Gameweek 31+ preview.

What a time to be a football blogger. (Or at least one who tries😂) I put up a post just today morning, the review. If you haven’t seen that yet, go check it out. But game week 31 is upon us and I’m going to do a last minute preview, join me.

Chelsea v Manchester City; 25th June, 10:15pm.

Biggest match of the gameweek takes place at the Bridge as Lampard invites his old club to his boyhood one. For me to be honest (as a United fan) Any result in this game will do but lets take a look. City come into this game fresh off a thrashing of both Arsenal and Burnley and after resting almost all their starters, they’ll be looking to make it 3 wins on the spin after an impressive restart. They will however be without Aguero and Garcia of course.

Chelsea on the other hand will be looking to solidify their place in the top four with a win at the Bridge. After an impressive showing at Villa park, Mount is looking good and so to is Pulisic on that wing. But we saw their problems at center back when they conceded on the weekend. Also Tammy Abraham sat out the weekend win. Will Lampard give him the nod ahead of this crucial match?

If we’re being honest, City have the better squad and are looking like favorites but they were also favorites against United all three times they were beaten this season. That’s just it, this is the premier league and that’s just how it goes here. So, will Chelsea bag the points or will Pep put on a show?

Tottenham v West Ham; 23rd June, 10:15pm

Its Derby day in London! Spurs invite their struggling city rivals to their stadium tonight. As I mentioned in my previous post, Its Hard to see A legendary club like West Ham fighting for their lives and even harder to imagine them playing in the Championship next season but It is What it is. Spurs have also had bad season. To put it into perspective they are only 2 points ahead of Arsenal but because of a similarly rubbish seasons for Chelsea and United in 4th and 5th spot respectively, they are still in contention for Champions league football next season and in Jose’s words, Even a point would be a bad one in this game. Both will want the spoils, not just for bragging rights but to save their respective seasons. Spurs have Alli back and will hope Kane will be better than he was last time out. But Jose though? Its never a drama free season with him, is it. Enjoy the video below of him dismantling a pundit with stats, some of which are suspect😂

Manchester United v Sheffield United; 24th June , 8:00pm

Two top four aspirants battle it out at Old Trafford. United are looking to close the gap to 2 points and are hoping their neighbors will do the job against Chelsea. However Sheffield have proved a worthy opponent this season and apart from Newcastle, they have only been beaten by the top 2. United however will have peace knowing that their star keeper is ineligible against his parent club. Their first choice center back will also be missing due to suspension. Honestly if United don’t win this, its practically done and dusted if Chelsea win. However the United midfield looked sharp in the last 30 minutes of the game against Spurs. Pogba MUST start. and so should Greenwood. McTominay will also be looking to contributing after signing a contract keeping him committed to the club upto 2025. Despite all this positives, United are masters of loosing to lesser opposition, we’ll see how this one plays out.

Southampton v Arsenal; 23rd June, 8:00pm

To be honest, if Martinelli doesn’t play in this one mi sijui ata. At this point he’s the only one who can save them. There have been some rumors that Arsenal want Joe Hart mara Claudio Bravo in light of Bernd Leno’s injury but Emiliano Martinez will have to hold it down for the next few game weeks. A verdict hasn’t been made on Guendouzi’s fate after bad conduct in the Brighton game so I guess he will be available.

Southampton however Have been a thorn in Arsenal’s side for the past few seasons. They stole a point at the Emirates earlier in the season and notably beat them 4-0 in 15/16 so they do have a chance cause this is the best time to play the gunners. Ings is back to scoring ways and so is Redmond so they can take advantage of Arsenal’s defensive frailties. Hopefully for the gunners they can put a good performance but we all know the advantages of Arsenal losses😂

Liverpool v Crystal Palace ; 24th June, 10:15pm.

ManCity absolutely dismantled Burnley which means Liverpool can’t win the title against the club that cost them the title in 13/14. Liverpool didn’t look themselves in the stalemate at Goodison but will be looking to get back to winning ways against a resurgent Crystal Palace. But honestly this game literally has no stakes but everyone would like to see Liverpool’s Anfield domination come to an end, although very unlikely. Crystal Palace ran riot against Bournemouth to go 2-0 up against Bournemouth in the first 20 minutes last time out and leap-frogged Arsenal into 9th place. With nothing on the line, this isn’t a must watch but it looks to be a high scoring game.

NOTABLE MENTIONS;

Leicester v Brighton; 23rd June, 8:00pm

Brighton fresh off their first 3 points of 2020 are looking to make it 2 in 2 against Leicester at the King Power.It won’t be easy but The KP is known for its intimidating fan base so if there was ever a time they could do this, it would be now. I said that in my opinion that Leicester could be pulled into the top 4 race after their draw with Watford this will be their test. Can they bounce back? If they can bag 3 points and hope that other results go their way, Top 4 will be all but confirmed.

Wolverhampton v Bournemouth; 24th June, 8:00pm.

Wolves will be looking to capitalize with United going Head to Head with fellow Top 4 rivals Sheffield with a win against struggling Bournemouth. Traore will hope for a starting position after his stellar performance last time out. Bournemouth however know that 3 points would be invaluable to their relegation fight and Eddie Howe will be hoping for a good game against tough opposition.

Other fixtures:

• Newcastle v Aston Villa; 24th June, 8:00pm
• Norwich v Everton; 24th June, 8:00pm
• Burnley v Watford; 25th June, 8:00pm

I know its all a lot to take it but what am I if not consistent?😂 Enjoy the games and i’ll see you after the round of matches.

Thanks for reading.