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Premier League Previews: Week 34

By on April 24, 2015

Spencer Donnelly previews all the Premier League games you should be watching in his weekly column.

Arsenal vs. Chelsea
This match would usually be the ultimate Premier League game — first place visiting second place in the run-in, both teams in smoking form — if it weren’t for the fact that Chelsea have already all but won the title. Time and time again they have proven their ability to maintain their double-digits lead, and if a 1-0 win over third-placed Manchester United last weekend wasn’t enough, virtually nothing could go wrong if they beat Arsenal this weekend.

As such, this match will feel an altogether different game for both teams: Arsenal, I suspect, will come out and attack with little hope of beating Chelsea at their own game. Also, they have the more immediate need to maintain a grip on second place. Chelsea, on the other hand, are completely comfortable atop the table and need almost nothing from the game; Mourinho would likely be happy to take a point away from the Emirates. Thus, if it was ever in doubt, Chelsea will probably look to sit back and soak up the pressure.

Arsenal have won nine games on the bounce, however, and having also reached the FA Cup final their momentum is palpable. Their season is finally coming together; Arsene Wenger’s men are playing with real flair and finally injuries, or lack thereof, has permitted them to have a host attacking options at their disposal. A win would all but seal automatic Champions League qualification as well, so have every reason to take the game to Chelsea. I’m going for a 1-0 Arsenal win given Chelsea don’t need a win in the slightest, but time and time again The Blues have proven they simply don’t slip up.

Everton vs. Manchester United
Everton’s season has been very anticlimactic. Their club-record signing Romelu Lukaku has failed to produce and they have been poor at the back. Simply put, it hasn’t come together for The Toffees and mid-table mediocrity is again looming, failing to rekindle their form of last season. Given Manchester United have been on fantastic form of late, it’s easy to say United are the favorites.

Moreover, Louis Van Gaal has finally found a system that gets the most out of former-Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, as well as Ashley Young, Ander Herrera, and Juan Mata. Even though United lost last week against leaders Chelsea, they dominated the game with nearly seventy percent of possession. Van Gaal’s men will be eager to get back on track and shouldn’t be all too troubled by Everton: 2-0 to the Red Devils is my prediction.

Southampton vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton began the season on fire, sitting comfortably in the top four of the table at Christmas and New Years. Yet their form began to tail off in early February and hasn’t been sparked again since: Ronald Koeman’s men have only won three out of their last nine games and no substantial Champions League run came.

The same is true of Tottenham Hotspur, to an extent. Although Manchester City are rapidly falling, it would take a miracle for Spurs to beat both City and Liverpool, with whom they are tied on points but a game less off, to the final Champions League spot.

Now, both teams now are vying for a Europa League place. Who will win, however, is a tougher call well. Southampton have looked impressive at home, beating many top teams along the way, but equally, Tottenham been good on the road, beating Newcastle United away last week. They’ll fancy their chances, but given the Europa League is almost a poisoned chalice, neither side should play with too much vigor. Nonetheless, I’m going for a few goals in a 2-1 win in favor of Spurs.

Photo credit: wonker on Flickr

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