The Premier League continues to thrill fans around the world and week 36 is unlikely to be any different, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Seven things to expect from this weekend’s Premier League action:
1) Everton to ease to victory:
Everton take on Watford at Goodison Park in what will prove to be a bumper-packed schedule for the week, with most teams playing twice. Everton, however, only have one game against a Watford side who seem to be on holiday already. Expect a dominant home performance from the Toffees, who are expected to run out comfortable victors.
2) Spurs to edge United:
Despite conceding a shock defeat to West Ham, Spurs will be desperate for the three points to put as much pressure on Chelsea as possible. They host a Manchester United side this weekend, who sealed their place in the Europa League Final. With Jose Mourinho and his team’s attention clearly focused on European success, the Portuguese manager is expected to rest some of his key players. Expect Mauricio Potchettino’s men to bounce back from last week’s defeat and edge United in what promises to be a tight encounter.
3) Relegation final for Hull and Palace:
In what could prove to be the most important game of the season for both sides, Crystal Palace host Hull City at Selhurst Park this game week. A victory for Palace could all but secure their safety, while Hull will need the three points in order to pull themselves out of the bottom three. With both sides displaying inconsistencies, expect a tight battle which could go either way.
4) Swansea to edge towards safety:
Swansea travel to take on already relegated Sunderland this game week. Although the Black Cats put in an impressive display to beat Hull last weekend, Swansea will be desperate for the three points to keep themselves out of the dreaded drop zone. Expect a enthralling encounter to play out at the Stadium of Light, where the Swans may just come out on top.
5) Chelsea to secure title at Hawthorns:
Chelsea travel to take on West Brom on Friday night, and the Blues will be looking to secure their fifth Premier League trophy. West Brom, however, will be looking to spoil the party and ensure that Antonio Conte’s men keep their champagne on ice. Expect the Blues to be too strong for Tony Pulis’s men and secure the three points, which will see them being crowned Champions in Conte’s debut season.
6) Hammers and Liverpool to draw:
After an impressive win over Spurs, Slaven Bilic’s men will be looking to finish the season off on a high to take some pressure off their manager. Liverpool, on the other hand, need the three points in order to ensure a Champions League spot, as Arsenal look poised to have a late push for the top four. Expect a tightly contested battle at the Olympic Stadium, which could likely end in a draw.
7) Arsenal to make top-four push:
Arsenal have two games this game week, first they travel to Stoke on Saturday, before welcoming Sunderland on Tuesday night. Although the Gunners have a poor record away against Stoke, expect them to come out on top in this must-win encounter. Their home game against Sunderland looks to be a banker for Arsene Wenger’s men. If the Gunners do pick up six points as expected, any slip-up from Liverpool will see them being leapfrogged by the North London side.
Photo: EPA/Will Oliver
