Another massive weekend of Premier League football is upon us, but that is not the only thing tantalising our appetites for this weekend as Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal come up against Pep Guardiola’s high-flyers Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup Final. This Sunday’s fixtures proves to be an exciting and thrilling encounter as Manchester United entertain last seasons Premier League champions Chelsea at Old Trafford before the final at Wembley – a battle which could prove vital come the end of the season regarding the race for the Top 4 and to decide who will finish as runners up to potential champions Manchester City.
Here are my prediction for Sundays enthralling encounters:
Manchester United vs Chelsea, 2pm
Both teams come into this game not in the best form and neither club can afford to lose this spectacle, so don’t be surprised if the game ends becoming a very tight encounter which eventually ends in a draw. You wouldn’t put it past both managers renowned for their tactical efficiency and ability to execute a rigid game plan in order to avoid defeat.
Nonetheless, if United win this, they can almost certainly gain the ascendency to finish runners up behind Manchester City which will represent a massive improvement on last seasons finish outside the Champions League places. Sure, Mourinho wouldn’t be happy finishing second best to rivals City but the Portuguese coach will be happy with the way his team has progressed since he joined. Right now, United find themselves in a dilemma ahead of Sunday’s clash with regards to the future of Paul Pogba, will Mourinho start the midfielder against Chelsea after praising him for his conduct midweek? The Frenchman has not been himself in recent matches, can he regain his form when it matters on Sunday?
Chelsea, on the other hand also have problems of their own. Tuesday’s impressive draw with La Liga leaders Barcelona surely would have lifted the spirits in the camp despite Lionel Messi’s equaliser which absolutely Conte’s game plan out of the window. However, there were instances in that match where Chelsea could have really hurt Messi and co. So can Conte’s men repeat that performance at Old Trafford? Will Hazard be targeted by Mourinho once again like last seasons fixture?
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Man Utd vs Chelsea, February 25, 2018, 2:00pm, Live on
These questions will surely be answered as these two Premier League giants lock horns once again, although I am going for a score draw in this one. A fair result?
Score Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Arsenal vs Manchester City, 4:30pm
The first piece of silverware is up for grabs on Sunday, but who will come out on top?
To put it simply, both managers Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola are in need of a victory in this one. Just like the above fixture, neither coaches can ill-afford to lose. Pep on one hand is desperate to have his hands on his first trophy at City, and what better way to topple Arsene Wenger before topping his other rivals to the Premier League title come May. Will Sunday be the day Manchester City’s domination in English football under Pep Guardiola truly begin?
Bar some miraculous miracle, City are certain to lift the Premier League title, and potentially add to that the Carabao Cup, claiming it from Manchester rivals United – a feat that will be very sweet to the lips of the great Spanish coach. Lets be honest, City have been a class apart all season and Guardiola has spent this second season at the Etihad setting the bar for fellow managers to replicate with the kind of beautiful, eye-catching football that has been on show throughout this season.
Last week’s shock defeat to Wigan will be one Guardiola will hope his team will learn from. They are heavy favourites to capture the Carabao trophy this Sunday although Wenger will have a lot to say about that as he embarks on a tough journey to right Arsenal’s wrongs this season and victory over City will almost set Wenger and his side on a path to redemption – capturing a trophy that has eluded him in his illustrious coaching career. You could argue Wenger needs this victory more than Guardiola as Arsenal’s season is in danger of fading away, but with a difficult tie against AC Milan confirmed midweek for the next round of the Europa League, this may be Arsenal’s only chance of silverware this season.
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Arsenal vs Man City, February 25, 2018, 3:30pm, Live on
You can’t back against Wenger delivering for the club in this one, considering he does have a fantastic record at Wembley in cup finals. However, you just don’t know who will come up trumps in this one.
I am going for Wenger to upset the odds here, correct me if I’m wrong…
Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham, 12:00pm
Just because this one is last on the list does not take away the importance of the fixture, though it is first on the schedule at midday.
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C Palace vs Tottenham, February 25, 2018, 11:30am, Live on
Tottenham on the other hand, are pushing for a strong finish to the campaign with the top 4 to fight for along with Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. The Champions League still to contend with – a Wembley second leg against the mighty Juventus coming up on the horizon, Pochettino will want his side to maintain their strong focus for the rest of the season.
I always tell fellow football fans, when you got a certain Harry Kane in your team, you are always in with a chance. The Premier League’s top scorer once again has been a revelation for the third season in a row, in front of goal. There is no sign of the England frontman slowing down or losing form. Throw in Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Song Heung-Min, the addition of speedster Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain and the steady rise of Moussa Dembele again, Tottenham are sure to finish the season very soundly.
Palace are my local side, but I can’t see past Tottenham capturing the three points in this one.
Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-3 Tottenham
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