It is getting tense at both ends of the Premier League table, with big some big games this weekend.
Liverpool have suffered a poor couple of results, with their lead at the top evaporating and Man City now ahead on goal difference, albeit having played one game more.
The Reds host Bournemouth this weekend as they look to bounce back from consecutive 1-1 draws and get their title bid back on track.
Away from all things Liverpool, there are nine more Premier League matches over the next couple of days.
Here’s our usual look at the action on offer.
Fulham vs. Man United – Saturday, 12.30pm – Sky Sports Main Event
Man United keep on winning under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, so much so that they now are right in contention to finish in fourth place.
It has been an excellent start to life as United manager for the Norwegian, regrettably, and it should be another victory on Saturday lunchtime.
Fulham look increasingly as though they will be back in the Championship next season and their defence could be torn apart by an in-form Marcus Rashford.
Prediction: Fulham 0-2 Man United
Crystal Palace vs. West Ham – Saturday, 3pm
This is a London derby that has the potential to be an entertaining clash.
Crystal Palace‘s win over Fulham eased any relegation fears and they should now be eyeing up a mid-table finish.
Only six points separate themselves and West Ham, so a victory over the Hammers at Selhurst Park would be significant.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side were impressive against Liverpool on Monday night and they will believe they can head home jubilant.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 West Ham
Huddersfield vs. Arsenal – Saturday, 3pm
Huddersfield are doomed, if not mathematically (yet).
The Terriers have always looked like the Premier League‘s weakest side this season and it is a case of damage limitation now.
Arsenal were limp in their 3-1 loss at Man City, but this is an entirely different game and their attack will feel they can have a field day.
Unai Emery still has plenty of convincing to do, but this will be a nice February stroll for his team.
Prediction: Huddersfield 0-2 Arsenal
Southampton vs. Cardiff – Saturday, 3pm
The big relegation clash of the weekend sees Southampton (16th) entertain Cardiff (18th), in a vital meeting at St Mary’s.
Two points separate the pair, with Ralph Hasenhuttl well aware of how much breathing space a win would give his players.
Cardiff have so much fighting spirit, though, as their 2-0 win over Bournemouth last Saturday showed.
Saints may just edge it, using home advantage to their benefit, but Neil Warnock’s men won’t go away lightly.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Cardiff
Watford vs. Everton – Saturday, 3pm
Everton predictably lay down and allowed Man City to cruise past them on Wednesday and there is now genuine pressure on Marco Silva.
The Portuguese returns to former club Watford this weekend, with the Hornets still well-placed to finish seventh this season.
Wolves are four points ahead of them and currently occupy that position, however, so getting the better of Everton is important.
They will, and it might just see the Hornets put the final nail in Silva’s coffin, ironically.
Prediction: Watford 2-1 Everton
Brighton vs. Burnley – Saturday, 5.30pm – BT Sport 1
There’s always one game which looks rather unappealing across the weekend: this time around it is Brighton vs. Burnley.
Brighton have too many points and enough quality not to get dragged into the relegation fight, although the Clarets are far from safe.
Every time they threaten to pull away, a poor result sees them launched back into the mix.
Burnley need the points more and it may be the type of fixture where simple desire sees them battle their way over the finish line.
It would be churlish to say Brighton are already on the beach—they are not that far clear of the bottom three—but their intensity may start showings signs of dropping.
Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Burnley
Tottenham vs. Leicester – Sunday, 1.30pm – Sky Sports Main Event
Tottenham have somehow got right back into the title race, even though many don’t seem to be speaking about them as genuine contenders.
They are now just five points behind Liverpool and City, with their ability to grind out ugly wins proving priceless against both Watford and Newcastle.
Spurs will be tested when Leicester head to Wembley on Sunday, should the Foxes produce a display similar to the one at Anfield last week.
If the influential Son Heung-min pulls off another big performance, victory should be secured again.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-0 Leicester
Man City vs. Chelsea – Sunday, 4pm – Sky Sports Main Event
Sunday’s action finishes with a cracker at the Etihad, as Chelsea try and help Liverpool out and show a lot more fight than Arsenal managed.
City have the bit between their teeth now, exerting enormous pressure on the Reds, and it is hard to see them failing to win.
In Eden Hazard, the Blues have a player capable of tearing any defence to shreds on his day—Willian and Gonzalo Higuain also possess genuine pedigree—so it may not be plain sailing.
It will be victory for the champions though, sadly.
Prediction: Man City 3-1 Chelsea
Wolves vs. Newcastle – Monday, 8pm – Sky Sports Main Event
Wolves host Newcastle to complete the fixture list, though it’s not necessarily a game the neutrals will tune in to watch on Monday night.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been a revelation in 2018/19, sitting seventh and deservedly so, and another home victory is probable.
Rafa Benitez’s Magpies were beaten in cruel fashion at Spurs last Saturday; expect a defensive-minded approach with the hope of nicking a goal on the break.
Wolves will be too strong.
Fan Comments