EPL Week 29 Predictions: Premier League Picks, Key Players and Fixtures
Liverpool's trip to take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium is the headline game in Week 29 of the 2016-17 Premier League season, the final round of matches before the international break.
Should Jurgen Klopp's Reds beat the Sky Blues they will move ahead of them in the Premier League standings, although Pep Guardiola's side have played one game fewer.
Meanwhile, Arsenal travel to West Bromwich Albion as they look to return to the top four, leaders Chelsea take on Stoke City and Manchester United visit Middlesbrough.
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Read on for a look at the full fixture list, along with predictions and an examination of which players could shine.
| March 18 | 12:30 p.m./7:30 a.m. | West Bromwich Albion vs. Arsenal | 1-1 |
| March 18 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | Crystal Palace vs. Watford | 2-1 |
| March 18 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | Everton vs. Hull City | 3-1 |
| March 18 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | Stoke City vs. Chelsea | 0-2 |
| March 18 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | Sunderland vs. Burnley | 0-0 |
| March 18 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | West Ham United vs. Leicester City | 2-2 |
| March 18 | 5:30 p.m./12:30 p.m. | Bournemouth vs. Swansea City | 1-1 |
| March 19 | midday/7 a.m. | Middlesbrough vs. Manchester United | 0-3 |
| March 19 | 2:15 p.m./9:15 a.m. | Tottenham Hotspur vs. Southampton | 3-2 |
| March 19 | 4:30 p.m./11:30 a.m. | Manchester City vs. Liverpool | 2-2 |
David Silva, Manchester City
Though City are enjoying an excellent run of 11 games without a defeat in all competitions, they are still far from guaranteed a top-four Premier League finish in 2016-17.
A defeat of Liverpool would be a huge step on the way to Champions League qualification for next term, but the Reds have a remarkable record against top-six rivals this season, per the Premier League:
Klopp's side have struggled against lower-league opposition, losing to the likes of Leicester City, Hull City, Swansea City and Bournemouth, but they are seemingly always able to rally themselves for the biggest matches.
If City are to end Liverpool's impressive run against their main rivals, Spanish playmaker David Silva will need to be on top form.
He is the player through whom City work almost all their best attacking moves, and he contributes to a huge number of goals, per Squawka:
An inspired Silva boosts the likes of Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling and, given Liverpool's vulnerable defence, if he is on song City's attack should be too much at the Etihad.
Emre Can, Liverpool
Liverpool captain and midfield general Jordan Henderson is not set to return until after the international break, per The Times' Paul Joyce:
Given how influential he can be for Klopp's side, that is a big blow.
The 26-year-old has not featured at all since February and his absence has been telling, with Liverpool struggling for control in the middle of the park.
However, in Liverpool's last league outing, Emre Can inspired his side to a 2-1 victory against Burnley after they had gone a goal down, per Sky Sports Statto:
A similarly impressive performance will be needed from the Germany international if Liverpool are to get a decent result at City.
The 23-year-old needs to start showing he can consistently impress, and he will likely relish the opportunity to control Liverpool's game against City.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Manchester United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been United's talisman so far this season, but he will be suspended for the trip to Middlesbrough.
Marcus Rashford is likely to take up the No. 9 role in the Swede's absence, but the key man for manager Jose Mourinho will be Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
The 28-year-old returned from injury last week to score United's goal in their 1-1 UEFA Europa League draw with FC Rostov in the last-16 first leg.
His brilliant blend of pace, vision and skill will be vital to United unlocking Boro's staunch defence.
The north-east side have been dire in front of goal this season—scoring just 19 Premier League goals in 27 matches—so will likely look to sit back and try to prevent United from playing.
In such an event, Mkhitaryan will be crucial for dragging Boro players out of position and opening up spaces through which United can find goals and claim three points.
