Premier League matchday 29 is an oddly lopsided fixture card, with six games scheduled for Sunday and only three on Saturday.
Brighton vs Liverpool
The Seagulls are only nine points away from their best ever Premier League season,
but recent results have not been too kind to Graham Potter’s side.
They’ve lost four league games in a row, last winning at Watford in mid February.
Liverdpool, by contrast, have been in excellent form, winning 12 games in a row in all competitions before their defeat to,
Inter in the Champions League – though that 1-0 result still saw Jurgen Klopp’s side through to the quarter finals.
Prediction: Brighton 0-2 Liverpool
Brentford vs Burnley
Fresh from a massive victory over Norwich last time out, Brentford host Burnley in a clash between two relegation threatened sides.
The Bees triumphed at Carrow Road thanks to Ivan Toney’s hat trick and he’ll fancy his chances of getting another against a Clarets side that have failed to win 26 of their last 29 league games.
It’s a big fixture and one Brentford will want to win to ease their drop fears.
Prediction: Brentford 1-0 Burnley
Manchester United vs Tottenham
Saturday’s late kick off has the potential to be one of the more chaotic games of the season as Manchester United welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford.
United were comprehensively battered by rivals Manchester City 4-1 last time out and there remain doubts over the fitness of forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spurs, meanwhile, smashed Everton 5-0 on Monday night and have scored nine goals in their last two league games.
However, their inconsistency, as displayed by the FA Cup loss at Middlesbrough, remains a frustration for manager Antonio Conte.
With Harry Kane back in top form, Spurs may come out on top by a fine margin.
Prediction: Man Utd 1-2 Tottenham
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Chelsea vs Newcastle
A match on Sunday is probably the least of Chelsea’s worries right now.
The UK government’s decision to freeze Roman Abramovich’s assets has thrown the club into turmoil, with the long-term repercussions still yet to be known.
They did, however, put all the drama to one side on Thursday night as they saw off Norwich to keep a firm grip on third place.
The Blues face a Newcastle side bang in form, with Eddie Howe recently winning February’s Manager of the Month award.
It’s probably the ideal time to visit Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea remain favourites secure victory here.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle
Everton vs Wolves
Everton put in one of the all-time worst performances in Premier League history at Spurs on Monday night, going down 5-0 losers in embarrassing fashion.
It certainly put into perspective the size of the job Frank Lampard has on his hands.
The Toffees host a Wolves side who got back on the horse with an easy victory over Watford following three straight league defeats.
Both sides have scored 28 goals this term, so what follows should be a tight encounter.
However, with Wolves chasing a European qualification spot and Everton in the doldrums,
Bruno Lage’s side should record victory at Goodison Park.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Wolves
Leeds vs Norwich
Leeds’ poor form hasn’t relented despite Jesse Marsch’s arrival as manager.
The Whites have lost seven of their last eight games, the latest of which came against Aston Villa.
Their poor form leaves them 16th, just two points above the bottom three.
Travelling to Elland Road on Sunday are Norwich, who are rooted to the bottom of the table.
Dean Smith hasn’t been able to revive the faltering Canaries and they look certainties for the drop even at the this early stage.
However, in a game between two sides where confidence will be low, the points could be shared.
Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Norwich
Southampton vs Watford
An excellent run of form helped Southampton charge back into the top ten,
though back to back defeats to Aston Villa and Newcastle have halted their momentum.
Making the trip to St Mary’s are Watford, who looked pretty hopeless in their 4-0 defeat at Wolves.
They did push Arsenal at the weekend, but their calamitous defence is not doing them any favours.
The Saints should get back to winning ways comfortably here.
Prediction: Southampton 3-0 Watford
West Ham vs Aston Villa
Another game from the heavily packed Sunday schedule sees a former Liverpool take on the old Everton boss, this time with both on the sidelines.
West Ham’s form has dropped slightly in recent weeks, losing their last three games in all competitions.
Their most recent clash was with Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday,
where David Moyes‘ side gave a good account of themselves despite the 1-0 loss.
Contrastingly, Steven Gerrard’s Villa have won their last three games by an aggregate score of 9-0, with Philippe Coutinho in particularly strong form.
West Ham are chasing European qualification and always put up a strong fight especially at home,
but Villa’s hot-streak in front of goal may continue in an entertaining draw.
Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Aston Villa
Arsenal vs Leicester
A brilliant run of results since mid December has catapulted Arsenal into the driving seat in the race for the top four.
The Gunners’ ability to grind out narrow victories has been vital, thought the 3-2 win at Watford was closer than it should have been.
Visiting the Emirates on Sunday are Leicester, a side who are only just starting to get some consistency going with their results.
Four straight wins in all competitions will have boosted confidence in Brendan Rodgers’ camp,
though the best they can realistically hope to achieve this season is a top ten finish.
The Foxes may get on the scoresheet, but Arsenal should have enough attacking tools at their disposal to deal with their visitors.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Leicester
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Rounding off the weekend’s slate of fixtures is Crystal Palace vs Manchester City on Monday night.
Strikes from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Wilfried Zaha gave the Eagles an impressive 2-0 victory at Wolves last time out,
though the face the toughest assignment possible when Pep Guardiola’s side come to town.
Palace have sprung the odd upset against City in the past,
but with the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne bang in form, it’s tough to look past the Citizens.
