EPL Week 30: Bleacher Report Writers Make Their Expert EPL Picks
The English Premier League is definitely heating up as the race toward May—and all that comes with it—takes center stage in world football once more.
And this week, there's a lot to look forward to once again.
Manchester United will be out to keep their lead in the title race of Manchester City; Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea will be looking to do the same over Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton in their bid for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
And at the other end of the table, Queens Park Rangers, Reading, Aston Villa, Southampton and Sunderland will all be looking to avoid the relegation zone. Who will emerge as winners and losers of that battle is arguably the most fascinating of them all.
Read on to see how our expert Bleacher Report writers see Week 30 of the English Premier League unfolding.
Leaderboard and Explanation
1 of 12For those not familiar with the way this works, each writer has to pick a team and a score for every match in the Premier League that week.
A correct pick (e.g. Chelsea win) will earn him one point, and a correct score (e.g. Chelsea win 3-0) sees him earn three points.
Also, for the next few weeks or so, our writers will try to predict the total number of goals scored over the course of the round, predicting whether the goals will be "over" or "under" a determined amount.
For example, the goal limit might be set at 28.5 goals. Our writers will predict whether there will be (a) 28 goals or fewer or (b) more than 29 goals over the weekend. A correct selection will earn them five points, with the total goal amount changing from week to week.
Let's take a look at our Bleacher Report experts and how their predictions have held up through the opening weeks of the competition.
| Dan Talintyre | Breaking News and World Football Writer | 259 points |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | World Football Featured Columnist | 251 points |
| Joe Tansey | Premier League Featured Columnist | 223 points |
| Karl Matchett | World Football Featured Columnist | 220 points |
| Michael Cummings | World Football Lead Blogger and Writer | 213 points |
| Will Tidey | World Football Lead Writer and Editor | 210 points |
| Sam Tighe | World Football Tactical Analyst | 203 points |
Everton vs. Manchester City
2 of 12Saturday, March 16 at 8:45 a.m. ET
The facts do not lie—Manchester City's biggest bogey team in the English Premier League is Everton, with Roberto Mancini losing to David Moyes more than any other manager in the league.
Everton have been strong this year, and will represent a tough challenge for the Citizens again here—much like they did when they met earlier in the year. And now, at Merseyside, could well spring an upset over the defending league champions who are desperately trying to cling to a title dream in 2013.
Will they get it done, or will City's midfield and attacking strength come through once more?
| Dan Talintyre | Manchester City win 2-1 |
| Joe Tansey | Draw, 1-1 |
| Karl Matchett | Draw, 2-2 |
| Michael Cummings | Manchester City win 1-0 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | Manchester City win 2-1 |
| Sam Tighe | Manchester City win 2-1 |
| Will Tidey | Draw, 1-1 |
Aston Villa vs. Queens Park Rangers
3 of 12Saturday, March 16 at 11:00 a.m. ET
If Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers are going to make it out of the relegation zone this year, then they're most likely going to need to jump above either Aston Villa or Southampton to do so.
Thus their away game against the Villians is huge here, given that a strong win could move the London side out of the relegation zone for the first time all season.
Villa certainly won't be pushovers, and will be tough to break down at Villa Park. But this is a relegation encounter, and a true six-point affair, where absolutely anything can happen and the unlikely and the unexpected usually does.
| Dan Talintyre | Draw, 2-2 |
| Joe Tansey | QPR win 3-1 |
| Karl Matchett | Aston Villa win 2-1 |
| Michael Cummings | Draw, 1-1 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | QPR win 3-1 |
| Sam Tighe | Draw, 1-1 |
| Will Tidey | Aston Villa win 2-1 |
Southampton vs. Liverpool
4 of 12Saturday, March 16 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Despite struggling for most of the season, Liverpool come into their Week 30 clash with a realistic dream of finishing inside the top four still—or at least inside the top five.
Chelsea are only seven points off in fourth position whilst the fifth-placed Arsenal are only two points ahead. And with the Gunners facing a tough away match to Swansea this week, Brendan Rodgers will be looking to try to pull ahead with a strong performance here.
