After an exciting FA Cup Weekend which has seen another 6 Premier League teams out, 2 awaiting replay games and 5 through to round 5 of the competition, the League is back and ready kick off where it has left our favourite teams. It is the end of the first month of 2019 and only the first 6 teams are safe in terms of point; 40+ points are considered the safe zone in the Premier League. Others are close to catching that marker but that may not be major aim of some teams.
These are Gameweek 24’s preview and predictions:
Arsenal vs Cardiff
After losing a previous Derby to West Ham, The Gunners shot down Chelsea at the Emirates putting pressure behind them for a top 4 spot. It did not get any better as the Gunners exited the FA Cup after a defeat to Manchester United. They can make a possible tie in points inf they can seize another home win against Cardiff City.
Cardiff suffered a dismal defeat to Newcastle allowing them to be overtaken by them and leaving them at 18th. Arsenal are looking confident after their win against Chelsea and will aim for win. Cardiff will have to be strong to take on The Gunners away from home.
Vote: Arsenal Win
Fulham vs Brighton and Hove
Fulham looked to be on the verge of recovery but their last 3 games say otherwise. 3 defeats in row and sitting in 19th position with only 14 points this far is not looking good for them if they are to reach a safe zone. Time is running out for them but win against Brighton and Hove could slow down the clock.
Brighton and Hove are 13th but with a 2nd consecutive defeat they need to get back to winning ways. It won’t make it any better for them in the next 2 weeks especially knowing they have an FA Cup replay to gear up for in about weeks’ time. Fulham are team that are looking for something special to lift their spirits. The Seagulls will have to be cautious and ambitious.
Vote: Fulham Win
Huddersfield vs Everton
It hasn’t been the best way to kick off as caretaker manager of Huddersfield for Mark Hudson, after suffering a 3 – 0 defeat to Champions Manchester City. They are still bottom of table 10 or so points from leaving their position. With a new manager and home game against Everton there may be some hope for them yet.
Everton drop to 11th after a defeat to Southampton; an opportunity blown for them to go into the top half of the table. A second consecutive defeat in the FA Cup against Millwall has left fans groaning. They have a slight redemption if they can beat Huddersfield away from home.
Vote: Huddersfield Win
Wolverhampton vs West Ham United
The Wolves had a glorious victory against Leicester City in the previous Gameweek Keeping them in the top half of the table at 8th position. It is getting heated around them in that part of the League table as they may drive their ambitions towards a European spot next season. Their next test will be hosting West Ham who probably share the same sentiment and will want to overtake them to that that prize.
After suffering a Hammer blow to struggling Bournemouth, West Ham have missed an opportunity to go 7th in the League. The Hammers still have the drive and need to geared up the take on The Wolves are looking very confident of late.
Vote: Draw
Manchester United vs Burnley
That’s 6 in 6 for The Red Devils; a 7th if one counts their FA Cup victory against Arsenal, a massive confidence booster since their caretaker manager has taken charge. Top 4 is slowly getting in their reach and they could be there if they can defeat Burnley at a 7th straight victory if they do.
It is evident that are just not the same from last season. Though they have shown some improvement in the last few games, their position in the League (currently 16th) could be higher; even challenging for a European spot like the others in the mid table. Hope has not died for them yet but they will have to prove themselves away from home against a bright-looking Manchester United who are on crazy winning streak.
Vote: Manchester United Win
Newcastle vs Manchester City
Newcastle pull themselves out of the bottom of the table; thanks to a glorious win against Cardiff. This is possibly the second they have had to do this and they are not safe just yet. They face The Champions, Manchester City who are back to winning ways. They will need to be a bit daring and use the home advantage.
Manchester City are back to winning ways; 4 wins in 4 games. However, they cannot seem to get closer to League Leader Liverpool who seem to also be winning as well. They cannot lose hope or slip points and Newcastle away is never easy for any team in the League.
Vote: Manchester City Win
Bournemouth vs Chelsea
Bournemouth hold 12th place after a good victory against West Ham. They are still shaky and have much to prove in the League. Chelsea are team who they have given headaches before and they should go into this game with same goal and use it to win.
Chelsea maintain 4th spot despite their Derby defeat to Arsenal. It is becoming evident that they are struggling; fans and the manager are not happy. They cannot allow themselves to lose their position especially to those playing catch-up; Manchester United and Arsenal. With a new striker, good victories against The Spurs and Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup and FA Cup respectively, they go and face Bournemouth away who have been quite formidable in previous games.
Vote: Bournemouth Win
Southampton vs Crystal Palace
Southampton are 15th and still partially clear off the bottom of the table. They seem to be performing better and after their second consecutive win. They are still undefeated this calendar year and will want to continue that run against Crystal Palace.
2 out 3 defeats in this calendar year for the Eagles as they hold their position at 14th. Their performances are dipping. The Saints are breathing at they neck; as they know that this is crunch game for them and their position.
Vote: Crystal Palace Win
Liverpool vs Leicester City
League Leaders Liverpool are looking more and more hopeful, as they keep pressing on to stay clear at the top. A close call victory against The Eagles but a win nonetheless. They play again at Anfield, hosting Leicester City. They can keep or open a gap with a victory.
Leicester City drop down to 9th after suffering a 2nd defeat in the calendar year. Manager Claude Puel was heartbroken for his players and still feels that his side can make a comeback. A big game awaits them, against The Reds of Anfield who they will need to pull off a stunning performance to get all 3 points.
Vote: Liverpool Win
Tottenham Hotspur vs Watford
Spurs may just have dodged a bullet from Chelsea who were defeated to Arsenal and their victory that kept them 3rd. The position is still tight for them but they have been on a good run in the past few months. It is difficult for them now that they have a few key players out and lost 2 games seeing them out of both the League Cup and the FA Cup in under a week. Watford have had a dance with Spurs in the past, winning their last game against them. The Spurs now have the home advantage but cannot be fooled by The Hornets sting.
After 3 draws in 4 game, Watford could say that would be in a better position if those draws were wins. They have been doing better than the 1st half of the season though, but again need to start winning games. Tottenham are vengeful after their defeat to them in the Vicarage Road and now need to have a sharp stinger to jab at The Spurs.
Vote: Tottenham Hotspur Win
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