Dec 14

Matchday 30 Preview

Share post on:

Chelsea vs West Brom

The Premier League returns on Saturday and the action gets underway, as Chelsea play host to West Brom at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel is still unbeaten in the division since taking charge of the Blues and he will be aiming to extend his impressive streak to 11 matches come full time.

To do so, his players will need to get the better of a West Brom side who are staring relegation in the face and should they lose at the weekend, their plight will only worsen further.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 West Brom

Leeds vs Sheffield United

With Leeds reaching 39 points for the season, there is no doubt that they are safe from the threat of relegation and with Marcelo Bielsa's men all but over the line, the Argentine must make sure his players do not arrive on the beach for the rest of the season.

This weekend sees them go up against Sheffield United and with nothing in the way of new manager bounce at Bramall Lane, we are simply counting down the days before they are demoted.

Prediction: Leeds 3-0 Sheffield United

Leicester vs Manchester City

As the race for the top four intensifies, Leicester will be confident that they can avoid a repeat of last season's collapse and after picking up back-to-back wins, it seems as if the Foxes are finding their form at just the right time.

This weekend sees them play hosts to champions elect Manchester City and with the news that Sergio Aguero is leaving the Etihad, will that have any effect on his teammates at the King Power?

Prediction: Leicester 1-2 Manchester City

Arsenal vs Liverpool

Are Arsenal simply focusing on their Europa League exploits? Not quite, but you would also have to think that the competition is now the primary focus for Mikel Arteta and should the Gunners lose at the weekend, that focus will only increase.

This Saturday sees them go up against Liverpool and with the international break affording a much-needed rest to this group of players, Jurgen Klopp will hope his stars are fired up and ready to go.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool

Southampton vs Burnley

Southampton's league campaign has offered little to write home about since the turn of the year and although they are some distance from the relegation zone, they are not quite over the line in terms of safety yet.

Which is why their encounter with Burnley is important for both they and the Clarets and with Sean Dyche's men looking to put distance between themselves and the drop zone, it is a must win game for either party.

Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Burnley

Newcastle vs Tottenham

No win in six for Newcastle means that the Magpies are in danger of sleepwalking their way to the Championship and if they do not find points anytime soon, then the final quarter of the season is going to get very nervy indeed.

This Sunday sees them play host to Tottenham and with Jose Mourinho's men needing a win for different reasons, neither side can afford to come away without a maximum haul this weekend.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Tottenham

Aston Villa vs Fulham

Aston Villa are certainly a different beast with Jack Grealish and with no win in their last four league outings, it is fair to say that the West Midlands outfit are now running out of steam. However, there is an opportunity to find a bit of drive this weekend.

Sunday sees them play host to Fulham and with defensive deficiency creeping once more, manager Scott Parker will have to make sure these traits are not responsible for more dropped points.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Fulham

Manchester United vs Brighton

No defeat in nine means Manchester United are in the box seat when it comes to the top four scraps and although any hopes of getting close to Manchester City are nothing more than a pipe dream, qualification for next season's Champions League is not.

This Sunday sees them play host to Brighton and with the Seagulls picking up a pair of incredibly important wins before the international break, Graham Potter's men are now breathing a little easier.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Brighton

Everton vs Crystal Palace

Have Everton thrown away their hopes of European football next season? Two successive league defeats suggest this might be the case and although the race is not yet run, Carlo Ancelotti's men are the outsiders in the quest for the continent.

To get back on track they must get the better of a Crystal Palace side who are all but safe and if they repeat last season's late efforts, Roy Hodgson's men may well coast between now and the final day.

Prediction: Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace

Wolves vs West Ham

Wolves are another club in the all but safe bracket and now it is simply a bid to see how high they can finish in the table and how much prize money can earn. Prize money that will help bring in additional firepower over the summer.

This Monday sees them play host to West Ham and although David Moyes' men were entertaining before the international break, they will still be smarting at throwing away a three-goal lead at home to Arsenal.

Prediction: Wolves 1-1 West Ham