Everton hold Chelsea, Spurs win derby to close gap to two points: Premier League predictions



Only a handful of games remain in this Premier League season and there is still all to play for at both ends of the table. Graham Caygill predicts the outcome of the latest round of fixtures. To move on to the next prediction, click the red arrow in the bottom right corner of the image, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

Southampton 3 Hull City 1

Why? Relegation-threatened Hull showed tremendous character to get three points against Watford last week, while playing with 10 men for more than an hour. Southampton, however, are a better side than Watford, and in Manolo Gabbiadini and Dusan Tadic, they have the offensive threat to halt Hull's push towards safety.

Stoke City 2 West Ham United 0

Why? Both sides are still short of 40 points, but should still be safe from the drop. Neither side is in any kind of form, but Stoke's strength at set-pieces and the presence of the likes of Peter Crouch and Ryan Shawcross should give them the edge.

Sunderland 0 Bournemouth 3

Why? Sunderland look like a side desperate to be put out of their misery and for May 21 to come around as quick as possible. Two points from a possible 27 and eight scoreless efforts in the past nine games has summed up just why Sunderland are going down, and an in-form Bournemouth, fresh from routing Middlesbrough last Saturday, will be disappointed if they leave the Stadium of Light without another three points.

West Bromwich Albion 0 Leicester City 1

Why? If the season had ended in March it would have been great one for West Brom and Tony Pulis. One point and no goals in April is threatening to end what has still been a very good campaign on a whimper, but that may not change against a revitalised Leicester for whom Jamie Vardy is finally looking like the forward who fired his side to the Premier League title.

Crystal Palace 2 Burnley 0

Why? A run of six wins in their past nine games has moved Palace seven points clear of the relegation zone, and above Burnley in the process, and with Christian Benteke on form, with five goals in the past six games, there is no reason to expect their form to fall away at Selhust Park on Saturday.

Manchester United 2 Swansea City 0

Why? A fast turnaround for United from their goalless draw with Manchester City on Thursday. Jose Mourinho may make changes to his line-up, but he cannot afford to do too much tinkering as his side still have a real chance of finishing in the top four and this is a must win game. If he starts, Marcus Rashford will give Swansea headaches with his pace.

Everton 2 Chelsea 2

Why? Everton are one of the form sides in the league at present and have won their past seven league games at Goodison Park, scoring 26 goals in the process. Chelsea's backline has looked susceptible of late, and Romelu Lukaku will cause the league leaders problems. Diego Costa and Eden Hazard will of course lead the Chelsea charge at the other end, but this may well be a high-scoring affair that ends with honours even.

Middlesbrough 0 Manchester City 2

Why? Middlesbrough finally ended a winless run that stretched back to December 17 against Sunderland on Wednesday. Unfortunately for them it is not likely to be the catalyst for a sudden late charge to beat the drop as they face a City side pushing hard to stay in the top four. Pep Guardiola's side cruised past Middlesbrough 2-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals in March and this should end up being a similar result.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Arsenal 1

Why? Tottenham have shown in recent weeks how well they can play, but on Wednesday they showed their grit as they won 1-0 at Crystal Palace. Arsenal also showed their resolve with a late winner against Leicester, this coming after coming from behind to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals, so both sides go into this derby with confidence. Tottenham should win it, simply because they are the better side, with Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli all in top form.

Watford 1 Liverpool 3

Why? Watford are already on the 40-point mark, which traditionally guarantees safety, but their limp display in losing to 10-man Hull highlights a side whose players may have their minds already on their summer holiday destinations. Liverpool need a fast response to last week's loss to Crystal Palace, and should get it hear.

gcaygill@thenational.ae

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