LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 30, 2014: Tottenham Hotspur's manager Mauricio Pochettino during the Premier League match against Everton at White Hart Lane. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Spurs and Man United to draw, red card at Upton Park – 5 Premier League predictions

Last weekend’s Premier League predictions were mediocre at the very best, but this time around we are confident of a much-needed return to form.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 2, 2016: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp before during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

There is another exciting round of top-flight fixtures to look forward to in the coming days, with Liverpool hosting Stoke City on Sunday afternoon.

Leicester City will look to continue their unstoppable march to title glory when they visit Sunderland, while Tottenham Hotspur host Man United, in what is a crucial game for both.

The same applies at Upton Park, as West Ham United welcome Arsenal to east London, and Man City are at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday evening.

Newcastle United will be desperate for a win when they visit Southampton – another defeat could make survival incredibly tough for Rafa Benitez’s side – while Norwich City’s trip to Crystal Palace is also vital in the relegation scrap.

This is just a taste of what is on offer this weekend, as the domestic season becomes more and more tense by the week.

Here are our five weekly predictions – how many do you expect to come to fruition?

 

Red Card at Upton Park

11.11.2011, Turk Telekom Arena, Istambul, TUR, UEFA EURO Qualifikation, Tuerkei (TUR) vs Kroatien (CRO), im Bild Slaven Bilic // during the UEFA EURO qualifying football match, between Turkey (TUR) and Craoatia (CRO) at Turk Telekom Arena Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey on 11/11/2011. EXPA Pictures © 2011, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ nph/ Pixsell/ Slavko Midzor..***** ATTENTION - OUT OF GER, CRO *****

The Saturday lunchtime offering between West Ham and Arsenal is one of the most eye-catching match-ups of the weekend.

The Hammers are still very much in the top-four race – just three points adrift of Man City – while Arsenal will hope to keep their incredibly slim title chances alive.

It is a London derby, which always adds guaranteed spice to the occasion, and it is likely that a red card will be shown at some point during the game.

Could it be a moment of madness from Gabriel? Or a handball on the line by James Collins? We shall find out in the coming days.

Either way, someone is receiving their marching orders.

 

Five 1-0 Victories On the Spin for Leicester

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Boxing Day, Saturday, December 26, 2015: Leicester City's manager Claudio Ranieri before the Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Leicester have made a mockery of these predictions in 2015/16.

Time and time again they have been tipped to slip up, but they have just churned out wins at an incredible rate all season long.

Last Sunday, the Premier League leaders dug deep and defeated Southampton at home, registering their fourth 1-0 win in a row. At Sunderland, they will make it five.

Defensively they are a superb unit, and the work rate of the midfield also plays a huge part in Leicester keeping so many clean sheets. The firepower of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy then does the business at the other end.

It has been a recipe for success throughout the campaign, and will continue in the same vein against Sunderland this weekend.

 

A Big Day for Norwich at Selhurst Park

NORWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, January 22, 2016: Norwich City's manager Alex Neil before the Premiership match against Liverpool at Carrow Road. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Norwich‘s dramatic 2-1 win at home to Newcastle was a potentially season-defining moment, and the confidence gained from that victory will be huge.

Alex Neil’s men travel to south London to face Palace on Saturday, knowing a win would put them level on points with the Eagles.

Palace have capitulated after such a brilliant start to the campaign, and they are far from out of the relegation mire.

It will be one of those nervy games that pops up around this time of the season, and it will be the visitors who sneak a massive victory.

 

Honours Even at White Hart Lane

LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 17, 2015: Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli in action against Liverpool during the Premier League match at White Hart Lane. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Kloppaganda)

Spurs simply have to beat Man United on Sunday afternoon, if they are to keep their already diminishing title hopes alive.

They will come up against a United side whose results have been surprisingly good against the top teams this season, and they will once again get a result at White Hart Lane.

It is likely to be an attritional contest in north London, with both sides strong defensively and not always the most flamboyant.

Spurs are the better side, without question, but the added pressure, and United’s improved form, will see the two head home with a point apiece.

 

Calm Before the Storm at Anfield

DORTMUND, GERMANY - Wednesday, April 6, 2016: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp during a training session at Westfalenstadion ahead of the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match against Borussia Dortmund. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool’s home clash with Stoke on Sunday has a certain end-of-season feel to it, with both sides not having a huge amount to play for in the league.

The fact that the match is sandwiched in between the Reds’ two Europa League games against Borussia Dortmund is likely to take an edge off proceedings as well.

It will struggle to get going as a contest, and there will almost be a feeling that Anfield is saving itself for Thursday’s second leg.

Either the Reds or the Potters may sneak a win – Klopp is likely to rest key men, which could weaken his side significantly – but a forgettable draw feels like the most likely outcome.