WEEK 35 PREVIEW:

EPL top 4 battle enters crucial stage as relegation dogfight rages on

By Laolu Olugbenga

Manchester United can climb into third spot with a win against West Brom at Old Trafford. United have lost their last two games, both away from home, but they will be confident in front of their home fans. Having won their previous six games in a row, including wins over Liverpool and Manchester City, they were beaten first by Chelsea and then Everton.

Injuries to key players, especially in defence hasn’t helped the Red Devils’ cause, but they remain seven points clear of arch-rivals Liverpool in the race for a top four spot. Wayne Rooney could be out for the rest of the season after injuring his knee in the loss to Everton while Carrick, Jones and Marcos Rojo could be available. Van Persie could also start. West Brom have won their last two games and will prove a stern test, but they will have their work cut out against a team that have only lost twice at home all season.

Liverpool will aim to salvage what is left of the season when they host strugglers QPR at Anfield. The Reds’ hopes of making the top four was dealt a major blow after they were beaten 1-0 by Hull City. The defeat means they are now seven points clear of the top four with four games to play, and they still have to play champions-elect Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. For QPR, the light is slowly fading at the end of the tunnel. Charlie Austin’s penalty miss against West Ham denied them what would have been a massive three points in the race for Premier League safety. Defeat here will make things worse for the Rs as life in the Championship continues to beckon.

Aston Villa will hope to bounce back from their harsh defeat to Man City when they play an in-form Everton at Villa Park. Sunderland will be battling for points when Southampton come calling at the Stadium of Light. After a spirited display in their 3-1 loss to Chelsea, Leicester City will target a return to winning ways at home to a Newcastle side who are winless in seven games at the King Power Stadium. Burnley’s survival hopes could be brought to an abrupt end if they fail to beat West Ham at Upton Park. Swansea City and Stoke will battle for supremacy at the Liberty Stadium.

On Sunday, Chelsea can secure the Premier League title when they take on Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. The Blues beat Leicester 3-1 in midweek to continue their march towards the crown, and they will wrap up their fourth Barclays Premier League title if they beat Alan Pardew’s charges. Palace have been out of form of late, following up four straight wins with two consecutive losses, and history suggests it will be a 3rd defeat in a row. The Blues could have Diego Costa fit after he missed the last four games with a hamstring injury, but Loic Remy will definitely miss the game due to a calf injury.

Manchester City will return to third spot if they can find a way past Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. City were far from convincing against Aston Villa, and were dealt a further blow when Yaya Toure limped off in the win, and he will be assessed before the game. Opponents Spurs battled hard to draw with Southampton away from home in the race for Europa League football. Mauricio Pochettino will hope to exploit the out of form side and pile more pressure on Manuel Pellegrini. Once again, PFA Young Player of the year, Harry Kane, with 20 goals this season, will be under the spotlight.