The title race will almost be well and truly over on Friday evening if Chelsea can claim all three points against West Brom. A win would give the Blues a nine point lead over Tottenham who have just three games to play. Spurs themselves are in action two days later, facing a tricky tie against Man United. This is their final game at White Hart Lane so both the players and fans will be hoping for a fitting tribute as they say goodbye to their long-standing stadium.
At the other end of the table there’s a massive clash between Crystal Palace and Hull. Sam Allardyce’s side need just a point to secure their Premier League status but are up against a Hull side that simply cannot settle for anything less than a win. The stakes might not be quite as high during Manchester City’s contest against Leicester on Saturday but City still need some more points to guarantee their involvement in next season’s Champions League. If their last two encounters with Leicester are anything to go by, then we should be in for a thrilling contest.
Friday 12th May 2017
West Brom v Chelsea (20:00) – West Brom to win with a +2 handicap (4/5 with Coral)
Chelsea’s destiny is well and truly in their hands as it has been for so much of the season. This isn’t a must win game by any means though and you wouldn’t blame the Chelsea players taking their foot off the pedal here with two easy-looking home games to follow. Antonio Conte should have an injury free squad to select from though so a strong looking line-up will be taking to the field including David Luiz and N’Golo Kante who have both recovered from minor injuries.
West Brom have had their troubles at home of late but recent defeats have only been narrow and they seem very over-priced for this tie, especially as Chelsea have dropped points in a third of their away games this season. It wasn’t too long ago when the Baggies knocked three past Arsenal in a comfortable victory and they’ve only lost once at home to Chelsea on the last five occasions. They aren’t a side who’s brushed aside easily at the Hawthornes and they look exceptional value to win with a +2 goal handicap.
Saturday 13th May 2017
Man City v Leicester (12:30) – Leicester to win or draw (10/3 with Bet365)
Man City are very much favoured for a top four spot this season but Pep Guardiola will be looking to get things wrapped up as soon as possible. If they finish the season playing like they did when demolishing Crystal Palace 5-0 then this will be an easy task. Vincent Kompany got himself on the scoresheet that day and with him at the back, City do tend to look more secure. The Spaniard’s side have struggled to play at their best for a continued run of games this season though and it would be no surprise to see a completely different showing from them here.
With City unpredictable and Leicester looking like their old selves, this game has the makings of an upset. The Foxes’ style of football has paid dividends the last two times they’ve faced City and there will be no fear on their return to the Ethiad Stadium. Seven wins have come from Leicester’s last 10 Premier League matches, four more than City have mustered, yet the bookies have them trading at very long odds. Playing away from home on the counter could well suit Leicester here and it’s not hard to see them ending the game with a point or three.
Sunday 14th May 2017
Crystal Palace v Hull (12:00) – Hull to win (3/1 with BetVictor)
Crystal Palace looked clear of relegation for a time but three losses on the trot means that this is a massive game for them. Their last two matches include giving Burnley their first away win of the season and a 5-0 drubbing by Man City so they could well be feeling nervous heading into this showdown. Sam Allardyce is no stranger to a relegation scrap but whether he has players he can count on is another question. The 62-year-old manager would certain enjoy having Mamadou Sakho in the heart of defence but injury rules the Frenchman out for this game.
The Hull players are more familiar with the looming danger of relegation. Although they lost last weekend to Sunderland, an inspired performance by Jordan Pickford in the opposition goal was largely to blame. Marco Silva’s side has played some good football the past few months although their good showings have been limited to inside Hull. Their away form leaves plenty to be desired, winless in the league since the second game of the season. Strange things can happen in a big stakes game like this though and at 3/1, the price is good enough to back the Tigers.
Tottenham v Man United (16:30) – Tottenham to win (8/11 with Betfred)
This match comes less than three days after a crucial second leg tie against Celta Vigo in the Europa League and a result, expect Jose Mourinho to give several players a rest here. The league has not been a priority for him for some time and while his rotated side can put in a decent showing, as seen against Arsenal last week, they will be far from their best. Mourinho will be looking to keep things tight at the back to avoid a big scoreline but it’s hard to see them being adventurous going forwards.
Against an injury struck and likely rotated United side, Tottenham look good value to claim all three points here. Their form at White Hart Lane is incredible, having won 16 consecutive matches there in all competitions. They may be virtually out of the title race but Mauricio Pochettino will not let standards drop in what will be their last appearance in their 117 year old stadium. They struggled on the large pitch at the London Stadium last weekend but a return to home comforts should help them to yet another three points at White Hart Lane.