The Premier League returned with all its glory after a three-month break last week, as fans were treated to a Merseyside derby, a close match between Manchester United and Tottenham, and much more.
Arsenal suffered a humiliating 1-2 defeat at the hands of Brighton, while Chelsea registered a narrow comeback win over Aston Villa.
Norwich City and Burnley both tasted defeats, meaning things remain the same for them in the race to avoid relegation.
That being said, we have another enticing set of Premier League fixtures in mid-week, as gameweek 31 will see Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.
Moreover, Manchester United and Arsenal face tricky matches against Sheffield United and Southampton respectively. With so many games to look forward to, let’s dive straight into the preview and predictions of gameweek 31 of the Premier League.
Leicester City vs Brighton (Prediction: 2-0)
The surprise package of this season, Leicester City will look to keep hold of their place in the top three with a routine win over 15th-placed Brighton.
While the Foxes played out a 1-1 draw with Watford last weekend, Brighton upset Arsenal, and the Seagulls will hope for a similar outcome on Tuesday night.
That being said, Leicester will be the favourites in this one as Brendon Rodgers’ men will be expected to win their first home game post the COVID-19-enforced break.
Tottenham vs West Ham (Prediction: 3-1)
Jose Mourinho’s side were held to a 1-1 draw against his former employers, Manchester United last time out. But in gameweek 31, Tottenham have a much easier fixture against West Ham at home.
The away team are 17th on the table, having recently suffered a 0-2 reverse at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Neither West Ham nor Tottenham can afford to drop points in this game, and Spurs will fancy their chances against a struggling Hammers side.
Norwich City vs Everton (Prediction: 1-2)
Norwich City’s return to the Premier League has been anything but memorable. The Canaries, who remain rooted to the foot of the table after 30 matches, will welcome Everton to Carrow Road in gameweek 31.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men recently played out a 0-0 stalemate against Liverpool, and as a consequence, they are currently in 12th on the standings. Norwich’s recent woes and Everton’s late resurgence makes the visitors favourites for this one.
Wolves vs Bournemouth (Prediction: 3-0)
After their most recent win over West Ham, Wolves have risen to sixth on the table, level on points with Manchester United. Next up for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is a home game against Bournemouth on Wednesday night.
The Cherries, who are languishing in 17th position, are winless in their previous five Premier League games, a run that stretches back to February.
Taking into account both sides’ recent form, Wolves will be licking their lips at the prospect of recording another Premier League win.
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa (Prediction: 2-1)
At one point in time this season, Newcastle seemed destined for the Championship. They’ve steered the ship through testing waters since and are currently, 13th on the Premier League table.
On the other hand, Villa, who are winless in their previous six league matches, face a daunting trip to St. James’s Park on Wednesday night. The Villains are 19th on the table and need to start picking up points before it’s too late.
Manchester United vs Sheffield United (Prediction: 2-1)
After their 1-1 draw with Tottenham, Ole Gunnar Solsjaer’s men remain in the fifth spot, with a home game against Sheffield United next. The visitors suffered a 0-3 setback against Newcastle last week, and the game at Old Trafford is of great importance for the Blades.
Chris Wilder’s side are seventh in the standings, and their game against the Red Devils could make or break their European dreams. With Manchester United’s Champions League berth also hanging in the balance, expect a cracking encounter on Wednesday night.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace (Prediction: 3-0)
After an uninspiring draw in the Merseyside derby, Liverpool will hope to bounce back to winning ways in front of the Kop against ninth-placed Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Although the Eagles won 2-0 against Bournemouth last week, their game against the Premier League champions-elect won’t be easy. Jurgen Klopp’s men should come out victorious and continue their march towards a first league title in 30 years.
Southampton vs Arsenal (Prediction: 1-1)
14th-placed Southampton will welcome the Gunners to St. Mary’s Stadium on Thursday night in a game that is of great importance for the visitors. Only three points separate these two sides, as Arsenal are languishing in 10th place, on the back of their recent defeats.
Mikel Arteta has overseen two consecutive losses since the league’s resumption, having lost key men to injuries in both those matches.
The game against Southampton will offer Arsenal a chance to get their act together and push for an European spot.
Burnley vs Watford (Prediction: 2-0)
Burnley were hammered 5-0 by Manchester City on Monday night, but in gameweek 31, they face a much easier game against a Watford side who are currently 16th on the Premier League table and battling relegation.
The visitors held Leicester City to 1-1 draw in their previous game and will be hoping for a similar result against Burnley, who are 11th on the standings. That being said, the home side will be favourites to pick up all three points in this game.
Chelsea vs Manchester City (Prediction: 2-3)
Although Pep Guardiola’s men have won both their games since the Premier League resumed, they will face a tough trip to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
Chelsea, somehow stumbled past Aston Villa last week, but against Manchester City, the Blues will have to be better or risk facing a heavy defeat. The home side’s Champions League prospects next season could depend on the outcome of this game.
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