The Premier League returns after teams played off in the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup games. Some may have rested longer than others due to lack of involvement in some of these competitions, whereas others went all out in all 3. It cannot be ignored that the League us getting interesting on all edges of the table and this weekend will definitely bring more to the table. Four teams will not be involved this Gameweek; Brighton and Hove, Chelsea, Everton and Manchester City.
Here are the predictions for the 27th Gameweek:
Cardiff vs Watford
Cardiff’s last back to back wins in the League has helped them out of the bottom of the table; their most recent one against Southampton who are right behind them. They face Watford, a team that is trying to secure a European spot next season. Cardiff need to points to stay clear off the bottom the bottom the table.
Watford’s position (8th) is not too bad but could be better had they not dropped points against Burnley, Tottenham and Brighton and Hove. They have this away game against Cardiff which will see them aim for that European spot they desire, but will need be cautious as Cardiff are poised to fight for their survival in the League.
Vote: Watford Win
West Ham United vs Fulham
Winless in 4 games, The Hammers are losing too many points to edge for that European spot they desire. 2 point in for games has left them in 10th position. They 2nd successive Derby game against Fulham who they were able to beat at Craven Cottage. They can do it again but could face a vengeful Fulham, out to seek a massive Derby win.
Fulham may be trying but not hard enough to see them gain any points to help them shake themselves out of the bottom of the table. Currently 19th, they are roughly 8 points from that light out of the dreaded bottom 3 and have much to do if they are to still stay in the League. This Derby game against West Ham with the first step, if they can seize a big win away from home.
Vote: West Ham Win
Burnley vs Tottenham Hotspur
Burnley are still undefeated in this calendar year so far. However, they remain 15th and still vulnerable to teams behind them that can catch up to them. The Spurs have had the upper hand against them in previous years but they have the chance to continue that unbeaten 2019 run and claim 3 points if they are determined.
The Spurs are team that have been ignored from the title race; though they may be in it. They are 3rd and 5 points behind both Liverpool and Manchester City. They are surely fighting for something beyond just a Champions League spot but will need keep their heads up. It would seem likely that will see Burnley off, but they cannot underestimate them if they are keep pressure at the top.
Vote: Tottenham Win
Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton
Bournemouth’s last 2 defeats has kept them down at 11th. Their lack of consistency is making the fans confused and the team needs to show more desire to want a European spot. The Wolves are not team that have held back from a fight this season and The Cherries will need to be at their best to prevent Wolves from biting at them.
Wolverhampton are undefeated in 4 games and claimed 10 points from those games that has put them in 7th place. They are surely doing better than they have in previous Premier League Seasons. It is not over for them yet as they have Bournemouth to face who are both hot and cold. They cannot gamble on that and will just have put out their best performance to keep going up the table.
Vote: Bournemouth Win
Newcastle vs Huddersfield
Newcastle are in stiff battle of survival. They have not progressed further in terms of position and performance since the big win against Manchester City. They host staggering Huddersfield but will need to show that they are truly worth being in the league.
Huddersfield are surely down and out. It would take a miracle turnover for them to pull back out of their state. If there is fight let in them, then it will be an honorable one. Newcastle as most of their games this season will be a stiff test of that honor.
Vote: Newcastle Win
Leicester City vs Crystal Palace
Leicester City have put out some good performances of late, but the results have not shown that. They are winless since New Year’s Day. Drifting them down to 12th position since that run. Hosting Crystal Palace will be will be a competitive game for Claude Puel and his men. They need to turn their good performances into wins.
Crystal Palace are 13th behind Leicester City. Their performances have not been great since the start of the year and need to get points fast to stay clear off the bottom of the table. The Foxes have not been able to beat them in their last 3 League encounters. The Eagles know that they will be in for a special encounter form the other where they had the upper hand.
Vote: Draw
Arsenal vs Southampton
Guns fire and sometimes don’t for The Gunners. They are 5th in the League and have not seen the top 4 since last November 2018. They are close and have been for some time, but lack the determination to see themselves get in and stay in. Southampton were succeeded over them in the festive period at St. Mary’s but The Emirates is a hostile ground for them. The Gunners need to show that they are capable of being a top side once again.
Southampton’s loss to Cardiff City has dropped them into the bottom 3. This is crucial time for The Saints as they have work to do in order to push themselves out of that dreaded zone. Arsenal will surely be out for revenge after Southampton’s last victory against them. The Saints will have to be sharp if they want to do a double against them.
Vote: Arsenal Win
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Manchester United have bulldoze their way up to 4th position. They are undefeated in 8 League games; a sure sign of them getting back to their old ways. Liverpool have always been a thorn in their backside, especially after having defeated the them in their last away visit to Anfield. This game will important to them, as they will want to take all 3 points to keep them in that Champions League spot.
Liverpool have shaken a few times, clinching 5 points in their last 3 games. They are 2nd to Champions Manchester City with questions looming as to whether they may slip up to them again as they did in 2014. This game has always been the highlight of Premier League for them. Despite The Red Devils being quite far from their reach, The Reds know they cannot drop points any more, as the clock is slowly winding down to the end of the season.
Vote: Liverpool Win
Other Teams
Brighton and Hove – It seems to be a horror show Brighton and Hove, having only claimed 2 points this far into 2019. It is clear that they are in the fight for survival as indicated by their performances. They still have a quarter final position in the Fa Cup, which is a glimmer of hope for the club. They also have a tussle with Chelsea which is they would probably be looking forward to after their slump in form. Their fight for survival will be difficult to cope with especially with FA Cup hopes still alive.
Everton – Everton are 9th in the League and haven’t won their last 3 League games. They are out of the other competitions and though this could be a means for them to focus on the Premier league, nothing is ever easy. They still have a shot a European spot but will need to turn the tables on recent performances. The time they have will help them reflect on what they can do to increase their chances of competing the European stage.
Chelsea – There is negative energy looming around The Blues of London. 3 consecutive away defeats, with 12 goals in total conceded in those games, has seem them drop out of the top 4. they also got knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United, a team they beat in the final to lift the trophy last season but manged to thump Malmo in the Europa League. Questions are being asked about “Sarri-ball” and the club as a whole. They face Manchester City in the League final this weekend. A lot of damaged needs to be repaired but the questioned need to be addressed immediately if the club is to show promise for the rest of the season.
Manchester City – The Champions are showing why the are Champions of the League. All their last games from the Chelsea mauling to the Champions League win against Schalke has made them a force to not be taken lightly. They marginally hold first place in the League by goal difference, with Liverpool’s high determination to keep the pressure on them. They have much to focus on aside from the League; and the League Cup final this weekend against Chelsea will be their first priority.
Let's see how it goes. Let's Play Ball!
