EPL Week 26 Predictions: Premier League Picks, Key Players and Fixture Info
After an FA Cup break, the Premier League returns in Week 26 with a full fixture list across Saturday and Sunday.
Last time out, Chelsea left it late to dispose of Everton at Stamford Bridge and maintain their seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table, and with Burnley the next visitors to west London, they’ll be hoping to extend their advantage.
City, meanwhile, welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium, while Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham all face tricky encounters.
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Here’s a look at the full set of matches for Week 26, with predictions and a glance at which players could be key in the big matches.
| Date | Matchup | Prediction |
| Saturday, February 21 | Aston Villa vs. Stoke City | 2-1 |
| Saturday, February 21 | Chelsea vs. Burnley | 3-0 |
| Saturday, February 21 | Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal | 1-3 |
| Saturday, February 21 | Hull City vs. QPR | 1-1 |
| Saturday, February 21 | Sunderland vs. West Bromwich Albion | 0-2 |
| Saturday, February 21 | Swansea City vs. Manchester United | 1-2 |
| Saturday, February 21 | Manchester City vs. Newcastle | 3-0 |
| Sunday, February 22 | Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United | 3-1 |
| Sunday, February 22 | Everton vs. Leicester City | 1-1 |
| Sunday, February 22 | Southampton vs. Liverpool | 1-2 |
Diego Costa, Chelsea vs. Burnley
Chelsea front man Diego Costa will return to the Blues’ starting lineup for the visit of struggling Burnley on Saturday following his three-match ban looking to make up for lost time.
The Spaniard faced a spell out over a violent conduct charge from the FA after allegedly stamping on Liverpool’s Emre Can, and it’s safe to say that Chelsea have been struggling for goals in his absence.
Sure, two wins and a draw from their last three league games is impressive, but the cutting edge was gone with Loic Remy and Didier Drogba deputising up front.
Even the 10 men of Everton managed to keep Chelsea at bay for long spells, although Willian’s late strike finally broke the Toffees’ resistance.
Costa watched that frustrating match from the stands, per Bleacher Report’s Garry Hayes, and appeared keen to get onto the pitch and make his mark:
He’ll have the opportunity to do just that against Burnley, who may well be quaking in their boots.
According to WhoScored.com, Costa has netted 17 goals in just 19 Premier League appearances so far this season and has already proved his worth against the Clarets.
In the opening game of the 2014-15 campaign, the 26-year-old needed just 17 minutes to open his Chelsea account, scoring the equaliser in a 3-1 victory for the Blues.
He’s kicked on from then and become one of the league hottest properties, and he recently said that he owes his success to Jose Mourinho’s policy of working hard up top—per FIFA.com:
"Up to now, things have gone phenomenally well for me at Chelsea. Jose Mourinho has been really clear about what he expects from me, saying he wants me working hard rather than just scoring. Hard work is what he values."
Costa will undoubtedly be working hard at the Bridge once again, and it’s almost written that he’ll be getting on the scoresheet at some point.
There’s a long way to go before Chelsea can start planning their Premier League title-winning party, but with Costa back in the side with a point to prove, they’ll certainly be heading in the right direction.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Burnley
Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge, Southampton vs. Liverpool
Returning to your old club is always special, and Sunday will see Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana travel back to the place he made his name, St. Mary’s.
The 26-year-old rose through the youth ranks at Southampton before making the switch to Anfield last summer, and he’s saved his best form for the famous red shirt.
Lallana has been a sensation over the last few Liverpool matches, coming off the bench to set up Mario Balotelli’s winner against Tottenham before netting the winner himself in the FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace.
When he heads to St. Mary’s on Sunday, he’ll be going there full of confidence and form, plus he’ll likely have all the space he needs to really make an impact on a game.
We’ve seen the Saints allowing opposition midfielders ample time on the ball this season while retreating, and while those tactics have largely worked, you simply can’t execute them against players like Lallana.
Southampton will know only too well Lallana’s ability to pick a decisive pass, and with players like Daniel Sturridge on the end of them, they need to be wary.
Liverpool sorely missed Sturridge during his time on the sidelines, with two goals in as many games since his return telling you all that you need to know.
Manager Brendan Rodgers recently praised the striker, saying that his return to the fold has given the Reds new-found confidence—per BBC Sport:
“Daniel coming back has given us a big boost. You can see his qualities—his speed, his touch and he doesn't need too many chances to score. The team is functioning at a high level."
Gary Lineker was also quick to laud the Englishman’s recent efforts, although he’s still not too keen on his dance moves:
Sturridge will line up alongside Mario Balotelli at Southampton, looking to get on the scoresheet once again and make up for time on the treatment table.
And the way that he’s playing, you’d be very brave to bet against him doing exactly that.
Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Liverpool
