English Premier League Weekly Predictions: Week 34

Don't look now, but there is a new team in second place in the English Premier League.

After a high-scoring affair with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal dropped some points and Chelsea are now back in second place (on goal difference).

Manchester United are still in control, but with a match left against both Arsenal and Chelsea, they have not yet wrapped up the league.

There is more than a full slate of matches in the next week, and I'm going to do my best to try and predict their outcomes.

Nothing is for sure, but that's what makes the Premiership such a great league to watch.

Let's get to it!

Match of the Week

Bolton 2 Arsenal 3: Bolton have won four home matches in a row, but Arsenal haven't lost since December.

Unfortunately, Bolton have not been good on the road, while Arsenal have drawn eight of 16 matches since their last league defeat.

Both teams have been struggling defensively, so this match should be plenty open.

If Bolton give the Arsenal players space, this could turn into a rout. However, if the Wanderers pressure Arsenal, they could keep the game close.

High scoring, but still close. I think Arsenal are too skilled to drop more points on the road.

Other Matches

Manchester United 1 Everton 0: As United's lead diminishes, people are going to continue to doubt them.

However, as long as they are playing at Old Trafford, they will be fine.

Three of their last five matches are at home, which should help them to try and secure the Premiership. I believe they will break through late, after a hard-fought match.

Aston Villa 2 Stoke City 0: Despite being finalists for the F.A. Cup, Stoke City have only won three times on the road (in the league) all season.

In fact, they have the second-fewest away points (10), behind only Wolves.

I don't see their luck turning this week, and a Darren Bent brace should make sure that Stoke don't come from behind.

Blackpool 3 Newcastle United 1: Is anyone cheering on Blackpool?

They work hard, play openly and are a joy to watch. Ian Holloway is a riot to listen to, and they aren't scared of anybody.

I would love another year of Blackpool, and a win this week would put them in a much better position.

Liverpool 3 Birmingham City 1: Liverpool matches are always brutal to predict, but I think this one may be safe.

I hate to take anything for granted, but Birmingham are not good on the road and Liverpool have slowly turned Anfield back into a fortress.

This game will be competitive, but the score could slowly get out of hand.

Sunderland 1 Wigan Athletic 0: Suddenly, this match has relegation implications for both clubs.

While Sunderland should be safe, nothing is for sure.

If they protect the Stadium of Light this week, they should be clear for another year in the Premiership.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 West Bromwich Albion 1: Spurs played Arsenal on Wednesday and they nearly earned all three points.

Obviously, that match had a lot more emotion behind it, but they should still have a good showing on short rest against the suddenly not-so struggling Baggies.

Wolves 1 Fulham 0: Predicting a Wolves victory is usually pretty ambitious, but Fulham have been dreadful on the road this season.

Wolves are at the very bottom of the table, but I think they could earn three points this week.

I still believe they will be relegated, but a win this week could prevent that from happening.

Chelsea 2 West Ham United 0: All of a sudden, Chelsea are back in the title conversation.

I'm convinced they are simply teasing their fans, but I still can't help but get excited.

They have nothing else left to play for, so they will be able to put all of their focus and energy into catching Manchester United.

They can't afford to drop any more points, and they should dominate at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Blackburn 1 Manchester City 3: Blackburn have been struggling and they are barely outside the relegation zone.

They should be inspired in front of their home crowd, but Manchester City are too talented and too excited after defeating Manchester United last week to qualify for the F.A. Cup Final to lose this game.

Stoke City 2 Wolves 1: I expect both of these teams to reverse their fortune from earlier in the week.

Being at home is a big advantage for both of these squads, which is why I think Stoke City should be able to secure three points.

Fulham 2 Bolton 0: Bolton will only have two days to rest for this one, and I don't think they will have their full squad.

Fulham are tough at home, and they will take advantage of their extra rest day to defeat Bolton in a slow-developing match.

Last Week: 4-2-3 (W-L-D)

Season: 143-75-79 (W-L-D)

The Premiership is going to finish strong, and I hope you're as excited for it as I am! Thanks for reading and feel free to let me know what you think!