ARSENAL V CHELSEA
Arsenal weren't at their best against Wolves on Saturday but they still got the result which was massive for them. Especially after a poor week.
With Liverpool and City both playing later in the week, this game is one the Gunners can't afford to drop points in because of how close it is at the top. They Spurs this weekend and they would love to go into that one with some breathing space between themselves and the teams below them.
Chelsea competed well against Man City in the FA Cup on Saturday, but they'll feel disappointed for not taking their chances. A problem that has bit them all season.
Mauricio Pochettino's side will be without Cole Palmer for this one as he is out with an illness and his absence will of course be a major blow for the blues. Especially as he's carried the team for most of the season.
The gap between these two sides is as big as it has been in a very long time going back to maybe the early 2000's. Arsenal are the side who are miles ahead and I can see them show it in this one.
PREDICTION: 2-0
WEDNESDAY:
WOLVES V BOURNEMOUTH
Wolves put in a decent showing against Arsenal and Gary O'Neil was pleased with his sides' performance given they had a number of players out injured.
Wolves are still without a host of first team players including forwards Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto - the former recently returned from a knock himself prior to suffering another setback.
Questions were being asked of Bournemouth when they sacked Gary O'Neil in the summer and those questions continued into the early days of the season. But since then that decision has somewhat turned out well for them as they're having a decent first season under Andoni Iraola.
The Cherries are in better form than Wolves coming this game with Wolves having not won since the middle of March.
Wolves might have a number of players out injured, but I think they could still make it difficult for Bournemouth here.
PREDICTION: 1-1
CRYSTAL PALACE V NEWCASTLE
Crystal Palace are beginning to find their feet under Oliver Glasner and the return of both Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise has helped with that.
Both of them were instrumental in their big win over West Ham on Sunday and the Eagles must do everything they can to keep hold of them in the summer. Especially as there will be a number of clubs chasing their signatures.
Newcastle have struggled on the road this season and are still missing a host of players through injury. But they are in some decent form which has them in a good position to qualify for Europe.
Their last game saw them hammer Spurs 4-0 where they were excellent from start to finish and they'll need more performances like that if they're to end the season strongly.
I think this one will be close as both sides are in decent form. Palace will definitely exploit Newcastle's defensive vulnerabilities with Eze and Olise back but with Alexander Isak in fine form for Newcastle, I thin the points will be shared here.
PREDICTION: 2-2
EVERTON V LIVERPOOL
Everton responded well against Nottingham Forest on Saturday which was a massive result for them in their battle to avoid relegation. They needed to show a reaction after what happened against Chelsea the week before.
Liverpool looked more like their old selves against Fulham where they made a number of changes including dropping Mohamed Salah. Those changes paid off in the end as Jurgen Klopp got a reaction and a performance out of his team.
A lack of cutting edge has cost Liverpool in recent games but I don't see it costing them here as Everton are a side who don't score many goals.
The reds have Diogo Jota and back among the goals which is huge and I can see him bag another one here to steer Liverpool to victory.
PREDICTION: 0-2
MAN UNITED V SHEFFIELD UNITED
Man United needed penalties to get past Coventry in the FA Cup after letting them back in the game after going 3-0 up. The result on the day kept Erik ten Hag in his job.
United haven't been at all convincing since the international break like they have been for much of the season. I have no idea what kind of performance we'll get from them here.
Sheffield United had some decent chances against Burnley on Saturday but their defending for the goals was woeful, like it has been all season.
The Blades have conceded 88 goals this season and there is still a chance that they could break the unwanted record of most goals conceded in a season - currently held by Swindon who conceded 100 in the 1993/94 season.
I don't see United playing well here but I do think they'll get the win. Only because it's against Sheffield United who have no confidence on board and are set for relegation.
PREDICTION: 2-0
BRIGHTON V MAN CITY
Brighton aren't in good form coming into this one and I do think that Roberto De Zerbi's future could be affecting them. The man himself doesn't seem bothered anymore when you listen to his post match press conferences.
Man City did what they always do and found a way to win against Chelsea in the FA Cup which came just three days after their Champions League exit to Real Madrid. Pep Guardiola said after the game that his sides' recent schedule was unacceptable and I can understand why as the two games were very close together.
They will have had more time to rest and recover ahead of this one though so there shouldn't be any excuses as to them being tired. The same can se said about Brighton who haven't played for over a week after having not played at the weekend.
The pressure will be on City here as Arsenal and Liverpool will have already played by the time this game comes around. City are a side who thrive under the pressure and I can see them do it once again here.
PREDICTION: 1-3
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