The English Premier League title race could be done and dusted this weekend. Liverpool are now 19 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City following a Wednesday night win over West Ham.
The Reds will be in action on Saturday versus Southampton and could reduce their magic number to clinch the title to 21 points with a victory.
While the title race may be over, there is still a lot to play for elsewhere in the league. Leicester City will host Chelsea on Saturday at the King Power Stadium in a major top-four showdown. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are tied for fifth place and will meet at Old Trafford.
Leicester City vs. Chelsea
Both Leicester City and Chelsea are chasing Champions League qualification for next season. The Foxes should hold onto a top-four place. However, Chelsea have hit a major dip in form and could find themselves on the outside looking in before too long.
Chelsea are just six points ahead of Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Tottenham Hotspur. All three could take a big step toward the Blues this weekend.
The last time Leicester City and Chelsea met was August with the game ending 1-1. Leicester City came from behind to earn the draw.
Although the Zcode score prediction is a solid 1-1, I think Leicester City will actually win this game, and here’s why. Chelsea have been dependent on striker Tammy Abraham this season. He has scored 13 of Chelsea’s 41 goals in the league. Abraham is suffering through injury and if he doesn’t play, the quality drops off in attack. Reports from London indicate Chelsea want Abraham to play through the pain this weekend.
I think this will end in a Leicester City win or draw. Look out for Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho to score. He is playing well right now.
Result: Leicester City or draw
Liverpool vs. Southampton
League leaders Liverpool host a resurgent Southampton at Anfield on Saturday. The Reds defeated Southampton 2-1 earlier this season at St. Mary’s Stadium and will be confident of winning again.
A lot has changed for both teams, but most notably is the improvement of Liverpool’s defence. The Reds are coming off of a 2-0 win over West Ham on Wednesday and have kept seven clean sheets in their last eight Premier League matches.
Southampton will give Liverpool a game but I can’t see anything other than a Liverpool clean sheet win. Zcode System predicts a score of 2-1, but I like a win to nil for Liverpool and Mohamed Salah scoring.
Winner: Liverpool
Manchester United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers will play for a fourth time in all competitions this weekend. Two of their last three games finished in draws while the third was a Manchester United win in the FA Cup third round.
Games have been low scoring between the sides with defence at the heart of matters. Manchester United are without striker Marcus Rashford due to a stress fracture in his back. Without Rashford, Manchester United have been poor in the final third losing their last two league games by a combined score of 4-0.
The Red Devils have not scored in 180 minutes of league football and that is why I believe this game will end in a famous Wolves’ win or draw at Old Trafford. I firmly expect Manchester United’s defence to be overrun by Wolves’ winger Adama Traore. He should set up a goal for striker Raul Jimenez to score.
Result: Wolverhampton Wanderers win or draw
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