English Premier League Round 28 & 30 Preview

The long awaited return to the Premier League is finally happening, with the first game to kick off tomorrow.

Round 28 Catch Up Games

Aston Villa v Sheffield United

Teams with contrasting form go head to head in the first matchup of the round. Aston Villa have lost three straight games, whilst Sheffield United’s last loss was to Manchester City on the twenty second of January this year. The last five meetings between these clubs have ended quite evenly. Aston Villa have won one, Sheffield United have won two and two draws have also been played out. This is a crucial game for both sides on the opposite ends of the table. Villa look to crawl out of that dreaded relegation zone, and United want to snatch up a certain Europa League spot. Expect big things from this game, as both sides look to battle it out for a crucial three points.

Manchester City v Arsenal

A game which will be watched by fans of the respective clubs and by Liverpool fans. If Arsenal manage three points, Liverpool must go to Everton and win to secure the title. However, that is based off ifs. Manchester City had a stellar run of form before subsequently losing to Manchester United in the last game before the cancellation of the league. Arsenal on the other hand, are undefeated so far this year in the Premier League and look to maintain that invincible like form in this game. Head to head wise, Manchester City dominate Arsenal, winning five out of the last five matchups. Manchester City must win to ensure that their title fight is still alive, whilst Arsenal must win to grab a European spot and put smiles on Liverpool’s faces.

Round 30

Norwich City v Southampton

Both teams are on a slump of form. Norwich and Southampton have both won one in five. Although a massive strain for both clubs, Southampton have won three out of the last five matchups, and look to be favourites to win this game. Regardless of three points for Norwich City, the situation does not look good, keeping them in the bottom position. Pukki’s goalscoring powers have faded, and so to have Norwich City’ chance of staying in the Premier League. Southampton’s three points can move them up to a higher mid table spot. A game in the bottom half, but will still be entertaining. Can Ings continue his goalscoring magic? Or will Norwich City put up an influential performance?

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

A clash between two of English football’s biggest clubs. Spurs have not won since February in all competitions, whilst Manchester United’s undefeated run lives on. Manchester United’s away form is incredible, after losing to Liverpool (as expected), they have not lost since, that game occurred on the twentieth of January 2020. Tottenham’s last win against Manchester United dates back to 2018, and United have won four of the last five meetings. This is a special game for the ‘special one’, as he returns to face his former club. On top of this, his side need these three points to push for a European spot. Manchester United are three points behind the top four, and their team desperately want Champions League football to return to Old Trafford.

Watford v Leicester City

Watford’s only win in their last five games was that emphatic 3-0 destruction to soon to be champions Liverpool, subsequently ruling out an invincible season. Leicester City won their last two games before lockdown. In terms of head to head, it is narrow, but Leicester escape with three wins to Watford’s two in the last five meetings. Although Leicester have not won the league, Rodgers’ men have shocked the league with a top 4 finish, and want to maintain that with a solid win against the home side. On the other hand, things with Watford are not looking so good. They are narrowly avoiding relegation, tying on points with eighteenth place Bournemouth. A win for both sides is crucial to bolster their respective campaigns and altering objectives.

Brighton v Arsenal

A contrasting look on forms, Arsenal, as mentioned previously are undefeated this year in the Premier League, whereas Brighton, have not won a game this year in the league. Brighton can be optimistic, they did win the last game between these two sides at the Emirates. When Arsenal played away, their last loss was in 2019, so they are also undefeated away from home this year thus far. Brighton sit two points ahead of the looming relegation zone, and a win will bolster their confidence drastically. Arsenal can pull away from bitter rivals Spurs if a win is produced against Brighton, which looking at form, seems to be the most likely outcome.

West Ham v Wolves

West Ham have won one of their last five games, Wolves have only lost one of their last five games. The last five games are even between these clubs, with both teams having two wins respectively and one stalemate. With Wolves not knowing when the return of the Europa League will fall, all eyes are on the Premier League and pushing for an even better European spot. Only two points behind Manchester United, these three points are massive for the club. West Ham sit on the same points as eighteenth, but they sit sixteenth, so a win for them can crawl their way out of that dreaded relegation zone.

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace

Palace are looking good on their travel down south, winning three out of their last five, with Bournemouth struggling with only one win out of their last five. Palace are ahead in the last meeting, winning that one, but this time it is different. Bournemouth have to escape that relegation zone, which they are currently in, whilst Crystal Palace, want to jump their fellow London clubs of Spurs and Arsenal with a win. Bournemouth’s last home game was a draw to Chelsea, giving them some hope. Will they crumble under pressure? Or did the break rejuvenate their survival hopes?

Newcastle United v Sheffield United

Both these sides are on a winning run of form, with Newcastle winning their last two games. Both clubs have differing objectives, but in this game, three points is a must. It’s the battle of the United’s! Newcastle are sitting thirteenth, with manager Steve Bruce not really been given much under his current tenor with the club. Sheffield United look fierce, and are playing two games in a week. This may hinder their form and overall energy, and could ultimately lead to Newcastle snatching three points. Newcastle at home have not lost since the second of January, whilst after Sheffield’s away loss to Liverpool, they have drawn once and won three times away. A game that will go down to the wire will certainly deliver goals and drama.

Aston Villa v Chelsea

Chelsea dominate this fixture, winning five out of their last five meetings. Aston Villa will be playing two games this week, which could either strengthen or weaken the side coming into this game against Chelsea. Pulling away is the main target for both these clubs. Chelsea want to pull away from lurking Manchester United, and Villa want to push away from relegation. With the one-sided nature of this fixture, the overall outcome looks already wrapped up, however, Aston Villa are at home and want to put on a show. Consider this game to be full of surprises and entertainment.

Everton v Liverpool

A trip across the park brings the Merseyside Derby! A massive game for both clubs, if results go Liverpool’s way the title could be wrapped up against their local rivals. A massive punch to the face. Although Liverpool have lost three of their last five games, their season has been more than incredible. Currently sitting 25 points ahead at the top, they want to show their Merseyside counterparts who runs the town and the whole country. It has been ten years since Everton have won the derby, it’s looking like it’ll be another few months wait before they can reclaim the city. Everton are undefeated at home this year, and Carlo Ancelotti knows how to win against big clubs. As always, the derby will be highly entertaining and will continue to promise goals.

Manchester City v Burnley

Burnley will be happy that City are no longer on a winning form. After their loss to Manchester United, their winning streak is put to nil. Burnley have only lost one match this year in the Premier League, and have beaten big sides like Manchester United this year in the league, which was away from home. Manchester City have the head to head record in their favour, winning four out of their last five meetings between these sides. Burnley are just behind Arsenal, and would have to perform a massive feet in order to jump the struggling London club. Manchester City’s three points can move them closer to Liverpool, provided the league is not wrapped up by the time this game has been played.

Photo Credit: Arsenal.com.