Preview and predictions for Match Day 30
Match Day 30 of the Barclays Premier League could be poised to define the title race as two matches in particular will have massive implications for all four sides involved. After this weekend, there will only be seven match days left on the books and for certain sides it is now or never to make their respective pushes, whether if its for their title run or to escape the relegation zone. Let’s preview the fixture list and give you our predictions for the results.
Hull City (13) v Manchester City (4)
ManCity will look to start their final push for their second BPL title in three years when they take on Hull at the KC Stadium in Saturday’s lunchtime fixture. City will be coming into the match fresh on the back of their ousting from European competition at the hands of Barcelona and will look to bounce back in positive fashion on their travels. They will be without the services of Sergio Aguero for tomorrow and for a few matches after, but City’s strength in depth should be able to mask his absence. Hull have a habit of being a tricky side to negotiate at home from time to time and they will have potential relegation zone implications to tangle with should they meet defeat and have sides below them garner positive results.
Prediction: Hull can be tricky, but I do not see them putting a banana peel in City’s way. City should win this one comfortably – if I had to be put on record for a scoreline, I’d say 3-1 City.
Everton (7) v Cardiff City (18)
Everton have not been playing their best football of the campaign currently, so their match against visiting Cardiff will be a welcomed sight for players and supporters alike. The Toffees are currently in a dog-fight with both Tottenham and ManUtd for that coveted 5th place spot and guaranteed Europa League next season and this match will prove key if they are to get on a strong run of form for the remainder of the campaign. Cardiff on the other hand just need to hope to gain as many points as possible for the rest of the season and while they cannot hope to win tomorrow, a draw can see them at least gain a point that could potentially help them avoid the drop come the last day of the season. The problem for Cardiff, is that their away record is the worst in the league, while Everton have one of the strongest home records.
Prediction: I will go with 2-0 Everton. They have struggled to be consistent in front of goal lately, but Cardiff are not exactly defensive wizards on their travels. A third goal would not be shocking either.
Fulham (20) v Newcastle United (8)
If there was ever a side that needed a shot in the arm, it is Fulham. Their continued shock placement at the very bottom of the table, given the players they have on their books is mind boggling and if their loyal support do not want to be attending League Championship matches next season, they must hope their side put in their best shift of the season when they welcome a quietly tough but inconsistent Newcastle. The Magpies do have goals in them and given Fulham’s complete inability to stop their goal from being besieged, it may be another tough afternoon at craven Cottage for the home support. Fulham however, if they can pull it together when it now matters most, do still have the quality about them to climb out of the cellar and they will need that drive tomorrow.
Prediction: Newcastle do slip up on their travels, but such is the abysmal nature of Fulham’s season that I think the Magpies will see this one out. I will go on record for a 3-2 Newcastle win.
Southampton (9) v Norwich City (15)
Norwich travel to the south coast for a fixture that they perhaps will not be looking forward to, as Maurico Pochettino’s side is set to welcome them to St. Mary’s. In fourteen away matches this season, Norwich have only found the back of the net nine times, surrendered thirty-two and have only earned eight points – not very credible. Soton have been playing pleasing on the eye football under the Argentine headmaster and he certainly will ring in the changes against a Norwich side that are the second worst defensive team on the road this season. Norwich are adept at putting ten men behind the ball and taking space away but whether they’ll be able to do it efficiently enough will remain to be seen till tomorrow.
Prediction: Southampton are not the most consistent home side despite their attractive football, but Norwich just do not have enough when away from their home ground to take anything away from this match. 2-1 Southampton.
Stoke City (12) v West Ham United (10)
Stoke are set to welcome a very impressive West Ham side as of late in what is an intriguing match despite its lack of a high profile. West Ham are on the back of some fantastic form and are 4-1-1 in their last six run outs under manager Sam Allardyce. Despite the Hammers impressive run, everyone knows how difficult Stoke can be at the Britannia, no one more than some of the leagues big boys – on their day, Stoke can take points off anyone when at their ground. The Potters have only tasted defeat twice at home this season, a mark which is impressive for a side in mid-table. By the numbers, West Ham are the better side but the difficulty of their visit should even it out.
