That’s maybe a little harsh, but I think it’s fair. The Premier League is the toughest in the world. Ask Pep Guardiola.
La Liga fans will rightly point to football games like last week’s El Clasico, a masterpiece in sport, but for sheer competitiveness, the EPL stands out. Even with betting odds stacked against them, nobody rolls over. Crystal Palace beat Liverpool last week when betting tips went all red.
WEEK 35 SATURDAY:
Sunderland vs Bournemouth
David Moyes rightly predicted he’d be in a relegation scrap back in August, and that prophesy became self-fulfilling all too rapidly. He’s about to lose the battle, though, as his Black Cats could be relegated with four games to go if results go against them. The Cherries never talk of relegation and are safe.
Southampton vs Hull City
It’s Hull who could put Sunderland down if they manage to get a rare win away at Southampton. It does seem highly unlikely, though, against a Saints side packed with talent and the goal threat of Manolo Gabbiadini. Hull have lost five away on the bounce, while Southampton lost their last two to Chelsea and Manchester City.
West Bromwich Albion vs Leicester City
You’d think Leicester were safe now on 37 points, but the Foxes will want another one or two to make this absolutely sure. This is a good opportunity as, while the Baggies have had a great season, they have gone off the boil somewhat, just one point from four games.
Stoke City vs West Ham United
Eleventh plays 14th in a real end-of-season mid-table clash. The Hammers have been unsettled in their new home, but Slaven Bilic has steered them to safety. Meanwhile, Stoke, generally a tough nut to crack, have been on a poor run after losing to Swansea last week. Potters boss Mark Hughes will want to put that right.
WEEK 35 SUNDAY:
Crystal Palace vs Burnley
Big Sam has done his usual party trick, lifting the relegation-threatened Eagles to safety by sorting out their defence. Burnley are on the cusp of survival, a great effort for Sean Dyche’s close-knit team, but back-to-back defeats to Everton and Manchester United left them glancing over their shoulders as they near the finish line.
Manchester United vs Swansea City
Jose Mourinho’s team has sprinted up the rails to become embroiled in the hunt for the Top Four. Even without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his well-drilled men carry a goal threat: Wayne Rooney was back in the limelight with a goal at Burnley. The Swans look likely to join the Black Cats and Boro, and I can’t see any joy for them in Manchester.
Everton vs Chelsea
Sunday is reserved for the top teams with eyes on the big prizes. Two defeats in the last five have whittled Chelsea’s lead at the top to four points, and this is a tough test against the Toffees that have won their last six at Goodison Park.
Middlesbrough vs Manchester City
The other top teams are contesting the Champions League places and should win easily. Manchester City travel to Middlesbrough, still deep in the mire after beating the only mob worse than them–Sunderland–on Thursday. City need to stay focussed, but that won’t be a problem without a trophy this season!
WEEK 35 TUESDAY:
Watford FC vs Liverpool
The other main contender for the last two Champions League spots has the most difficult game on paper as Liverpool travel to Watford. The Hornets have won three of their last five, and Liverpool dropped a huge clanger at home to Palace last week. Jurgen Klopp will fire his talented team up for this one, that’s for sure.
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