Dec 14

Matchday 27 Preview

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Burnley vs Arsenal

The weekend's action gets underway at Turf Moor and with Burnley picking up a share of the points at home to Leicester in midweek, Sean Dyche's men will hope for the same or an even better outcome against Arsenal.

However, after the Gunners' impressive 3-1 win over Leicester last weekend, they will be looking to make a late surge into the top six and will know that matches such as this, must be won.

Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Sheffield United vs Southampton

While although Sheffield United are 12 points from safety, there is a sense that Chris Wilder's men will not give up on their hopes of survival and until a lack of mathematical possibility sees them relegated, then the Blades will once again roll up their sleeves in the pursuit of victory.

Which is something that Southampton may need to do and with the Saints picking up just one point from the last 27 on offer, they are not necessarily immune to the threat of relegation either.

Prediction: Sheffield United 0-1 Southampton

Aston Villa vs Wolves

Aston Villa's hopes of European qualification took a substantial dent in midweek, as they lost to Sheffield United and although Dean Smith's men do have a game in hand over their rivals, there is always a sense, that points on the board would be more beneficial right now.

They will look for more points against local rivals Wolves and with the Molineux outfit being the latest team to lose to Manchester City, they will now look to bounce back on Saturday evening.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Wolves

Brighton vs Leicester

Just what do Brighton have to do to score a goal? That is the question that manager Graham Potter will be asking himself and if it was not for the fact that they've had bad luck, then the Seagulls would recently have no luck at all.

While when it comes to good fortune, Leicester are seemingly lacking in this department and with one point from the last six, Brendan Rodgers needs to make sure the wheels don't soon come off.

Prediction: Brighton 0-1 Leicester

West Brom vs Newcastle

After suffering a late defeat to Everton on Wednesday, Sam Allardyce failed to mastermind anything against his former employers and perhaps more importantly, was unable to chip away at the gap between themselves and Newcastle.

However, another opportunity to do just that will be presented to them on Sunday and with the Magpies in a state of flux right now, this is really is a must-win encounter for both clubs.

Prediction: West Brom 0-0 Newcastle

Liverpool vs Fulham

After defeat to Chelsea on Thursday, there is certainly an air of post-mortem circulating around Anfield and after suffering a fifth league loss in six attempts, Liverpool's hopes of a top-four finish are seemingly diminishing by the week.

Such is their recent form, even relegation threatened Fulham will be licking their lips at the thought of a Merseyside trip and the Cottagers will be confident of earning something for their troubles.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Fulham

Manchester City vs Manchester United

With 15 straight Premier League wins to their name, there is no doubt that Manchester City are the champions elect and with an upcoming derby day encounter with their arch rivals, a win on Sunday will only solidify such a claim.

Opponents Manchester United, will be contesting their third consecutive away league outing and with a stalemate from the other two, they will look to be reacquainted with the act of scoring goals.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Manchester United

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

It may not have been pretty, but Tottenham just about got the job done on Thursday and as their late push for the top-four picks up pace, Jose Mourinho and his players know, that it is simply a case of points over performance from now on.

This Sunday, they play host to Crystal Palace and with the Eagles frustrating Manchester United in midweek, they will now look to play the role of spoiler for another Champions League hopeful.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Crystal Palace

Chelsea vs Everton

The Thomas Tuchel revolution seemingly continues and with the former PSG manager yet to taste defeat as manager of Chelsea, his arrival at the club has certainly given the Blues a real chance of a top-four finish at the end of the season.

Which is the exact same reward that Everton are looking to earn by the middle of May and if they can pick up a win in West London, their own hopes will have been given a huge shot in the arm.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Everton

West Ham vs Leeds

After losing to Manchester City, West Ham must make sure such a result does not derail their season and now manager David Moyes must hope that his players can bounce back in the best possible fashion.

To do so, they will need to get the better of Leeds and with the Elland Road outfit only drawing twice this season, they will either win or lose this game. Because that is simply the Marcelo Bielsa way.

Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Leeds

Manchester City vs Southampton

With Manchester City's impressive winning streak finally coming to an end, there is a sense that defeat to Manchester United last Sunday has only delayed the inevitable.

The title will still be going to the Etihad and City can get their campaign back on track this Wednesday, as they play host to a Southampton side who picked up a first win in 10 at the weekend.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Southampton