Premier League Trophy MCIHUD 2019
Premier League Trophy MCIHUD 2019 | (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Football | Premier League 2023 | Matchweek 28 | Best to Watch

By Robert Wheeler

  • Arsenal plays Crystal Palace
  • Chelsea is up against Everton
  • Southampton play Tottenham
UK – The final round of fixtures before the international break sees important games at both ends of the table.

 

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Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Sunday March 19, kick-off 14:00

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Arsenal goes into this game on the back of five successive victories in the league. If they can keep this form up then the title is theirs.

Leandro Trossard was the star in their match against Fulham last weekend where he assisted all three of their goals. The Gunners may have wanted to sign Mykhailo Mudryk who joined Chelsea ahead of Trossard in January but the Belgian is proving to be a shrewd signing.

With Manchester City not in action due to their involvement in the FA Cup, Mikel Arteta‘s side has the chance to go eight points clear. However, they need to quickly get over their defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League this week. Being out of Europe will allow Arteta’s side to now just focus on league action.

They are up against a Crystal Palace side that dismissed manager Patrick Viera this morning. The team are on a dreadful run of form, they have not won in their last 11 games. They are currently 12th but are just three points above the drop zone. The Eagles need to start picking up some points but it will be very difficult for them this weekend.

Score prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Crystal Palace

 

Chelsea vs Everton, Saturday March 18, kick-off 17:30

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After a poor run of results, Chelsea has now won their last two league games. They also saw off Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League which has eased the pressure on Graham Potter. 

Qualifying for the Champions League next season through the Premier League would be a bit of a stretch as they are 11 points off Tottenham Hotspur who are 4th. However, Potter has been brought in to be the Blues’ manager for the long term so if they can have a strong finish to the season then the fans’ faith in him will be restored.

They can win the Champions League to qualify for it next season but they cannot put all their eggs in that basket and must ensure that they can at least get into a Europa League/Conference place.

Everton claimed a massive victory in their fight for survival last weekend. They beat high-flying Brentford 1-0 thanks to a Dwight McNeil strike. Sean Dyche‘s side is now 15th but is still just one point above the relegation zone.

A few weeks ago, it was looking like a good time to be playing Chelsea but they seem to be back to their best and the Toffees will need to be on top of their game if they are to get a result at Stamford Bridge.

Score prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Everton

 

Southampton vs Tottenham, Saturday March 18, kick-off 15:00

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Last week saw Tottenham go out of the Champions League with a drab display against AC Milan. However, they picked themselves up with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Harry Kane scored a brace whilst Son Heung-min got the other against Forest. Kane has now scored 20 league goals this season which is still eight behind Erling Haaland. 

It often seems like Antonio Conte would rather be doing anything else than managing Spurs. However, if he can guide them into the Champions League next season then they can finish on a high. Southampton is at the bottom of the league but they did claim a solid draw with Manchester United last weekend. However, this followed a 2-0 loss for Ruben Selles’ side against Brentford.

Score prediction: Southampton 0-2 Tottenham