EPL Preview - Round 25
A mouthwatering top of the table clash, Chelsea hosting Manchester United and Arsenal's chance to get out of their slump all in this week's 7sport.com.au EPL preview.
Match of the round
Manchester City v Leicester City
Leicester City will come up against a team of "magicians" when they visit Manchester City in their top-of-the-table clash this weekend, according to manager Claudio Ranieri.
The Foxes continue to defy the odds as they remain on top of the competition and three points clear of their opponents.
Striking trio of Jamie Vardy, Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez have been on fire in the league with Vardy scoring two in their 2-0 win over Liverpool in midweek action.
Leicester will need Vardy to continue his goal scoring ways at Etihad Stadium as they aim to create a six-point gap on City.
The home side have come back into form themselves after a mini-slump earlier in the season.
City will not want to miss their opportunity to take first spot with a win here. Couple that with an in-form Sergio Aguero firing on all cylinders and Leicester’s bubble may yet burst this weekend.
It is worth noting that no fewer than 33 of Manchester City's 46 league goals have been scored at Etihad Stadium, while the Foxes have scored more league goals on their travels than they have on home turf this far this term.
So either way, this is bound to be an entertaining fixture.
Prediction – Manchester City too strong at home.
Chelsea v Manchester United
Once heralded a title-deciding fixture, this season’s second meeting between the Blues and Red Devils has much less feeling.
However, despite both sides not vying for the title this season the result of this match could be telling on the rest of their season.
Chelsea’s indifferent season seemed to have turned a corner before their 0-0 stalemate against Watford midweek.
On the other hand Manchester United seem to have found their goal scoring boots after an impressive 3-0 win over Stoke.
The home side will be eager to take three points as they remain focused on securing a European finish to their season despite sitting in 13th position.
United sit five points of fourth place and will not want to lose touch with the top four.
Bad news for the away side is their poor recent form against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (one victory in their last 13 visits), as well as the fact that coach Louis Van Gaal is yet to taste victory against Chelsea in the Premier League.
Prediction – Both sides will fight hard but a stalemate is expected.
West Ham v Southampton
Southampton face their second game against London opposition in one week and will be buoyed by a 0-0 draw against Arsenal.
Both sides have been impressive this season sitting in sixth and seventh position on the ladder.
The visitors have had a series of positive results of late including a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The return of goalkeeper Fraser Forster has also come just in time with the man between the sticks pulling off 10 saves against the Gunners midweek.
Add Charlie Austin to the mix after his January transfer from QPR and Southampton will be a team to keep an eye on for the rest of the season.
West Ham has been much like their opponents in beating several big name clubs this season.
Slaven Bilic has his troops in fine form and the return of midfielder Dimitri Payet should have alarm bells ringing in the Southampton dressing room.
Prediction – West Ham to edge Southampton at home
Remaining fixtures
Swansea City v Crystal Palace-Both sides struggling of late and in need of a win. Swansea at home.
Stoke City v Everton – Great midtable clash with Stoke to bounce back and beat Everton.
Liverpool v Sunderland – The loss to Leicester should be enough to lift the Reds to victory against a lackluster Sunderland side.
Tottenham v Watford – The North Londoners will be too strong for Watford.
Aston Villa v Norwich – Villa’s woes to continue with victory to Norwich.
Newcastle v West Brom – Newcastle’s new boys to click and lead them to victory at home.
Bournemouth v Arsenal – Tough fixture for the Gunners but they should be too strong.
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