Tottenham v Crystal Palace
Just six weeks ago, Tottenham were nailed-on certainties to finish in the Premier League top four. Now, however, their participation in next season’s Champions League has been cast into serious doubt after their worst run of results under Mauricio Pochettino. One point from their last 15 has seen Manchester United draw level with them and Arsenal leapfrog them in the league table, and they are in desperate need of three points against Palace on Wednesday night.
Wednesday also marks the dawn of life in the New White Hart Lane and Spurs will be hoping that they can use their new home as a springboard to reignite their season.
Tottenham haven’t won a league game since the 10th of February and they have their work cut out for them if they are to right that on Wednesday. Palace have put it up to every top six side this season, beating Man City at the Etihad and drawing at Old Trafford, while scoring three in a thrilling defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. The Eagles also dumped Spurs out of the FA Cup in January and have the arsenal to hurt Tottenham.
That being said, Tottenham played well on Sunday away to Liverpool and were unlucky to come away with nothing. They could have even sneaked a win if Moussa Sissoko, a professional footballer, could shoot with his weak foot. If they play like they did on Sunday they should have enough to see off Palace, although it won’t be easy for them.
Pick: Tottenham to win and both teams to score – 15/8
Man City v Cardiff
Both teams suffered late blows to their respective ambitions on Sunday, but it was Cardiff’s which was a lot more damaging. Liverpool’s late winner over Tottenham did see them overtake City in the league but the Citizens will feel they still have the upper hand in the title race.
On the other hand, Chelsea’s controversial 2-1 win over Cardiff dealt a significant blow to Cardiff’s hopes of staying in the Premier League. Cardiff needed a win after virtually every team above them had taken three points on Saturday, and the last gasp defeat leaves them five points from safety.
The manner of the defeat will have floored Cardiff and City are the last team they will have wanted to face just three days after it, especially away from home.
City have failed to win just once at the Etihad in the Premier League this season – a freak 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace – and there is virtually no chance that Cardiff will change that record. The Bluebirds have the second worst defensive record in the league, with only Fulham conceding more than them, and it could get ugly on Wednesday night.
Pick: Man City (-2) – 4/7
Chelsea v Brighton
Chelsea’s home form in 2019 has been largely responsible for their participation in the race for the top four in what has otherwise been a dismal year for the Blues. On their travels, Chelsea have only two wins to their name; Sunday’s hugely controversial win over Cardiff and a 2-1 victory over Fulham in March.
They have failed to so much as score a goal in any of their other games away from Stamford Bridge this calendar year and are increasingly relying on home form. On Wednesday, they come up against a Brighton side that lost a hugely important game at home to Southampton on Saturday, but still have breathing room in the relegation dogfight thanks to Chelsea’s win over Cardiff.
If Chelsea want to keep pace in the race for a Champions League spot then they simply have to win at home to Brighton on Wednesday. They should do and have a bit to spare as well.
Pick: Chelsea (-1) – 8/11
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