An eight-game card only for the Premier League this weekend as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur meet in each other in Sunday’s Capital One Cup final.
It really is a Super Sunday in England this weekend with a number of big matches. There are also important games at both ends of the table to get us through Saturday first.
Here’s a look at the Premier League games this weekend:
Saturday:
West Ham vs Crystal Palace
The Premier League kicks off at lunchtime with a London derby as West Ham host Crystal Palace. This is two sides out of form – West Ham have won just won of their last nine Premier League games since being fourth on Christmas Day.
Alan Pardew made a good start at Selhurst Park but has now won only one of his last five in all competitions as Crystal Palace manager.
Sam Allardyce won this match up back in August, 3-1 at Selhurst Park – Mauro Zárate, Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole scored the goals for the Hammers that day. Downing’s form has dipped since whilst Zárate has been loaned out and Cole will be lucky to feature.
With home field advantage, we think West Ham will take all three points from this one.
Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Crystal Palace
Burnley vs Swansea City
Both of these two sides caused a surprise last weekend – Burnley became only the second team to take a point away from home at Stamford Bridge whilst Swansea City beat Manchester United 2-1.
Despite this, Sean Dyche’s side have won only two of their last 16 matches in all competitions whilst the Swans have won only two of their last eight Premier League games.
The two goals scored against Manchester United last weekend was the first time in 12 league games the Welsh side have scored more than one goal in a game.
Swansea won the home fixture between these two 1-0 earlier this season but we’re going for a score draw today.
Prediction: Burnley 1-1 Swansea City
Manchester United vs Sunderland
Victory for Manchester United would ensure they remain in the UEFA Champions League places at the end of the weekend.
Louis van Gaal’s side will be looking to bounce back from their defeat in Wales last weekend in more familiar surrounds – United have won 10 of their 13 Premier League games at Old Trafford this season.
Sunderland have won just four of their 26 league games this season as Gus Poyet’s side float dangerously close to the relegation zone.
We’re expecting Manchester United to bounce back with three points this weekend.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
Two teams in a bit of disarray and out-of-form who could really do with three points at St James’ Park on Saturday.
John Carver’s caretaker role hasn’t had much success and they were humiliated 5-0 at Manchester City last weekend where they did not look too interested or passionate for the cause.
Tim Sherwood’s first game as Aston Villa manager ended in disappointment last weekend as Victor Moses scored a late winner at Villa Park for Stoke City.
Expecting a few goals in this one and leaning towards a home win.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-2 Aston Villa
Stoke City vs Hull City
Only Arsenal and Manchester City have beaten Mark Hughes’ Stoke City in the Premier League in 2015. The Potters picked up three points at Villa Park last weekend to give them a four point cushion over the bottom half of the table.
Hull City are one of those sides who sit in the bottom 10 and would be in the bottom three but for back-to-back wins that give them a four point lead over the drop zone before the weekend.Th
There haven’t been too many goals in fixtures between these two recently and we’re going for a draw.
Prediction: Stoke City 1-1 Hull City
West Bromwich Albion vs Southampton
West Brom have suffered just one defeat in their last seven Premier League games and have kept four clean sheets during this run.
Southampton were dealt a huge blow in their Champions League dreams last weekend when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Liverpool. Ronald Koeman’s side faded very badly in the second half, creating limited chances.
That said, the Saints are much higher in the table and should be capable of getting three points at the Hawthorns today. Back to basics with some solid defence to help them to victory.
Prediction: West Brom 0-1 Southampton
Sunday:
Liverpool vs Manchester City
Super Sunday begins with two teams returning from disappointing results in Europe midweek.
Manchester City were beaten 2-1 at home by Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League second round tie whilst Liverpool were eliminated on penalties in Turkey on Thursday.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have had 48 hours less rest than the Premier League leaders which could be a big factor in this match. Something to keep an eye on in the second half.
Liverpool are actually unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games at home to Manchester City.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
Arsenal vs Everton
Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from Wednesday night’s crushing defeat at the hands of Monaco.
Everton were in action 24 hours later so it’s fair to say that there can be no excuses for fatigue from Arsène Wenger’s side.
We look the Gunners going forward in this one – surely Olivier Giroud won’t be as wasteful, whilst perhaps the team won’t leave themselves so open at the back.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Everton
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