Premier League Matchday 34 Preview

Premier League MatchDay 34 is here as the clock gradually counts down towards the final day.

It could be the week that sees Manchester City crowned champions for the third time in four seasons. One can’t rule out drama or last minute upsets in one of the best leagues in the world.

Oladipupo Mojeed brings you yet another preview and his predictions for Premier League MatchDay 34.

READ: European Super League: Dead On Arrival

Southampton v Leicester City

This fixture comes a few days after Leicester ousted the Saints from the FA Cup semi-finals in Wembley.
With Southampton already guaranteed Premier League action next season, this might turn out to be a dress rehearsal for next season.

The Foxes will bank on in-form Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho, to continue banging in the goals while the Saints will rely on Danny Ings if he is fit.

But I am giving the Foxes this one.

Prediction: 1-2

Crystal Palace v Manchester City

Following their 2-1 win over PSG in the Champions League semi-final first leg in Paris, the Citizens have the opportunity to wrap up the Premier League with a win here.

With one title already in the bag, victory in this game will allow City focus on winning the Champions League. A win is highly likely as they are playing against a Palace side that seems to have hung up their boots as soon as their place in next season became guaranteed.

It is therefore expected that Raheem Sterling, alongside Sergio Aguero, who weres unused substitutes against PSG, will play here and get them the needed points.

Palace could give City problems with Eberechi Eze, Wilfred Zaha, and Andros Townsend. Still, City has all it takes to secure a win here and secure the Premier League trophy.

Prediction: 1-3

Brighton & Hove Albion v Leeds United

This is another opportunity for Brighton to take three points off Leeds United.

Having lost 1-0 to already relegated Sheffield United last week in a match where they wasted a lot of chances, Brighton could come back into this and get another three points against Marcelo Bielsa’s men, like they did at Elland Road earlier in the season.

But Leeds has shown their mettle, conceding just three goals in their last three games. The return of Kavin Philips has solidified their midfield. It could therefore, be the battle of the midfielders. But attacking-wise, Leeds has what it take to win.

It is therefore expected to be a tough encounter at the Amex Stadium.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Fulham

After scoring an important away goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, Chelsea is expected to record a routine win against Fulham. The Blues aim to qualify for the Champions League next season, and a win at home will push their goal further.

On the other hand, a slip here could cost them the spot, with Everton, West Ham and Liverpool lurking. Fulham have been impressive lately and they could shock Chelsea, who might be tired from the trip to Milan.

Scott Parker’s men must attack from the blast of the whistle and stay concentrated till the end of the match if they get anything from this.

I doubt Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel will give the Cottagers such a chance. However, never underestimate the power of a west London derby.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Aston Villa

The Toffees will be basking in the euphoria of their last game, in which they recorded a 1-0 win at the Emirates.
The Villains have not been impressive lately and so this fixture will be about who needs it most. That’s Everton as they are still aiming to finish in the top four.

Villa are missing their playmaker, Jack Grealish, while Everton have welcomed back their important players.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be smirking at Villa’s defence and hoping to take advantage of their frailties.

Prediction: 2-0

Newcastle United v Arsenal

Steve Bruce will be thankful for the return of Calum Wilson and Alan Siant-Maximum, who have changed the face of this Tyneside club. The English manager who was on the verge of losing his job has moved further away from the drop after impressive results.

Coming into this on the back of a 1-1 draw at Anfield, the Magpies are expected to be full of confidence against an inconsistent Arsenal.

But the Gunners may turn on the heat as they aim to secure a spot for next season’s Europa League.

Prediction: 1-1

Manchester United v Liverpool

This Premier League Matchday 34 clash is between two teams that have almost the same objective – qualification for the Champions League. As it currently stands, the Red Devils have already achieved that aim.

And so, Jurgen Klopp’s men are expected to take the game to their hosts as they push for their Champions League spot.

Meanwhile, a win for United here will halt the celebration party of Man City even if they defeat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. It will give the Red Devils the chance to push City further. However, it looks like City have already secured the title; the celebration can only be delayed.

I am predicting a draw here.

Prediction: 1-1

Tottenham Hotspur v Sheffield United

Spurs will be welcoming Sheffield United to the Tottenham Stadium in a fixture expected to be a routine win for the hosts.

They still have the chance of qualifying for the Champions League, as five points separate them from Chelsea, occupying the final spot. They also have the opportunity to claim the Europa League spot as two points separate them from that.

Tottenham is therefore expected to record an easy win here.

Prediction: 3-0

West Bromwich Albion v Wolverhampton Wanderers

The hosts are not giving up on a dream survival, which many have deemed impossible. A win here could take West Brom to the 18th spot with nine points separating them from Brighton in 17th place.

Having secured a win in their last encounter against Wolves at the Molineux, they have the chance to make it two in two, which could inch them closer to safety.

But Wolves, who were thrashed 4-0 by Burnley, would want to come back into the game, as some adjustments are expected to have been made. This is therefore, likely to be a tight encounter. But the Baggies will be determined to take maximum points at the Hawthorns.

Prediction: 2-1

Burnley v West Ham United

Resurgent Burnley will host West Ham at Turf Moor with the hope of securing another win. The Hammers, who lost their last game against Chelsea, will want to continue their push for Champions League.

Therefore, this is expected to be a closely contested encounter as any match against the Hammers is never an easy duel.

The visitors will want it more here and could end up getting an important win.

Prediction: 0-2