Premier League: Round 30 Predictions

After a couple of Exacts and a big green arrow in the 4-game Round 29, and an international break in which to rest up and prepare for Round 30, it's time for us all to attack this Predictor run-in!

In truth, this weekend looks pretty tough in my opinion with some evenly balanced games and doubts over player availability following the internationals. Sunday is a huge day in the title race, so it will very exciting to see how things play out.

Here are my picks for each match in Round 30 of our Premier League Predictor game.

Newcastle vs. West Ham

Few would have expected West Ham to be 4 points above Newcastle at this stage, and looking at the head-to-head record between these two, home advantage doesn't tend to count for much. As a result, I think West Ham might manage a point here. Newcastle have lost another really key man in Sven Botman and though West Ham are missing Edson Alvarez, their front four could cause Newcastle real problems in my opinion. Newcastle 2-2 West Ham

Bournemouth vs. Everton

Everton really need to start winning games, but I think I fancy Bournemouth in this one. It feels like the hosts carry more goal threat than the Toffees and if they can find the net a couple of times, I'm not sure Everton will be able to match them. Bournemouth 2-1 Everton

Chelsea vs. Burnley

This really should be a home win, but Chelsea's performance against Leicester in the FA Cup and the fact that they have yet more injuries does cast a little doubt. As we saw in that cup game, Stamford Bridge is becoming a very pressured, quite hostile environment due to how far the Blues have fallen in the last couple of years but I'm not sure that's helping things improve and if Burnley get an early goal this could get very difficult for Chelsea. However, if they find the first goal instead which is more likely, you'd think this should be a comfortable afternoon so long as they cut out individual errors at the back. Chelsea 2-0 Burnley

Nottingham Forest vs. Crystal Palace

After receiving that points deduction from the Premier League, this feels like a must win for Forest not only to get themselves back outside of the relegation zone but to set the tone for the run-in with what is a favourable fixture on paper. Palace are also under a bit of pressure but with the City Ground fired up by their punishment, I think we'll see a home win. Nottingham Forest 2-0 Crystal Palace

Sheffield United vs. Fulham

I'm not sure I'll ever feel comfortable picking Sheffield United this season and Fulham have been in solid form of late, particularly with that win over Spurs before the international break. Sheffield United's home form has been abysmal, too. Sheffield United 0-2 Fulham

Tottenham vs. Luton Town

Just as I mentioned I was slightly wary of in my Round 29 piece, Tottenham made the 'Spursy' move of losing at Fulham a week after battering Aston Villa away from home, but I think they'll be back to winning ways here with the comfort of home advantage and favourable opposition. Luton are usually good for a goal, but I'd be surprised to see them win. Tottenham 3-1 Luton

Aston Villa vs. Wolves

This derby is rarely a classic, but it is usually a really awkward fixture for Aston Villa and I think it will be very tight. Looking at the head-to-head record, you can argue Villa are 'due' a win or that they'll be frustrated by Wolves once again, but I feel like the hosts will find a goal or two which might be difficult for Wolves to respond to when they're without at least a couple of their best attackers. I'm going with a home win after quite a bit of hesitation. Aston Villa 2-1 Wolves

Brentford vs. Manchester United

This is a difficult prediction I think, and I'm tempted by an upset. Brentford have been sliding for a while now, which is at least partly due to injuries, but they often raise their game against the big teams at home (in previous seasons, at least!) and United are certainly still beatable despite that dramatic win over Liverpool in the FA Cup.

I might change my mind based on team news, but if Martinez is still out for United, and a few other internationals aren't fit to start after knocks or long travel in the case of Garnacho, I reckon we might see Brentford find a big result with the pressure heating up on them from the relegation zone. If they stay more true to form, I appreciate I'll end up looking a bit silly. Brentford 2-1 Manchester United

Liverpool vs. Brighton

Liverpool have had real issues with Brighton in recent seasons, so an upset isn't impossible, but the Seagulls don't appear as capable of an upset at Anfield at the moment as they've been far less consistent than in the previous couple of campaigns. I expect Brighton to improve in that regard for the run-in now that they're out of Europe, but this will be very tough with Liverpool likely to end the round top of the league if they win. Liverpool 3-0 Brighton

Manchester City vs. Arsenal

Why do I say Liverpool are likely to end the round top of the league? Because it would be a shock to see Arsenal win at the Etihad. The Gunners' recent form can't be criticised as they've been excellent, but we haven't seen them beat City away in almost a decade and in my opinion, they're still completely unproven against any top team away from home in the Premier League. That's not to say that can't change because Arsenal certainly seem to be continuing their progress under Mikel Arteta, but it's tough to pick them here when I think West Ham are the only top 10 side they've beaten on the road so far in this campaign.

City have a couple of defensive injury doubts, which could have an impact on things, but I think they'll get the job done. Though they're yet to lose at home, we have seen City drop a few points at the Etihad this season, but I think Guardiola and his team are obviously fully aware of the significance of this game and it's a big opportunity to put a real marker down as they look to make history with a fourth successive title. Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal



Good luck with your Round 30 predictions. Feel free to leave them in the comments!