Football News: Premier League Match Preview Sunday 8th April 2018
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Sunday 8th April 2018
Arsenal v Southampton 2:15pm kick off
Mkhitaryan (MCL injury) major doubt
Ospina (ankle injury expected return 29th April) out
Maitland-Niles (muscular injury expected return 12th April) major doubt
Cazorla (plantaris injury) out
It is not entirely out of the question that Arsenal could get a good run going and move up a place or go on another bad run and lose 6th, so there is something to play for over the next few weeks. Just not as much as in previous years. Now it is mostly about the Europa League, rather than chasing top 4 and the FA Cup. They have hit some good form right now, particularly in the Europa League, where they are performing better as well as getting better results. If they lose focus, there is a very real possibility they drop points in the league over the next few weeks. Arsene Wenger will have to find a way to make sure that their focus remains on the Premier League, rather than on Thursday night.
Most important player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese forward cannot play in Europe, so it is all he has to play for this season. That should keep his focus fully on the game at hand.
Lemina (illness) slight doubt
McQueen (groin strain) out
Davis (hamstring injury) slight doubt
Mark Hughes has to get some kind of reaction from his players, a positive one, unlike last weekend against the Hammers. They have hit the point where a draw really is not enough and wins become vital, but it has been five games since Saints managed a win. Even that was a very tight win over bottom club West Brom. It has almost become desperate for Soton now, their one straw to clutch right now is that they have a game in hand over some of those above them. It is questionable whether they have the wherewithal to take advantage of that game in hand though.
Most important player: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The Dane has been one of the few bright spots for Southampton in the second half of the season.
Defining Battle: Mark Hughes already has one surprise win over Arsenal under his belt this season, so he knows how to do it. Arsenal quite simply do not like it up 'em, as the saying goes. If Saints can get in their faces and be physical, Arsenal will not respond in kind and will often just withdraw into their shell. The Gunners can not be allowed to get into their stride or given any time and space to work the ball.
Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 4-0
Ed003 - 4-0
Ed004 - 3-1
Ed007 - 2-0
Ed018 - 2-1
Ed025 - 1-1
Ed033 - 2-0
Chelsea v West Ham United 4:30pm kick off
Barkley (fitness) slight doubt
Pedro (knock) slight doubt
Zappacosta (muscular injury) slight doubt
Courtois (hamstring injury) slight doubt
Ampadu (broken ankle) out
Luiz (ankle injury expected return 21st April) out
Who would have expected Chelsea to have a run of five defeats in seven Premier Leagues at this point in the season? It has seen them drop down from the fight for second place to a struggle to get near the top four. It is hard to look anywhere but straight at manager Antonio Conte to blame for that. His demeanour and moans are dragging everything down and it is little wonder form has nosedived when the manager is so negative.
Most important player: Cesar Azpilicueta. 'Dave' will be up against the toughest task as he has to deal with the main Hammer attacking threat. Not only does Arnautovic drift out to that side of the pitch but Masuaku raids down that flank and he can cause problems for the best defenders.
Antonio (hamstring injury) out
Chicharito (illness) slight doubt
Lanzini (MCL injury) late fitness test
Collins (hamstring injury expected return 16th April) major doubt
Reid (MCL injury) out
Byram (ankle injury) out
Obiang (MCL injury expected return 2nd July) out
Carroll (fractured foot expected return 21st April) out
Last week they were looking like a team certain for the drop as a run of 3 defeats in a row saw them slide down the table. A good win over Southampton has changed everything and given them a platform to go on and survive. The return of Masuaku has come at the right time to help give their attack some menace as his delivery from the left flank is excellent. Manager David Moyes will be hoping his Hammers can take advantage of Chelsea's recent poor form and get a good result that will help take everyone's mind off the protests by the fans.
Most important player: Arthur Masuaku. His pace and skill down the left combines well with Arnautovic and gives West Ham a real potency down that side.
Defining Battle: Chelsea's back three and wing backs system makes it possible to overload them on the flanks and that is exactly what West Ham look to do with Arnautovic drifting to the left and Masuaku charging forward. That is a weak link for Chelsea anyway, as Moses offers little in attack or defence. That will be the key battle, how Chelsea deal with that threat will decide the game.
Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 5-1
Ed003 - 3-1
Ed004 - 2-1
Ed007 - 3-1
Ed018 - 2-1
Ed025 - 2-2
Ed033 - 2-0
Editor's Predictions Table
1. Ed002 - 205 points
2. Ed025 - 203 points
3. Ed033 - 202 points
4. Ed007 - 201 points
5. Ed004 - 197 points
6. Ed018 - 195 points
7. Ed003 - 183 points
*1 point is awarded for the correct result, 3 points for the correct score.
**updated 6th April 2018 (not including results for that day)
Written by Tris Burke April 08 2018 06:26:25