Well, Man City made the magic 100 points mark.  fantastic season all in all!

This South Coast Derby has a huge amount riding on it. With Southampton more or less down and Bournemouth in a good position, it’s arguably the first time in a long time that the Cherries have travelled to the Saints in a better position.

Home News

The loss of Sofiane Boufal from a fall-out with Mark Hughes is a major blow for Saints. While the Algerian has struggled to live up to his pre-arrival hype, he’s a fine player with an eye for a rich performance when it suits. His exit from the squad is just another sign that things are going from back to worse for Southampton.
So, too, is the loss of Steven Davis. The Northern Irish international has not been his usual self this season, but his experience will be majorly missed in this match. In a make-or-break tie, the leadership void at St. Marys is beginning to show.

Away News

Meanwhile, the Cherries are without Junior Stanislas and Adam Smith. The English duo have been two of their more consistent performers this year. While the loss of Tyrone Mings again won’t be a huge blow due to his lack of form, it does leave Eddie Howe with a few less options than he might want to have at this point of the season.
They’ll be reliant on Steve Cook at the back to keep it together alongside Nathan Ake and Simon Francis. For a side known for their flair, Bournemouth’ back-three is absolutely vital.

Verdict

We can see Bournemouth driving the pain of relegation deep into Southampton’ heart. Bournemouth are comeback specialists, taking more points than any team from losing positions this season. Southampton, meanwhile, are specialists in throwing away leads; if they come into this one without a total personality transplant, they’ll go down.

This weekend, the Premier League title is up for grabs in the most dramatic way: a local derby. Manchester City turn up to this one knowing that they need to pick up the three points to win the title. However, can they break down a United side that’s so stubborn?

City News

City know that they need a win here to seal the title. With Sergio Aguero likely to make it, though, it provides them with some much-needed impetus upfront. His big game record is outstanding, and if he’s involved a goal would seem pretty likely.

With the likelihood of needing to rest some stars, though, we might see a different City side than you would expect. With such a big gap to make up on Tuesday, City will need to either play the full team and face the consequences, or rest players and risk missing out on the best possible way to life the league.

United News

United only come into this one missing Daley Blind and cup keeper Sergio Romero. It’s likely that the Red Devils will stick to the same side as last weekend’s 2-0 win at Swansea. That being said, we think that Maroaune Fellaini will find a place – he usually does for the big games.

So, too, will be United’ go-to war dog in Ander Herrera. He brings a combative nature that is hard to deal with, and he could be the key to being able to harry and harass the City midfield. If United are to get anything, their midfield will have to be perfect.

Verdict

We think City will walk this. United are poor, and their league position feels false at times. With so much to play for, including the need for restored confidence ahead of Tuesday’ return leg against Liverpool, City will have too much for United.

This weekend, Crystal Palace take on a Liverpool side in rampant form. However, despite the Eagles playing a team who should be their major superior, Palace and Liverpool is a game with a very particular history to it. If the Reds are to have a Premier League-era bogey team, it would likely be Palace.

Can Roy Hodgson get a positive result against arguably the biggest black mark on his career? Can his boys get a result against a side who don’t often wilt at present?

Crystal Palace News

With four losses on the spin finally snapped by a win prior to the international break, the Eagles come into this one in decent enough shape. However, a large injury list that could include Wilfried Zaha, Jeffrey Schlupp and Alexander Sorloth on top of long-term absentees like Julian Speroni, Bakary Sako and Scott Dann means they are playing with a lighter squad than they need.

It’s hard to see such a ravaged squad coming out of this one with a result, but Palace are a club that often shock you when you least expect it.

LFC News

Meanwhile, Liverpool will likely be without Dejan Lovren, Emre Can and maybe Andrew Robertson. The Scot came off in Budapest for Scotland with a knock, and he’s touch and go for this game. If he does miss out, we expect to see the Reds call upon Alberto Moreno.

The loss of Joe Gomez for the medium-term is a blow, too, though the timely return of Nathaniel Clyne is a bonus. The Reds come into this one with their attack in full flow, though, and should feel more than capable of getting a result when they visit Selhurst Park.

Verdict

It’s going to be closer than most presume, but we can see Liverpool edging this one. Hoodoo or not, they have the opportunity to put themselves in a commanding position for the Champions League race, and we expect them to see this one though.