Everyone is back for Premier League action this mid-week. There will still be games in hand due to other teams being involved in other competitions. It won’t change the excitement and drama that the League always brings.
Let’s take a look at previews and predictions for the 28th Gameweek:
Cardiff vs Everton
Cardiff’s dreaded home performance against Watford keeps them at 17th position. They know the heat will slowly engulf them if they don’t change their situation soon. They host Everton this time who are also looking to improve their current situation. They cannot afford to slip up, especially with Southampton on their tail.
Everton dropped to 11th position after this weekend clash that they were not involved in. Clearly the gamble of teams slipping up did not work in their favour, but his their chance to get back on their feet. Their away record has not been entirely good this season but this could be the turnover point for them.
Vote: Everton Win
Huddersfield vs Wolverhampton
Huddersfield have lost every game in 2019 except the draw against Cardiff. It is looking very unlikely that they will recover, but they can try to lift the spirits of the fans if they can beat The Wolves at home.
Wolverhampton recorded their second successive draw against Bournemouth dropping them to 8th position. Fear may be rising that they could start slipping up points. They face a weak Huddersfield side but as in the Premier League, cannot underestimate any team, no matter their situation.
Vote: Wolverhampton Win
Leicester City vs Brighton and Hove
Leicester City are winless in 6 games. They remain 12th and seem to losing grip of the spark they once had in their League winning season. Whether or not it’s lack of motivation to the players, or misfortunes or a combination of both, it is hard for anyone to tell. Their home game against Brighton and Hove is likely to prove whether or not they are capable of getting back winning ways.
Though Brighton and Hove did not get a chance to play this past weekend, they decent into the bottom of the table has started. They drop down to 16th place, 3 points off the bottom 3. They are still winless since the end of December. They could do something about that situation against a Leicester City side that is struggling in form. An away win will be big for them.
Vote: Leicester City Win
Newcastle vs Burnley
Newcastle’s win against Huddersfield takes them up to 15th. They are still not safe as the bottom of the table is short reach of them. Burnley are building momentum and will be up for the test as St. James’s Park. They will be in for a tough contest.
Burnley are having a great run since the start of the New Year. They are still unbeaten and celebrate a 2nd victory in 5 games. They could stretch that tally to 3 if they can beat Newcastle, but nothing is ever easy at St. Jame’s Park.
Vote: Draw
Arsenal vs Bournemouth
Arsenal enter the top 4 for the first time since November 2018 after their victory against Southampton. Though it’s still marginal between Manchester united and Chelsea, they can try and stretch that lead when they host Bournemouth. They had a tussle in their first game against them, though came out on top and will not want to repeat it again.
Bournemouth will feel like they dropped and opportunity against The Wolves, who they drew to. Fortunately for them, they moved up to 10th. Arsenal will be looking to beat them against unless The Cherries pull out a stunning performance to stink Arsenal’s hopes of maintaining the top 4.
Vote: Arsenal Win
Southampton vs Fulham
Southampton maintain their position at 18th. Fortunately for them, they are not too far from leaving that position a Cardiff also slipped points and is a point ahead. They cannot rely on another slip up from other teams but their own performance and success in games especially after their dip in form. Hosting Fulham may seem like a walkover but there is no certainty to which Cottagers will pitch on the day.
Fulham’s ship has surely sunk. They are playing game after game will no real determination to win or salvage a points. They are far from leaving the bottom but it isn’t impossible yet. They can start by grabbing points from Southampton but The Saints will not make it easy for them especially at home.
Vote: Southampton Win
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
It is growing increasingly difficult for Chelsea to become the team they once were. After a dramatic League cup final defeat, their morale continues to sink along with their top 4 hopes. Questions continue to be asked and no answers to follow. They are back in the League games and face their London rivals Tottenham who bashed them at Wembley in their last League encounter. The tables might turn at Samford Bridge, but which Chelsea will feature on the day?
The Spurs suffered an emotional slip up against Burnley, though they are not entirely out of the title race. They are still 3rd and 6 points off the top, but know now they cannot afford to slip up any more points if they are to keep that dream alive. Chelsea are formidable opponents in all of their Derby game encounters, especially at Stamford Bridge. They have the upper hand statistically but should not let their guard down against these daunting London rivals.
Vote: Tottenham Hotspur Win
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United
The Eagles had glorious victory against Leicester City. Though it did not change their position (13th) it gave them the possibility to try catch up with their mid-table rivals. They host Manchester United, who they have not beaten in over 5 league encounters. The Red Devils are in high spirits right now which would require them to be both daring and cautious if they are going to win.
Manchester United have not lost a League game since the caretaker manager stepped in. They are currently 5th after they dropped points against Liverpool. They are still in the race for a top four spot but will need to keep on going and avoid dropping points. They have been dominant over Crystal Palace but they cannot take that risk of underestimating them.
Vote: Manchester United Win
Liverpool vs Watford
Liverpool are top of the League. They are 1 point above Manchester City which is minimal but would give them edge in trying to maintain and extend that lead. Watford are team that have been looking brighter since the start of the year. The Reds need to stay focused on the grand prize at the end of the season.
Watford are sharper, playing better and stinging harder than before. They are up to 7th position, which could give them a European spot for next season. But the battle is not over, they will need to face Liverpool who are still fighting hard for their 1st league win in over 20 years.
Vote: Liverpool Win
Manchester City vs West Ham United
The Champions will be feeling great and prepared after their glorious victory against Chelsea in the League Cup final. There is speculation that as good as they are now, they could be aiming for a quadruple. Though they are a point behind Liverpool, they will not stop in fighting to reclaim what is theirs. The Citizens have nailed down The Hammers in numerous games before. They will not allow their title dreams to fade to them.
West Ham are trying to get back to winning ways, especially with a European spot not to far from them now. They are 9th in the league and after beating Fulham in their last Derby game over the weekend, they will want to the fight to the Etihad. The poor record against them will not make them favourites to win but they can put out a good dhow for them if
they are determined to keep their European dream alive.
Vote: Manchester City Win
The heat is on. Let's Play Ball!
