With Chelsea playing in the League Cup final, Manchester City have a chance to close the gap at the top of the EPL to two points, so it’s vital they get a result at Liverpool if they want to keep the pressure on Jose Mourinho’s team. Andy Gray and Richard Keys, who front beIN Sports’ EPL coverage, discuss this and the weekend’s other games.
– #Quiz360: WIN dinner for 2 at Jumeira Rotana, Dubai
Liverpool v Man City
Andy Gray: Both teams are better at attacking than defending, so there should be goals. I’m going for a 2-2 draw which isn’t really good enough for City.
Richard Keys: Liverpool, who domestically have got the bit between their teeth, have the hunger City players lack and I can see them winning this 2-1 to pile more pressure on Pellegini.
Arsenal v Everton
AG: Everton haven’t won at Arsenal since January, 1996 and although they had a good result in the Europa League it flattered them. Expect a reaction from Arsenal. 2-1.
RK: Arsenal will win this only because Everton are not very good. If they don’t, serious questions will have to be asked. 1-0.
Manchester United v Sunderland
AG: If United don’t start picking up some wins they are going to struggle to finish in the top four. Sunderland have only lost four times in 12 away games so they won’t be fazed going to Old Trafford but United should have too much class. 2-0.
RK: Louis van Gaal keeps telling us that his players all buy into his philosophy but I still don’t know what that philosophy is. I’m not convinced by him but I can’t bring myself to say they will lose to Sunderland. 2-1.
Newcastle v Aston Villa
AG: Tim Sherwood didn’t get the result he wanted last week but he will fancy beating Newcastle after they were taken apart by Man City at the Etihad. However, home advantage always comes into play at St James’ Park. 2-1.
RK: Newcastle were exposed at Manchester City and I am afraid they are that ordinary. Sherwood would have been disappointed last week, but if you get beaten in your first match in charge you tend to win the second one. 0-1.
West Ham v Crystal Palace
AG: The Hammers haven’t won any of their last five games but they were unlucky against Man United and Tottenham, so they are due a win. 1-0.
RK: Palace were a bit unlucky against Arsenal last week and could easily have nicked a draw, so they will go into this with some confidence. 1-1.
Burnley v Swansea
AG: If Sean Dyche gets the same kind of performance he got from his players at Stamford Bridge they have a real chance of winning, but Swansea also had a good result against United so they sort of cancel each other out. 2-2.
RK: Burnley were superb against Chelsea but football has a habit of turning things around the week after a good result. 1-1.
Stoke v Hull
AG: I know Hull have improved over the past few weeks with wins over Aston Villa and QPR but Stoke look solid in mid-table and they are tough to beat at home. 2-0.
RK: Six fantastic points for Hull at a time they really needed them but beating Stoke at their place is a big call, especially as Mark Hughes does not like Steve Bruce so there will be added spice. 2-1 home win.
West Brom v Southampton
AG: This is a tough one for Southampton, who are struggling for goals. The Baggies are tough to play against but I think Southampton will want to prove a few people wrong. 1-0 away win.
RK: Sadly, I think Southampton will prove us all right and be the one that misses out on the top four. West Brom are well organised and I think they can win this 1-0.
League Cup Final
Chelsea v Tottenham
AG: At Wembley, big players turn it on. I know how many of Chelsea’s will but I am not sure about Spurs. Will Erik Lamela finally show us why he cost £30 million, will Christian Eriksen continue to impress and will Harry Kane’s amazing season continue? Chelsea like the big stage and they will win this 2-1.
RK: Chelsea aren’t playing that well and Harry Kane will frighten their defence to death. This should be an open game, which will give Spurs a chance to really take the game to them. I’m going out on a limb on this one. 3-1 Tottenham.
