Last weekend’s results saw Newcastle get their way out of the relegation zone with a home victory against Crystal Palace. A poor Sunderland performance saw them salvage a draw against Stoke, but not enough to see them remain outside of the drop zone. Norwich succumbed to a loss away at Arsenal, leaving them second-bottom.
This weekend could prove crucial in the relegation run-in, with both Sunderland and Norwich playing midweek games but Newcastle play their penultimate game this weekend.
Sunderland vs Chelsea
Sunderland host Chelsea this weekend. Sunderland are in a seemingly half-decent run of form, with only 1 loss in their last 8, but only managing 1 victory in the process. A mini home slump is also something to be worried about, with The Black Cats failing to score in each of their last 3 home games. Sunderland need a victory to ensure they give themselves the best chance of safety.
Chelsea could prove very tough opponents, despite their poor season. Chelsea crushed Tottenham’s title chances after coming from 2-0 down to draw, handing Leicester the trophy. Hazard has been somewhat missing for the majority of the season. but has scored 3 in his last 2 games, including an excellent finish against Tottenham. A tough game for Sunderland, but they seem to only come good when they look like they are already down.
I think Sunderland will scrape this one, probably from a late Defoe goal like we saw last week, putting the pressure back on Newcastle.
Prediction – Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea
Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Already relegated Aston Villa invite Newcastle to Villa Park this season, in a game they will want a good result from. Aston Villa relegated Newcastle back in 2009, but Villa have been awful all season, having just 3 wins to their name. Villa have managed 2 goals in each of their last 2 games, against Southampton and Watford, something that Newcastle have struggled with this season. 91st and 93rd-minute goals saw Villa lose to Watford after being 2-1 up. A big blow to Villa could dampen their confidence coming into the game against Newcastle.
Andros Townsend earned Newcastle a 1-0 win last weekend at home against Crystal Palace. Newcastle have won 2 and drawn 2 of their last 4, so come into this game as favourites. A win for The Toon would see them on 36 points, putting a lot of pressure on Sunderland. As much as it seems to be against Villa, I can see them pulling a win out of the bag. Being already relegated, they will want to take a team down with them.
A Sunderland win and a Newcastle loss would effectively see them relegated, with Sunderland being 2 points ahead with 2 games left and a much better goal difference. A Villa win for me this weekend.
Prediction – Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle
Norwich vs Manchester United
Norwich have been somewhat out of sorts these past few weeks, and host a Manchester United side who have lost just 1 of their last 6. Norwich have failed to score in each of their last 3 games, looking like they are lacking a player with a goalscoring threat. Both Jerome and Mbokani have looked out of form and haven’t scored a goal in quite a while. A Norwich loss this weekend will leave them struggling for safety, especially if results go against them.
Manchester United on the other hand, can still get a Champions League spot for next season. United are 4 points behind 4th place Manchester City with a game in hand, in addition to 3rd place Arsenal and 4th place Manchester City still having to play each other. Manchester United have only conceded 4 goals in their last 6 games, against a side who really struggle to score.
A win for Manchester United seems inevitable, despite Norwich playing at home. I can’t look past Norwich losing, which will prove good news for Sunderland fans.
Prediction – Norwich 0-2 Manchester United
