EPL 2014/15 - Game Week 24

Tottenham v Arsenal - Two points separated these London neighbours in 6th and 5th places so this is a huge match besides a hot London Derby. Tottenham are playing better and Harry Kane is hot, hot enough to do some damage to any opponents especially aat White Hart Lane but the Gunners are better recording five straight wins, the last one a 5-0 thrashing of Villa. Arsenal have not lost to Tottenham since the season before last. You will be in for a treat if Tottenham play like they did Chelsea and Arsenal play like they did Man City. A draw is not good for either and they must ambition to not just qualify for Europe but to chase the front two. In five previous meets, Arsenal won 3 and drew 1. In their last four times when they met, scores were 1-0, 1-1 or 2-0. Never more than 2 goals which is surprising considering both are attacking teams. Arsenal are in slightly better form. This is a 50-5- game which Spurs are capable of winning but Arsenal may just have a little more. 1-2.

Villa v Chelsea - After improving, Villa slumped again but the Blues are not as invincible any more. There were no drawn games between them in the last three seasons with Chelsea leading 4-1 in the 5 times they have met. It will be a major shock if Villa win or even draw. A Chelsea win again. 0-2.

Leicester v Palace - Leicester was doing better before they lost to Man Utd. Palace's 4 straight wins after Pardew took over came to a surprised end when they lost at home to Everton. Both sides are equal in terms of historical records of the past 3 seasons but Palace are scoring so you should pick a Palace win. 1-2.

Man City v Hull - City's form have been patchy but Chelsea could not beat them. The Tigers have lost to everyone four in a row, the last one was a home humiliation by visiting Newcastle who does not score a lot of goals and the Magpies hit Hull for 3. Hull have not scored a single goal in four matches while conceding 9. You do the maths. Hull have never won away to City and in 8 previous meetings, City won 5. A City not at their best should still win this one. 0-2.

QPR  v Southampton - QPR are stronger at home at Loftus Road but their manager Harry Redknapp has left. Somehow it has not worked out. Four straight losses may be too much strain. The only silver lining is that they are hosting the Saints at the right time in that after some good wins, Southampton has slumped to two defeats, both at home. They are equal on old records but QPR seemed bereft of ideas and a poorer Southampton may still prove too good for the home team. Away win with Pelle to score. 1-2.

Swansea v Sunderland - Swansea have not lost back to back home matches since a year ago while the Black Cats have only won once against them in 8 meetings. Their current revival of 2 wins was because they were playing Fulham in the F.A. Cup and Burnley. The Swans are a different kettle of fish. Strangely their previous 5 matches are either goalless or have a total of four goals. With Bony gone, Swansea is less potent. 2-2.

Everton v Liverpool - This match will be huge. It is the Mersey side derby. Everton are surprising poor this season but just won away to an impressive Palace and will feel boosted and taking the scalp of their red neighbours could inspire them but in 16 meetings Liverpool have lost only one such meeting. In their last 5 meetings, there were 4 draws and those 2 played at Goodison Park ended 2-2 and 3-3. I'll go for a Liverpool win for Raheem Sterling and Coutinho looked so unstoppable plus Sturridge is back. You saw how he struck last week and that have been what Liverpool was missing. 1-2.

Burnley v WBA - Burnley do not even score enough goals at home but they scored four in their last two at Turf Moor. Although Burnley have lost all their last three matches, they have some date on their side. Despite being the better side here, WBA have not won in their last six away match. In nine meetings between them at Turf Moor, Burnley won seven and drew two. Draw. 2-2.

Newcastle v Stoke - The Magpies stopped their own rot when they won 3-0 at Hull. They welcome a Stoke side that returned to winning ways with three wins in three outings. Cisse should be fielded as he likes to score against Stoke. From Stoke, Jonathan is the most likely scorer. Under Hughes, in 31 away matches, the Potters have only on seven. It could be a draw but I feel with the Toon Army behind, Newcastle could just sneak a win. 2-1.

West Ham v Man Utd - The Hammers had an off day when they lost to Liverpool. They will be back to their better selves at Upton Park this week. For the more than 200 million pounds they have spent, how much did each goal cost against a learning centre called Cambridge? Man Utd. today neither impress or excite. They are ordinary. West Ham are capable of causing an upset but history is against them. Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Sakho can all punish Utd. West Ham had the most headed goals in the league (14) so expect one here probably a Downing cross and a Carroll header but Wayne Rooney has scored 20 against West Ham in 9 appesrances. Expect one from the Utd Captain. In 12 previous ties, Utd have never lost and won 11. Draw, 1-1.