EPL Forecast: Rat race at the bottom
Cry Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sam Allardyce placed serious emphasis on defensive stoutness and was rewarded by his first Palace win at Bournemouth. Sunderland recruited well in January but need to spread the goal scoring burden better in order to get results. I can see the Londoners recording a narrow home victory.
Tottenham 2-0 Boro
For all their potential, a Jekyll and Hyde element continues to bedevil Spurs’ quest for a first league title since 1961. Boro have ability to make this game awkward. However, England front pair Delle Ali and Harry Kane have the ammunition to dismantle the visitors. Home victory.
Everton 2-1 Bournemouth
Ronald Koeman’s Toffees have hit a rich vein of form courtesy of new found defensive discipline. On the other hand, Eddie Howe’s Cherries are struggling for consistency. Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku will power the home side to victory.
Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal
Forget about Arsenal’s FA Cup goals splurge at Southampton. The Gunners’ league form has been patchy. In Ngolo Kante, Chelsea have the best ball hunting, ball winning midfielder in the division. He will provide the basis for a difficult home victory.
Man City 3-1 Swansea
Pep Guardiola has the best young players at his disposal. He simply has to get the best out of them. As the Catalan correctly notes, if Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus hit top form, EPL defenses will be found wanting. Swansea will make it difficult but succumb to a City barrage.
Southampton 1-1 West Ham
It remains to be seen how are the Saints going to defend Andy Carroll without Virgil van Dirk and Jose Fonte. Southampton usually thrive at St Mary’s Stadium but West Ham have goals in them. I can see a goals filled stalemate.
Watford 2-1 Burnley
The Hornets 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium was a case of lightning striking twice, as they had inflicted FA Cup misery at the ground the previous season. That victory gives them momentum to ease past poor travellers Burnley.
Leicester City 1-1 Man Utd
Incredible as it sounds, Claudio Ranieri’s job is unsafe. Less than ten months after guiding the Foxes to their greatest triumph, Leicester City are hovering just two points above relegation. I envisage a ‘fight to the death’ for the Foxes.
Hull City 1-1 Liverpool
Marco Silva has positively impacted Hull City since taking over at the KC Stadium. It’s a pity he sold Tigers top scorer Robert Snodgrass. The young gaffer has what it takes to gain a share of the spoils because he has used his vast European contacts to recruit well. Surprise draw.
West Brom 2-1 Stoke City
Saido Berahino faces his former team mates just one week after signing for the Potters. Stoke carry a genuine attacking threat, and will almost certainly score but so will West Brom who should edge a nail biting thriller courtesy of home advantage.
