With only six weeks left in this glorious Premier League season, let’s size up the match-ups and see who’s primed for glory and who’s facing misery.
UPSET CITY
Hull City v. Swansea City (Sat 10:00am ET on Live Extra; The KC Stadium)
Swansea is on the brink of assuring itself Premier League status for next year but so too are the Tigers. Done wrong twice in the last week, Stevie Bruce’s side has enough quality to come correct in this one.
Hull City 2 Swansea City 1
Aston Villa v. Fulham (Sat 10:00am ET on Live Extra; Villa Park)
Starting to enjoy this Villa side again. Benteke continues to show flashes of his former self while guys like Guzan, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann and Albrighton can put on some highly entertaining displays. Unfortunately, too often those come against big clubs while they fall asleep against the slop.
Fulham had some bright spots last weekend against Everton, especially in the first half. Think they nip a point here but is it too late?
Aston Villa 1 Fulham 1
Everton v. Arsenal (Sun 8:30am ET on NBCSN; Goodison Park)
The match of the week in the Premier League has Champions League undertones with Everton four points behind Arsenal and a game in hand. The Toffees will need Ross Barkley to win his race for fitness and for the Scouse Football Gods to shine down if Everton is to beat the Gunners for the first time in 13 league matches.
The time has come.
Everton 2 Arsenal 1
SQUEAKY BUM TIME
Cardiff City v. Crystal Palace (Sat 10:00am ET on Live Extra; Cardiff City Stadium)
If your relegation-infused whistle has yet to be wet, this is the match to make it happen. I guarantee goals, a raucous crowd and a highly-determinative outcome.
Cardiff City 2 Crystal Palace 3
Norwich City v. West Bromwich Albion (Sat 10:00am ET on Live Extra; Carrow Road)
Another relegation 6 pointer here between two sides that are currently safe but look the most likely to take the drop.
Norwich City 1 West Brom 1
CAPTAIN OBVIOUS
Manchester City v. Southampton (Sat 7:00am ET on NBCSN; Etihad Stadium)
Few neutrals give as much love to Southampton as I do but it’s make it or break it time for City and this match is one they can’t afford to drop. Plus, the Etihad remains a thorn in the bum of opposition.
Manchester City 3 Southampton 1
Newcastle United v. Manchester United (Sat 10:00am ET on NBCSN; St James’ Park)
Bookended by the Champions League, at first blush this match looks a sure-fire upset call. But David Moyes’ side is beginning to catch fire whereas Newcastle are bumbling into the end of the season.
Newcastle 0 Manchester United 2
Chelsea v. Stoke City (Sat 12:30pm ET on NBC; Stamford Bridge)
A shocking result from Chelsea in the loss to Palace last weekend has left the Blues’ title chances in do-or-die territory.
Chelsea 3 Stoke City 2
West Ham United v. Liverpool (Sun 11:00am ET on CNBC; Upton Park)
Sam Allardyce’s bus is freakishly big and can be quite the nuisance when parked directly in front of the opposition’s goal. It will take blood and guts to get this one done but Liverpool are flying too high to mess this up.
West Ham 0 Liverpool 1
Tottenham Hotspur v. Sunderland (Mon 3:00pm ET on NBCSN; White Hart Lane)
Exactly what Spurs need - a cakewalk.
Tottenham 4 Sunderland 1
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