Premier League Week 27 Fixtures: Odds, Schedule, Picks and Predictions
Manchester United can deal a major blow to Arsenal's title hopes in Week 27 as the Premier League makes its return to the spotlight with Arsene Wenger's side focused on knocking Leicester City from the summit.
Arsenal defeated the Foxes 2-1 in their last league outing to climb within two points of Claudio Ranieri's leaders, but a win at Old Trafford could see the north Londoners take top spot after Leicester host Norwich City on Saturday.
Local rivals Tottenham Hotspur sit level on points with Wenger's men and play host to Swansea City on Sunday, while an ever-improving Chelsea seek to outmanoeuvre Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium on Saturday.
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Read on for a closer look at this weekend's top fixtures, complete with a guide to the Week 27 schedule and ticket information, along with picks and predictions.
| Saturday, Feb. 27 | 12:45 p.m./7:45 a.m. | West Ham United vs. Sunderland | 3-1 |
| Saturday, Feb. 27 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | Leicester City vs. Norwich City | 2-0 |
| Saturday, Feb. 27 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | Southampton vs. Chelsea | 1-1 |
| Saturday, Feb. 27 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | Stoke City vs. Aston Villa | 3-0 |
| Saturday, Feb. 27 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | Watford vs. Bournemouth | 1-1 |
| Saturday, Feb. 27 | 5:30 p.m./12 a.m. | West Bromwich Albion vs. Crystal Palace | 1-1 |
| Sunday, Feb. 28 | 2:05 p.m./9:05 a.m. | Manchester United vs. Arsenal | 1-2 |
| Sunday, Feb. 28 | 2:05 p.m./9:05 a.m. | Tottenham Hotspur vs. Swansea City | 2-0 |
For ticket information on all Premier League games visit the official site or go to the ticket page on the home club's official website (links provided below):
West Ham United vs. Sunderland
Leicester City vs. Norwich City
Southampton vs. Chelsea
Stoke City vs. Aston Villa
Watford vs. Bournemouth
West Bromwich Albion vs. Crystal Palace
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Swansea City
Red Devils Fail to Stop Gunners Streak
A 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Leicester in Week 26 put Arsenal in good stead to mount a renewed challenge on the Foxes' perch, bringing about their fourth game in a row without defeat.
Wenger's side head to Manchester United this Sunday having found out they face a potential FA Cup quarter-final against Watford. Before that, the Gunners must defeat Hull City in a replay, and Bleacher Report UK illustrated the club's frustration to have another game added to their calendar:
The sad part for Arsenal fans is it's a familiar story, although Wenger's side have shown the ability to beat such adversity in the past, while United's injury woes haven't helped in their recent slump in form.
While the north Londoners are starting to see key players return from absences—Francis Coquelin and Danny Welbeck included—Louis van Gaal is coping with a crocked defence.
Sidelined Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere told BT Sport's Fletch and Sav show his squad has the depth to challenge for the league crown:
".@Arsenal midfielder @JackWilshere believes the club's strength in depth gives them more hope in the title race. https://t.co/O3ROVF1A4i
— Fletch And Sav (@FletchAndSav) February 20, 2016"
United have failed to win either of their last two Premier League outings, and the Red Devils are still licking their wounds from the 3-0 beating they took back at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season.
With few full-backs in sight and their attack faltering, United may struggle to live with an in-form Arsenal side that has conceded just twice in its last five outings.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal
Chelsea Bag Valuable Point at Southampton
Chelsea make their way to St. Mary's on Saturday having failed to beat Southampton in each of their last three encounters, but the Blues have undergone radical change since their last meeting.
Interim manager Guus Hiddink remains undefeated in domestic competition this term and has seen his side score 11 goals in its last three games.
However, his defence has been hit with injuries, although the Dutchman is hopeful captain John Terry will be back for Week 27, per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey:
While the west Londoners have made a meteoric rise to 12th of late, the Saints have made their own leap up to sixth, and a win over Chelsea could see Ronald Koeman's side take United's place in fifth.
Southampton haven't conceded in their last eight games, and Fox Australia's Daniel Garb was full of praise for their rise into contention for a European spot:
Chelsea's stars have found it easier to express themselves under Hiddink, it seems, but Fraser Forster's return from injury in January looks to have transformed Southampton's defensive rigidity back to its old state.
One can envision Saturday's clash being a low-scoring affair, and a Southampton team with just three goals in its last four outings will similarly struggle against Chelsea's tightened back line.
Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Chelsea
