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With that being the case, let's take a look at this weekend's games...
Arsenal v. Liverpool
The weekend starts with what is probably the biggest game, as both teams are fighting for a lucrative Top-4 finish in the league, so that they may play in the Champions League next season. Both teams have been in pretty great form recently, and Arsenal's striker Olivier Giroud and manager Arsene Wenger were just named March's player and manager of the month, respectively. Liverpool is coming off an almost surreal loss to Manchester United, where their long-time captain Steven Gerrard was shown a red card barely a minute after coming on as a halftime substitute. I'll give the nod to Arsenal in this one, as they finally have all of their best players fit and are playing really well.
Everton v. Southampton
This is certainly a match were the underachieving are facing the overachieving. Everton has been having an extremely disappointing season, as most people would have figured they might be in the race for the Top-4, but instead are fighting to avoid relegation. Southampton is practically their mirror image, in that many people figured they would be candidates for relegation all season, but instead have spent practically all season in the Top-4 until just a couple weeks ago, and they're still certainly in the running. That being said, Everton is playing better and Southampton is starting to struggle, so I think a draw would be a fair prediction here.
Leicester City v. West Ham United
There really should be a lot to talk about in this one. Leicester are terrible and West Ham are good enough. For me this is a pretty straightforward win for West Ham.
Manchester United v. Aston Villa
This is a match of two teams who are finally picking up the pace right at the crucial time of the season. Manchester United will be fighting to keep themselves in the Top-4, while Aston Villa are barely above the relegation zone currently. Both teams are playing well and the stakes are high for each, however, Man U is easily the much more talented team, so I'll take them as winners for this week.
Swansea City v. Hull City
Hull is probably not quite safe yet from the relegation zone, so they'll certainly want to fight for any points they can manage for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Swansea probably doesn't have much to play for, as they are neither threatening the top teams nor are in the relegation battle. I'll take a draw though since Swansea is the more talented team, who will likely be pushed by Hull all game.
West Bromwich Albion v. QPR
I cannot think of anything interesting to say for this one. West Brom is bad, but not as bad as QPR, who are currently looking like strong relegation candidates, as they sit next to last. Each team has an unexpectedly good attacker in West Brom's Saido Berahino and QPR's Charlie Austin, so hopefully there can be some fireworks. I'll take West Brom in this one, partly because QPR has been laughably horrific in their away games this season.
Chelsea v. Stoke City
On paper, Chelsea should run away with this one, as Stoke don't really come off as a very talented team. That being said, Stoke is known for playing extremely physically, which can through tactical teams like Chelsea off balance sometimes. Chelsea have also been making it look difficult in recent weeks, compared to their blistering start at the beginning of the season. Chelsea will hope to get back to playing well consistently this weekend, in hopes that they can maintain their lead at the top of the table for the rest of the season. I'll take Chelsea as winners in a surprisingly close game.
Burnley v. Tottenham (Sunday)
This is another matchup featuring a team that may very well be relegated versus a team that may very well finish Top-4. Tottenham will look to Harry Kane, who has been arguably the breakout player of the season in the Premier League this year, especially since the beginning of 2015. Burnely, meanwhile, have some talent of their own in young striker Danny Ings, however, I don't think it will be enough, so I will take Tottenham as comfortable winners here.
Sunderland v. Newcastle (Sunday)
Sunderland is clinging to dear life right above the relegation zone at the moment, and will have to grab as many points as possible to see out the season safely. Newcastle, on the other hand, is one of the most forgettable teams of the season this year, as they are neither spectacularly good or horrifically bad, and their position in 12th place is pretty indicative of that fact. I'll take Sunderland as surprise winners in this one to give them some breathing room above the bottom 3 coming into the last month or so here.
Crystal Palace v. Manchester City (Monday)
The Premier League's version of Monday Night Football features the defending champions Man City playing at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace is another extremely forgettable team this year, however, they do have a tendency to surprise bigger teams, and Manchester City will have to be smart and on their guard to make sure they aren't surprised, as they need to win as much as possible to keep up with Chelsea for the title race. I'll take a surprise draw in this one, as I think Man City might panic a bit if Chelsea were to pick up the win against Stoke and even temporarily extend their lead.
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