Southampton host Liverpool in what will prove to be another test for Ronald Koeman’s side, with only one win in four matches in all competitions. On the other hand, the Reds have only lost one in 17. Andy Gray and Richard Keys, who front beIN Sports’ EPL coverage discuss this weekend’s games:
Southampton v Liverpool
Andy Gray: I think Southampton might just miss out on a top four place at the end of the season because the other teams around them, like Liverpool and Arsenal have a bit more nous about how to get the job done.
However, I don’t think there is much to separate these two at the moment. 2-2.
Richard Keys: I think Southampton, having got back on track after a bit of wheel wobble in December, can beat Liverpool who might suffer the effects of that Europa League game in midweek. 2-1 home win.
Aston Villa v Stoke
AG: I would hope the reaction from the Villa players and fans to the appointment of Tim Sherwood as manager will be a positive one. Stoke aren’t the easiest team to have coming to your back yard when you are looking to make an impression because they are scruffy and tough to beat. However, I think the feel-good factor will be decisive. 2-1 home win.
RK: I would expect Villa to win this on the basis that the place should be jumping with a new man in charge although I think Sherwood’s appointment is a huge risk. Stoke are too inconsistent for me. 2-0.
Chelsea v Burnley
AG: I know Burnley shocked Man City recently when they got a draw at the Etihad but I can’t see them doing the same thing to Chelsea who will settle for a 2-0 win.
RK: Chelsea will be far too strong for Burnley but Jose Mourinho won’t want to beat them up. Chelsea will score two and then shut up shop so I’m with Andy on this.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
AG: Apart from the odd blemish such as the defeat at Spurs, Arsenal’s form has been good and they will be keen to keep the momentum going. They’ll have too much for Palace. 1-3.
RK: I think Alan Pardew will do a good job for Palace and they will be safe but they won’t have enough against Arsenal who are significantly better. 1-3.
Hull v QPR
AG: These are the games that Hull must win if they want to stay up. However, QPR will be confident after they finally got three points away from home at Sunderland and they have enough to get a 1-1 draw.
RK: It was great to see QPR get a result away from home but they won’t get anything here. Hull know they have to win these games. 2-1.
Sunderland v West Brom
AG: Sunderland just can’t win a football match and Gus Poyet is blaming everyone but himself. Tony Pulis has steadied the ship at West Brom but I think Sunderland might just nick this for no other reason than it’s at their place. 1-0.
RK: I don’t know what it is that Poyet is trying to achieve. He is trying to get Sunderland to play a style of football that doesn’t suit them. I fear a parting of the ways is on the cards. 0-1.
Swansea v Man United
AG: United aren’t impressing anyone but they are winning games. Swansea have lost direction, are clearly missing Wilfried Bony and they won’t be able to stop United’s run of good results. 2-0.
RK: Louis van Gaal says he still doesn’t know what his best 11 is which, at this stage of the season, is unbelievable. I don’t know why he keeps playing Falcao because they are not going to buy him and Wayne Rooney should be playing up top. Swansea are struggling but I can see them getting a point. 2-2.
Man City v Newcastle
AG: Man City will have an eye on their Champions League game against Barcelona but if they lose this and Chelsea beat Burnley the title race is all over. That’s how big this game is and why I think City players will respond. 3-0.
RK: A must-win for City and although Newcastle are capable of occasionally nicking a game I can’t see a real problem for Manuel Pellegrini’s team here. 2-0.
Tottenham v West Ham
AG: I worry about West Ham now that it seems that Sam Allardyce won’t be there next season. It’s always hard to keep the players motivated when that is in their minds and if they are not 100 per cent focused against Tottenham they will lose which is what I think will happen. 2-0.
RK: The supporters are not happy with Allardyce and he should perhaps have left at the end of last season. The Hammers are safe but I can see them slipping into the bottom half of the table. 3-1 Spurs.
Everton v Leicester
AG: I think Leicester have been a bit unlucky and deserved more than they got in some games but that’s happens to teams heading for relegation. They look doomed and I can’t see their luck changing at Goodison. 2-1.
RK: Leicester are in trouble but they are not relegated yet and will make life difficult for Everton but because it is at Goodison I am going for a 1-0 home win.
