© Imago
Seeking to close the gap to the Premier League’s top five, Champions League-chasing Aston Villa play host to fellow European hopefuls Fulham at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime.
The Lions are looking to complete the double over the Cottagers for the second successive season after winning the reverse fixture 3-1 at Craven Cottage back in October.
We say: Aston Villa 2-1 Fulham
Fulham have already beaten the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea this season and they have the players at their disposal to cause a wounded Aston Villa outfit problems this weekend.
Having said that, the Lions boast a strong home record, not losing in front of their own fans since October last year, and we expect Emery’s men to bounce back from their recent wobble to claim three valuable points.
> Premier League preview: Aston Villa vs Fulham
> Robinson boost, Lukic, Smith Rowe recalls: Predicted Fulham lineup vs. Aston Villa
> Rashford blow, Disasi boost: Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs. Fulham
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With most things now settled in the Premier League, Everton face Ipswich Town at Goodison Park on Saturday in one of a few games with little riding on it this weekend.
Confirmation that the Tractor Boys will be sent packing back down to the Championship came last weekend, while Everton lost back-to-back games for the first time since David Moyes returned to the club.
We say: Everton 1-0 Ipswich Town
Everton have performed well for the most part against sides in and around them in the table and they thrashed Leicester 4-0 here a few months ago, so they are rightfully clear favourites.
Three of Ipswich’s four Premier League wins this season have come away from home, but they were utterly outclassed by Newcastle last weekend, and while Everton may not be on that level, there is still a clear gap in the quality between the two sides.
> Premier League preview: Everton vs Ipswich
> Too soon for Calvert-Lewin: Predicted Everton lineup vs. Ipswich
> Injury, suspension list into double figures: Predicted Ipswich lineup vs. Everton
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Two relegated Premier League teams merely playing for pride in the latter stages of the season square off at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Leicester City play host to Southampton.
The Saints are seeking revenge against the Foxes as they suffered a 3-2 defeat in the reverse fixture at St Mary’s back in October when Jordan Ayew scored a dramatic 98th-minute winner.
We say: Leicester City 1-2 Southampton
Both teams are unsurprisingly down in the dumps and are keen to restore a sense of pride in their remaining fixtures. Leicester can also complete the Premier League double over Southampton for the first time since 1999-00 if they collect maximum points this weekend.
However, it is difficult to ignore the Foxes’ miserable home form, while there have been signs of improvement – albeit very minor ones – in the last couple of games from the Saints, who we are backing to come out on top and subsequently avoid equalling Derby County’s record-low points tally (11).
> Premier League preview: Leicester vs Southampton
> Onuachu, Stewart or Archer up front? Predicted Southampton lineup vs. Leicester
> Hermansen, Buonanotte ruled out: Predicted Leicester lineup vs. Southampton
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Something of an unwelcome distraction amid their Champions League semi-final fight, Arsenal play host to Bournemouth on Saturday evening in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s men could virtually guarantee a top-five finish with a win if other results go their way, while the Cherries have not yet given up hope of their own continental campaign.
We say: Arsenal 1-1 Bournemouth
With ample time to rest in between both battles with PSG, Arsenal’s team should have a near full-strength feel to it this weekend, but they will no doubt be pre-occupied with Parisian thoughts and have struggled to cling onto leads all season long.
As Bournemouth are no pushovers and have lost just four Premier League games on the road all season long, the Cherries should be good enough for a point against their distracted hosts.
> Premier League preview: Arsenal vs Bournemouth
> One change after Evanilson boost: Predicted Bournemouth XI vs. Arsenal
> Partey time and four changes: Predicted Arsenal XI vs. Bournemouth
> Havertz, Calafiori latest: Arsenal injury, suspension list for Bournemouth clash