Southampton have been good at St. Mary's Stadium this year, and with relegation on their mind, will be desperate not to drop to the Reds here. But if this Merseyside team gets going, like we saw last week, they can be a very, very difficult side to keep out and stop from winning all three points.
| Dan Talintyre | Liverpool win 3-1 |
| Joe Tansey | Liverpool win 3-1 |
| Karl Matchett | Liverpool win 3-0 |
| Michael Cummings | Liverpool win 2-1 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | Liverpool win 3-1 |
| Sam Tighe | Liverpool win 3-1 |
| Will Tidey | Liverpool win 4-1 |
Stoke City vs. West Bromwich Albion
5 of 12Saturday, March 16 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Earlier in the year, Stoke were one of the toughest teams to break down in the Premier League (especially at home) and were a frustrating opponent to come up against.
However, having lost seven of their past eight fixtures and lacking the defensive discipline that marked their games earlier in the year, big questions remain about just how strong the Pottters are at the moment—especially against teams that can defend well themselves.
They'll get a great test in West Brom, who have surprised many this year with how strong their defense and midfield has been. Will the Baggies continue their incredible season with a big away win here, or will the Britannia Stadium bring about another home win for Tony Pulis' side?
| Dan Talintyre | Draw, 1-1 |
| Joe Tansey | Draw, 1-1 |
| Karl Matchett | Stoke win 2-1 |
| Michael Cummings | Draw, 1-1 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | Draw, 1-1 |
| Sam Tighe | Draw, 1-1 |
| Will Tidey | Stoke win 1-0 |
Swansea City vs. Arsenal
6 of 12Saturday, March 16 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Swansea have caused havoc for the London club all season long, but will definitely face a tough test here after what the Gunners showed in the Champions League during the week.
Bayern Munich were left to look second-class against an injury-depleted Arsenal side—something that Michael Laudrup will no doubt be hoping doesn't transpire again here.
The Swans have been good this year at the Liberty Stadium, and their swift counterattack will be a difficult thing for Arsene Wenger to counteract. Yet with their confidence levels high and self-belief that they still deserve a top-four spot, don't be surprised to see Arsenal be very strong again here.
| Dan Talintyre | Arsenal win 2-1 |
| Joe Tansey | Swansea win 2-1 |
| Karl Matchett | Draw, 1-1 |
| Michael Cummings | Swansea win 2-1 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | Draw, 2-2 |
| Sam Tighe | Arsenal win 2-1 |
| Will Tidey | Draw, 1-1 |
Manchester United vs. Reading
7 of 12Saturday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m. ET
Last time Manchester United played Reading, it was a thrilling goal-scoring affair that left many convicted about the attacking strength of the Royals and the defensive inconsistencies of the Red Devils.
And whilst not much has changed on the table since then—other than United building an even bigger lead over City—both the Royals' attack and United's defense has changed somewhat.
The Red Devils now boast the third-best defense in the competition whilst Reading have netted just over one goal per game this season. How those elements will factor in here still remains to be seen, but back at Old Trafford, it seems fairly safe to say that a win for United is pretty much in the bag.
| Dan Talintyre | Manchester United win 3-0 |
| Joe Tansey | Manchester United win 3-2 |
| Karl Matchett | Manchester United win 5-0 |
| Michael Cummings | Manchester United win 4-1 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | Manchester United win 3-0 |
| Sam Tighe | Manchester United win 4-0 |
| Will Tidey | Manchester United win 5-0 |
Sunderland vs. Norwich City
8 of 12Sunday, March 17 at 9:30 a.m. ET
The 14th-placed Canaries traveling to the Stadium of Light to take on the 15th-placed Sunderland might not seem like the world's biggest match this week, but don't try telling that either of these teams here.
They'll know that the relegation zone is all too close at the moment, and that three points in this one would go a long way to calming those fears.
