The Premier League continues to thrill fans around the world and week 26 is unlikely to be any different, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Seven things to expect from this weekend’s Premier League action:
1. Palace to break their bad run
Crystal Palace host fellow Premier League strugglers Middlesbrough this weekend at Selhurst Park in what is a vital game for Sam Allardyce’s men and their hopes of survival. Palace are without a win in eleven games. Boro, who have been defensively good, but poor going forward, have been racking up too many draws. In a must win game for Palace, expect them to rise to the occasion and earn a much-needed three points.
2. Managerless champions to continue free fall
In a decision which shook the footballing world, or at least sent through some tremours, Leicester City sacked manager Claudio Ranieri after a series of results which sees them only one point off the relegation zone. This weekend the Foxes take on Liverpool at the King Power Stadium, a match that the Foxes would have been hoping to avoid at this stage. The Reds come into the game after an extended break, and will be looking to build on their win over Spurs with Sadio Mane back in the team. Expect Jurgen Klopp’s men to run out victors and pile more misery on the struggling champions.
3. Chelsea to continue march to the title
Eight points clear at the top, Chelsea take on a resurgent Swansea team at Stamford Bridge, and although the Swans have had a few impressive results over the last few weeks, a result away at Chelsea will be a step too far. Expect the Blues to continue their exceptional home form and pick up another three points in their pursuit of the title. Bank on Eden Hazard to find the net, with Marcos Alonso another high-value option.
4. Spurs struggles to continue
Having only picked up five points in their last four games and having been knocked out of the Europa League on Thursday evening, Tottenham Hotspur are going through a rough spell at the moment. Spurs take on Stoke City at White Hart Lane this weekend and after a taxing midweek European night where they played a large part of the game with ten men. The coming match could see Mauricio Pochettino’s men drop more points.
5. Romelu Lukaku to hit the back of the net
The Belgian international has been one of the star performers in the Premier League this season. Although he failed to score last time out, having scored four goals the previous week, expect Lukaku to be back on the score sheet, perhaps multiple times, as his Everton side host an indifferent Sunderland team at Goodison Park this weekend.
6. Hull to continue resurgence
A few weeks ago, when Marcos Silva was appointed the new Hull City manager, it looked as though he faced an impossible task in trying to keep them in the league. Fast forward to game week 26 and the Portuguese manager seems to be working magic, having picked up vital points against quality opposition. This week, however, the Tigers host fellow minnows Burnley with Sean Dyce’s men having exceeded expectations this season and are likely to stay up. If Hull want to join them, these are the type of games they need to win. Expect a big performance from the home side as they search for another three points in their relegation scrap.
7. West Brom to beat Bournemouth
A struggling Bournemouth team arrive at Hawthorns this weekend, with Eddie Howe’s men winless in nine games and are starting to drift ever closer to the foot of the table. The West Brom team, by contrast, are sitting eighth on the table and have been performing constantly throughout the season. Expect the Baggies to continue this form and best the Cherries this weekend, pushing them closer to a relegation fight.
Follow Dean on Twitter: @DeanoWorks
