Each week, The National Sports Editor Thomas Woods predicts the outcomes of the English Premier League, this week foreseeing a United victory, a Chelsea draw with Newcasle, and an Arsenal triumph. Here are his results for the season.
Sunderland 0 Manchester United 2
Why? United have generally been playing some decent football since the turn of the year. More shots, more players getting forward, more excitement. They put themselves in a position where they should have beaten Chelsea last Sunday. Given those two lost points and the fact they could make up ground on the top four this weekend, this is a game the should really win against a struggling team.
Bournemouth 1 Stoke City 1
Why? Bournemouth are doing a good job of putting daylight between themselves and the bottom three. The only game they have lost in the last four was against Arsenal. However, I think Stoke will get at least a point here. Yes, they have lost three in a row but they have a lot of attacking power and should find a way to score.
Crystal Palace 1 Watford 1
Why? A London derby with neither side in very good form. Palace's results in their last six games are the worst from any team in Europe's major leagues. But at least they have managed to score in their last three matches, following a run of five games without finding the net. Taking three points from Watford will be tough, they don't often concede more than one in a game.
Everton 2 West Brom 0
Why? Tony Pulis's team selection for West Brom's last match, a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle, was telling. A back four consisting of centre-backs, four players whose best position is defensive midfielder, a wide player and Victor Anichebe – one of the league's least productive forwards – down the middle. This seems like a team trying to get just enough points to stay up and, if Everton score early enough, they will win easily.
Norwich City 0 West Ham United 1
Why? Every season, one team goes in a woeful run that results in relegation. It looks like Norwich are in the midst of one such sequence, having lost five in a row. West Ham, who have a great chance of qualifying for Europe this season, have enough quality to make it six.
Swansea 1 Southampton 1
Why? Francesco Guidolin has had an instant impact on Swansea, with his side unbeaten in four since he was appointed as manager. They should now avoid relegation – they are four points clear of the drop and, if they can get through Spurs away and Arsenal at home with a point or two, they then have a tasty run of games. In-form Southampton, however, will likely take a point from Wales.
Chelsea 1 Newcastle United 1
Why? Chelsea are unbeaten in the league since Guus Hiddink took over, but they have drawn a lot of those matches – six of nine. With a Newcastle side fighting for their lives coming to town, Eden Hazard still off the boil and Kurt Zouma out for the season, this could be another draw.
Sunday matches
Arsenal 2 Leicester City 0
Why? I almost need to make two predictions for this game, based on which team scores first. An early goal for Leicester would play perfectly into their gameplan of sitting back and breaking with pace. Just look at last week's win at Manchester City. But this is such a big game for Arsenal's season and there is a good chance they fly out of the blocks like when they scored three against Manchester United in the first 20 minutes in October.
Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 1
Why? Liverpool's season could turn on the return of Philippe Coutinho, their Brazilian playmaker, who is finally back from injury. He'll give them more creativity, an added goal threat and probably more confidence too – he's a special talent. If he starts at Villa, expect him to be involved in most of the good things his side do, which will be enough for a win.
Manchester City 1 Tottenham 0
Why? Like with Arsenal v Leicester, the other top-four showdown on Sunday, I think the home side takes the win although this will be much more of a war of attrition. Spurs have only conceded 19 times this season. City need a much improved defensive display to shut Spurs out and don't surprised if the goal comes from a set piece or a penalty. City need to win and they'll find a way.
