Dec 14

Matchday 27 Preview

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Chelsea vs Tottenham

With Manchester City's supposed infractions, the race for fourth has suddenly become the race for fifth and although there is something of a safety net in terms of potential Champions League qualification, neither Chelsea nor Tottenham will look to use it.

For both clubs a fourth-place finish is still the main objective and with just a point separating the two teams before Saturday's clash, it has set up this Stamford Bridge meeting very nicely indeed.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Tottenham

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle

With Crystal Palace failing to win any of their last seven Premier League outings, all is not well in South London and suddenly, the Eagles find themselves looking nervously at the relegation battle that is unfolding below them.

This Saturday sees them play host to a Newcastle side, who looked impressive in the first half against Arsenal, but once again a lack of serious goal threat proved to be their ultimate undoing.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-0 Newcastle

Sheffield United vs Brighton

Another team that looks set to profit from Manchester City's FFP woes are Sheffield United and although a place in the Champions League might prove to be a step too far, the Blades have certainly seen their chances of earning a European place increase.

This Saturday sees them play host to a Brighton side, who have not won any of their last six, However, they have battled back to earn vital points in their last two outings and that suggests there is still some fight from the Seagulls.

Prediction: Sheffield United 1-0 Brighton

Southampton vs Aston Villa

Things have gone quiet for Southampton as of late and with the Hampshire outfit losing three of their last four league outings, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will know that he and his players need to get out of the current rut they find themselves in.

This weekend sees them go up against an Aston Villa side, who just find themselves on the right side of the relegation dotted line and will look to bounce back after suffering a late defeat to Tottenham last Sunday.

Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Aston Villa

Burnley vs Bournemouth

Burnley are one of the form teams in the division at present and with 10 points from the last 12 on offer, it looks as if Sean Dyche's men have earned themselves another tilt at Premier League football next season. The question now, is will they stop there or push for more?

If they are to get a unlikely crack at a European return, then three points against Bournemouth will be welcome. However, with the Cherries struggling at the bottom, they will need a win just as much.

Prediction: Burnley 2-0 Bournemouth

Leicester vs Manchester City

Leicester have most likely already secured Champions League football next season and now it is a question as to whether they can finish second in the table. That's not outside the realm of possibility and to do that, they will need to get the better of Manchester City at the weekend.

Much has been made about City and their legal battles, but at the same time they must not forget about on-pitch matters either. If they do, there is every chance that they will get mauled by the Foxes.

Prediction: Leicester 2-2 Manchester City

Manchester United vs Watford

Manchester United have reignited their own hopes for Champions League finish after getting the better of Chelsea on Monday night and although that will give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men a boost, they are very much a team that struggles to gain any real momentum.

Therefore, the visit of Watford will be important this Saturday, as not only will the Red Devils look for all three points to aid their cause, but to also exact some revenge for December's defeat at Vicarage Road.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Watford

Wolves vs Norwich

Failure to win any of their last three Premier League matches has just seen Wolves lose pace in the race for a European berth and although this downturn of results will be of concern to manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Sunday provides the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways.

That's because they play host to the Premier League's basement outfit Norwich and although they gave a good account of themselves against Liverpool last week, it was another showing that failed to garner any league points.

Prediction: Wolves 2-0 Norwich

Arsenal vs Everton

Are the Arsenal back? A 4-0 mauling of Newcastle is perhaps too little evidence to go on, but it was a result that will have definitely got the Gunners tails up and if they are to have any chance of a European finish next season, they will need to do more of the same in the final third of this campaign.

This Sunday sees them go up against an in-form Everton side and after recent performances, they might just be the dark horse in the ever-intensifying race for Champions League places.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Everton

Liverpool vs West Ham

What can you say about Liverpool that hasn't already been said? To be honest not a lot, but the fact that they have already officially qualified for next season's Champions League before the end of February, speaks volumes.

Next up for them is the visit of West Ham and with them edging ever closer to 50 Premier League games unbeaten, you cannot see David Moyes' men putting up much of a fight on his return to Merseyside.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham