This weekend signals the true beginning of the race for the line. Chelsea’s Champions League exit, and Manchester City and Arsenal’s seemingly impending European doom allows all the sides in contention for the top four (and the title) to concentrate on the Premier League.
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Here are the predictions from CaughtOffside, and what we make of them…
CaughtOffside Says: Crystal Palace 2-1 QPR
The Eagles have been in decent form recently, although admittedly they have been better on the road. QPR on the other hand, have been diabolical away from Loftus Road.
Charlie Austin is still scoring with regularity, but even his goals are unlikely to save the Hoops.
Fanatix Says: Crystal Palace 2-0 QPR
Alan Pardew’s side should record a comfortable victory, QPR will put up very little fight given their shocking away record.
CaughtOffside Says: Arsenal 3-0 West Ham
The Gunners are likely to be in high spirits following their morale boosting win at Old Trafford, and are looking to cement their place in the top four.
Practically polar opposites, Sam Allardyce’s side have struggled for form recently and have been plummeting down the table. Injuries have hit them hard, and their fortunes are unlikely to change at the Emirates.
Fanatix Says: Arsenal 1-1 West Ham
The first of a fewshocks this weekend. West Ham look a different team this season, and Arsenal will be more focused on overturning their European deficit.
CaughtOffside Says: Leicester 1-2 Hull
Leicester are looking more and more likely to head straight back down to the Championship come the end of the season, and despite playing decent football at times, they just can’t seem to put any points on the board.
Hull have had a mixed season, but the return of Nikica Jelavic and the signing of Dame N’Doye has provided them with some much needed firepower.
Fanatix Says: Leicester 2-0 Hull
This is where Leicester’s survival bid begins, Andrej Kramaric will be too good for Hull’s defence.
CaughtOffside Says: Sunderland 0-1 Aston Villa
Gus Poyet is tipped to be the next manager to lose his job, and it’s hardly surprising given the Black Cats’ recent form.
They have been poor at home this season, and Villa have looked a far better team under new boss Tim Sherwood.
Fanatix Says: Sunderland 0-1 Aston Villa
Villa looked much more positive in their FA Cup win last time out. Sunderland can’t buy a goal at home, and that run will continue.
Caught Offside Says: West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Stoke
This game has draw written all over it.
Apart from two derby losses against Aston Villa, West Brom have looked defensively solid since Tony Pulis took charge. He will face his old team this weekend, and with Stoke’s mediocre form away from home there aren’t likely to be many goals in this game.
Fanatix Says: West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Stoke
Definitely a draw. Neither side will want to lose, after both manager’s have bigged up the impact they had on Stoke.
CaughtOffside Says: Burnley 0-2 Manchester City
Burnley have picked up a few surprise points against top teams this season, but it’s hard to see that happening again.
City are pushing not only to keep the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the table, but also to keep second place away from Arsenal.
Fanatix Says: Burnley 1-1 Manchester City
Danny Ings will raise his game again against another big club. But City will crumble under the pressure of knowing they can close the gap on Chelsea.
CaughtOffside Says: Chelsea 2-1 Southampton
Jose Mourinho will probably have had a few choice words for his team after their shock loss against ten man PSG this past Wednesday, and the Blues are likely to be fired up for their clash with the Saints.
Ronald Koeman’s side have had mixed results as of late, but are unlikely to have enough about them to see off the league leaders.
Fanatix Says: Chelsea 1-1 Southampton
Chelsea will suffer from a European hangover, while Southampton’s trip abroad will have benefitted them massively ahead of the run in.
CaughtOffside Says: Everton 0-1 Newcastle
Roberto Martinez’s side are notoriously poor after their Europa League outings, and this weekend is unlikely to prove any different.
The Magpies have found goals hard to come by, but could snatch a win against a struggling Toffees team.
Fanatix Says: Everton 0-0 Newcastle
As mentioned, Everton struggle after European games, and this run should continue. Newcastle are so inconsistent, so will take an away draw.
CaughtOffside Says: Manchester United 1-2 Spurs
Louis van Gaal’s side have been underperforming all season, but have some how been getting results. They are likely to be demoralised following their FA Cup loss against Arsenal, and could struggle against Spurs.
Harry Kane has been excellent this season, and should continue his fine scoring form at Old Trafford.
Fanatix Says: Manchester United 1-1 Spurs
United will be desperate not lose again following their poor performance against Arsenal. Spurs look strong, so should take points back to White Hart Lane with them.
CaughtOffside Says: Swansea 1-3 Liverpool
Liverpool are the in form team in the Premier League at the moment, and will be looking to keep the pressure up on the top four.
The Swans have struggled since Wilfried Bony’s departure, and will be lucky to get anything from this game.
Fanatix Says: Swansea 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool have been massively impressive lately, while the Swans are definitely lacking confidence. This should be a comfortable away win.
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