By Stephen Oladehinde
Drama unfolds this weekend in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification with just two gameweeks remaining.
The race is still on for teams in the top seven, with the exception of the recently crowned champions, Liverpool.
Last weekend, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Man City failed to cement their ticket into next season’s Champions League, leaving the race wide open for the likes of Aston Villa.
Arsenal, on the other hand, who are just one win shy of sealing their route into next year’s competition, held the league winners to a 2-2 draw at Anfield.
This weekend, the battle continues as we take a look at possible outcomes and predictions for the upcoming fixtures.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham
Aston Villa are currently in sixth position on the table and are level on points with Chelsea, who are in fifth place.
With their next game against struggling Tottenham, they will hope to get a win and move past the Blues into the fifth UCL spot.
Aston Villa have secured more Premier League victories against Tottenham in their last five encounters (three wins) than in their preceding 21 matches.
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Despite recent losses to Spurs, Aston Villa boast an impressive 20-game unbeaten home record across all competitions.
Tottenham also have a good away record against Villa, having won eight of their last nine at Villa Park.
With Aston Villa’s home form and Tottenham’s poor performances this season, the odds are more in favour of the hosts.
Prediction: 2-1
Chelsea vs Manchester United
Chelsea are still in the race for next season’s Champions League football and will look to get a win against Manchester United and bounce back from their 2-0 defeat last weekend to Newcastle.
Heading into this clash, the Blues have a poor recent record against Manchester United, securing only one victory in their last 14 league encounters.
However, Chelsea boast a remarkable home record, having avoided defeat in their final home match for the past 22 seasons. They are currently enjoying an impressive run of form at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have a poor away record against Chelsea in the Premier League, winning only once in their last 11 visits.
Their sole victory during this period was a 2-0 win achieved under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
The Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Manchester United holds the record for the most draws in the league’s history, with 27 matches ending in a tie. Their most recent encounter at Old Trafford concluded in a 1-1 draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Everton vs Southampton
Everton are looking to finish the season on a high and are on the trajectory after defeating Fulham 2-1 away from home last weekend.
They get an easy fixture when they face the Saints at Goodison Park on Saturday, which should be an easy win for the Toffees.
Everton’s home league unbeaten streak against Southampton at Goodison Park ended in January 2023 after 17 games, with their last home defeat to the Saints occurring then.
This season, Everton suffered a 1-0 defeat at St Mary’s and Southampton will aim to achieve their first league double over Everton since the 1997-98 campaign.
Everton are currently on a seven-game winless streak at home. Their longest winless run at home was eight games.
However, they are still considered favourites to win this fixture given the poor form of the Southampton side.
Prediction: 2-0
Arsenal vs Newcastle
Arsenal have had a difficult few weeks following back-to-back UCL losses and multiple draws in the Premier League, with the recent one against Liverpool that ended 2-2 at Anfield.
The Gunners will welcome Newcastle United, who have defeated them three times this season, to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s men were defeated 1-0 at St James’ Park in the first leg in the Premier League and also ended up losing home and away in the semifinal of the Carabao Cup.
This fixture has been an easy one for Newcastle this season and they will be looking to get their fourth win against the Gunners this campaign.
Arsenal will look to get revenge against the Magpies and will want to avoid a defeat in their last home game of the season.
Prediction: 3-1
Brighton vs Liverpool
Liverpool have struggled in their last two Premier League matches since the moment they lifted the EPL trophy.
They lost 3-1 to Chelsea and drew 2-2 with Arsenal last weekend. They will travel to face Brighton on Sunday.
Ahead of this fixture, the Reds have already had a dominant display against the Seagulls this season, having defeated them twice over the course of the campaign.
The Seagulls lost 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield and the Reds will be looking to do a double over them on Sunday.
This fixture is going to be a difficult contest for Arne Slot’s men, but they could narrowly escape with a win.
Prediction: 1-2
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