⛅️ Friday Forecast: Champions League shootout and the great escape? | OneFootball

Enough of that Super League nonsense, it’s time to get back to the real football.

There is a lot to unpick in the Premier League this weekend, with Champions League qualification and the relegation dogfight heating up.

Here’s what to look out for …

Game of the weekend 💪

West Ham United v Chelsea

It’s 5th against 4th on Saturday as both these teams go into the weekend on the same points total, separated only by goal difference.

The Hammers will never have imagined they would’ve been in this position in April at the start of the season but with six games to go the expectation that they’ll tail off has yet to develop, West Ham and David Moyes are here by right.

That’s not to say they will have it easy this weekend. Chelsea have kept 16 clean sheets in Thomas Tuchel’s 20 matches in charge so far and Moyes will have to do without defender Craig Dawson, who was sent off in the 3-2 defeat to Newcastle United.

Chelsea drew against Brighton on Tuesday evening and another slip up at the London Stadium could begin to make a position that appeared untouchable a few weeks ago look fragile.

West Ham supporters might begin to dream.

🔮 Our prediction: West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea

Potential upset

Aston Villa v West Brom

It turns out that West Brom under Sam Allardyce are the great entertainers after all.

The Baggies have scored eight goals in their last three games, including five against Chelsea, to pick up two wins out of the blue and spark life into their fight to stay in the Premier League.

Could the great escape be on despite the comprehensive defeat to Leicester City on Wednesday? They’ve done it before – under Bryan Robson in 2004/05 when they were bottom at Christmas – and if they pick up three points at Villa Park it could well be on.

Aston Villa are about two weeks away from being considered ‘on the beach’ and are still without their talisman Jack Grealish. Allardyce will be licking his lips.

🔮 Our prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 West Brom

Easiest  points

Liverpool v Newcastle United

Liverpool played well in the 1-1 draw with Leeds on Monday but the late equaliser from Diego Llorente felt like a deadly blow.

Chelsea failed to capitalise on that mistake and it leads Jürgen Klopp’s side back into the fight, although no more slip-ups can be allowed.

Expect them to get the job done against a Newcastle side that have all but confirmed their safety after overcoming West Ham last weekend.

🔮 Our prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle United

Too close to call

Leeds United v Manchester United

Two teams that hate each other more collide on Sunday.

If only the fans were there, what a spectacle this game could be.

Leeds have taken four points from their last two games, against Manchester City and Liverpool, appearing to have found a way to manage games against the ‘big six’ in the division.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are yet to lose away from home in the league this season and their arch-rivals would take great satisfaction in being the team to end that run.

They’re more than capable of doing it.

🔮 Our prediction: Leeds United 2-2 Manchester United

Your Fantasy Football team’s captain should be …

Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)

The American winger has hit real form recently, scoring three in his last three league games and could make the difference for Chelsea in what is likely to be a tight game against West Ham.

Our predictions

Arsenal 1-1 Everton

Sheffield United 0-2 Brighton and Hove Albion

Wolves 1-1 Burnley