EPL Week 23 Predictions: Premier League Picks, Key Players and Fixture Info
There’ll be no time to wallow in self pity for Chelsea or Manchester City on the back of their embarrassing FA Cup exits to lower-league opposition, with the two set to meet at Stamford Bridge in a match that could determine the destination of the Premier League title.
Jose Mourinho’s men will establish an eight-point lead atop the table if they can get the better of the current champions and, with a perfect home record in league matches this season, they’re the big favourites heading into this one. Manuel Pellegrini will be desperate for a response from his players however; a loss in this vital encounter would make it three defeats in succession for City.
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There are a host of other enticing clashes to savour too as the Premier League gets back into full swing. Here’s a look at the matches to come, the likely winners and the men who are poised to make the difference for their respective teams this weekend.
| Saturday, Jan. 31 | 12:45 p.m | Hull City vs. Newcastle United | 1-1 |
| Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. | Liverpool vs. West Ham United | 2-1 |
| Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. | Manchester United vs. Leicester City | 3-0 |
| Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. | Stoke City vs. Queens Park Rangers | 1-0 |
| Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. | Crystal Palace vs. Everton | 2-2 |
| Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. | Sunderland vs. Burnley | 1-1 |
| Saturday, Jan. 31 | 3 p.m. | West Bromwich Albion vs. Tottenham Hotspur | 1-2 |
| Saturday, Jan. 31 | 5:30 p.m. | Chelsea vs. Manchester City | 1-0 |
| Sun, Feb. 1 | 1:30 p.m. | Arsenal vs. Aston Villa | 3-0 |
| Sun, Feb. 1 | 4 p.m. | Southampton vs. Swansea City | 2-0 |
Diego Costa, Chelsea
While matches between juggernauts of the division are often sensationalised, typically they are tense, tight encounters that can be decided by a solitary goal. With that in mind, Chelsea’s goalscorer extraordinaire Diego Costa could well be critical in this one.
The rumbustious centre-forward has been an eminently effective presence at the sharp end of the Blues attack. His work rate is unyielding, his hold-up play refined but the most important facet of his game has been goalscoring. Costa has shown a forensic edge when it comes to finishing and, as we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, he’s one of the most prolific players in Europe:
When these two sides last met, the 26-year-old striker was involved in an engrossing battle with Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala; expect no difference this time around. But at home, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Oscar supplying the ammunition, expect the Spanish international to play a much more significant role.
As noted by James Dutton of the Mirror, he’s a player that rarely shirks responsibility:
Chances could be at a premium in this one and subsequently, when they do arise, Chelsea must be clinical. Costa has shown a real willingness to stand up and be counted in the big games this season, so expect him to bag another vital goal in a very narrow win for the Blues.
Ross Barkley, Everton
Both the Toffees and Ross Barkley have struggled to hit the heights of last season, but after some warm-weather training, the young midfielder will be hoping to return to form when his side take on Crystal Palace in Week 23 of the campaign.
Everton are currently just four points off the relegation zone and have won just one game in their last 13 matches. While a European spot looks well out of their reach, Roberto Martinez will be desperate for his side to string some wins together, make sure they’re safe before focusing on a prosperous Europa League campaign.
Barkley is a player who can help the Toffees to a result at Selhurst Park, but it’s imperative the supporters allow him to rediscover his swagger. As noted by Tony Scott of the Liverpool Echo, somewhat ludicrously, the England midfielder has been targeted recently by some boo boys at Goodison Park:
Indeed, playing away from home could suit Everton, such is the toxic atmosphere on home soil at the moment. It should also suit Barkley, who will be afforded space to surge forward by a Palace team that will surely look to attack a struggling Toffees side. After some time to replenish and refocus, expect the young midfielder to help the Blues to a valuable point.
Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool
When refreshingly vibrant West Ham United head to Anfield this weekend it’d be little surprise to see Sam Allardyce revert to his age-old defensive principles, especially with Liverpool looking as though they’re beginning to find their feet again. Up against a cohesive Hammers defence, the onus will be on Philippe Coutinho to unlock the door for the Reds.
The polished Brazilian is a player who seems to thrive when playing at Anfield and he’s been afforded extra freedom by manager Brendan Rodgers as part of the 3-4-3 system that’s recently been deployed by the Reds. As noted by Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo, Coutinho is a player in fine form at the moment:
With Daniel Sturridge set to be in contention for this one, per Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo, it looks as though Coutinho will have an orthodox striker to thread those delicate passes through to. That will give Liverpool an edge at the point of their attack that’s been severely scant for the most part of this season and should allow the former Internazionale man to flourish further.
The blip in the FA Cup against Bolton Wanderers aside, the Reds have made positive strides aplenty in recent weeks. If Coutinho and Sturridge can re-establish their revered understanding immediately, this team could be pushed to new heights as we approach the business end of the campaign, starting with a win over the Londoners.
