EPL Week 35 Predictions: Premier League Picks, Key Players and Fixtures
The storied derby between Liverpool and Everton will take centre stage in Week 35 of the 2015-16 Premier League season, as the Reds look to continue their push up the standings.
Manager Jurgen Klopp’s troops are undefeated in their last three matches and sit just two points behind sixth-placed West Ham United, while Everton are winless in the Premier League since their 3-1 triumph over Aston Villa in March.
Elsewhere, Arsenal host West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace pay a visit to Manchester United. Here’s a look at the schedule for Week 35, complete with predictions:
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| Tuesday, April 19 | 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET | Newcastle | Manchester City | City |
| Wednesday, April 20 | 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET | West Ham | Watford | West Ham |
| Wednesday, April 20 | 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET | Manchester United | Crystal Palace | United |
| Wednesday, April 20 | 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET | Liverpool | Everton | Liverpool |
| Thursday, April 21 | 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET | Arsenal | West Brom | Arsenal |
Here are some key players to look out for in Week 35.
Roberto Firmino, Liverpool
The Reds are playing some of their best football of the season and beat Bournemouth 2-1 in their last Premier League outing, thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge.
Divock Origi has been Liverpool’s most in-form player, but the youngster suffered a knock in the win over the Cherries, and it’s unclear how serious the injury is, per Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo.
If the Belgian is unable to feature against the Toffees, Liverpool will likely rely on Firmino to stretch the defence. Both the Brazilian and Origi have done plenty of damage with their movement in the attacking third in recent weeks, and combined with Sturridge’s raw instincts inside the box, it makes the Reds difficult to defend against.
Per Bleacher Report UK, Firmino and Sturridge have been remarkably consistent as members of the starting XI:
Klopp gave his view on the duo after the win over Bournemouth, per the club’s official website:
"He [Sturridge] is really in good shape, mental and physical wise, and that’s really good for us and so important. Roberto Firmino had a problem after he was in perfect shape. He had to fight back from his injury. He is a really good ball keeper for us, to save the ball for us. With Daniel and Roberto working in the game and the speed on the wings, it looked good to be honest. We could have conceded more goals, they had too many chances but it could have happened – especially in the last few minutes. I am really pleased for the boys.
"
Of the two, Sturridge is the more natural finisher, but the England international becomes a lot easier to contain if defences don’t have to worry about his attacking partner sliding out wide or running in behind the defence.
Everton’s defence has struggled with mobile forwards all year long, and consistency has been a major issue for the likes of John Stones and Ramiro Funes Mori as well. Keeping them moving and off-balance will be Liverpool’s best chance at finding the gaps and scoring goals.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Everton
Mesut Ozil, Arsenal
Arsenal’s title challenge is all but over following the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday, and with Manchester United sitting just four points behind the Gunners in the standings, manager Arsene Wenger’s men have to start looking down, rather than up.
The Gunners face another tricky challenge on Thursday, as they take on a West Bromwich Albion side that has proven resilient against some of the Premier League’s top attacking teams. Manager Tony Pulis’ men aren’t easy to beat.
On top of that, Arsenal’s defence hasn’t been able to stop a nosebleed of late, per Squawka Football:
Mesut Ozil is the driving force behind Arsenal’s attack, and given their defensive struggles, the Gunners will have to rely on their forwards if they wish to end the season on a high note.
Sanchez is a fine player, and the duo of Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud is more than capable of putting the ball in the net, but it all starts with Ozil, who conducts the play and sets the pace for Arsenal’s attack.
West Brom are expected to dig in and defend for their lives, so the German’s passing in the final third will become even more important. If Ozil can’t unlock the Baggies defence, Arsenal’s struggles will likely continue.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 West Brom
