Premier League Predictions: Round 30

After an international break that I feel like a lot of us needed after such a crazy run of constant matches since December, domestic football returns this weekend and it should be interesting as we enter the Premier League's final straight.

Most teams have 9 games remaining this season and both the European qualification places and final relegation spot still look anything but settled. Yes, the title isn't done just yet (and City have a tough game this week) but Pep Guardiola's team look well on the way and yes, West Brom and Sheffield United aren't down yet but I think it's fair to say most of the attention is now on who will be finishing 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 18th!

Here are my thoughts on each game in Round 30.

Chelsea vs. West Brom

This looks like a fairly easy one to start with, at least on paper, as Chelsea are incredibly strong favourites. Thomas Tuchel was able to enjoy the international break knowing he’s still yet to lose a match as Chelsea manager and though the Champions League tie against Porto will perhaps be on his mind, the Blues should have more than enough to win this anyway with Tammy Abraham and Thiago Silva both given time to recover from their injuries over the international break. Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 West Brom

Leeds vs. Sheffield United

This is another game where it seems wise to pick against the away team that is almost certainly getting relegated. We saw Leeds pick up a couple of good results before the international break, which suggested they were already over any fatigue they were struggling with due to Bielsa’s approach, and they certainly should be now after a break where they haven't had too many players on international duty. Prediction: Leeds 3-0 Sheffield United

Leicester vs. Manchester City

We should have a good match here but City are of course still fairly strong favourites, especially as Leicester have been better away than they have at home (as City found out in the reverse fixture!). There’s a good chance Vardy can hurt City again this time around but Guardiola’s side have improved a LOT defensively since that game. Also, Sergio Aguero does of course need a mention. What an absolutely incredible player he has been in the Premier League - I'm expecting him to decide a couple more games with goals before he leaves this summer, too. Prediction: Leicester 1-2 Manchester City

Arsenal vs. Liverpool

I’m interested to see what happens in this one. I feel like Liverpool can only improve upon their pre-international break form but I’m still not sure they’ll be too strong and Arsenal have a fairly good home record in this fixture. We've seen Arteta’s team look quite dangerous in attack now that Martin Odegaard has found his feet pretty quickly in North London and I think they can hurt Liverpool. It should be entertaining and I think I’m going to go for a draw. Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool

Southampton vs. Burnley

Tricky one. Southampton are another team that really needed this international break and they should be able to come out of it with some fresh optimism, particularly if Danny Ings is back fully fit. Much will depend on whether he is back in the starting XI because if not, I’m not sure Saints can win this. We know what we’re getting from Burnley - they’ll be solid enough and should also find a goal based upon Southampton’s recent results. I’m thinking another draw. Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Burnley

Newcastle vs. Tottenham

Newcastle might have Wilson back now that he’s had some time to recover but they still look in real danger of relegation to me and I think Spurs will beat them. Tottenham have won 5 of their last 6 at St James’ Park and obviously don’t even have Europa League football to worry about now. Prediction: Newcastle 0-1 Tottenham

Aston Villa vs. Fulham

This is a really difficult pick where I can quite easily picture each possible outcome to be honest. I vaguely remember backing Fulham for a point or 3 in the reverse of this I think before Villa battered them so going with the home side is probably the better option for me this time around. Fulham have obviously improved a lot since then and I still think they might stay up but the home defeat against Leeds before the international break was concerning for Fulham fans. Obviously Villa's chances of winning are better if Grealish is back and I think he should be? Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Fulham

Manchester United vs. Brighton

The mood around United wasn't the best before the break because of that FA Cup elimination at Leicester but they haven't lost in the league for a while and I think they'll win this. It won't be easy, as Brighton can play and very rarely get comfortably beaten, but with Pogba back I think the hosts will cause some problems as the ball will get to Fernandes a lot more. Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Brighton

Everton vs. Crystal Palace

Everton became quite inconsistent in the games leading up to the international break so I'm a little wary of backing them but Palace haven't beaten the Toffees for a long time. I'm not expecting a classic but Everton should create more chances than the visitors. Prediction: Everton 1-0 Crystal Palace

Wolves vs. West Ham

Not the easiest fixture to finish with but West Ham have obviously had the far better season and all whilst Jimenez is out you just feel Wolves lack that really intimidating goal threat. West Ham have shown they have quite a few goal threats, particularly since Lingard joined, and I think it makes sense to go with them in this one. Prediction: Wolves 1-2 West Ham



Good luck in Round 30!