The National Deputy Sports Editor Thomas Woods makes his picks for the April 24-25 Premier League weekend, including Arsenal helping Arsene Wenger getting one over on his nemeis Jose Mourinho in a win over Chelsea.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Arsenal v Chelsea
Arsene Wenger has a poor record against Jose Mourinho, but here is a chance to strike a blow for next season against his London rival. Chelsea have the title wrapped up but have been playing within themselves for several games and Arsenal have enough quality to capitalise. PREDICTION: Arsenal, 2-1.
Burnley v Leicester City
Leicester’s run of three wins in a row has turned the relegation battle on its head and they now look most likely to stay up of the bottom three. Burnley haven’t beaten Leicester since 2010 but if they don’t step up for a game like this they deserve to go down. Star striker Danny Ings will find his scoring boots and keep Burnley’s survival hopes alive. PREDICTION: Burnley, 2-0.
Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur
Two teams who have had a fair crack at the top four this season but will fall short. If Arsenal win the FA Cup then these two sides will both qualify for the Europa League via their league positions, so there is little to play for here. Has draw written all over it. PREDICTION: Draw, 1-1.
Crystal Palace v Hull City
How Palace lost to West Brom last week is anybody’s guess – they dominated possession and created enough chances to have won by two or three goals, rather than losing 2-0. Alan Pardew has crafted a fine footballing side and they should easily deal with Hull, who should slip into the relegation zone this weekend. PREDICTION: Palace, 2-0.
Newcastle United v Swansea City
Newcastle are lucky that they already have enough points on the board to avoid relegation because they are ending their season woefully. Six losses in a row and they have no real cohesion to their play. Swansea, looking to cement eighth place, can pass them off the park. PREDICTION: Swansea, 2-0.
Queens Park Rangers v West Ham United
QPR, second bottom, will be looking at this game and the home match with Newcastle on May 16 as the matches to help them beat the drop, especially with away trips to Liverpool and Manchester City sandwiched inbetween. Sadly, they lack enough qualifty and rely too much on Charlie Austin’s goals. West Ham should have some joy at Loftus Road. PREDICTION: Draw, 1-1.
Stoke v Sunderland
It’s hard to see goal-shy Sunderland coming away from Stoke with three points, but they have drawn 14 games this season, way more than any other team. Eight clean sheets attests to the fact that they can be produce a solid defensive performance and they will get one on Saturday. PREDICTION: Draw, 0-0.
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool
Liverpool are seven points off a Champions League spot, but their game in hand will give them a touch of hope. Nobody expects them to close the gap, so the pressue is off in a way and the likes of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho could enjoy themselves against a functional West Brom side. PREDICTION: Liverpool, 2-0.
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Villa are on a roll, having beaten Tottenham on the road and Liverpool at Wembley in their last two games but they will come up against a brick wall in Saturday in the shape of angry Manchester City. Sergio Aguero will again lead his side to victory. PREDICTION: Man City, 3-0.
Everton v Manchester United
United lost to Chelsea last Saturday but their performance and the amount of possession they enjoyed was promising. It was a similar performance to the games against Liverpool and Manchester City, except for the end product. Everton are never easy to beat at home, but United are playing too well for them at the moment. PREDICTION: Man United, 2-0.
Tuesday special
Hull City v Liverpool
Liverpool have two away games this week and should take at least four points, but this would be the one where they could slip up. Hull’s best recent performance was the 3-2 home defeat against Chelsea and they will trouble Liverpool if they can play to that level again – and they need to. PREDICTION: Draw, 1-1.
Wednesday special
Leicester City v Chelsea
Nigel Pearson’s Leicester will have a good go at this and they go into the match in a bit of form, but Chelsea should be able to soak up any early pressure and put the match to bed on the break. Leicester could well score a couple, Chelsea will score more. PREDICTION: Chelsea, 3-1.
