Chelsea has distanced themselves as the leader by four points over Manchester United with just four games to play as we head into Week 34 of Barclays Premier League football.
The 155th Manchester Derby will be played at Eastlands this weekend, and Manchester United has the edge with 63 wins to City’s 42. There have also been 49 draws, a result that won’t be good enough for the Red Devils in their chase for a fourth consecutive Premier League title. A draw for City won’t be desired either, as they hold a slim one-point lead over Tottenham for the all-important fourth and final Champions League slot. My pick for match of the week is the Manchester Derby, which is always a cracker, but this year’s race adds some additional excitement, with Man U picking up a much-needed three points
Here I take a look at a few more of this weekend’s crucial matches, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
Birmingham vs. Hull City
Birmingham City will want to finish the season strongly while Hull City need to bounce back from their 4-1 home defeat by Burnley in a last ditch effort to avoid relegation. Dropping those three points at home to Burnley may have ended the Tigers playing in the Premiere League next season, but there are still 15 points to be had and they’ll be pushing hard for some at Birmingham on Saturday. Meanwhile, Birmingham will try to rebound from last week’s loss to Manchester City. They will get a much-needed boost by the return of England goalkeeper Joe Hart. On-loan Hart had to sit out last weekend’s 5-1 defeat at Manchester City, as he was not allowed to face his parent club. I expect a 2-1 win for Birmingham City in this one.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Everton
Everton’s quest for a Europa League place is still very much alive and they will be pushing for points as they travel to Blackburn who have lost only twice at home all season. The Toffees are coming off a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday that marks their third consecutive draw. Blackburn could be without Chris Samba for the visit of Everton on Saturday. With Everton’s tendency to draw and the Rovers lack of real benefit in wining this match, I expect a scoreless draw.
Fulham vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton leapfrogged out a relegation spot and now will look to take another jump towards safety against Europa League semi-finalists Fulham. They will have to do it without skipper– midfielder Karl Henry, who is serving the second of a three-match ban for his red card against Arsenal. The Cottagers, who will be playing in the Europa League semifinals on April 22 in Hamburg, will most likely be paying many of their second squad in Saturdays Premiere League match. However, a win over the Wolves will build confidence so Fulham should be committed to beating the Wolves on their home pitch. Defender John Pantsil will make his first appearance since December for Fulham. I expect the teams to draw in this one.
Stoke City vs. Bolton Wanderers
The Potters are currently sitting comfortably at mid-table as they host Bolton this weekend. With 32 points, the Wanderers look to be safe, but technically speaking, they’re still in the relegation zone. Stoke have a number of injury problems so I don’t see them picking up much more than a single point as this one ends in a scoreless draw.
Sunderland vs. Burnley
Burnley picked up an easy three points winning at Hull City 4-1 in their last outing. Now the Clarets will try to take some of that momentum into this weekend’s match up against the Black Cats when they host Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Can Burnely keep their hopes of avoiding the relegation trap door alive? I expect Sunderland to pick up the win on the road.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea
Currently sitting atop the table with a four-point lead, Chelsea will look to continue their march towards the Barclays Premier League title as they travel to the Tottenham Hotspur who is still pushing hard for the fourth and final Champions League place. After a thrilling win in the North London Derby, Tottenham welcomes the front-running Blues into White Hart Lane in a huge game for both sides. England left-back Ashley Cole has recovered from his broken ankle and is back in the first-team squad for the first time since February for the Pensioners. This will be a hard fought match from both sides playing to a 1-1 draw.
Wigan Athletic vs. Arsenal
Arsenal will travel to DW Stadium aiming to keep alive their Barclays Premier League title hopes. They will have their work cut out for them as they face a Wigan Athletic side fighting to avoid the relegation drop. While it may not rise to the Gunners’ level of disappointment after losing a derby match, the Latics can’t be thrilled with the 0-0 draw with bottom table Portsmouth on Wednesday. The Gunners should be able to pick up three points in this one, as they eye catching United for second on the table.
Portsmouth vs. Aston Villa
Just when you think the Pompey is done for the season, they keep picking up points in places they shouldn’t. Coming off a scoreless draw with Wigan, Portsmouth will host a frustrated Aston Villa side that really need a victory to keep alive their slender hopes of a fourth-placed finish. Considering the turmoil that Portsmouth has endured this season, it should be an easy three-points for the Villans.
Liverpool vs. West Ham
Even with the Europa League semifinal approaching, Liverpool needs every league point it can get to keep alive their hopes of a fourth-placed finis. West Ham United, who is currently just four points clear of the drop zone, will be trying to put even more distance between itself, Hull City and Burnley. Look for the Reds to pick up three points even without start striker Fernando Torres. The Spain international missed last weekend’s goalless draw against Fulham after flying to Barcelona to have a knee injury assessed by a specialist.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.