The Premier League continues to thrill fans around the world and week 30 is unlikely to be any different, writes DEAN WORKMAN. Here are five things to expect from this weekend’s Premier League action.
1) United to edge Liverpool
Manchester United will host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday in what is certainly the game of the weekend. The Red Devils will be aiming to keep hold of their second-place spot on the log while Jurgen Klopp’s team, who sit in third just two points behind their rivals, will be looking for the three points to leapfrog their opponents. Much has been made of the contrasting styles and form of the two teams. Liverpool are flying at the moment and scoring goals for fun, whereas United are yet to find consistency in their performances. While many will be leaning to a Liverpool victory, Jose Mourinho’s tactical nous cannot be underestimated. Expect Mourinho’s team to be well drilled and disciplined enough in order to stifle the attacking threat of the Merseyside club and ultimately look to hit them on the counter. Expect a tight affair which I think could end in a United victory but in a game of such magnitude any result is possible.
2) Pardew’s final chance
West Bromwich Albion will host Leicester City at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon in a game which could seal the fate of the home side’s manager, Alan Pardew. The Baggies have suffered five straight Premier League defeats and sit bottom of the league, eight points shy of safety with just nine games remaining. Claude Puel’s team sit in a comfortable mid-table position and have far less pressure than the Baggies. Expect a tight game with a draw the likely outcome – which may not be enough for Pardew to keep his job.
3) Arsenal to bounce back
Arsenal host Watford on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium and will be desperate to bounce back after a torrid run of results. For the first time in Arsene Wenger’s reign, his side lost four consecutive games across all competitions, although it ended with an impressive 2-0 win against AC Milan in the Europa League. Wenger will now be looking for his side to pick up all three points, so expect the Gunners to come out blazing and get a much-needed Premier League victory.
4) Spurs to suffer Champions League hangover
Tottenham Hotspurs will travel to Dean Court to take on Bournemouth this weekend. Spurs were involved in an emotional and draining night in the Champions League on Wednesday as they were knocked out by Juventus. Mauricio Potchetino’s men put so much into the two-legged tie with the Italian champions and were arguably only let down by a lack of experience. That lack of experience could come to the fore again as they will have to pick themselves up from the disappointment. I expect Eddie Howe’s men to play on this and hold the visitors to a draw.
5) Aguero’s to continue fine form
Manchester City’s Argentine hitman, Sergio Aguero has been in scintillating form since the start of 2018. Aguero has scored 15 goals so far this year and will undoubtedly be looking to add to that tally as his City side travel to Stoke City on Monday night. Aguero’s run of form coincided with Gabriel Jesus’s injury and despite the Brazilians return, Aguero is expected to keep his starting spot and get on the score sheet yet again.