The Chelsea is holding on to a slim one point lead atop the table, with just three weeks left to play as we head into Week 35 of Barclays Premier League football. My pick for match of the week is Tottenham at Manchester United. Tottenham is pushing hard for a Champions League spot, but on Saturday, a title-hunting Manchester United squad is poised to push back in an effort to overthrow leaders Chelsea. The match will be shown at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday as the ESPN game this week, and the stakes could hardly be higher for either side. Here I take a look at a few more of this weekend’s crucial matches, giving you insight on making your EPL soccer wager a winner.
Manchester United vs. Tottenham
The Spurs have been in the mix for the last several weeks, if only to keep the race for the league title in flux. They ended Arsenals hopes of league title beating then 3-1 in their firs win over the Gunners in 11 years, and then downed Chelsea four days later, allowing United back into the race. The Spurs are in excellent form but will now have to win at Old Trafford — a venue they have never won at in the Premier League, against a United side that is equally as ready. Expect a very hard-fought game; with little given either way, as United edges out a close win at home.
Bolton Wanderers vs. Portsmouth
Portsmouth have already been relegated and as it heads to Bolton this Saturday, but a win for the Wanderers would guarantee them a place in the Premier League next season. However, Bolton manager Owen Coyle isn’t taking Pompey lightly despite the distractions that Portsmouth may have both on and off the pitch. The Football Association confirmed on Thursday that they will not be playing in Europe next season as a result of their going into administration, as well as the club’s mounting debts. Look for Bolton to secure their spot in next year’s Premier League.
Hull City vs. Sunderland
Hull is running out of time to avoid the drop and a loss to visiting Sunderland on Saturday could very well seal their fate. Hull are three points back of West Ham with three matches to play, and with a 21-goal deficit in goal difference. Sunderland will be playing for a top-half finish but will have need to improve the team’s away form if they want to beat a desperate Tigers side. Since winning at Hull last season, the Black Cats have won only one of 27 league games on the road, but have lost only two of their last nine league games, winning four of those matches. Look for the ‘Cats to pick up a win.
West Ham vs. Wigan Athletic
West Ham will fight to avoid the drop while Wigan, who is now “virtually safe will try to pick up a win, and enough points to assure a spot in the top flight for next season.
The Latics incredible comeback against Arsenal is proof Wigan can win tough matches against top table teams. Meanwhile, a Victory over Sunderland earlier this month is West Ham’s only win in nine league games, seven of which they have lost. If Burnley fails to beat Liverpool, Hull loses and West Ham wins, only a goal difference could relegate the Hammers. Expect a draw in this one to keep things interesting for at least another week.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Blackburn Rovers
The Wolves need just three points to avoid the drop, getting them against a stingy Blackburn side will be a stiff challenge. They are one of the teams that could break into the top 10.
The Wolves have not scored in their last four games and have won just 10 times at home all season, while the Rovers’ have just 11 goals in 16 away games. Fortunately for Wolves, the goals have also dried up at the other end. They have conceded a solitary goal in their last four matches, and that was in stoppage time at Arsenal. Blackburn’s Premier League status is secure for next year and I don’t see them taking any chances in this one. I have this match ending in a scoreless draw.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City
After having their title hopes crushed Arsenal must settle for spoiling Manchester City’s plans for Champions League football in 2010-2011 when the two meet up in London this weekend. Both sides will look to rebound from defeats last weekend. Arsenal blew a 2-0 lead in the last 10 minutes at Wigan, while Manchester City’s Champions League ambitions took an injury-time blow at home to local rivals United. Victory on Saturday would get City back on track while an Arsenal win would secure the Gunners a spot in next season’s Champions League. City will be without striker Emmanuel Adebayor who was suspended for three matches after racing across the pitch to celebrate a goal in front of the Arsenal supporters and a clash with Robin van Persie the last time these two sides met. Arsenal will have to do without Andrey Arshavin, who is still suffering from calf and groin strains. The Gunners win this one 2-1.
Aston Villa vs. Birmingham
The 116th edition of the Birmingham Derby is set for this weekend at Villa Park. Aston Villa has 50 wins to Birmingham’s 37 in the all-time series and they’ll be looking to continue it good Premier League form and make it six wins in a row against their Second City neighbors. The Blues are winless in their last seven games and have lost six of their last seven away matches, conceding 18 goals. Expect the Villans to get a three points in this one.
Burnley vs. Liverpool
Burnley has been sitting in a relegation spot for over two months and they could be relegated back to the Championship when they kick off against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Reds, on the other hand, is now sitting in seventh – a Europa League spot – now that Portsmouth has been ruled out of next year’s competition. Yossi Benayoun scored a hat trick in Liverpool’s 4-0 win over the Clarets at Anfield earlier this season. I can’t see Burnley getting the win but I do see a draw as the face a road weary Liverpool.
Everton vs. Fulham
Everton will welcome the Cottagers into Goodison Park Sunday for what will be Fulham’s 58th match this season in all competitions. The Toffees are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches and have not been beaten at Goodison Park in 10 matches since a 2-0 defeat against city rivals Liverpool in November. Fulham have never won a league match at Goodison Park in 21 previous trips. With the home crowd and a tired Fulham side focusing on the Europa League finals on May 12, I expect Everton to take three points.
Chelsea vs. Stoke City
Chelsea needs just three more wins to claim the title, will need to but step one of that task will have to happen without captain John Terry, who will be serving a ban for being sent off against Spurs last week. The Blues missed their opportunity to put some distance between then and second place United by losing at Tottenham last weekend. Chelsea and Stoke City have met 71 times in the league with Chelsea holding a lead by 33 wins to 22, with 16 draws. The Blues have needed last-minute winners in both recent league encounters against Stoke to secure all three points and with injuries to several of Chelsea’s top players and some in need of a rest, this could be the toughest three points the Pensioners have had to earn all season.
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