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Football News: Premier League Match Preview Wednesday 9th May 2018

Premier League Match Preview Wednesday 9th May 2018
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Wednesday 9th May 2018

 


Chelsea v Huddersfield Town 7:45pm kick off

 

Morata (knock) slight doubt
Drinkwater (calf strain) out
Luiz (knee injury expected return 13th May) out
Ampadu (broken ankle) out

The pressure is on Chelsea today, they really need a win to put pressure back on Liverpool and Spurs in the race for a top four finish. Despite all the uncertainty surrounding Antonio Conte's future form has been good lately, good enough to put them back into a race they were out of just a couple of games ago. The only issue they might have is the FA Cup final coming up the following weekend, if things are not going well, there is a possibility that players might become a little distracted by trying to avoid injury and missing that.
Most important player: Eden Hazard. The Belgian was on form against Liverpool, another performance like that would make a major difference.

 

Lowe (cramp) late fitness test
Kongolo (knock) late fitness test
Ince (hamstring injury) slight doubt
Kachunga (ankle injury expected return 1st June) out
Williams (broken ankle) out
Hefele (knee injury expected return 13th May) major doubt

The Terriers just need a point to ensure survival, but can they afford to play for one with Chelsea really needing a win? This is not an all or nothing game for Huddersfield, as they have another chance against Arsenal at the weekend to get that point. Despite that, they really cannot afford to take a chance on this going to the final game, as the pressure would be immense and could see them freeze up just when it matters.
Most important player: Christopher Schindler. The German defender has slotted in like he belongs in the Prem.

 

Defining Battle: this is going to be a match of two teams that are happier defending deep and hitting on the counter with both under immense pressure. This could be a real snoozefest or an incredible game of sweeping counterattacks. Huddersfield big problem will be getting enough bodies forward to cause Chelsea problems. They tend to sit far too deep and no one provides support to the attacking players.

 

Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 3-0
Ed003 - 0-0
Ed004 - 2-0
Ed007 - 2-0
Ed018 - 2-0
Ed025 - 4-0
Ed033 - 1-0

 


Leicester City v Arsenal 7:45pm kick off

 

Diabate (illness) late fitness test
Dragovic (shoulder injury) late fitness test
Simpson (groin strain) late fitness test
Huth (ankle injury) out
Chilwell (ankle injury) out
Ndidi (hamstring injury) out
Amartey (hamstring injury) out
Schmeichel (ankle injury) late fitness test
Okazaki (ankle injury) late fitness test
James (Achilles injury expected 1st June) out
Albrighton (suspended) out

Despite being safely sat in the top half, it is clear the players have chucked it and are no longer playing for Claude Puel. Once again they have become too big for their boots and are not putting in 100% effort for their club. They should remember that each time they go out there they are representing the fans that have given them so much support.
Most important player: Wes Morgan. At least he looks like he is trying.

 

Koscielny (Achilles injury expected return 22nd December) out
Ozil (back injury) out
Elneny (ankle injury expected return 13th May) major doubt
Cazorla (plantaris injury expected return 1st July) out

Like the Foxes, the Gunners have nothing to play for in this match, other than giving Wenger a good send off. It is almost a meaningless post-season friendly in effect.
Most important player: Alexandre Lacazette. The French striker is finally starting to look settled at Arsenal.

 

Defining Battle: it all comes down to whether the Leicester players can be bothered to even try, for a change.

 

Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 1-2
Ed003 - 0-2
Ed004 - 1-2
Ed007 - 1-3
Ed018 - 1-2
Ed025 - 1-1
Ed033 - 1-2

 


Manchester City v Brighton & Hove Albion 8pm kick off

 

Kompany (muscle injury) slight doubt
Aguero (knee injury expected return 1st June) out

The Cityzens are still chasing records and need to win both of their final games to reach 100 points. Other than that, there is nothing at all riding on this game.
Most important player: Pep Guardiola. It is up to him to inspire them to records.

 

Brown (ACL injury) out
Sidwell (back injury) out

They are safe and sound now, they only have pride to play for in reality. Though a top half finish is within reach, that is all they have to aim for.
Most important player: Anthony Knockaert. He was the stand out player at the weekend against the other half of Manchester.

 

Defining Battle: this game looks like being attack against defence, as Brighton tend to play a deep lying defensive system at the best of times. This could turn into what amounts to a training game.

 

Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 3-0
Ed003 - 8-0
Ed004 - 3-1
Ed007 - 2-0
Ed018 - 1-0
Ed025 - 2-0
Ed033 - 1-0

 


Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United 8pm kick off

 

Dier (illness) slight doubt
Vertonghen (ankle injury) slight doubt
Aurier (tight hamstring expected return 13th May) slight doubt
Dembele (ankle injury expected return 13th May) slight doubt
Winks (ankle injury) out

Having put in a poor performance at the weekend in the defeat to West Brom, Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to his players to play a lot better in order to hold onto a top 4 finish. Their indifferent form of late has seen them caught by Chelsea and put under a pressure they should never have had to undergo after they beat their rivals at the beginning of last month. With no cup final to worry about, holding onto a top 4 finish has become the only thing that matters in their season. They have to hold onto it if they are to finally shake off their reputation for choking at the finish. It would not end that reputation, but at least it will not enhance it.
Most important player: Harry Kane. He has looked completely off the pace since returning from injury and that is affecting Spurs play badly.

 

Clark (knee injury expected return 13th May) slight doubt
Atsu (knee injury expected return 1st July) out
Slimani (suspended) out

Having achieved safety, the Toon have lost all form and are on a run of 3 losses in a row. They do still have a top half finish to play for, but it is difficult to motivate players with the 'carrot' of finishing in the top ten when you are a club the size of Newcastle. Despite that, it would be a remarkable achievement if they were to finish in the top half.
Most important player: Ayoze Perez. If anyone can make the difference for Newcastle, it will be the Spaniard.

 

Defining Battle: Newcastle are likely to be under pressure from the start, as Spurs should be fired up for this clash, while the Tyneside team have little riding on the game. If Tottenham do not score early, they could get frustrated and suffer the discipline breakdown that happens quite regularly when under pressure in the Poch era. That would give Newcastle every chance of snatching victory.

 

Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 2-1
Ed003 - 1-1
Ed004 - 3-1
Ed007 - 3-1
Ed018 - 1-1
Ed025 - 4-1
Ed033 - 2-1

 



Editor's Predictions Table
1. Ed002 - 246 points
2. Ed033 - 245 points
3. Ed018 - 241 points
4. Ed007 - 234 points
5. Ed004 - 223 points
6. Ed025 - 222 points
7. Ed003 - 208 points

 

*1 point is awarded for the correct result, 3 points for the correct score.
**updated 7th May 2018 (not including results for that day)

Written by Tris Burke May 09 2018 09:02:57