Matchweek 36 Previews
Crystal Palace v. Everton
A big win at Arsenal last weekend has guaranteed Crystal Palace another season in the Premier League. The Eagles have little left to play for this season, but would set a new club record for points in a Premier League season with wins in their final 3 matches. Everton, on the other hand, are still caught in the middle of a fight for 7th place. They enter the weekend just 2 points behind 7th-place Wolves and will need to continue their good run to have a chance at the “best of the rest” title.
Brighton v. Newcastle
Brighton find themselves in real danger of being relegated, entering the weekend just three points above the relegation zone with three matches to play. The Seagulls have been held goalless in their last 7 matches in all competitions and are coming off a heartbreaking loss at Tottenham on Tuesday. On the other hand, it seemed Newcastle United might be in a relegation fight earlier this month, but the Magpies have won their last 2 matches and have guaranteed themselves another season in the Premier League.
Leicester v. Arsenal
Arsenal have lost two straight Premier League matches as they continue to fight for a top-four finish. However, the Gunners can also qualify for next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League, where they’ve already reached the Semi-Finals. Similarly, after winning four straight matches, Leicester City are now winless in their last two. While they continue to push for a 7th-place finish, the Foxes must deal with a tough run of fixtures to end the season.
Burnley v. Manchester City
Manchester City have won 11 straight Premier League matches and the title is now theirs to lose as they will be guaranteed the title if they win their final three PL matches of the season. City will be looking forward to facing Burnley, a team they have already faced twice this season, and beaten 5-0 on both occasions. Despite their poor record against Man City, Burnley are unbeaten in their last four matches and are all but safe from relegation. Although not mathematically guaranteed yet, it looks like next season will be the club’s fourth straight in the Premier League.
Manchester United v. Chelsea
The struggles continued midweek for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men with a loss in the Manchester Derby. That marks 7 losses in Man United’s last 9 matches in all competitions. Entering the weekend in 6th place, a win over Chelsea would provide a huge boost to United’s top-4 aspirations. Meanwhile, Chelsea are coming off a disappointing draw against Burnley in which Maurizio Sarri was sent to the stands during stoppage time. Chelsea enter this match 3 points above Manchester United ahead of a huge clash in the top-four race.
