Dec 14

Matchday 34 Preview

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Southampton vs Leicester

Another round of Premier League action gets underway on Friday night, as a recent F.A. Cup Semi-final is repeated and after losing to Leicester at Wembley, Southampton will hope for better fortunes this time around.

While for the Foxes, they will look to apply additional pressure on the pack of teams below them and the best way to do that, is by earning a maximum points haul on the South Coast.

Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Leicester

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City

Crystal Palace took to the field on Monday and although they went ahead against Leicester, they failed to earn anything for their efforts at full time. With that said, it was a performance that suggested that the Eagles are certainly not coasting towards the end of the season.

This Saturday sees them play host to Manchester City and with Pep Guardiola overseeing another Carabao Cup success, the Etihad outfit could also earn another league title by the end of the week.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester City

Brighton vs Leeds

A rather indifferent showing was offered by Graham Potter's men last weekend, as they were felled by basement side Sheffield United and once again, it was a case of creation with no end product for the Seagulls.

This Saturday sees them play host to Leeds and when you consider the opposition that they've faced in their last three league outings, Marcelo Bielsa and his players will be delighted with five points.

Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Leeds

Chelsea vs Fulham

After coming out on top in last weekend's all-important London derby, Champions League qualification is once again in Chelsea's hands and this weekend sees Thomas Tuchel go up against more opposition from the capital.

This time around it is Fulham and although they did not take to the field last weekend, the picture regarding their impending relegation has not become any clearer for Scott Parker and his men.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Fulham

Everton vs Aston Villa

Everton kickstarted their hopes of European football next season with a win at Arsenal last Friday and with the Toffees also possessing a game in hand over their nearest rivals, Carlo Ancelotti's men are still in with a shout of Thursday night continental action.

This weekend they play host to Aston Villa and after being held by West Brom last Sunday, Dean Smith's men now have a fight on their hands, if they are to finish in the top half of the table.

Prediction: Everton 2-1 Aston Villa

Newcastle vs Arsenal

While although Jesse Lingard has undoubtedly been the loan signing of the season, Joe Willock should not be overlooked either and in his role as super sub, the Arsenal loanee has earned the Magpies five priceless points.

While Steve Bruce's men go up against the club that sent Willock to Tyneside and with Arsenal fully focused on Europa League success, the hosts could smell an opportunity for further joy.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal

Manchester United vs Liverpool

It is the last chance saloon for Manchester United this weekend and if City do their bit at Selhurst Park, then they will have one hand on the Premier League title. Then again, if we're honest, it really is a case of when and not if, the Red Devils eventually wave the white flag in the quest to finish top.

While although opponents Liverpool drew at home to Newcastle last Saturday, they would love nothing more than to play the role of spoiler and they also need maximum points to aid their bid for Europe.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool

Tottenham vs Sheffield United

What happens next for Tottenham? After a meek showing in the Carabao Cup final, it is up to Ryan Mason to try and pick his players off the floor and secure some form of European football before the end of the season.

This Sunday sees them go up against Sheffield United and although the basement side got the better of Brighton last weekend, the Blades should act as the perfect medicine for Spurs to take.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Sheffield United

West Brom vs Wolves

It's not mathematically impossible for West Brom to beat the drop, but after their agonising 2-2 draw at Aston Villa it is almost impossible and now manager Sam Allardyce is starting down the barrel in terms of relegation.

This Monday sees them play host to a Wolves side who were emphatically beaten by Burnley last Sunday and if any team is on the beach so to speak, it is certainly they.

Prediction: West Brom 1-1 Wolves

Burnley vs West Ham

As mentioned above, Burnley unleashed a wave of attacking prowess last weekend and in doing so, Sean Dyche's men took a huge step towards Premier League survival. Now they will look to all but complete the task with the visit of West Ham on Monday.

Have the Hammers burst their own Champions League bubble? Successive league defeats would suggest that is the case and now David Moyes' must find a win to restore any hopes of the top four.

Prediction: Burnley 1-2 West Ham