English Premier League Predictions: Week 30

After a break last weekend, the Premiership title is completely up for grabs. United still cling to a three-point lead, but Arsenal have an extra game to play. If the Gunners pull level, they may finally be able to re-claim the Premiership title. If both of those squads slip up, Chelsea and Manchester City are looking for the opportunity to arise. Regardless of the outcome, the next nine (or 10) matches will be extremely exciting.

MATCH OF THE WEEK

Chelsea 1 Manchester City 0: In a match between two teams that are on their last life, toughness will be the determining factor. Chelsea seemed to be missing it for awhile, but they are (somewhat) back on track. City just can't seem to get over the mental hump of being an elite team.

Chelsea are the reigning champs, and they know how to win. They know a victory could facilitate an improbable table climb. Once they smell blood, they will pounce. Chelsea should be able to contain Tevez, and I think Torres will finally have his breakthrough on Sunday.

OTHER MATCHES

Tottenham Hotspur 2 West Ham United 1: The Hammers have had tremendous form of late, but this could be a big speed bump. Spurs need to keep pace if they want to climb back into the top-4. With Chelsea and City playing this week, it is the perfect opportunity for Spurs to pick up some ground at White Hart Lane.

Aston Villa 3 Wolves 1: After staring down the relegation zone, Aston Villa seem to have finally figured it out. In addition, Wolves have been winless in their last five away matches. Darren Bent will feast on a weak Wolves defense, and a hat trick is not out of the realm of possibility.

Blackburn 1 Blackpool 2: Both of these squads have been equally terrible on the road. That being said, Rovers will have a tough time capitalizing on an inspired Blackpool squad. They feel like they should have performed better than they did against Chelsea, and Charlie Adam's return should inspire them enough to steal three points from Ewood Park.

Manchester United 2 Bolton 0: These are the weeks where champions are made. Bolton are a solid squad, but United ought to take care of business. They know they have teams breathing down their necks, and that should inspire Ferguson's squad to have a decisive victory.

Stoke City 1 Newcastle United 0: Stoke's play on the road is embarrassing. Luckily, they get 19 matches at home. Since this is one of them, they should have enough energy to get a late winner against a struggling Newcastle team.

West Bromwich Albion 1 Arsenal 3: Many people are starting to doubt the Gunners. In the past month, they were defeated in the Carling Cup Final, and were eliminated from the Champions League at Camp Nou and the F.A. Cup at Old Trafford. In addition, Arsene Wenger and Samir Nasri were suspended by UEFA following their conduct after losing to Barcelona. Tough few weeks huh? Doesn't matter. They are tough, and they should now be focused on the Premier League title. It starts this week with a drubbing of West Brom.

Wigan Athletic 0 Birmingham City 1: Both teams are struggling, and they are both in danger of relegation. Birmingham City should play stiff defensively, and they should win an ugly, boring match at DW Stadium.

Everton 2 Fulham 1: Both of these teams are comfortable sitting in the middle of the table. They are essentially playing for pride now, and I think Everton will stay tough at Goodison Park.

Sunderland 0 Liverpool 1: When it comes to the Premiership, there aren't many things I hate more than picking Liverpool matches. It doesn't matter who they are playing, they will find a way to prove me wrong. Two weeks ago, I went against my gut instinct and picked them. They won. From here on out, I will take the George Costanza approach, and I will go against my original notions.

Last Week: 5-3-3 (W-L-D)

Season: 121-69-68 (W-L-D)

Thanks for reading this week. Let me know what you think of the predictions, and I will be sure to get back to you. Thanks!