The Black Cats come into this one without a win in their last six, whilst the Canaries have only won once in their last six. However, that win has been their only win since before Christmas in 2012, so expect Chris Hughton's men to be just as desperate for the points here.
| Dan Talintyre | Sunderland win 1-0 |
| Joe Tansey | Draw, 2-2 |
| Karl Matchett | Draw, 0-0 |
| Michael Cummings | Draw, 0-0 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | Sunderland win 2-1 |
| Sam Tighe | Sunderland win 2-1 |
| Will Tidey | Sunderland win 2-0 |
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Fulham
9 of 12Sunday, March 17 at 11:00 a.m. ET
After a heartbreaking loss to Liverpool last weekend and then an incredible survival against Inter Milan also, Tottenham Hotspur will be looking for their roller-coaster ride to end this week when they play Fulham at White Hart Lane.
Spurs have been very strong at home this year, with their attacking strength simply proving too much for opponents to handle. Especially when star winger Gareth Bale will be fully rested and ready to go again—something that the Cottagers will not be looking forward to at all in this one.
Hard to see Tottenham getting beat at home here, but it was also hard to see them squandering a three-goal lead in the Europa League as well during the week.
So don't count out Fulham completely in this one.
| Dan Talintyre | Tottenham win 2-0 |
| Joe Tansey | Tottenham win 2-0 |
| Karl Matchett | Tottenham win 2-0 |
| Michael Cummings | Tottenham win 3-2 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | Tottenham win 3-1 |
| Sam Tighe | Tottenham win 2-0 |
| Will Tidey | Tottenham win 3-1 |
Chelsea vs. West Ham
10 of 12Sunday, March 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET
This fixture earlier in the year was a harsh blow for Rafa Benitez in his bid to win over the Blues' fans, as their London rivalry game against West Ham went the way of Sam Allardyce's men.
Back at home, you'd like to think that the Blues would be capable of getting revenge in this one, but with the way that they've played this year, it is somewhat hard to predict. Especially given the fact that Europa League players may well end up getting rested in this one.
Still, Chelsea will be the favorites and deservedly so. West Ham have started to sputter of late and aren't as strong as they were back in 2012. Yet, in a rivalry game, they'll be hard to count out from making a strong showing here and perhaps even troubling the West Londoners at home.
| Dan Talintyre | Chelsea win 3-1 |
| Joe Tansey | Chelsea win 3-0 |
| Karl Matchett | Chelsea win 3-1 |
| Michael Cummings | Chelsea win 2-1 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | Chelsea win 2-0 |
| Sam Tighe | Draw, 0-0 |
| Will Tidey | Chelsea win 2-0 |
Wigan Athletic vs. Newcastle United
11 of 12Sunday, March 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Our final match of the week sees Wigan at home to Newcastle, with the latter of those two teams apparently safe in the relegation battle after a strong showing throughout February and March.
The Latics cannot attest to the same fate, with their future firmly positioned inside the bottom three.
They'll be looking for a win here against the Magpies to try to move out of the dreaded drop zone, and could well stand a chance given Newcastle's road form this year. Alan Pardew's men have only won once away from all year—and that was to lowly Aston Villa back on the 29th of January.
Expect Wigan to be a tough team to break down at the DW Stadium this week, and potentially cause some real problems for Newcastle United in this one.
| Dan Talintyre | Draw, 2-2 |
| Joe Tansey | Draw, 1-1 |
| Karl Matchett | Wigan win 1-0 |
| Michael Cummings | Draw, 2-2 |
| Mohamed Al-Hendy | Draw, 1-1 |
| Sam Tighe | Newcastle win 2-0 |
| Will Tidey | Newcastle win 2-1 |
Total Goals for EPL Week 30
12 of 12As with every week, our writers try to predict whether the total goals scored for the week will be "over" or "under" a certain amount of goals.
This week, the total of goals is 29.5 goals.
Those Taking the Under This Weekend
Dan Talintyre, Karl Matchett, Mike Cummings, Mohamed Al-Hendy, Will Tidey
Those Taking the Over This Weekend
Joe Tansey, Sam Tighe
What did you make of the EPL tips this weekend? Agree? Disagree?
Comment below or hit me up on Twitter: Follow @dantalintyre.
