We hit Game Week 33 of the Premier League season with still plenty in play. It will also be the first game back for most of the “Big Six” after the Super League collapse, so some of the fallout could be very interesting.
Here is a look at the five best matches of the weekend:
Arsenal vs. Everton (Friday)
Everton started the season so well, but their form has been a mess recently and they havent won in six. Arsenal can jump above the Toffees with a win here, though they haven’t exactly been setting the world on fire with two wins, two draws, and a defeat in their last five outings. The Gunnars will do enough in this one, even though their main focus has to be the Europa League and its potential route into the Champions League for next season.
Liverpool vs. Newcastle (Saturday)
.Liverpool sit two points outside of the top four and they know Champions League football next season is a must if they are to continue to attract the best players in the world to Anfield. Newcastle has been fiesty as of late – two wins and two draws in their last five – results that have seen them all but safe given Fulham’s downturn in form. Liverpool will win here, but they have conceded in all but one of their last 10 games at home so consider a bt like Newcastle to score over 0.5 goals at 0.84 as a prop.
West Ham vs. Chelsea (Saturday)
The injuries are seriously catching up to a West Ham side that almost deserves a Champions League spot with the way they have played this season. With Declan Rice and Michail Antonio on the treatment table – and with defender Craig Dawson suspended – it is starting to look like they will fall away late in the race. Chelsea could be looking ahead to their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday – some players could be rested – but they know a top-four spot is an easier path back into Europe’s main competition than by winning the thing. Chelsea takes this one.
Leeds United vs. Manchester United (Sunday)
This is a classic rivalry and one Leeds currently holds the edge in having battered the Red Devils 6-2 at Old Trafford earlier in the season. It is a battle of two of the form teams in the league – Man United have won five straight while Leeds have three wins and two draws over their last quintet of fixtures – and their attackers are currently in top form. Leeds has the ability to beat anyone on their day, but Manchester United will win this one on their travels.
Aston Villa vs. West Brom (Sunday)
Aston Villa has fallen down the table since their hot start but they should have too much for the Baggies in this West Midlands derby. West Brom gave themselves a lifeline with back-to-back wins earlier this month, but they were very poor against Leicester on Thursday and you have to wonder if they spent all their energy on that mini-run. Villa will win this one by a couple of goals.
