Following a solid but unspectacular showing in our last outing, we are back with five more Premier League predictions for the upcoming action. Let us know yours in the comments!
Following FA Cup and European games over the last week, the Premier League is back under the spotlight this weekend.
That and Liverpool’s League Cup Final against Man City, of course.
Things are really beginning to hot up at both ends of the table, with the title, top-four and relegation battles all promising to thrill between now and May.
There are eight league matches over the weekend; here are five bold predictions that we believe will come to fruition.
Leicester Bounce Back In Style
The showdown between Arsenal and Leicester City at the Emirates two weeks ago was billed as a potentially season-defining game, and Claudio Ranieri’s side suffered heartbreak in north London.
Danny Welbeck’s last-gasp header sent the 10-man Foxes home empty-handed, and there were many who felt it could have a damaging impact on the rest of their season.
Leicester have proved people wrong time and time again, though, and while plenty are tipping them to potentially slip-up at home to Norwich City on Saturday, they will pass with flying colours.
Having had a few weeks to recharge the batteries and prepare for an enormous three months or so means Ranieri’s men will storm to victory by at least two goals.
More Discontent Inside Old Trafford
Man United may have qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League in style on Thursday evening, but supporters remain frustrated with manager Louis van Gaal.
The quality of his football has been much-criticised all season long, but they have a chance to produce a big performance against Arsenal on Sunday.
United won’t win the game, however, and even if they earn a draw at Old Trafford, the supporters will once again have to witness sleep-inducing football.
Expect boos to be ringing around the stadium at half-time, and quite possibly even full-time. Don’t expect entertainment from the hosts, though.
Worst Match Of The Season Contender
Once February and March arrive in every season, there are always some matches that simply look unbearable to watch before you have even seen it.
That is exactly the case with Crystal Palace‘s trip to West Brom on Saturday evening, and Sky must be cursing themselves for having it as their live game.
Tony Pulis is not exactly a manager famed for exciting football at the best of times, but this really could be a shocker of a contest.
Both sides are safe from relegation, but won’t threaten the European places, and if ever a game had 0-0 written all over it, it is this one.
Forster’s Run Comes To An End
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster has been in magnificent form since returning from injury, keeping six successive Premier League clean-sheets.
The 27-year-old missed almost a year of action, but his performances have enhanced his chances of not only making England’s Euro 2016 squad this summer, but possibly even being first-choice in goal.
Despite this, Forster’s superb run will come to an end on Saturday, as Southampton welcome in-form Chelsea to St Mary’s.
The Blues will find the back of the net at least once, although a draw appears to be the most likely outcome between two sides playing some good football at the moment.
Big Sam Haunts Former Club
Nobody is better at keeping relegation-threatened teams in the Premier League than Sam Allardyce, and he is currently tasked with keeping Sunderland up.
The Englishman faces former club West Ham on Saturday lunchtime, and many will fancy the Hammers to pick up all three points at home to the Black Cats.
West Ham will suffer an FA Cup hangover, however, which will play into Sunderland‘s hands, and Allardyce will come away from Upton Park with a minimum of a draw.
He and Pulis are the kings of grinding out enough points to remain in the division, and Saturday will be perfect proof of that.
Let us know your predictions for the weekend in the comments below.
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