still so much to play for?
Burnley 1-1 Man City
Liverpool have gotten a lot of credit for their late goals, etc but don’t overlook what City have done in the last week. They went out of Europe against a side they were expected to beat, in a competition they are under pressure to win. They then had to face the same opponent and a Manchester Derby knowing there was zero room for failure, with most of the country willing Liverpool on. Where Klopp wants to be champions, Guardiola has to. If they are top after this weekend I make them favourites, but this is type of game is a one off where you could be bullied, especially with Burnley now safe.
Man United 1-2 Chelsea
The praise in midweek bordered a bit on patronising. They worked hard, they battled, etc….. This is Man United. Once you accept your rivals comfortably winning 2-0 at your ground you become ….well, Arsenal! This is another game where I can see Hazard making the difference. For all the criticism Sari gets, his team are slowly putting a run together.