Butterflies in Jose Mourinho’s belly
Tottenham 2 Bournemouth 1
Spurs are on a roll courtesy of the prolific form of dynamic attacking duo Dele Alli and Son Heung-min. Alli is a strong challenger for Young Player of the Year accolades. Bournemouth usually pose a goal threat, so I am backing them to cause Mauricio Pochettino’s young side some discomfort. But there can be only one winner.
Southampton 2 Man City 3
Claudio Bravo’s shambolic goalkeeping precipitates ulcers for Pep Guardiola. Thankfully for the Catalan, City are hitting top form. If they play with the fluency they showed at Stamford Bridge, they will carry the day. Manolo Gabbiadini and Nathan Redmond guarantee Saints goals. Goal-filled encounter.
Middlesbrough 1 Arsenal 2
Boro are finally coming out of their defensive shells albeit too late. They must field three strikers from the off if they are to knock Arsenal out of their stride. I fancy Gaston Ramirez, Alvaro Negredo and Rudy Gestede to conjure up a goal between them. As is the norm at this stage of the season, Arsenal should brave the Boro storm.
Man United 1 Chelsea 1
This O.T humdinger has a draw written all over it. Unbeaten in the league since October, United are prioritising their two-legged Europa League encounter with Anderlecht as their best route to Champions League qualification. Besides, Chelsea have a great head to head record with United against whom they are unbeaten in 12 encounters.
C. Palace 2 Leicester 1
Craig Shakespeare’s decision to rest players for their Champions League tie with Atletico provides a window of opportunity for Palace. If he rests players like he did at Goodison Park, Palace will show him fire. Wilfred Zaha and Christian Benteke will be encouraged by the stoutness brought by Mamadou Sakho’s uncompromising defending.
West Brom 1 Liverpool 1
I cannot see Liverpool winning this fixture for three reasons. First off, their win percentage without Sadio Mane is poor. Secondly, they are poor travellers, who rarely win on the road. Furthermore, West Brom pose an aerial threat Liverpool have struggled to contain all season. I am therefore backing West Brom to battle to a draw.
Stoke City 2 Hull City 2
Hull are the best coached team in the league at the moment. The manner in which manager Marco Silva has made light work of the departure of Jake Livermore and Robert Snodgrass portends glad tidings. A share of the spoils!
Everton 2 Burnley 0
Ronald Koeman’s Toffees were uncharacteristically porous in conceding twice at home to Leicester City last Sunday. I expect them to restore their usual defensive frugality for the visit of travel-weary Burnley. Want away pair Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley will enhance their burgeoning reputations.
Watford 2 Swansea 1
Talismanic striker Fernando Llorente’s injury has knocked the wind out of Swansea’s sailing. All the momentum that came with Paul Clement’s appointment has dissipated courtesy of the Swans inability to convert chances created. Watford are a big, powerfully built side ready to pounce. M’baye Niang and Troy Deeney to offer safety.
Sunderland 1 West Ham 1
Sunderland are getting relegated without much of a fight. Too much responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of veteran Jermain Defoe. If David Moyes’ Black Cats are going to be in with a shout to survive the drop, they must win their next three home games. Unfortunately, in their case that’s easier said than done.
