Premier League Predictions this weekend: GW 31 Fixtures | EPL Preview
The final surge for the Premier League title, top four and survival will resume on Saturday (April 2) as teams and players return from the international break.
With only one point separating Manchester City and Liverpool, little could be predicted about the title race while the same goes for Champions League places and relegation battle.
1. Liverpool vs Watford
The fixture at Anfield will be decisive at both ends of the table and could have huge ramifications on Merseyside. A win or a draw for Liverpool will see them go top of the league, at least for a couple of hours.
A win for Watford though could be bad news for both Liverpool and Everton, as Everton will languish outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
On the flip side, Liverpool will miss out on the opportunity to go top if they lose against Watford. Interestingly, Watford were the first team to beat Liverpool in their 2020 Premier League title-winning campaign. The fixture will also mark Roy Hodgson's return to Anfield.
Premier League Predictions for this weekend:
Liverpool 3-1 Watford
2. Brighton vs Norwich
Two teams who have found points hard to come this season will meet at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. Graham Potter's side started on a bright note at the start of the campaign, but have completely lost their path since the turn of the year.
With 33 points Brighton are safe for the campaign, but the horrible second half of the Premier League season has raised question marks on the team's plans.
Norwich on the other side have changed manager but found it tough to pick points. They sit rock-bottom with 17 points, and a win on Saturday could keep their hopes alive or else they could be counting their final hours in the Premier League.
Premier League Predictions for this weekend:
Brighton 2-2 Norwich
3. Burnley vs Manchester City
Another key battle at both ends of the table will see both Pep Guardiola and Sean Dyche shake hands.
A win for Manchester City will see them go top if Liverpool dethrone them in the early campaign, Pep's side has been top of the Premier League throughout the last three and will like to continue their momentum.
Burnley have lost their way in recent fixtures, as they have lost their games in hand. A draw against Manchester United and a win against Spurs at home have been some positive aspects for Burnley this season.
However, a win is the need of the hour for them and Saturday could serve them a perfect opportunity.
Premier League Predictions for this weekend:
Burnley 1-3 Manchester City
4. Chelsea vs Brentford
A West London derby at Stamford Bridge will provide Chelsea with a test, which they should overcome. Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta's contract was extended after he activated a clause in his contract, while Chelsea's real focus remains on cup competitions.
Brentford are currently with 30 points and another couple of wins and draws should assure them Premier League status for next season.
Thomas Frank and his side have played an exciting brand of football and will need to be at their lethal best as form goes out of the window in derby matches.
Premier League Predictions for this weekend:
Chelsea 3-0 Brentford
5. Leeds vs Southampton
Leeds will have their morale high after winning back-to-back Premier League games before the international break.
New manager Jesse March has rejuvenated the team and will be hoping for another big result on Saturday. Leeds have conceded most goals in the Premier League, a place where they need to improve.
Southampton should be on the beach, provided they are far from relegation and nowhere in any picture for Europe and cup competitions.
The game should be a free hit for them as to how many points they can collect in the rest of the campaign and start preparing for next season.
Premier League Predictions for this weekend:
Leeds 1-1 Southampton
6. Wolves vs Aston Villa
A local derby should be a feast for neutrals as Wolves still play for a place in Europe while Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa are also on the brink of relative safety. Phillipe Coutinho has rejuvenated the team since his arrival.
Wolves on the flip side will try to get as many points as possible to have any chance of getting into Europe. The local affair should be a treat to watch as both teams are almost certain to play in next season's Premier League.
Premier League Predictions for this weekend:
Wolves 1-2 Aston Villa
7. Manchester United vs Leicester City
A huge game in the top four battle could see Manchester United make or break as a defeat to Leicester will see them lose even more ground over Arsenal.
However, a win will see them go fifth, a point behind Arsenal. Leicester will have no pressure on them as their only quest in the season is to win the Europa Conference League.
Brendon Rodgers has a good record at Old Trafford and will try to continue this trend. A win for Leicester could be a big win for both Spurs and Arsenal, while Leicester try to end the season on a high.
Premier League Predictions for this weekend:
Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
8. West Ham vs Everton
The game will see a reunion of sorts as David Moyes manages against his former side Everton as they try to keep their faintest of hopes alive to make the Champions League.
This won't be the only route to make the premier competition, as they also have Europa League to deal with from where they can make the Champions League.
Everton though will be slightly worried as new manager Frank Lampard has failed to stamp his authority on the team.
A stoppage-time winner last time out saw them release the pressure of some sorts, but the FA Cup exit at the hands of Crystal Palace was more excruciating as they lost by a big margin.
Premier League Predictions for this weekend:
West Ham 3-1 Everton
9. Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United
A game more important for the home side rather than the away side, as Antonio Conte, will try to make it three wins in three for Spurs.
A win will see Spurs make the top four no matter what happens in Manchester United's game but will have played two games more than Arsenal.
Newcastle United have been a much-improved side ever since they last met Spurs at St. James' Park, a 1-3 defeat in which Son and company ran the show. However, they are much improved and Eddie Howe has given them a new identity.
Premier League Predictions for this weekend:
Tottenham 5-0 Newcastle United
10. Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
A game that will feature Premier League Manager of the Month, Mikel Arteta as much will depend on the weekend's result.
Arsenal's game could be a must-win fixture for them as Spurs could overtake them on Sunday; however, the gunners have played fewer matches than Spurs and Manchester United and currently are in pole position to finish in the top four.
Crystal Palace and Patrick Vieira almost snatched a win at Emirates earlier in the season but missed out as they conceded late.
Vieira will be proud of his players with the season if they can pull off a win against his old club, Arsenal. This couldn't be a better scenario to resume the final phase of the season.
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