Premier League Predictions: Matchweek 31

FRIDAY:

BOURNEMOUTH V MAN UNITED

Bournemouth are still unbeaten since losing to Arsenal in their first game of the new year but have drawn their last four league games.

They've replaced Brighton as the draw specialists as they've now picked up more draws than any other team with 14.

Man United are in the drivers seat in the race for a top four finish and the calls for Michael Carrick getting the job full time are only increasing.

They haven't won any of their last five games against Bournemouth including the entertaining 4-4 draw both teams played out earlier in the season.

Bournemouth have been strong at home this season and it's for that very reason I don't see them losing this game.

United haven't played as well away as they have at home and have dropped points in their last two away games against West Ham and Newcastle.

But I do think they'll do enough to earn a point here and make it five draws in a row for the Cherries.

PREDICTION: 1-1

SATURDAY:

BRIGHTON V LIVERPOOL

Brighton are unbeaten in this fixture for the last three seasons and they'll fancy themselves to extend that run in this one, especially as they've been relatively strong at home this season.

The Seagulls have turned a corner recently following three wins from their last four games which along with their strong home form should give them confidence heading into this game.

Liverpool put in arguably their best performance of the season against Galatasaray in midweek which I'm hoping will be a turning point in their season.

The reds have already beaten Brighton twice this season in the league and the FA Cup with both wins coming at home.

Brighton may have a good record at home, but I fancy the reds to build on their win over Galatasaray with another one here to move back into the top four temporarily.

PREDICTION: 1-2

FULHAM V BURNLEY

Fulham's season has plateaued a bit over the past month but they are still in the race for European football despite winning just two of their last five games.

Marco Silva's side have some tough games coming up after the international break and their next four games could end their hopes of Europe as they're against Liverpool, Brentford, Villa and Arsenal.

Burnley come into this game just three points off the bottom following Wolves' recent results and they'll be glad that Wolves aren't playing this weekend.

Because Wolves aren't playing due to their game against Arsenal already being played, this game is one the Clarets must get a result from so they have some breathing space between themselves and Wolves at the foot of the table.

But I don't see them getting anything here because Fulham have been strong at home all season and the Clarets have been poor on the road.

Because of this I can only see a Fulham win here.

PREDICTION: 3-0

EVERTON V CHELSEA

Everton have been poor at home this season but they did win the last time they played at home when they beat Burnley a fortnight ago.

They've had a good record at home against Chelsea from recent seasons as they've lost just one of their last eight games against them at home.

But I don't see them keeping up that record in this game because of their poor home form this season.

Chelsea have fared better away than they have at home this season and it's because of this and Everton's poor home record that I'm backing them to win this game.

The blues were taught another lesson by PSG in midweek after which questions were asked surrounding the futures of some of their key players.

It's very unlikely that they'll qualify for the Champions League given their inconsistent form and this could lead to key players like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez in particular leaving the club.

Everton will make it difficult for them here as they're a tough side to beat. But I think the blues will find a way and just edge it.

PREDICTION: 0-1

LEEDS V BRENTFORD

Leeds have been in a lot of their games this season and especially at home where they've been strong for the majority of the season.

But whilst they've been in games and shown fight, they can't seem to see results over the line and especially recently as they haven't won any of their last five.

Brentford have been in good form away from home since the turn of the year with their defeat to Chelsea back in January being their only loss on the road this calendar year.

The Bees will be absolutely kicking themselves for letting a two goal lead slip against Wolves on Monday which will feel like a missed opportunity as a win would've given them some breathing space between themselves and the teams below them.

I can see this being a close game because of Leeds being strong at home and Brentford being in good form on the road.

Brentford will of course be the favourites because of the recent form they've been in away from home but as Leeds are tough to beat at home, I can see the points being shared as I think they'll do enough to earn a point but not enough to earn all three.

PREDICTION: 1-1

SUNDAY:

NEWCASTLE V SUNDERLAND

Newcastle got outclassed by Barcelona in midweek and especially in the second half where they pretty much capitulated after being in the game in the first half.

This is not the game they wanted after a 7-2 drubbing and it will be interesting to see how much their defeat in midweek will have affected them both physically and mentally.

Picking themselves up going into a derby game is not easy and especially after losing a game 7-2 a few days before because they might not have the mental strength to go again.

Sunderland have not been as good away as they have been at home this season and their season itself has faded a lot since their win in the reverse fixture.

But with the Magpies likely to feel low on confidence and motivation after what happened in midweek, I can see the Black Cats make the most of this and win the game.

PREDICTION: 0-2

ASTON VILLA V WEST HAM

This is a must win game for Villa as they could find themselves outside the top four by the time this game comes around because of Liverpool playing before them.

West Ham defended brilliantly against Man City last weekend and they had to because of the amount of chances City had.

They've improved a lot defensively since the turn of the year and the signing of Axel Disasi has played a key role in that as he's made them a much stronger team at the back.

They'll definitely look to make it difficult for Villa in this one by being organised and tough to beat defensively.

But I do think Villa will just about edge it and return to winning ways as they've got John McGinn back from injury and should have enough quality to win the game.

PREDICTION: 2-1

TOTTENHAM V NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Spurs backed up their promising performance against Liverpool with another one against Atletico Madrid in midweek with the latter being their first win under Igor Tudor.

They come into this game with some much needed confidence on board as a result of that win and performance in midweek and they're going to need it here because of how big this game is for them.

It's a massive game for Forest as well as they're fighting for the same thing as Spurs in Premier League survival which makes this game a relegation six pointer.

Forest are still without a Premier League win under Vitor Pereira and I'm not sure where they're going to get one from because they have some tough games coming up and are struggling to score goals.

Their lack of goals is why I think they'll go down because I don't see someone in their team who will step up on that front.

Spurs have been dreadful at home all season as everyone knows. But I can see them build on their good result in midweek and get a rare home win in this one.

PREDICTION: 2-0