happened last week and that stinging loss combined with a win for Manchester City over Sunderland was the final blow in eliminating the Blues’ lead atop the Premier League table.
At one point, Chelsea had looked like indomitable force but now they’re tied with City for top spot at 46 points. With an identical goal differential, that creates the perfect tipping off point for a battle for the league title moving forward. And don’t forget about Manchester United. They’re nine points back but are still not far enough to be completely ruled out given how far they have come already. Here is a quick look at the three best games in the Premier League for this week.
Chelsea vs. Newcastle – Saturday, 10:00 AM ET
EPL Odds: Chelsea -606, Newcastle +1558, Draw +563
Only twice in his managerial career – and never before with Chelsea – has Mourinho’s side allowed five goals in a game. After last week’s embarrassing loss to Tottenham, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw the absolute best from the Blues at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea still managed to score three goals in the loss to Spurs and the offensive attack has never been called in to question, but they must do a better job at their own end of the park where there has been far too many lapses.
Newcastle might be the perfect opponent to get back on track against considering their recent struggles on the road and the fact that they beat Mourinho’s side at St. James Park back in early December. Avenging that loss should be another factor in a major redemption game for the Blues, so look for them to take advantage with a dominant and complete performance in front of their home fans at Stamford Bridge this Saturday. Pick: Chelsea
Everton vs. Manchester City – Saturday, 10:00 AM ET
EPL Odds: Manchester City -121, Everton +304, Draw +263
City has thrived since Sergio Aguero went down with an injury but one of the main reasons for that was their soft schedule. Nonetheless, the points all count the same and this team is on the up and up after closing the gap behind Chelsea at the top of the table. More good news is right around the corner as the return of Aguero appears to be imminent. He is practicing again, and that’s excellent news for a team that hasn’t conceded defeat since the beginning of November.
City has won eight of its last 10 games with two draws and they have another excellent opportunity to at least keep pace with Chelsea this weekend when they visit an Everton side that has lost four straight heading in to this contest. Pick: Manchester City
Manchester United vs. Southampton – Sunday, 11:00 AM ET
EPL Odds: Manchester United -133, Southampton +361, Draw +256
It’s a two-horse race at the top of the table right now with Chelsea and Manchester City but if United can stay hot, they could very well end up becoming part of that conversation. As of now, the top two teams are tied with 46 points but United is within striking distance with 37 points. But don’t count out Southampton, who has proven to be a surprise contender this season as they’re currently in fourth place just a single point behind United. And considering the troubles Louis van Gaal’s side has had at their own end all season, they could be vulnerable in this spot. The difference between now and earlier in the year is that United actually has the weapons up front to answer for their defensive shortcomings.
Old Trafford figures to be the main difference in this one as Manchester United is 8-1-1 at home this season while Southampton is 4-1-4 in their away games. Southampton plays very tight road games as they’ve only allowed eight goals in eight away games. That means we should see a conservative yet exciting game that goes down to the wire. United is favored but it feels like Southampton can keep this close and get a draw. Pick: Draw
