After the double gameweek for some sides last time around, and some appearances in the FA cup, teams will be exhausted and looking to rotate their players in this crucial final phase of the season. FPL Managers have a job on their hands with two consecutive DGW’s approaching after the end of GW35. To help, here’s our predictions for the games this week, and the players we tip to shine in those fixtures.
Southampton vs Hull
Hull City are now just two points above the drop zone, with Swansea right behind them. With safety not guaranteed, every game now is crucial for them and they will be looking to get at least a point out of this game at St.Mary’s. Southampton on the other hand have had a pretty average season and find themselves in 9th place. They will be looking to finish as high as possible.
STAR MAN: Manolo Gabbiadini (6.4m)
After an amazing start to his career in the Premier League, he returned from injury and provided an assist in his previous game. He will be looking to do one better this week and add to his tally of goals.
PREDICTION: Southampton 2-0 Hull
Stoke vs West Ham
In terms of mathematically being safe and touching that 40 point barrier, both teams will be looking to ensure that with a win in this game and start focussing on what went wrong this season and the improvements that need to be made for next season. Both teams will be looking to win this game as they have nothing to lose and hence this might just prove to be a very open game with both sides getting their fair share of chances.
STAR MAN: Marko Arnautovic (7.1m)
After blanking in his previous game, he will be looking to make his mark in this game and help his team cross the 40 point mark.
PREDICTION: Stoke 2-2 West Ham
Sunderland vs Bournemouth
Sunderland are on the brink of getting relegated and are practically now only playing for pride it seems. The Cherries on the other hand are not guaranteed safety as of now but a win will just lift them over that 40 point mark and what better opportunity than this to get the job done.
STAR MAN: Benik Afobe (5.5m)
Scored in his previous game and has utilised his opportunities well in the absence of Wilson. Will be looking to continue scoring and extend his goals tally.
PREDICTION: Sunderland 1-2 Bournemouth
West Brom vs Leicester
The Baggies are on the brink of their highest ever finish in the English top flight but have failed to win in their previous four games and are up against the defending champions who played really well midweek at the Emirates but fell just short of a point. Although not mathematically safe, they too will be already looking forward to next season and will hope to end this season on a high.
STAR MAN: Jamie Vardy (9.9m)
His pace will definitely trouble the out of form West Brom defence and will be key to the Foxes’ hopes of getting the points from this game.
PREDICTION: West Brom 0-1 Leicester
Crystal Palace vs Burnley
The Eagles have played really good football and gotten themselves out of the danger zone in real quick time. On the other hand, Burnley are still in danger of being caught up and getting relegated so they will be looking to get absolutely anything from all of their remaining fixtures. Palace are in good form and will be tough to beat at home.
STAR MAN: Christian Benteke (7.3m)
The big man certainly came alive when his team needed him the most and could be crucial in this game to breaking down the Burnley defence.
PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 2-0 Burnley
Manchester United vs Swansea
Manchester United have been playing really good football and find themselves within touching distance of a top four place. But pressure from both sides by Arsenal and City will be forcing them get results from each and every game. Swansea on the other hand are in the battle for relegation and will make life very difficult for Jose’s. United should be strong enough to get a result against this Swansea team.
STAR MAN: Anthony Martial (9.2m)
Really played well in his previous few outings for the team and will be looking to contribute in the absence of Ibrahimovic.
PREDICTION: Manchester United 2-0 Swansea City
Everton vs Chelsea
Everton have resorted to finishing in 7th place in the table now but are playing really well at home. Chelsea on their travels are the top points scorers in the league and certainly don’t fear playing away from home. With pressure from Spurs below them increasing and the Premier League title right in sight, they will be looking to get it done and dusted as soon as possible.
STAR MAN: Diego Costa (10.3m)
He returned to form with two goals in the last game and will be looking to continue this form until the end of the season.
PREDICTION: Everton 1-3 Chelsea
Middlesbrough vs Man City
Middlesbrough are in deep, deep trouble at the moment and there needs to be a miracle if they were to actually survive the drop this season. With just four gameweeks to go, their chances look bleak whereas for Manchester City, a top four place is in sight but they will have a tough job on their hands to break down that Boro defence away from home and get the much needed three points.
STAR MAN: Sergio Aguero (12.8m)
Has the tendency to come alive in the final few games of the season and will certainly be looking to end this season on a high.
PREDICTION: Middlesbrough 1-3 Manchester City
Tottenham vs Arsenal
The big game in this gameweek, the headline North London Derby at the lane. The Gunners have a pretty good record in NLD’s and will be hoping to continue this record as they need to keep winning in order to be able to stay in contention for that top four spot. Both teams face a must win situation with Spurs chasing the title and the Gunners looking for a top four finish. Will certainly be a very open game as both teams look to get the three points.
STAR MAN: Harry Kane (11.6m)
Has a great record in London derbies and will be looking to cause damage to Arsenal’s top four hopes by bagging a goal or two.
PREDICTION: Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal
Watford vs Liverpool
Watford have been in decent form and their safety is pretty much confirmed in the Premier League with 40 points. Liverpool on the other hand have played two games more than their rivals looking to get into the top four places and hence have added pressure on them to win all of their remaining fixtures and hope for the best. With Champions league football in sight, the Reds will be looking to step on the pedal and get these three points home.
STAR MAN: Roberto Firmino (8.7m)
Been influential for LFC whenever they score and hence will play a key role in breaking down that Watford defence.
PREDICTION: Watford 2-3 Liverpool
Written by FPL Transfer Tips (@FPL_TransTips)
