This weekend is massive for the Premier League, as four of the top five go head to head in the battle for European places. Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge as Tottenham Hotspur take on Chelsea, while Leicester City will be looking to beat Manchester City at the King Power Stadium again.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea’s top-four hopes were dealt a blow last time out as they were beaten at home by Manchester United. The Red Devils win means that the door has now opened for a host of sides looking to achieve a top-four finish. Frank Lampard’s side have now lost nine games this season, and if they lose a tenth this weekend, then the pressure will really be on them for the closing weeks of the season.
The Blues were outplayed in their last game against United, as Chelsea were beaten for the third time this season by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Anthony Martial scored the opener, before Harry Maguire scored the second. The Blues are likely to be without Tammy Abraham for the game against Spurs, which means that all eyes will be on whether Lampard gives Oliver Giroud the nod to start. The Frenchman has been a sporadic player this season for Chelsea, but his qualities could cause problems for Spurs.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have been in great form over recent weeks in the Premier League as they have won their last three. A win this weekend at Stamford Bridge would lift Spurs above Chelsea into fifth place and put them within seven points of third-placed Leicester. Tottenham’s last win game against Aston Villa, as they came from behind to win 3-2. The final goal of the game was scored by Heung Min-Son with second remaining, but the South Korean will be missing for Tottenham for the next couple of weeks.
This fixture could go either way, but there are typically goals in this game. Chelsea have won the last three meetings against Spurs, and gamblers will see this as a must-win game for the Blues.
Tip to win: Chelsea
Leicester City vs Manchester City
The game of the weekend takes place on Saturday evening as Manchester City travel to Leicester City. Much of the talk in the build-up to City games recently has centred around their European ban, which could mean that fifth place in the Premier League may mean guaranteed Champions League football. However, Pep Guardiola will be keen to ensure that these talks don’t affect his side's performance on the field.
City go into the fixture at the King Power Stadium having won three of their last five games. However, their last match on the road ended in defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. City were wasteful in front of goal on that afternoon, but they were still creating the chances. Guardiola is likely to prioritise the Champions League at some point this season, which could mean him resting a few of their star players for this fixture ahead of their game against Real Madrid.
Leicester’s form has stuttered over recent weeks, as they have won just once in their last five games. They come into this fixture against the Citizens after drawing their last two league games, with the most recent of those coming against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jamie Vardy could be their leading chance for first goalscorer as he has scored six goals in ten career appearances against City.
City holds the advantage in the overall record between the sides as they have won on 60 occasions compared to the 30 wins recorded by Leicester. However, City did lose on their last trip to the East Midlands. Gamblers will be betting on City vindicating that result; however, as Leicester’s form hasn’t been great over recent weeks.
Tip to win: Manchester City
