The Barclays Premier League returned last weekend with amazing goals – Andy Penders gives his predictions for this weekend based on current standings
Photo: EPA/Peter Powell
Is the Barclays Premier League season over, or is there more to play for? Chelsea has secured top spot, and the remaining Champions League spots all seem occupied.
However, there may be a few more twists and turns before the season’s out.
Manchester United vs Manchester City – Sun, 12 Apr, 11pm (Live commentary on Red Card Sports Radio)
Manchester United will be gunning for its sixth straight win. Rooney scored his 14th – and best – goal of the season against Aston Villa and currently looks unstoppable.
United may have dominated possession in last season’s corresponding fixture but it still went down 3-0 at Old Trafford. Also, in the first week of November, United were reduced to ten men at the Etihad and beaten 1-0 – a huge wake-up call for Louis van Gaal. The Dutch tactician has since answered his critics well and the Red Devils go into this tie as the favourites, after an impressive couple of months.
“It was another Manchester United (last November), I believe,” van Gaal told reporters after the win against Aston Villa last weekend, “That was more in the start of the process, and now we are in the end of the process.”
With self-belief fully-restored and United in excellent form to compete for 2nd place in the league at the very least, it will be a force to be reckoned with for Manuel Pellegrini’s men, especially after their shock loss to Crystal Palace on Tuesday. A rejuvenated Ander Herrera, who scored a brace against Aston Villa, adds to the potent mix that City will have to grapple with.
Prediction: Manchester Utd 2-1 Manchester City
Queens Park Rangers vs Chelsea – Sun, 12 Apr, 8.30pm, (Live commentary on Red Card Sports Radio)
Could this game at Loftus Road be another stumbling block for Chelsea? Last season, the Blues could only manage four shots on target in a goalless affair against Queens Park Rangers and, given Chris Ramsey’s team’s ability to produce big moments, we could be set for another shock.
However, Jose Mourinho is a shrewd tactician and knows how to keep his squad fresh. Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa are the most substituted players this season and Chelsea will be hungry for success.
Prediction: QPR 0-1 Chelsea
Liverpool vs Newcastle United – Tue, 14 Apr, 3am (Live commentary on Red Card Sports Radio)
Brendan Rodgers has accepted that a top-four finish is beyond Liverpool after its limitations were painfully exposed and the team was crushed 4-1 by Arsenal last weekend. The good news is that Newcastle is the visitor this time.
The Magpies endured a fifth straight derby defeat against Sunderland last weekend and while you have to concede that injuries are taking their toll on John Carver’s side (Mike Williamson was the only recognised centre-back available against the Black Cats), you also have to say that the men from St James’ Park already have their eyes on the summer holidays.
A repeat of last season’s score looks to be the best prediction.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
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About Andy Penders
Andy Penders (@andypenders) is the Head of Sports at #RedCardConnect. Andy previously worked at ESPN Star Sports, Fox Sports, Mio Stadium and Zoom Sports.[/su_note]
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