Pundit Godwin Odiko’s Match Day 27 EPL predictions

Manchester City are 13 points clear at the top of the log, with 12 games to go. The title, definitely, is theirs to lose.

However, there are still uncertainties as to who will secure the continental ticket, and who will survive the relegation battle. So which of this teams will better their chances this weekend? Read on to find out…

SPURS V ARSENAL

I watched Spurs play against Liverpool last weekend, and you have to give them credits for upping their game in the second half to secure a valuable point at Anfield.

Controversies surrounded the second goal, but the first from Wanyama was an absolute belter. Might be lucky to leave Liverpool with a point, but they certainly deserve something for all their efforts in the second half.

They have also been boosted by the return of Erik Lamela – who scored the second of Spurs’ two goals against Newport County in the FA Cup on Wednesday.

That said, I think Arsenal with a much improved squad themselves will give Mauricio Pochettino’s men a good run for their money. I expect this clash to be absolutely electrifying from start to finish.

And in this sort of match, every error will be punished. Spurs have taken four points from consecutive Premier League games against Manutd and Liverpool, they look a solid side again.

Arsenal need to be on top of their game – and demonstrate at Wembley; the intensity they showed against Everton (especially in the first half) last weekend.

MY PREDICTION: Spurs 2-2 Arsenal

EVERTON V CRYSTAL PALACE

Sam Allardyce will be hoping to get back to winning ways when he welcome his former side at Goodison Park on Saturday.

They were totally outclassed by Arsenal last weekend. I think they will react to that humiliating defeat; with a win in this one. Palace are set to be without their talismanic forward Wilfried Zaha for a month, after the Ivorian suffered an injury to his knee in their last match against Newcastle.

Going to be difficult for Roy Hodgson’s side here.

MY PREDICTION: Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace

STOKE V BRIGHTON

Brighton have turned a corner since their 0-4 defeat at home to Chelsea last month. They will be looking to continue in that form at Stoke on Saturday.

But Stoke are 18th on the log, and would be wanting to move out of that zone with a win in this clash.

Would be a very difficult match for this two sides, but, I think Stoke will come out on top with a slim win.

MY PREDICTION: Stoke 1-0 Brighton

SWANSEA V BURNLEY

Safe to say Swansea have turned a corner under Carlos Carvalhal. The former Besiktas manager has turned around the fortunes of the club magnificently.

They scored eight past Notts County on Tuesday in the FA Cup, and have not lost a game since their 0-2 defeat at home to Spurs on the 2nd of January. Winning games against Liverpool and Arsenal in the process. They are flying!

That said, Burnley are a difficult side to play against in the league this season, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they deny Swansea a win here.

MY PREDICTION: Swansea 1-1 Burnley

WEST HAM V WATFORD

West Ham are beginning to get complacent, following their recent rise in stock under David Moyes. And I think they will get punished again against Watford. Chelsea were full of error against Watford last weekend and got punished.

West Ham will do well not to commit many (errors) here if they want something from this clash.

MY PREDICTION: West Ham 1-1 Watford

MAN CITY V LEICESTER

Since Riyad Mahrez went on a self-imposed exile from Leicester, the Foxes have struggled with games, losing 2-1 at Everton before failing to beat Swansea 1-1 at home last weekend.

On Thursday, Claude Puel ruled out the possibility of the Algerian featuring against Pep Guardiola’s City. But has guaranteed the door will be opened for his return for the rest of the season.

I think City will win here, having failed to win last weekend at Burnley.

MY PREDICTION: Man City 2-0 Leicester City

HUDDERSFIELD V BOURNEMOUTH

Huddersfield are struggling at the moment, and that explains their placement right now on the log in 19th. But they won at Birmingham City 4-1 on Tuesday in the FA Cup, and that should do their confidence some good; heading into this clash.

However, they will find Bournemouth a tough nut to crack on Sunday. I am going for a draw in this one, with Eddie Howe’s side the likelier to win in this clash.

MY PREDICTION: Huddersfield 1-1 Bournemouth

NEWCASTLE V MANUTD

United were afforded a breather last weekend when Chelsea stumbled at Watford, and Spurs held Liverpool to a draw at Anfield. They are six point ahead of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, and five ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. I think they will win again at struggling Newcastle.

Games between this two clubs and managers have always been exciting. I think Sunday’s game won’t be any different.

MY PREDICTION: Newcastle 1-3 Manutd

SOUTHAMPTON V LIVERPOOL

Southampton might not be where a club of their status ought to be on the log at the moment, but, they have improved in recent games.

Liverpool must be very careful against their host on the day, if they want anything from this clash.

Southampton showed against West Brom last week that they can still score plenty goals if their opponent afford them the opportunity.

That said, I think Liverpool will edge this one marginally. Mohamed Salah is in the form of his life right now, and I expect him to inspire a win for the Reds on Sunday.

MY PREDICTION: Southampton 1-2 Liverpool

CHELSEA V WEST BROM

Can’t see a brighter future for Chelsea with Antonio Conte, and I think it’s time to get rid of him.

The team is in shambles, and there are too many passengers in that team at the moment (especially in games). Even Conte seem to be begging to be axed; with his body language these days.

However, I think they will force themselves to get something out of this one.

West Brom are struggling in the league too. So, I am strongly backing Chelsea to win this one on Monday night.

MY PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-0 West Brom