Premier League action returns this weekend and there are plenty of exciting games. Here are five predictions for the matches.
The international break is over and Premier League action returns this weekend with a full card of exciting games to enjoy. Here are five predictions for the weekend’s action.
1. Lukaku scores for sixth game running
On Saturday, the early kickoff sees Liverpool host Everton in a game that has the potential to be one of the most exciting Merseyside derbies in recent years. Both teams are in great form and have scored goals for fun of late. Everton frontman Romelu Lukaku has scored in his last five Premier League matches, which has taken him to the top of the league scoring charts. Only a fool would bet against the big Belgian netting for the sixth game running, especially against Liverpool’s suspect defense. With 10 league games remaining, Lukaku could even set his sights on Jamie Vardy’s record for goals scored in consecutive games.
2. Tottenham struggle at Turf Moor without Harry Kane
Tottenham were very unlucky to lose Harry Kane to injury a couple of weeks ago and even though they still have some good attacking options, Kane’s presence will surely be missed against Burnley. The Clarets’ record at Turf Moor is amazing, with only Swansea, Arsenal and Manchester City coming away with all three points, and all by one goal margins.
Clearly it’s a ground where away teams need a clinical striker to take the limited chances they’ll get. Dele Alli and Heung-min Son are both capable of bagging a goal but they don’t possess the same threat as Kane, and Mauricio Pochettino could see his side struggle without the England international. A draw isn’t a bad result at Turf Moor, but it’s not what Spurs need if they want to finish second.
3. Jermain Defoe leads Sunderland to victory over Watford
Sunderland fans have had very little to shout about this year, and unless that changes quickly, their team will be playing in the Championship next season. Almost all of the good moments for David Moyes’ side are closely associated with Jermain Defoe and his goalscoring exploits. The 34-year-old’s impressive form this season earned him a recall to the English national team from manager Gareth Southgate.
On his return to the national side, Defoe took just 21 minutes to score in England’s 2-0 win over Lithuania. Sunderland fans will be hoping that this has given their talismanic striker the hunger for even more goals and that he can bag a goal against Watford on Saturday. The Black Cats desperately need points and Defoe could lead them to victory at Vicarage Road.
4. Wilfried Zaha continues good form to humble Chelsea
Chelsea host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in a game which looks like a huge mismatch on paper. The runaway league leaders have been in scintillating form for the majority of the season, while Crystal Palace have struggled, leaving them in a relegation battle. The Eagles’ fortunes have changed for the better of late as they’ve won their last three games.
This improved run of results can partly be attributed to Wilfried Zaha, who is showing the kind of form that got him a move to Manchester United a few years ago. Zaha’s biggest problem has always been consistency but this weekend we fancy him to carry on his good form and cause problems for Chelsea. A point would be a great result for Sam Allardyce’s side, and if Zaha’s on song, Chelsea will struggle to keep Palace out.
5. Craig Shakespeare’s Leicester side keep winning run going
Leicester were having a torrid time of it this season until they finally got rid of Claudio Ranieri. The soccer world cried out in outrage after the Italian’s sacking, but the Foxes’ recent upturn in form proves it was the right decision. Under Craig Shakespeare, the team look revitalized and are playing like the champions they are, winning their last four games in a row.
The Foxes have the opportunity to make that five games in a row as they host Stoke at the King Power on Saturday. They’ll fancy their chances of taking all three points in this matchup, especially with the improved form of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who, with each game under Shakespeare, are looking more and more like the players they were last season.