Chelsea Vs Everton
Chelsea and Everton kick off Gameweek 27 when they face off on Saturday lunchtime. Jose Mourinho saw his side crash out of the FA Cup at Manchester City and now has to focus on the Premier League and Champions League. The Blues have been solid at home winning 5 of their last 6 including wins over Manchester United and Liverpool. Everton harbour Top 4 ambitions of their own but cannot fall further behind Liverpool who sit 8 points ahead of them heading into this game. Home win for Chelsea will extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League.
Prediction 2-1
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Arsenal Vs Sunderland
Arsenal fans were full of confidence heading into their midweek showdown with Bayern Munich at The Emirates. Ozil missed a penalty and Arsenal went down to 10 men before eventually losing 2-0. The Gunners need to bounce back quickly and keep their Premier League hopes alive having seen their Champions League hopes go up in smoke. Sunderland have been in excellent form lately, particularly away from home. Gus Poyet has guided The Black Cats to a single defeat in their last 5 League matches. Arsenal backlash expected.
Prediction 2-0
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Cardiff City Vs Hull City
Cardiff host Hull hoping to climb out of the Relegation Zone with an important win. The Bluebirds find themselves in trouble largely due to their shocking form on the road. Home comforts have seen Cardiff lose just one game from four on their own patch. Hull currently sit 13th in the standings which sounds like a comfortable distance from trouble. However, just 8 points separate 10th and 20th place which shows how tight things are in the lower half of the table. The Tigers were beaten by Southampton last time out and will hope to pick up at least a point in South Wales. Bore draw.
Prediction 0-0
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Manchester City Vs Stoke
Manchester City are all but out of the Champions League following their defeat on Tuesday evening. Martin Demechelis once again gave his detractors plenty to discuss having been dismissed and leaving his side an insurmountable challenge. Stoke are on a positive run of form lately and are unbeaten in their last 3 matches in the Premier League. Stoke will have their work cut out to keep a City side packed full of talent away from their goal. Manuel Pelligrini will look to ensure that there is no hangover from the defeat against Barcelona. Home win at The Etihad.
Prediction 3-1
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West Brom Vs Fulham
West Bromwich Albion have become masters of the 1-1 scoreline when playing at The Hawthorns with all 3 of their last matches ending in that fashion. The Baggies need to pick up wins rather than draws if they are to give themselves a cushion from the bottom Clubs. Fulham have endured some upheaval in the managerial department which may affect their performances on the pitch. The Cottagers are desperate to avoid the drop and have been forced to make changes as they sit bottom of the Premier League. Fulham have been poor away from home but I expect them to hang on for a draw.
Prediction 1-1
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West Ham Vs Southampton
West Ham United are on a great run of form and have picked up 3 wins on the bounce. Andy Carroll will once again miss out due to suspension while Ravel Morrison has left The Hammers on loan. Southampton are another side who have found confidence and results lately. A win at Upton Park would move Southampton level on points with Manchester United. The Saints have won 3 of their last 5 matches on the road losing just once in the process. This should be an intriguing match which will end in an an entertaining score draw.
Prediction 2-2
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Crystal Palace Vs Manchester United
Crystal Palace have improved significantly under the guidance of Tony Pulis. The Eagles have won 3 of their last 4 Premier League matches including 3 in a row at Selhurst Park. Manchester United make the trip to London without a win in their last 3 matches and surely a doubt to finish in the Top 4. David Moyes seems to stumble from one match to the next while the side seems to make little progress in hitting a good patch of form. Van Persie, Rooney and Mata will thoroughly examine the Crystal Palace defence. Home win.
Prediction 2-1
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Liverpool Vs Swansea
Liverpool host Swansea on Sunday hoping to keep pace with the leading pack. The Reds showed true character to come from behind and win at Fulham where they may have fallen short in previous seasons. Sturridge was once again the key man for Liverpool while Suarez has been forced into a wider role. Swansea had European commitments on Thursday evening and may struggle to be ready for this match while Liverpool have had ample time to prepare. Anfield has seen 5 wins from 6 matches in the Premier League and I expect Liverpool to win again on Sunday.
Prediction 3-0
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Newcastle Vs Aston Villa
Newcastle United have been on the wrong end of a terrible string of results. The Magpies have lost against Sunderland, Chelsea and Spurs conceding 10 goals in the process and failing to score themselves. Alan Pardew needs to get his side back to winning ways when Aston Villa visit on Sunday. The Villains are without a win in 3 Premier League matches and sit 12th heading into Gameweek 27. Since their thrilling win over West Brom, Villa have managed just 1 goal in 3 outings. All square at St James’ Park.
Prediction 1-1
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Norwich Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Norwich host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday hoping to put further distance between themselves and the Clubs in the Relegation Zone. The Canaries have been in decent form at Carrow Road lately and are unbeaten in their previous 3 Premier League matches on home soil. Spurs visit following a midweek defeat in Ukraine in the Europa League. That trip will surely fatigue the team although several changes are likely to be made to the side who took the field on Thursday evening. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-2
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