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Wednesday, May 9, 2018
chelsea v huddersfield town Starts at 7:45pm
Morata (knocking on the door) slightly doubtful
Drink water (calf strain)
Luiz (knee injury expected to return on May 13) is absent
Ampadu (broken ankle) out
Chelsea are under pressure today and they really need a win to put pressure on Liverpool and Tottenham for the top four places. Despite all the uncertainty surrounding Antonio Conte’s future, his form of late has been good enough to get them back into the competition they exited just a few games ago. The only issue they may face is the FA Cup final coming up next weekend and if things don’t go their way, players could become a bit distracted trying to avoid injury and missing games.
Most important players: Eden Hazard. The Belgian was superb against Liverpool and another performance like this would have a big impact.
Lowe (cramp) post-fitness test
Kongolo (Knock on the Door) Post-Physical Fitness Test
Ince (hamstring injury) slightly questionable
Kachunga (ankle injury expected to return June 1) out
Williams (broken ankle) out
Hoeffler (knee injury expected to return on May 13) is a serious doubt
The Terriers need just a point to ensure survival, but can they afford it against a Chelsea side who really need a win? It’s not an all-or-nothing game for Huddersfield as they still have a chance to pick up that point against Arsenal at the weekend. Still, they really can’t risk going into the final game as the pressure will be immense and could leave them stranded at a crucial moment.
Most important players: Christopher Schindler. The German defender has integrated into the team like he belongs in the Prem squad.
Define the battle: This will be a game where both teams are more than willing to defend deep and counter-attack under intense pressure. It could be a real snoozefest or it could be an incredible all-out counter-attack. Huddersfield’s big problem is getting enough players forward to cause Chelsea problems. They tend to sit too deep, leaving no one to support the attacking players.
Editor’s predictions:
Ed 002 – 3-0
Ed 003 – 0-0
Ed 004 – 2-0
Ed007 – 2-0
Ed 018 – 2-0
Ed025-4-0
Ed033-1-0
Leicester City v arsenal Starts at 7:45pm
Diabate Post-Physical Fitness Test
Dragovich (shoulder injury) late physical test
Simpson (groin strain) post-fit testing
Huss (ankle injury) is out
Chilwell (ankle injury) out
Ndidi (hamstring injury) is out
Amati (hamstring injury) out
Schmeichel (ankle injury) late physical test
Okazaki (ankle injury) late physical test
James (expected to suffer Achilles tendon injury on June 1) is out
Albrighton (suspended) eliminated
Despite sitting safely in the top half, it’s clear players have given up on the position and no longer play for Claude Poole. Once again they are too big to give 100% to the club. They should remember that every time they take the field, they are representing the fans who have given them so much support.
Most important players: Wes Morgan. At least he looks like he’s trying.
Koscielny (Achilles tendon injury expected to return on December 22) is out
Ozil (back injury) out
Elneny (ankle injury expected to return on May 13) is a major doubt
Cazorla (plantaris injury expected to return on July 1) is out
Like the Foxes, the Gunners had little to look at in this game other than giving Wenger a nice send-off. This is actually almost a meaningless playoff friendly match.
Most important players: Alexandre Lacazette. The French striker is finally starting to settle in at Arsenal.
Define the battle: It all depends on whether Leicester’s players are willing to try a change.
Editor’s predictions:
Ed002-1-2
Ed003-0-2
Ed004-1-2
Ed007-1-3
Ed018-1-2
Ed025-1-1
Ed033-1-2
Manchester City v Brighton & Hove Albion Starts at 8pm
Kompany (muscle injury) slightly questionable
Aguero (knee injury expected to return on June 1) is out
The Cityzens are still chasing the record and need to win their final two games to reach 100 points. Other than that, there’s nothing else to this game.
Most important players: Pep Guardiola. It’s up to him to inspire them to set records.
Brown (ACL injury) out
Sidwell (back injury) out
They are safe and sound now, they only have the pride to fight for in reality. Although a top-half finish is within reach, that’s what they’re aiming for.
Most important players: Anthony Knockaert. He was a standout performer against the other half of Manchester at the weekend.
Define the battle: This game looks like a game of attack versus defence, as Brighton tend to run a deep defensive system at their best times. This could turn into a training match.
Editor’s predictions:
Ed 002 – 3-0
Ed 003 – 8-0
Ed004-3-1
Ed007 – 2-0
Ed 018 – 1-0
Ed025-2-0
Ed033-1-0
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United Starts at 8pm
Dir (Disease) Mild Suspicion
Vertonghen (ankle injury) slightly questionable
Aurier (hamstring tightness, expected to return May 13) slightly questionable
Dembele (ankle injury expected to return on May 13) slightly doubtful
Blink (ankle injury)
Mauricio Pochettino hopes his players will play better to retain a top-four finish after a poor performance in the weekend’s defeat to West Brom. Their recent indifference has seen them targeted by Chelsea and put under pressure they shouldn’t be under after beating their rivals early last month. With no cup final to worry about, retaining the top four has become the only important thing for them this season. If they want to finally shake off their reputation of choking at the finish, they’ll have to keep at it. It won’t end that reputation, but at least it won’t enhance it.
Most important players: Harry Kane. Since returning from injury, he has looked completely out of rhythm, which has had a serious impact on Tottenham’s game.
Clark (expected to return from knee injury on May 13) is slightly doubtful
Atsu (knee injury expected to return on July 1) is out
Slimani (suspended) is out
After gaining safety, the Toons had lost all form and suffered a three-game losing streak. They do still have a top-half finish, but when you’re a club of Newcastle’s size it’s hard to motivate players with the carrot of finishing in the top ten. Still, if they can finish in the top half, it will be a fantastic achievement.
Most important players: Ayoze Perez. If anyone can make a difference for Newcastle, it’s the Spaniard.
Define the battle: Newcastle are likely to be under pressure from the start as Spurs should come into this game with passion and the Tyneside side have little advantage in the game. If Tottenham don’t score early, they could become frustrated and suffer the breakdown in discipline that often occurred under pressure in the Poch era. This would give Newcastle a chance to snatch victory.
Editor’s predictions:
Ed002-2-1
Ed003-1-1
Ed004-3-1
Ed 007 – 3-1
Ed018-1-1
Ed025-4-1
Ed033-2-1
Edit forecast table
1.Ed002 – 246 points
2.Ed033 – 245 points
3.Ed018 – 241 points
4.Ed007 – 234 points
5. Ed004 – 223 points
6.Ed025 – 222 points
7. Ed003 – 208 points
*Correct results are worth 1 point, correct scores are worth 3 points.
**Updated on May 7, 2018 (excluding results on that day)
Written by Tris Burke May 9, 2018 09:02:57