As we get to the business end of the season, with Aston Villa already relegated, it seems the final two relegation slots will be between 3 teams. Sunderland currently sit outside of the bottom three, but only on goal difference. Norwich occupy 18th position, with Newcastle second bottom in 19th. Sunderland and Norwich are both on 31 points, with Newcastle hot on their tail on 30. This weekend could prove crucial in the run-in. Sunderland and Newcastle have the chance to put pressure on Norwich, with The Canaries being the late kickoff.
Stoke vs SUNDERLAND
Sunderland look to continue their improved form, heading into the game following a 0-0 draw against top 4 challenging Arsenal. The Black Cats have 3 clean sheets in their last 4 games, compared to only 1 in their previous 11. Stoke on the other hand head into the game after conceding 4 goals in each of their last 3 games.
Stoke are always a tough opponent despite their form, but Sunderland will be hoping for a good result. I think it will turn out to be quite a close game, with few decent chances. Both teams have a few tough tackles, but the result will most likely be down to who can perform better: Defoe or Bojan. A very close game, in which I can’t see a lot of goals.
Prediction – Stoke City 1-1 Sunderland.
NEWCASTLE vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle are the only side out of the three playing at home this weekend, therefore they will be hoping to leapfrog both Norwich and Sunderland and make themselves favourites for safety. Crystal Palace have been an extremely poor side since the turn of the year, but managed to get themselves into the FA Cup final with a win over Watford last weekend.
Crystal Palace will prove tough opponents for Newcastle for a number of different reasons. Former Magpie boss Pardew will be praying for a good result after his poor treatment at Newcastle, in addition to the players playing for a FA Cup final place. Despite all the difficulties that lie ahead for Newcastle, they are in the best form out of the bottom three. Last weekend’s fantastic comeback against Liverpool will spur Newcastle on, and potentially give them the result they desire. A win for Newcastle would potentially see them climb out the relegation zone, resulting in Palace remaining on 39 points with a slight chance of relegation.
Prediction – Newcastle 2-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal vs NORWICH
Norwich head into the game against Arsenal on the back of two straight losses, without scoring a goal in either game. Arsenal on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last 6 league games, as well as keeping two successive clean sheets. Arsenal currently sit 4th in the league, behind Manchester City on goal difference. Arsenal will want to put pressure on Manchester City, who play away at Southampton on Sunday.
Arsenal will prove to be difficult opponents for Norwich, as they desire to finish inside the top three, resulting in automatic qualification into next season’s Champions League. Norwich have struggled to score as of late, scoring more than 1 goal in a match once in the last 8 games. Arsenal’s recent defensive change of Mertesacker in for Gabriel has seen recent good defensive performances, with their pacey front men causing a problem for most sides. Norwich still remain without January signing Klose who is suffering from a knee injury, and things may well go from bad to worse at the weekend. A tough game for Norwich that I cannot see them winning.
Prediction – Arsenal 3-0 Norwich
