Premier League Predictions – Gameweek 26
It’s all change yet again in the Premier League with Man City regaining top spot in the title race during midweek. How will this weekend’s games change the positions at each end of the table?
Here are our Premier League predictions for Gameweek 26…
PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS
Saturday, all 15:00 unless stated
Fulham vs Man Utd, 12:30
Case for the home side: Fulham rallied to an impressive 4-2 victory against Brighton last time out at Craven Cottage and ran Spurs close in the game prior to that. With time running out, home advantage looks to be their best hope of closing the immediate gap on their relegation rivals, and a win over high-flying Utd would be a potential gamechanger in shaping the rest of the season.
Case for the away side: An in-form Red Devils side that has rediscovered their attacking fluency under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer will be rubbing their hands at the thought of taking on Fulham’s brittle defence. If Utd pounce early, will Fulham crumble?
Verdict: Fulham will be on the defensive – handing Utd victory. 1-3
Crystal Palace vs West Ham
Case for the home side: Palace’s Premier League form has stabilised in recent weeks to the extent they no longer look a serious contender to trouble the relegation places if current form continues. A win here would take them within touching distance of the 30-point mark – and probably only five or so points away from guaranteed safety.
Case for the away side: The Hammers were unlucky not to take more from a battling 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Monday night. With their confidence restored after a tricky few weeks, they could trouble a Palace side that too often underwhelms at Selhurst Park.
Verdict: A close run thing, but the Hammers to edge it. 1-2
Huddersfield vs Arsenal
Case for the home side: What better side to face for a young, unproven manager looking to make a statement in English football than Arsenal? With effectively nothing to lose given their predicament, could the Terriers treat this one like a cup tie and pull off a signature win for Jan Siewert?
Case for the away side: Away form is beginning to become a major headache for Unai Emery and he’ll be aiming for a result rather than a performance from his travel-sick Gunners.
Verdict: Some much-needed away-day relief for Arsenal. 0-2
Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth
Case for the home side: Talk of a mini-crisis seems overheated given Liverpool have still only lost one game this season. Will the psychological shift of being the hunter again rather than the hunted actually play in the Reds’ favour?
Case for the away side: The Cherries are sure-fire candidates for one of the most irritating threats for ‘Big Six’ teams to face during the season. Eddie Howe’s side won’t be scared of testing out an injury-hit Liverpool defence even if that leaves them exposed at the back.
Verdict: A good time for the Reds to rediscover their goalscoring rhythm. 3-1
Southampton vs Cardiff City
Case for the home side: Slowly but surely, Saints are chalking up enough useful points under Ralph Hasenhüttl to pull away from danger. If he can fix their recurring issues with seeing games out, the race for survival shouldn’t go down to the last day this time.
Case for the away side: Recent off-field events could have a galvanising effect on the Bluebirds. Plus, for a side that struggles on the road, St Mary’s is one of the less intimidating Premier League venues to try and salvage crucial away points.
Verdict: Saints to edge a nervy game. 2-1
Watford vs Everton
Case for the home side: With Marco Silva’s position increasingly under the microscope, this would be the last game the Portuguese could have wished for as he looks to turn things around. Will what promises to be a lively atmosphere at Vicarage Road spur the Hornets to victory?
Case for the away side: There were signs last week at the Amex that Watford could be drifting on cruise control with safety all but assured. Silva’s side may well start the hungrier given the intense scrutiny on them in recent weeks and need to silence the critics.
Verdict: Gracia to heap even more pressure on his predecessor. 2-1
Brighton vs Burnley, 17:30
Case for the home side: It may have taken extra time, but the 3-1 FA Cup win away at West Brom in midweek is a massive morale-booster for an Albion side that has been flagging in recent weeks. Home form remains their strong suit in the race for survival.
Case for the away side: A Brighton side that struggles to create clear-cut chances could be a good match for the Clarets who might only need one opportunity to take all three points.
Verdict: It hardly promises a classic, but a big win for the Seagulls. 1-0
Sunday’s games
Spurs vs Leicester City, 13:30
Case for the home side: Spurs are like the ailing heavyweight boxer that refuses to lie down on the canvas. Even when everything seems to be going against them, they keep coming back to put the pressure on the current top two. At this stage any win will do for Spurs – and they’ve developed a nice habit of winning ugly.
Case for the away side: Leicester are far too often guilty of coasting, but have shown this season they can raise their game against top-level opposition. It would be no surprise if the Foxes step their levels up again at Wembley.
Verdict: Spurs to continue their recent run of narrow wins. 2-1
Man City vs Chelsea, 16:00
Case for the home side: With the league lead restored, City won’t want to let things slip as they bid to pile more psychological pressure on Liverpool. A big win here would be a major statement of intent going into the rest of the season.
Case for the away side: Maurizio Sarri will want a reaction from his players away from home after his side’s shock 4-0 reverse at Bournemouth last time around on the road. A disciplined defensive performance will be his first priority in this one.
Verdict: City to crank up more pressure on Liverpool. 2-0
Wolves vs Newcastle, 20:00
Case for the home side: 7th place currently looks there for the taking for a Wolves side building up an impressive head of steam. Nuno’s side already looks like a team well-equipped to take on a European adventure in 2019/20.
Case for the away side: Rafa Benítez will be offering encouraging noises to his players that a result is possible here given Wolves’ Achilles heel this season has been occasional flat performances in what looked like home bankers. If he can nullify Nuno’s side in attack, the Magpies could spring a surprise.
Verdict: The Magpies will keep things tight, but to no avail. 2-1
All image sources from PA Images
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