No better way to get prepared for the Superbowl than some soccer! That's right, we've still got a full slate of games in the Premier League this weekend, which are highlighted by a battle between first and second place; Chelsea and Manchester City, respectively. Here's some info about all of the games we will see.
Newcastle United @ Hull City: Sat, Jan 31, 7:45am -NBCSN
This game is a good opportunity for Newcastle to redeem themselves and return to the top half of the table. They lost their last two games to Chelsea (1st place) and Southampton (3rd place) and are in 11th place. This will be John Carver's first game as manager of the team, as he was recently signed to replace Alan Pardew, who left the team to manage Crystal Palace a few weeks ago. Hull City lost their last two games also, but sit in 17th place right now and Newcastle have not been very consistent this season, so Hull may see this as an opportunity to start turning their season around.
Prediction: Newcastle wins 1-0
Everton @ Crystal Palace: Sat, Jan 31, 10:00am
If, before the season, you were to say these two teams would be tied in the standings at this point in the season, people would think you're crazy. But you never know in the Premier League, and that's where they sit right now, tied for 12th place (Everton leads on goal differential). Everton have been especially disappointing this season, typically in the top 7 or 8 teams in previous seasons. The injury to Tim Howard hasn't helped them either, of course. As for Crystal Palace, they have performed exceptionally well since Alan Pardew became manager. They beat Southampton last weekend in the FA Cup and won their last two games prior to that.
Prediction: 3-3 Draw
West Ham United @ Liverpool: Sat, Jan 31, 10:00am
A battle between 7th and 8th place, this is sure to be a good game. Liverpool are looking to show they are still the team that just missed winning the title last season. West Ham are having a great season but have been dropping in the standings slightly. This game could help them gain an edge over their closest neighbors in the standings, Liverpool.
Prediction: West Ham wins 4-2
Leicester City @ Manchester United: Sat, Jan 31, 10:00am - NBCSN
Anybody who saw the first game this season between these two teams definitely hasn't forgotten that thriller which Leicester won 5-3. Manchester United were embarrassed in that game, much like they were on Friday in the FA Cup against Cambridge United, drawing 0-0 in a game they should have easily won, especially with players like Van Persie and Falcao on the field. Man United need to redeem themselves in this game or they will be laughed at by everyone again. After the 5-3 Leicester win I mentioned before, Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli tweeted "Man utd ... LOL", which accumulated 213,000 retweets.
Prediction: Man United wins 3-2
QPR @ Stoke City: Sat, Jan 31, 10:00am
QPR do not look likely to stay in the Premier League after this season in my opinion. I simply don't think they have what it takes. Stoke, on the other hand, have looked solid and are in 10th place, right in the middle of the table and beat Leicester 1-0 in their most recent Premier League match.
Prediction: Stoke wins 3-0
Burnley @ Sunderland: Sat, Jan 31, 10:00am
These two teams are tied at 20 points and are both looking to widen the gap between themselves and relegation territory. Jozy Altidore has finally been freed from Sunderland's bench and Jermain Defoe has returned to the Premier League, joining Sunderland a couple weeks ago. Both teams lost their last Premier League games. When these teams met earlier this season, the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Tottenham @ West Bromwich Albion: Sat, Jan 31, 10:00am
Tottenham have looked good recently, only losing one of their last eight league games, including a 5-3 win against Chelsea on New Year's Day. However, they lost to Leicester in the FA Cup last weekend. West Bromwich have not lost in their last three league games (2 draws 1 win) so they should be going into this game with some confidence.
Prediction: Tottenham wins 1-0
Manchester City @ Chelsea: Sat, Jan 31, 12:30pm - NBC
This is the main event of the weekend in the Premier League, a huge game between first and second place. Chelsea striker and league-leading scorer Diego Costa is suspended for this match, while Man City striker Sergio Aguero has returned from injury but midfielder Yaya Touré is still at the Africa Cup of Nations with his fellow countryman, new Manchester City signing Wilfried Bony, both representing Ivory Coast. Yaya Touré is an important part of Man City's midfield but they have been able to cope without him, especially with former Chelsea man Frank Lampard playing an offensive role in the midfield. Without Diego Costa, Chelsea will probably have to play young Frenchman Loïc Rémy or Ivorian veteran Didier Drogba at striker. Drogba is a club legend and Rémy had a great season last year on loan with Newcastle. If Man City loses this game, it will be a huge blow to their chances of winning the title.
Prediction: 2-2 Draw
Aston Villa @ Arsenal: Sun, Feb 1, 8:30am - NBCSN
Arsenal is looking to get past Manchester United and into fourth place, and this game will likely help them with that. Aston Villa has only won 5 games this year and have won zero of their last 7 league games (3 draws 4 losses). Arsenal beat Manchester City 2-0 in their last league game.
Prediction: Arsenal wins 3-1
Swansea @ Southampton: Sun, Feb 1, 11:00am - NBCSN
If Southampton want to stay in third place, they probably need to win this game against ninth-place Swansea. Swansea have been slowly dropping in the standings for a long time, but I still believe in them. Losing Wilfried Bony has obviously not helped them, but Bafetimbi Gomis is an amazing striker as well. However, with rumors he may be leaving to join West Ham, the Swansea we saw beat Man United in Week 1 may be gone for good.
Prediction: Southampton wins 4-3
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