Premier League Preview Matchday 34
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Manchester City face a tough test this week when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace. The home team are one of only three teams to beat City in the Premier League this season and will be buoyed by the performance against Newcastle on Matchday 33. Luka Milivojevic converted a penalty to secure Palace the three points and has now netted 11 goals for the season.
Manchester City will be keen to return to the top of the table after booking their place in the FA Cup final last weekend. The Sky Blues will have added ammunition to perform well after a shock 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Champions League. The Sky Blues have been impressive on the road this season and have not conceded a goal in 60% of their away matches.
Prediction: Manchester City @ $1.30
Liverpool vs Chelsea
This is the match we have all been waiting for. Liverpool’s toughest opponent for the remainder of the season and a game that can take them one step closer to the elusive title. We all know what happened last time Chelsea travelled to Merseyside when Liverpool were on course to win the title. Steven Gerrard slipped, Demba Ba scored and Jose Mourinho ran down the touchline to agitate the Reds fans. Five years later, Chelsea can once again ruin Liverpool’s party. The Blues are in the form to do it. The criticism of the manager Maurizio Sarri has waned as the Italian manager has embedded youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi into the starting line-up. Eden Hazard scored one of the goals of the season against West Ham last week, but reports he could be on his way to Real Madrid may plays on the Blues’ minds.
Liverpool needed to come from behind to beat the Southampton on the weekend. Mohamed Salah scored his first goal in eight games as the Reds moved back to the top of the table. The Reds are undefeated in their last 16 home matches, however they have not beaten the Blues at Anfield since 2012.
Will history repeat or will Liverpool learn from their past mistakes?
Prediction: Liverpool @ $1.60
Watford vs Arsenal
Watford will hope to recapture their FA Cup form when they face Arsenal at home. The Hornets progressed to the FA Cup final for the first time since 1984 after beating Wolves at Wembley Stadium last week. Gerard Deulofeu scored two goals as a substitute to write his name in the Watford history books.
Arsenal’s top four hopes took a hit following a defeat to Everton. The Gunners were fortunate to only lose 1-0 against the Toffees in a less than impressive performance. Arsenal have struggled on the road this season, winning only five of their 15 games away from Emirates Stadium.
It will be difficult to see the Gunners coming away with the three points, with Watford riding a wave of momentum.
Prediction: Draw @ $3.60
