Aston Villa and Bournemouth have managed to extend the drama in the Premier League relegation race by at least another week… can they leave their rivals sweating by closing the gap even further in midweek.
We’re back with our midweek predictions, with Man City vs Bournemouth leading the way…
Premier League Predictions – Midweek Preview – Gameweek 36
Monday 14th July
CHELSEA VS NORWICH CITY
Monday’s ruling in favour of Man City competing in next season’s Champions League has suddenly spiced up the race for the top four. Just two slots now remain to qualify for next year’s competition.
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Blues boss Frank Lampard after Chelsea put in arguably their worst performance of the season against Sheff Utd, a result that has left their Champions League ambitions hanging by a thread.
It could be worse, though. Lampard could be sitting in the opposite dugout. Norwich boss Daniel Farke saw his side bow to the inevitable as the Canaries lost their Premier League status on Saturday in emphatic fashion as West Ham cruised to a 4-0 win at Carrow Road. We’ve seen relegated teams relax before, but Norwich don’t look like a side in any fit shape to pull off a surprise.
Verdict: Chelsea 2-0 Norwich City
Tuesday 15th July
BURNLEY VS WOLVES
Both of these two sides have once again enjoyed fine campaigns, but the onus is on the away team here to go for broke, with Wolves still just about in the Champions League race following Southampton’s late equaliser at Man Utd.
Burnley hit the 50-point mark with a resolute 1-1 draw away at champions Liverpool and may have one eye on a European spot themselves with Norwich and Brighton left to play. The two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture and it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see a repeat of that scoreline here.
Verdict: Burnley 1-1 Wolves
MAN CITY VS BOURNEMOUTH, 18:00
The Cherries’ Premier League survival hopes still look just the right side of ripe after a spectacular Leicester meltdown combined with a fluent attacking display from Bournemouth saw Eddie Howe’s side pull off a shock 4-1 win last time out.
However, that rebound in confidence could come to a shuddering halt this week against a Man City side that look in red-hot form heading into their assault on the cups.
Much will depend on how many changes Pep Guardiola makes ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final, but Howe’s team could be in for a hard night even if the City manager opts to shuffle the pack.
Verdict: Man City 3-0 Bournemouth
NEWCASTLE VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR, 18:00
Jose Mourinho still isn’t everyone’s cup of tea in North London, but he’s gone some way to answering his critics by polishing off some of his old magic to grind out a steely 2-1 win in the North London derby on Sunday.
Even if European football for 2019/20 remains an unanswered question with just three games to go, the Portuguese will be desperate to finish top dog in North London, and this looks the ideal fixture for Spurs to keep the momentum going into next season.
Steve Bruce’s own future remains unresolved, but his side look to have downed tools for the campaign after an undisciplined defensive display at the weekend as they lost 2-1 to Watford.
Verdict: Newcastle 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
ARSENAL VS LIVERPOOL, 20:15
Tuesday’s action rounds off at the Emirates with Arsenal looking to restore some pride from a disappointing derby day against champions Liverpool.
The Gunners are on one of the longest dry spells in their history against the Reds, as they chase a first win in this fixture, home or away, since 2015.
For their part, the Reds have every motivation to win this one after dropping points in their quest to smash the 100-point barrier against Burnley.
Verdict: Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
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