Premier League Preview Gameweek 35
Man City will have to wait another week before their chance to seal the 2020/21 Premier League title. The Citizens beat Crystal Palace 2-0 last weekend to go 13 points clear at the top, leaving Man United and Liverpool to play at the potential title decider at Old Trafford. However, the match was called off after fan protests and City remain one point away from the Premier League title. They face a tough test against Chelsea this weekend while Man United travel to Aston Villa to keep their unlikely chances of a Premier League title alive.
In the race for Europe, Tottenham face Leeds at Elland Road, Liverpool play Southampton and West Ham take on Everton with plenty at stake for these sides. Fulham’s loss to Chelsea last weekend leaves them nine points from safety but they could close the gap on Burnley in their match on Monday.
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
Leicester v Newcastle
Leicester’s three match winning streak came to an end on Friday as Southampton held the Foxes to a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s. The result leaves Leicester with a seven-point cushion in the Champions League places. Despite the dropped points last weekend, Brendan Rodgers’ side are still in good form at the King Power. They have won four of their last five in all competitions and recorded big home wins over Sheffield United and West Brom recently in the Premier League.
Newcastle lost 2-0 at home to Arsenal on Sunday, ending the Magpies four match unbeaten run in the Premier League. Recent good form keeps Steve Bruce’s side nine points outside the relegation zone. Newcastle have picked up some impressive results away from home in the Premier League. They have lost one in their last four on the road and have taken points from Burnley, West Brom and Liverpool in recent weeks.
Jonny Evans should return for Leicester following an ankle injury but Wes Morgan, James Justin, and Harvey Barnes are ruled out. Newcastle will be without Isaac Hayden (knee), Karl Darlow (knee), Ryan Fraser (groin), Fabien Schar (suspended), and Jamaal Lascelles (ankle).
Despite Newcastle’s recent improvement in the Premier League, Leicester are in good form and have been ruthless at home in recent months. Another home win for the Foxes is likely this weekend.
Leeds v Tottenham
Leeds lost 2-0 away at Brighton last week, which ended their six-match unbeaten run in the Premier League. Marcelo Bielsa’s side had previously beaten Man City and drawn with Liverpool and Man United, leaving them comfortably in mid-table. Leeds have been in good form at Elland Road recently, losing just one match in their last seven. But they have drawn three of their last four at home and only picked up one win against bottom side Sheffield United.
Tottenham bounced back from their disappointing EFL Cup final loss two weeks ago with a 4-0 win against Sheffield United. Gareth Bale put in a man of the match display and scored a hat-trick to make it two wins in two Premier League matches for Ryan Mason. However, away form has been an issue for Spurs recently and the North London side have just one win in their last five away in all competitions.
Liam Cooper is available for Leeds after his three-match suspension. Helder Costa could return from a back injury but Raphinha (thigh), Adam Forshaw (muscular), and Kalvin Phillips (knee) are ruled out.
Leeds and Spurs have struggled to put together a good run of wins in the Premier League recently so backing a draw this weekend could provide good value at Elland Road.
Man City v Chelsea
Man City beat Crystal Palace 2-0 last weekend, taking them just one point away from lifting the 2020/21 Premier League title. The Citizens followed this result in midweek with a 2-0 home win against Paris St Germain to reach the Champions League final. It was City’s fifth consecutive win in all competitions and their 12 victory in 14. Pep Guardiola’s side have also won five of their last six at home in all competitions.
Chelsea moved closer to Champions League qualification for next season with a 2-0 win against Fulham last time out. The result extended the Blues unbeaten run to five in all competitions. Thomas Tuchel’s side have reached the FA Cup final and remain on track for a top four finish after five wins in their last eight in all competitions. Away from home, Chelsea have won three of their last four and are unbeaten in their last 11 in all competitions.
John Stones is suspended for City. Antonio Rudiger should return for Chelsea but Mateo Kovacic is doubtful with a thigh injury.
Man City are on a ruthless run of form and in-form Chelsea will be tough to break down this weekend. However, City won’t be denied the Premier League title and should record the draw they need against Chelsea.
West Ham v Everton
West Ham beat Burnley 2-1 on Monday evening to keep their chances of a top four finish alive this season. The Hammers bounced back from recent back-to-back Premier League defeats to Newcastle and Chelsea but they are three points off Chelsea, who currently occupy fourth place. Despite a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in their last home match, West Ham are in good form at the London Stadium. The East London side have won four of their last six and lost just two of their last 12 at home.
Everton lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa last weekend. The Toffees have failed to win in seven of their last eight matches in all competitions. A recent 1-0 away win at Arsenal is Everton’s only recent victory. Despite their poor recent form, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have picked up points away from home. The Toffees have won seven of their last 10 away matches in the Premier League and have the fourth best away record in the league.
Mark Noble is doubtful for West Ham and Angelo Ogbonna (thigh), Declan Rice (knee), and Arthur Masuaku (knee) are ruled out. James Rodriguez could return for Everton this weekend but Abdoulaye Doucoure (ankle) and Jean-Philippe Gbamin (knee) are unavailable.
West Ham’s home form is excellent but Everton can’t be written off, particularly away from home. A draw with a few goals at the London Stadium could be likely 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…