GameWeek 30 brings a return to full Premier League action after the international break. Needless to say, Manchester City hopes to continue their winning run.
READ: Review of Premier League MatchDay 29
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea will be going into the clash on the back of clean sheets in their past seven matches in all competitions. West Brom has scored twice in the same number of games.
The Blues are expected to continue their winning streak and record a routine win. Another clean sheet under Thomas Tuchel is on the cards here.
Leeds United v Sheffield United
Having won the first leg 1-0 courtesy of a late strike, it is expected that Leeds United will edge this one. Although Sheffield United were extremely competitive in their last game against Chelsea in the FA Cup sixth-round, they are likely to lose against Marcelo Bielsa’s men again.
With just 9 games left, their relegation is likely to be confirmed soon.
Leicester City v Manchester City
Manchester City need five more wins to confirm their third Premier League title in four years.
It will be recalled that Leicester, who are occupying the third spot enjoyed a thumping 5-2 victory at Etihad Stadium in September – one of only three defeats Pep Guardiola’s side have suffered this season. It was also the only time they have conceded more than two goals in 46 games in all competitions in 2020-21.
The Spaniard will want to take his pound of flesh, but it will be a battle at the King Power. City will be going into this clash on top form, so they are likely to get a win. To achieve this, they must be wary of the Foxes on the break as they are expected not to see much of the ball. They need to stop Jamie Vardy and in-form former player, Kelechi Iheanacho.
Arsenal v Liverpool
This is is the game of the week and a big one for Liverpool. The Reds are still pushing for a top four spot while keeping an eye on their Champions League fixture against Real Madrid next Tuesday.
Arsenal is coming into the clash on the back of a dramatic 3-3 draw at West Ham. So, it is hard to know what sort of performance they will produce against Jurgen Klopp’s men.
With the Champions League quarter-final against the Galaticos at stake, Liverpool cannot really afford to rest anyone. Klopp would probably like to but they need a win to stay close to Chelsea, who are in fourth place. If they produce a good performance, they can get it.
Can they break Arsenal apart if the Gunners produce the sort of performance they did against Tottenham Hotspur?
Southampton v Burnley
This is expected to be an interesting clash between two teams that have 33 points. Although 40 is the safety point, none of them is likely to go down.
Burnley goes into the game on the back of an impressive performance in the 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Southampton also runs out as easy winners against Bournemouth in the FA Cup, but their league form is awful.
A win for anyone here is a giant step towards ensuring their survival, but the points are likely to be shared.
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
To avoid getting into a relegation battle that could take them back to the Championship, Newcastle needs a win badly. Getting that win against Tottenham is another story entirely.
If some of their top players were fit, they would have got a chance. They will, therefore, fancy a draw here. It will be a huge boost to have Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson back to full fitness.
Spurs, on the other hand, can get three points after getting a win at Villa Pak in their last outing. The Tyneside club is likely to defend mostly but if fans were allowed into grounds, the Toon Army would be laying into the Magpies, and rightly so.
Will they be ending a bad run in the last six games (three draws and three defeats) here against an inconsistent Tottenham? The hosts will have to stop the likes of Harry Kane, Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min to contend with, if they are all fit for the clash.
Aston Villa v Fulham
Fulham will have the chance to move out of the relegation zone with a win at Villa Park if Newcastle drops points. But they will have to grind out a win against the team that is welcoming Jack Grealish back into the starting line-up.
It was obvious that Villa missed their talisman during their game against Spurs, as they could not get the ball up the pitch effectively without him. His return is therefore a big lift, as much as it creates a goal threat.
Fulham need the points, but Villa is likely to take them.
Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton has returned to winning ways in their last two games, which has taken them six points above the bottom three. They also have a better goal difference than the teams below them.
They will have to face a stern test at Old Trafford. After suffering a controversial 3-2 defeat at the Amex in their last clash against the Red Devils, things might be tight this around, but United could well nip a win.
Everton v Crystal Palace
Although Everton struggled at home in their last game against Burnley, they are likely to experience a change of fortune. The Toffees are therefore likely to bounce back here after three straight defeats.
But Wilfred Zaha and Eberechi Eze could be a thorn in their flesh alongside Andros Townsend.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United
The Hammers will be hoping to continue their push for a top-four finish. And getting a win at the Molineux will increase their chances.
Wolves, on the other hand, will give David Moyes’s men a run for their money in order to avoid another crushing defeat. Having been hammered 4-0 in their last meeting, they will have to pocket Michail Antonio and in-form Thomas Soucek to have a chance of getting something from this game.
Wolves will be happy to finish this season in the middle of the table without their talisman, Raul Jimenez.
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We are on the lookout for fire cracking encounters in Premier League GameWeek 30.
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