Those
neutrals who desperately want Leicester to upset the natural order and claim a
historic Premier League triumph will have been heartened by their last-gasp win
over Norwich at the weekend.
It was the
unmistakable hallmark of potential champions, fighting on right until the end,
and they may require similar qualities of patience and perseverance against
West Brom.
Ranieri
continues to insist that Spurs are the title favourites, but the stats favour
Leicester.
There are
real concerns now that Norwich's return to the top-flight will be a brief one.
Only goal difference is keeping them above the relegation zone and their form
is worse even than Villa's.
Alex Neil
says his players are 'fighting for their lives' and pledged to go on the
offensive against Chelsea, who remain undefeated in the league since Guus
Hiddink's return.
Danny Rose
believes Tottenham's Premier League title challenge is revealing the character
of the squad, which will likely be tested again when they visit West Ham on
Wednesday.
This is an
excellent time to be facing out-of-sorts Crystal Palace - who haven't won now
in 10 league matches - and Sunderland could climb out of the relegation zone if
they can capitalise.
Are Arsenal
about to bottle it again? Their history over the past decade tells us that the
Ides of March seen to curse them with greater regularity than most clubs and
Sunday's loss to Manchester United's youth division hardly inspired optimism
for a first title since 2004.
(WDLWL) Liverpool Vs Man City (LLWDW)
Previous matches between Liverpool
and Man City
Matches
Played: 41. Liverpool Win: 19. Draw: 15. Man City Win: 7
Manchester
City Wembley success in the League Cup final against Liverpool can spur them
onto further silverware.
Manuel
Pellegrini's team face Liverpool again in the Premier League on Wednesday, just
three days after beating them 3-1 in a penalty shootout in the cup final,
following a 1-1 stalemate at the end of extra time.
Manchester City
have nine points to make up on surprise league leaders Leicester City and are
also still very much alive in the Champions League, following an impressive 3-1
last 16 first-leg away victory at Dynamo Kiev.
Liverpool
captain Jordan Henderson admits there is a collective and personal
responsibility for him to lift his teammates after the disappointment of defeat
at Wembley.
And the
England midfielder pointed to the experience of the 2011-12 season, when
Liverpool lost the FA Cup final to Chelsea but bounced back to beat the same
opponents three days later in the league, as inspiration.
Liverpool
will be brimming with confidence coming into this game, they lost to Manchester
City on Sunday but it was only decided by the penalty shootout. I have a
feeling Liverpool will fight with all it takes to avoid a defeat at home. I see
many goals; I just can’t say for sure who is going to get all 3 points. I will
go for a stalemate!
My Verdict: Liverpool 2:2 Man City (Both teams to score)
(LWWDL) Arsenal
2:1 Swansea (LLDDW)
Previous matches between Arsenal and
Swansea
Matches
Played: 11. Arsenal Win: 5. Draw: 2. Swansea Win: 4
Sunday's
defeat at White Hart Lane did nothing to ease Swansea's relegation fears,
although midfielder Leroy Fer insists there were grounds for optimism ahead of
the visit to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal must
record back to back victories against Swansea and Tottenham this week to
relaunch their spluttering Premier League title challenge.
The Gunners'
showdown with Swansea at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday marks the first of
those games, with Arsene Wenger's side aiming to bounce back from Sunday's
damaging 3-2 defeat at Manchester United.
The French
coach is in no doubt about the reaction he is expecting from his players
against a Swansea side who lie two places and three points above the relegation
zone and are without a win in four league games.
Arsenal will
pose a proper threat, particularly if they stick to their playing style and
with Sanchez, Ozil and Giroud at their best. I give it all to Arsenal, 3
points. This is a vital 3 points to recover in time Title race.
My Verdict: Arsenal 2:1 Swansea
(LDLLL) Norwich
0:2 Chelsea (WWDDW)
Previous matches between Norwich and
Chelsea
Matches
Played: 16. Norwich Win: 2. Draw: 4. Chelsea Win: 10
Norwich City
will be looking to convert control of matches at Carrow Road to points when
they face Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Norwich are
seven matches without a win and are above the relegation zone on goal
difference alone, and their manager says they have let commanding positions in
home matches slip during that run.
Ivanovic has
taken the captain’s armband in Terry’s absence and scored the winning goal in a
2-1 success at Southampton on Saturday. Having him at his best would be vital
for Chelsea.
Pedro
(hamstring) is expected to miss out for Chelsea after leaving the field early
at Southampton.
Norwich have
question marks over the fitness of Wes Hoolahan and Sebastien Bassong, who are
both carrying knocks. Chelsea are still unbeaten still Guus Hiddink took over
as manager. It is all 3 points for Chelsea.
My Verdict: Norwich 0:2 Chelsea
Predictions
Aston Villa 0:2 EvertonBournemouth 1:1 SouthamptonLeicester 2:1 West BromNorwich 0:2 ChelseaSunderland 1:1 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2:1 SwanseaStoke 2:1 NewcastleWest Ham 1:2 TottenhamLiverpool 2:2 Man CityMan Utd 2:0 Watford
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