With the battle for an all important top four place in the Premier League hotting up, the clash between Liverpool and Manchester United, always a fiercely competitive game, takes on even more significance. Andy Gray and Richard Keys who front beIN Sports’ EPL coverage discuss this and the weekend’s other matches.
Liverpool v Man United
Andy Gray: I think both teams will score but Liverpool have more of a threat and can get at United. They have the momentum, it’s at Anfield and they have the incentive of knowing they will go above United if they win, which I think they will. 2-1.
Richard Keys: Liverpool will win this 3-1 and although there is time for things to change I can’t see United finishing in the top four unless Manchester City have hit the wall to such an extent that they drop out of the top four.
Man City v West Brom
AG: Not the best game for City to have when they have just been dumped out of the Champions League and could have been on the end of a hiding at Barcelona. West Brom have been impressive defensively away from home but I still think City will get a result. It might not be pretty but they will know they are under threat from Arsenal, United and Liverpool which is why they will grind out a result. 2-0.
RK: The two people to blame for what is happening at Manchester City are CEO Ferran Soriano and Director of Football Txiki Bergiristain. These two convinced themselves they were the reason Barcelona were successful when they were there with Pep Guardiola, and thought they could replicate it at City. Not without Guardiola they can’t. City are under pressure but they will win this 1-0.
Newcastle v Arsenal
AG: Arsenal were way better than Monaco in the Champions League in midweek so it was disappointing that they went out but they should be in good spirits because they are playing well. They will go into this game with a lot of confidence and Newcastle aren’t very good. 1-3.
RK: Arsenal were really good at Monaco and it’s an archaic nonsense to have away goals counting in such important games. Newcastle are awful. 0-2.
Aston Villa v Swansea
AG: The feel-good factor is back at Villa Park. Tim Sherwood is a very progressive coach; he wants to go forward and pass the ball and the players are enjoying that. 2-1.
RK: Villa are looking much better but winning three Premier League games on the trot is tough which is why I think Swansea will nick a point. 1-1.
Southampton v Burnley
AG: Southampton were excellent against Chelsea last week and they have far too much for Burnley. 2-0.
RK: For those of us who thought Southampton had gone, including yours truly, they proved otherwise with that display against Chelsea. Burnley have been to clubs like Chelsea and Man City and done well but there is a reason they are down at the bottom of the league. 2-1.
Stoke v Crystal Palace
AG: Both are playing well and will think they can win this. Palace can be a threat up front but are a bit unpredictable while Stoke are always tough to beat at home so I can see this ending 1-1.
RK: Whatever else happens, Stoke have had a great season but I still can’t work them out. Alan Pardew has done well at Palace and given them belief which is why I am with Andy on this. 1-1.
Tottenham v Leicester City
AG: Spurs were poor against Manchester United last week but they have had a week to reflect on that performance and sort things out. They need to win this to keep them in the race for a top four place and I think Leicester are already relegated. 2-0.
RK: Tottenham owe their fans a performance after a dreadful display at United but they are a good side and Leicester are shot. 2-0.
Hull v Chelsea
AG: Hull will make it difficult but they don’t have enough to win this. Chelsea have had a week to get themselves together again after the draw against Southampton so they will be fresh and ready to go. 0-2.
RK: I know Chelsea’s recent form hasn’t been as good as it should be but that’s why I think they will win this. Jose Mourinho will have got stuck into them and stressed the importance of winning the title after going out of the Champions League. 1-2.
QPR v Everton
AG: The hammering Everton took against Kiev in the Europa League will affect them and as much as I hate going against my old team I can see QPR winning this 2-1.
RK: Everton’s season looks to be over. QPR are decent at home and they’ll get stuck into Everton. 1-0.
West Ham v Sunderland
AG: Two teams struggling for different reasons; Sunderland because of the way they are playing and the sacking of Gus Poyet which was inevitable and West Ham because they have only won one in 12. This won’t be a classic but the Hammers will nick this 1-0.
RK: New Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat is the latest in a long line of foreign coaches who come into our league, think they know what they are doing and the league finds them out so good luck to him. West Ham need a win and they are better than Sunderland. 2-1.
