It’s time for Round 35 in the Premier League.
These next three days boast 10 games, including a heated rivalry, and a winner-takes-all fight for Premier League survival. The North London derby sees Tottenham face an Arsenal team hungry to reclaim its top-six status. While relegation rivals Norwich City welcome West Ham United in a game they must win.
From the weekend’s games, these are our five bold Premier League predictions, putting our expertise to the test and covering the top games from July 11 to July 13.
Norwich City vs. West Ham United, July 11
Norwich City sits at the bottom of the Premier League, a whopping 10 points off West Ham United and safety. They have four games remaining and a possible maximum of 16 points. To survive, Norwich needs an impossible turnaround in form. From a team who has lost every game since returning from lock down to a squad that can’t stop winning. At some point this season, Norwich will take points off another team but not even Houdini could escape this perilous Premier League position.
West Ham, who is 16th in the league, could create a six-point gap from AFC Bournemouth in 18th, if they beat Norwich. A six-point gap at this point in the season, and factoring in the form of West Ham’s relegation rivals, should be enough for Premier League safety. However, West Ham’s topsy-turvy form under David Moyes could give Norwich a chance. Opening the door for AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa to gain ground this weekend, however unlikely that may be.
Prediction: The relegation battle continues, with all teams involved getting a point, except for Aston Villa. Norwich City 1-1 West Ham United, Watford 2-2 Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth 1-1 Leicester City, and Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace.
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Sheffield United vs. Chelsea, July 11
Sheffield United took three points in their last game with a 93rd-minute goal against top-six rivals Wolves. It was a tight boring battle that Sheffield bullied their way to victory in, and that’s a compliment. The ability to chase down opponents and grind out a victory from a poor game is invaluable. Yet, next, they’re facing a Chelsea team that looks full of goals, something Wolves are not.
For as potent as Chelsea have been since returning from the lock down, they do still have a wobble in their repertoire. This was clear for all to see in the 3-2 loss to West Ham and their 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace. Unfortunately for Sheffield United, Chelsea is one of the in-form teams in the Premier League and will be too much for Sheffield United to compete with.
Prediction: Sheffield United’s resilience will get unlocked in the first half and then Chelsea will counter-attack at will. Chelsea defeats Sheffield United 3-1.
Wolves vs. Everton, July 12
Wolves have slipped in the Premier League at the worst possible time. Their Champions League hopes are gone, especially as Chelsea, Manchester Unity, and Leicester City are in better form. Having lost their last two games against top-half competitors, Arsenal and Sheffield United, Wolves are now in a fight for 6th place.
What’s worst for Wolves fans is that the team has played poorly in both games. Opposing teams have figured them out and play to stop their attacking outlets. We expect tactical maestro Carlo Ancelotti to set up Everton to do the same, as they look to pick up more points to climb from 11th place in the league.
Prediction: This is a must-win game for Wolves but they look out of ideas. Expect few chances and less goals. Wolves and Everton draw at 0-0.
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Tottenham vs. Arsenal, July 12
The biggest game of the weekend pits Tottenham vs. Arsenal in the North London derby. A rivalry that rarely produces a lot of goals and without roaring fans, is unlikely to have any real heat on the pitch.
What we do have to look forwards to is another chance for Tottenham to be terrible under José Mourinho. It’s really only a matter of time before Mourinho resigns, is sacked, or forces several star players out of Tottenham. Watching this once vibrant team collapse and struggle in 9th shows how important it is to have the right coach. Wolves fans should worry because Tottenham will chase head coach Nuno EspÃrito Santo once Mourinho is gone.
On the other side of North London is Arsenal, a team that looked destined for mid-table obscurity with Tottenham only a few weeks ago. Now they look the most likely team to claim 6th in the Premier League table and claim a Europa League spot next season.
Prediction: Arsenal takes out Tottenham 2-0. After the loss, Tottenham fans will be demanding Mourinho is sacked.
Manchester United vs. Southampton, July 13
Manchester United once again look a force to be reckoned with. Their attacking three is full of movement, with Anthony Martial now understanding how to play with his back to goal. Yet, the real revelation since the lockdown has been young Mason Greenwood, a wide forward that’ll be chasing the Premier League’s Golden Boot award next season. His form and ability is the reason why Manchester United shouldn’t spend $100 million this summer on Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.
Southampton’s form since returning from the lockdown has been amazing. They’ve won three games from five, beating Manchester City 1-0 in the process. Their star striker Danny Ings is also in form and sits third with 19 goals in the Premier League’s Top Scorers ranking.
Manchester United vs. Southampton will be the best game to watch this Premier League weekend.
Prediction: Fast, frenetic, and action packed. Expect goals, Manchester United 4-2 over Southampton.