Premier League Preview Gameweek 34
Man City are on track for the 2020/21 Premier League title after Man United dropped points at Leeds last weekend. The Citizens are 10 points clear at the top of the table and will be looking to maintain this lead when they face Crystal Palace this weekend. United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford in the biggest match of the weekend. The Red Devils will be hoping to secure second place, while Liverpool must win to keep chase with the top four. They dropped points to Newcastle last weekend after the Magpies equalised with the last kick of the game.
Chelsea host Fulham in a West London derby with both sides fighting at opposite ends of the table. Everton take on Aston Villa as the Toffees look to keep their European hopes alive. A resurgent Leeds travel to a Brighton side who must win to avoid falling into relegation trouble in the final game weeks.
All odds are from bet365 and subject to change.
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org
Brighton v Leeds
Brighton’s 1-0 loss to bottom side Sheffield United extended their winless run in the Premier League to four matches. Graham Potter’s side have also failed to score in their last three matches, following goalless draws with Everton and Chelsea. Just two wins in their last 11 matches leaves Brighton seven points ahead of 18th placed Fulham. Brighton have been harder to beat at recently, losing two of their last five matches at the Amex.
Leeds extended their unbeaten run to six matches with a 0-0 draw at home to Man United last weekend. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have drawn three and won three of their last six and have taken points off Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool and Man United in this run. They have also won their last two away matches against Fulham and Man City. Good recent results have given Leeds an outside chance of making the European places. They are eight points off West Ham in fifth.
Florin Andone (thigh), Solly March (knee) and Tariq Lamptey (thigh) are ruled out for Brighton. Percy Tau is doubtful but Ben White returns from suspension. Liam Cooper is suspended for Leeds. Adam Forshaw (muscular) and Helder Costa (lower back) are also ruled out but Raphinha and Rodrigo could return from injury.
Leeds looks a hard side to beat on current form and they should record a win to extend their unbeaten run against Brighton.
Chelsea v Fulham
Chelsea took a step towards securing Champions League football next season by beating West Ham 1-0 at the London Stadium last weekend. The Blues followed this result with a 1-1 draw away at Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. The results extended Chelsea’s unbeaten run to four matches in all competitions. In 14 Premier League matches under Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea have lost just one match, a 5-2 home loss to West Brom after the international break. It was the only one of Tuchel’s home matches in the Premier League where Chelsea have conceded.
Fulham ended their four-match losing streak last time out with a 1-1 draw away at Arsenal. The result gives Fulham an outside chance of escaping relegation but they remain seven points adrift in 18th place. Scott Parker’s side have been hard to beat away from home this season, avoiding defeat in 10 of their last 11 away matches in all competitions but have one win in their last five on the road.
Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic could return from a thigh injury. Tom Cairney (knee), Marek Rodak (wrist) and Terence Kongolo (knee) are unavailable for Fulham but Kenny Tete could return.
Chelsea looks unbeatable at the moment. They should record a comfortable win over their West London rivals this weekend. Fulham’s lack of goals this season will play into Chelsea’s hands.
Newcastle v Arsenal
Newcastle continued their good recent form with a 1-1 draw away at Liverpool last weekend. Joe Willock rescued a point for the Magpies in the dying seconds, extending Newcastle’s unbeaten run to four matches. Recent wins over West Ham and Burnley have moved Newcastle nine points clear of the relegation zone into 16th place. Steve Bruce’s side have also put together a solid unbeaten run at home, winning two and drawing three of their last five at St James’ Park.
Arsenal’s last-ditch push for Europe were brought to an end last weekend as Mikel Arteta’s side fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Everton. Just one win in five Premier League matches leaves the Gunners nine points off West Ham in fifth. But Arsenal have been in solid form away from home, winning two and drawing two of their last four on the road.
Isaac Hayden (knee), Karl Darlow (knee), Ryan Fraser (groin), Joe Willock (ineligible against parent club) and Jamaal Lascelles (ankle) are ruled out for Newcastle. Fabian Schar could return to the squad. Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns.
Newcastle is a tough side to beat and Arsenal are struggling for wins. Back Newcastle to continue their good form hold the Gunners to a draw this weekend.
Man United v Liverpool
Man United were unable to make it six wins from six Premier League matches last weekend as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Leeds. The result effectively ended United’s title hopes this season. But the Red Devils remain in excellent form. They are unbeaten in 13 Premier League matches and have won five of their last six at Old Trafford, keeping them firmly in second place in the league.
Liverpool drew their third consecutive match last Saturday as Newcastle came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Anfield. Back-to-back Premier League draws leaves the Reds four points off the Champions League places. But, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been hard to beat recently. They have won three of their last five Premier League matches and have won five of their last seven away matches.
United will be without Phil Jones and Anthony Matrial, who both have long-term knee injuries. Nathan Phillips could return for Liverpool but they will be without Divock Origi (muscular), Virgil van Dijk (knee), Caoimhin Kelleher (chest), Joe Gomez (knee), Joel Matip (ankle) and Jordan Henderson (groin).
United will want to extend their unbeaten run against Liverpool this weekend and finish the 2020/21 campaign on a high. For Liverpool, this match is a must win if they want to keep their hopes of Champions League football alive for next season. With both teams in solid form, a draw is likely in this rivalry match on Sunday.
Relevant news
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 38
The stage is set for an enthralling finale to the 2021/22 Premier League season. Lead…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 37
Man City are on course to secure another Premier League title this season. The Citizens…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 35
The 2021/22 Premier League season is coming to a head. With just five matches left,…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 33
Fresh off the back of a breath-taking weekend of Premier League action last weekend, more…
2022 FA Cup Quarter Finals
The 2021/22 FA Cup has reached the quarter-finals with just eight teams left fighting for…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 29
The Premier League fixtures have been coming thick and fast recently. There was a full…