Four games to go and finally Leicester have started to wobble. It took an age but the shenanigans from their 2-2 draw against West Ham are certainly clear evidence that the pressure is finally starting to tell. Their late equalizer from the penalty spot won thanks to Andy Carroll, who thinking the final whistle had gone got lost finding his way back to the dressing room and found himself in his OWN penalty area, meant they took something from the game but the heat is ON as we begin this week’s ‘Three For The Weekend’!
Aston Villa v Southampton – Southampton -1.5
We kick things off this week with the ceremonial prediction of Aston Villa being roundly thrashed. The comedy at Villa Park continues with American owner Randy Lerner releasing a statement that actually contained the words “romantically nourish”. These two sides have played twice already this season with the Saints failing to beat the league’s worst side at St Mary’s (1-1 back in December). Unforgiveable, even allowing for the fact that they did beat them in the league cup back in October by 2-1. Not beating Aston Villa is like not completing the first level of Candy Crush. They must put that right on Saturday in what will surely be a half empty Villa Park.
Watford 1 Crystal Palace 0
Watford have been my FA Cup picks from the start of the season and I can’t desert them now. Even allowing for the fact their form has tailed off badly they still have enough about them to see off a Crystal Palace, who like the Hornets have stuttered along in 2016 after a solid start to the campaign. Absurd reports this week suggest that Quique Flores’ Vicarage Road future is in doubt after Watford’s poor second half of the season run. Those stories if true are absurd. He has kept Watford in the Premier for the first time in their history and he is clearly a seriously astute manager. That is illustrated perfectly by his ability to keep his sides in nearly every game they play. They have rarely been beaten heavily and that tactical know-how that keeps his side in games has been illustrated perfectly by their FA Cup results – 1-0, 1-0, 1-0, and 2-1. They can make it four 1-0’s out of five and reach their first Cup Final since 1984.
Tottenham v West Brom – Tottenham -1.5
Since the turn of the year when they drew far too many games, Spurs have looked a serious side well capable of winning the title. I will hold my hands up and admit that Mauricio Pochettino has made me believe in Tottenham as solid prediction material for the first time in my life time. They boast the best defence and best attack stats in the division and while I think the title is still possible for them this season, next season they simply have to start as near enough favorites when you take into account that Chelsea and Manchester City will start next campaigns with new managers to the EPL and Arsenal and Manchester United may still be in turmoil. The fact that the Lilywhites have failed to beat the Baggies in their last three league encounters at White Hart Lane, sounds a horn of caution but they can prove with a comprehensive victory on Monday night, that those failures were the hallmark of a team not ready to compete for the title and this squad now truly is ready and able to win a first Tottenham title since 1961. I never thought I would find myself saying this but Tottenham are a far superior team than Arsenal right now and anyone that doesn’t believe that is probably the kind of person that believes Prince died of the Flu.
Other predictions for this weekend!
Man City v Stoke – Over 2.5
Bournemouth 1 Chelsea 3
Liverpool 1 Newcastle 2
Sunderland 2 Arsenal 2
Leicester 2 Swansea 2
Everton v Man United – DRAW AFTER 90 minutes
Other posts by Prashant Kharbanda