Prediction: I think Stoke will earn a draw. West Ham are playing brilliant football lately but Stoke will be Stoke and that can easily be enough to make up the difference. For me, this match ends 1-1.
Sunderland (19) v Crystal Palace (16)
A match featuring two less than stellar sides this season could actually turn into an entertaining fixture to keep an eye on when Palace take a jaunt up north to visit Sunderland. Only three points separate relegation zoned Sunderland from Palace who are just outside of it. Sunderland will see this match as a key fixture in the run in to the end of the season, and Palace likewise as the Black Cats have two matches in hand over the London side and are only three points adrift from them. Sunderland are poor at home and Palace are troubled on their travels, though Sunderland have more goals about them.
Prediction: Sunderland will edge Palace out and earn a vital three points. 1-0 Sunderland at the end of 90 minutes.
Swansea City (14) v West Bromwich Albion (17)
One win in thirteen tripes away from The Hawthorns this season is not a sign of positive things to come when they travel to Wales to take on Swansea. The good news for Brom supporters is that they do on average score one goal each time they pay another side a visit, the trouble comes from the fact that Swansea are good for two goals at home on average. Swansea are capable of strong performances and will certainly be keen to distance themselves from any further flirtations with the drop zone. West Brom do have a game in hand over eighteenth placed Cardiff, so any negative outcome tomorrow at least will see them avoid the drop zone as they have a far superior goal difference.
Prediction: Nine points in thirteen matches on the road is just not enough to see West Brom take anything away from this match – Swansea should win this one and keeping with the statistics, I will say a 2-1 scoreline.
Aston Villa (11) v Chelsea (1)
Villa Park is set to welcome table-topping Chelsea in Saturday’s late match and it could become an ugly affair if the Villains are not careful. Villa Park has not been too kind to their owners this season, and the Blues will look to capitalize on that as they will aim to put another three points in the overall point haul of the season before they switch gears for their midweek second leg fixture against Galatasaray. Champions League football and a place in the quarter finals will no doubt be on the minds of Jose Mourinho and his players and he could potentially rest one or two key players with that in mind. Is that enough to aid Villa in garnering a favorable result in front of the home support?
Prediction: Despite their disappointing draw at West Brom a month ago, Chelsea are in fine form domestically and have not tasted defeat since December 7th, so no I cannot see Villa coming away with anything in this match. 3-1 Chelsea.
Manchester United (6) v Liverpool (2)
In one of the most anticipated matches between these two bitter rivals in recent memory, Liverpool are set to put their title credentials to the test when they visit Old Trafford on Sunday. This certainly can and will be a season defining match for both sides, as Liverpool look to prove they are in the running for the league title, while United must show they are up to the task of at least derailing their rivals title chances while they look to improve their season before its completion. Out of the top-six, Liverpool are one of the weakest when it comes to displays on the road, but United’s traditional impregnability at home has suffered dramatically under Moyes in his first term – this is sure to be a cracker regardless. SS&S will certainly ask questions of United’s defense while the attacking trio of RvP, Rooney and Mata must do the same if they are to have a hope of getting a result.
Prediction: Could end up being one of the matches of the season and I see it ending in a spirited and quality draw – United will be up for this enough to not drop all three points. 2-2 is my prediction.
Arsenal (3) v Tottenham Hotspur (5)
In the second installment of an action-packed rivalry Sunday, Arsenal take a literal stroll to visit their hated north London rivals at White Hart Lane. Arsenal are now out of Europe after being bounced by holders Bayern Munich and Spurs are effectively out of the Europa League after yesterdays loss to Benfica – needless to say, both sides will be ready and raring to go. A win for the Gunners could see them jump back up to second baring results in the United v Pool match, while a win for Spurs could help them solidify fifth baring the outcome of the same earlier match and even see them try to press for fourth. Spurs have been decent enough at home, but struggle to score goals at the Lane, while Arsenal are strong away from the Emirates but their defense has been debatable on their travels. Spurs fans will be pleased to remember that Arsenal will be without Ozil and Ramsey to go along with the season ending injury to Walcott.
Prediction: Spurs have not been impressive under Sherwood, struggle to score at home and the players seem to lack belief in the manager and his set up – Arsenal will take the full three points with a 2-1 win.
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