Football News: Premier League Match Preview Sunday 29th April 2018

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Sunday 29th April 2018

West Ham United v Manchester City 2:15pm kick off

Antonio (hamstring injury) out
Collins (hamstring injury) major doubt
Reid (MCL injury) out
Byram (ankle injury) out
Obiang (MCL injury expected return 13th May) out
Hart (unable to face parent club) out

So close to safety and yet it will feel so far away as they have to face Man City of all teams. However, with 3 more games left to play, the Hammers should have the wherewithal to get the points they need to ensure they avoid relegation with a bit to spare. However should is no guarantee and the thrashing at the hands of Arsenal will have caused a dip in morale that David Moyes will have to work hard to lift ahead of this game. One advantage he does have is that they have nothing to lose in this one, as no one is expecting anything of them.
Most important player: Adrian. With Hart unavailable it is up to Adrian to stop the City attacks.

Aguero (knee injury expected return 19th May) out
Stones (adductor strain expected return 6th May) out

All Man City have left to do now is tick off milestones. Two more goals to reach 100 goals, 10 more points to reach 100 points as well. With the title wrapped up long ago, that is all that is left to the team now to motivate themselves into winning games.
Most important player: Benjamin Mendy. A player who needs to prove his fitness and regain his form to try and force his way into the France World Cup squad in the summer.

Defining Battle: City will try and move the ball quickly in tight areas to draw Hammers players into one zone and then use the overload they have elsewhere. If the Hammers avoid being drawn into the ball, then they will look to use the overload they have there. It is up to West Ham to close down quickly and not give City time to get their heads up and find where they have those spare man/men.

Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 2-3
Ed003 - 1-5
Ed004 - 1-3
Ed007 - 1-3
Ed018 - 1-2
Ed025 - 0-2
Ed033 - 0-2

Manchester United v Arsenal 4:30pm kick off

Valencia (calf injury) slight doubt
Romero (knee injury) out

Not a lot left for Man Utd to play for now, in the Premier League at least, though Jose Mourinho will not want to let Arsene Wenger go out on a high against him. Other than that, a point would ensure top 4, a win would pretty much seal second place for the Red Devils, but their focus now is the FA Cup final in reality. There is very little pressure on them in the league as the teams around them are dropping points far too often to challenge them.
Most important player: Phil Jones. Looked back to his best against Spurs in the cup semi-final.

Elneny (ankle injury expected return 13th May) out
Mkhitaryan (MCL injury) major doubt
Cazorla (plantaris injury) out

Will Arsene Wenger weaken his team against Man Utd to save players for the Europa League semi-final on Thursday? It is going to be a tough decision for Wenger, as it is his final chance for a trophy with the Gunners but it is also his last chance to put one over on Mourinho. Knowing that they can afford to finish a place lower and still qualify for the Europa League next season, they have nothing riding on this game.
Most important player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He is the one player certain to start as he is ineligible for the Europa League.

Defining Battle: this could be anything and any kind of game. It is absolutely impossible to call the line ups, let alone the way they will both play. Though it is likely Mourinho will go as strong as possible to go out there and beat Wenger, it is difficult to know how he will see the game. Will he want to park the bus or go all out or anything inbetween? A lot will no doubt depend on the team Wenger picks.

Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 2-2
Ed003 - 1-0
Ed004 - 2-0
Ed007 - 2-1
Ed018 - 1-1
Ed025 - 2-0
Ed033 - 2-1

Editor's Predictions Table
1. Ed002 - 234 points
2. Ed018 - 226 points
3. Ed033 - 223 points
4. Ed007 - 220 points
5. Ed004 - 215 points
6. Ed025 - 213 points
7. Ed003 - 200 points

*1 point is awarded for the correct result, 3 points for the correct score.
**updated 26th April 2018 (not including results for that day)

Written by Tris Burke April 29 2018 06:07:08