Week 29 is here, with 10 games to go we are at the business end of the season as everything is still to play for in the Premier League.
With that in mind, it’s time to throw out some predictions for the eight PL matches taking place.
[ STREAM: Every PL game live online ]
I’ve consulted my crystal ball and here’s how we see things panning out…
BASICALLY, FREE MONEY
Burnley 0-3 Manchester City – (Saturday, 1:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN)
Expect a reaction from Manuel Pellegrini’s side following their 2-2 draw at home with Burnley back in December. If they win on Saturday they will momentarily move just two points behind Chelsea in the race for the title. As for the Clarets, they may well just be running out of steam at a crucial point of the season.
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham United – (Saturday, 11 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
The Gunners will continue their match towards a top four spot, and will be on a high after beating Manchester United in the FA Cup last Monday. Wenger’s squad will have Tuesday’s UCL game vs. Monaco on their mind, but should easily handled the fading Hammers.
Swansea City 0-2 Liverpool - (Monday, 4 p.m. ET, NBCSN)
Liverpool look a different team in recent weeks and are going for a fifth win on the trot. Sure, Swansea are in fine form after beating Manchester United at home, but they have been a little inconsistent this season. Expect an away win as Brendan Rodgers’ side surge towards the top four.
DON’T TOUCH THIS…
Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur - (Sunday, 12 p.m. ET, NBCSN)
After Angel Di Maria’s red card, being knocked out of the FA Cup by Arsenal and plenty of star names continuing to struggle, it hasn’t been a great week for Louis van Gaal. It will get better on Sunday. In the latest PST Extra I analyzed the job LVG has done in his first season in charge and although Spurs may have made more progress under Mauricio Pochettino, but if Harry Kane doesn’t score then they are struggling. Expect the Red Devils to stay in the top four with a narrow win. Wayne Rooney will be the difference.
West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Stoke – (Saturday, 11 a.m. ET, Premier League Extratime)
Tony Pulis welcomes his old club to the Hawthorns, and the West Brom boss will hope his side can kick on again after disappointing defeats to Aston Villa in the league and FA Cup over the past week. This will be a tough, tight game. Draw.
Everton 2-2 Newcastle United - (Sunday, 12 p.m. ET, Premier League Extratime)
You just never know what you are going to get from Everton after they have played in the Europa League on the Thursday before. They beat Dynamo Kiev 2-1 at Goodison, but the Magpies will provide a stern test after having over 10 days off.
Leicester City 1-1 Hull City – (Saturday, 11 a.m. ET, Premier League Extratime)
The Foxes and Tigers are both battling for their lives and if Leicester has any chance of staying up, they must win this match at home. It will likely be a nervy match and Leicester may well edge it, but after signing a new contract expect Hull boss Steve Bruce to see his side grind out a point.
Sunderland 1-2 Aston Villa – (Saturday, 11 a.m. ET, Premier League Extratime)
Not sure about this one, at all. Both teams need the points in yet another relegation battle. But the renewed belief Tim Sherwood has given Villa’s player was evident in their league and FA Cup wins over West Brom over the past week. Away win, just.
“SO YOU’RE TELLING ME THERE’S A CHANCE…”
Crystal Palace 1-3 QPR – (Saturday, 8:45 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
QPR were really unlucky against Tottenham last weekend and I think Chris Ramsey’s luck will finally turn. The R’s manager had breathed new life into his squad, but they must start winning. Palace lost at Southampton last time out and defeat to QPR will drag them back into trouble.
Chelsea 1-2 Southampton - (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
Stranger things have happened, right? Okay, as this is under the “so you’re telling me there’s a chance...” section, it is a long shot. But given Saints’ resolute defensive display in December to get a 1-1 draw vs. the Blues and Jose Mourinho’s men crashing out of the Champions League to PSG on Wednesday after extra time, perhaps this is a good time to play the champions elect. Then again, Saints could face a backlash.