Premier League Predictions: Manchester United to leapfrog Arsenal, QPR salvage some pride and Swansea hold Manchester City

By Mark Young.

In the battle to avoid the drop, Aston Villa go to Southampton, Sunderland face Leicester and relegated QPR welcome Newcastle. Swansea can mount a late surge for a Europa League spot but they face high-flying Manchester City, before Manchester United take on Arsenal for third place on Sunday.

This week Mark takes on TV presenter Charlie Webster . . .

Southampton 1-1 Aston Villa

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Another victory for Aston Villa at home to West Ham last Saturday left Tim Sherwood’s mission almost complete as they sit four points ahead of Hull City with two games to go.

But Southampton’s form has nosedived in recent weeks as the goals have dried up and they are in danger of dropping out of the top seven after losing 2-0 at Leicester last week.

Villa starlet Jack Grealish turned down an opportunity to play international football for the Republic of Ireland this week but will certainly find his chances of playing Premier League football next season confirmed with a point at St Mary’s.

Charlie Webster’s Prediction

Southampton 2-1 Aston Villa

Despite Villa’s recent run of form, I reckon Southampton can just nick this. They are without a win in 4 games so they will be looking to finish strongly at home.

QPR 2-0 Newcastle

QPR went down with a wimper at Manchester City last weekend but host in-danger Newcastle, who hover perilously above the drop zone, at Loftus Road this weekend.

Ayoze Perez netted an equaliser in their 1-1 with West Brom that could just about be enough to keep the Magpies up but they are still only two points off of the relegation spots.

QPR are down but they have enough up front to be able to trouble the visitors and star striker Charlie Austin could well end his first season at home in the Premier League with a couple more goals.

Charlie Webster’s Prediction

QPR 0-3 Newcastle

I went to University in Newcastle. Is that a good enough reason?! I know there has been a backlash and people want them to be relegated because of Mike Ashley. It’s not the fans fault though and the loyal and passionate supporters of Newcastle shouldn’t suffer.

Sunderland 0-0 Leicester City

Despite being dominated by Everton last weekend, Sunderland climbed out of the drop zone with a 2-0 win and could secure safety with a victory over relegation rivals Leicester.

The Foxes have been on a fantastic run after six wins in seven games and their late revival – thanks to vital goals from Leonardo Ulloa and Jamie Vardy – has fired them three points clear of Hull.

Both teams know three points could secure their safety and with the pressure on, I predict it will be a low-scoring affair. The visitors will have to beware the threat of Jermain Defoe but could be blunted this weekend as they come up against the draw specialists.

Charlie Webster’s Prediction

Sunderland 0-1 Leicester City

Leicester will do everything to secure their Premier League survival after their incredible run! Not many people including myself would have said they have a chance to stay up.

Swansea 2-2 Manchester City

Manchester City are one point away from securing their position in next season’s group stage of the Champions League but face a tricky test at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

Baftembi Gomis’ technology-assisted goal at the Emirates on Monday put Garry Monk’s side in a great position for Europa League football, with rivals With Tottenham and Southampton toiling.

Wilfried Bony could come back to haunt his old team but while it’s top scorer Sergio Aguero the Swans really need to watch out for, I reckon it will be a draw in this clash.

Charlie Webster’s Prediction

Swansea 2-4 Manchester City

High scoring, both teams will be animated. Although with the bookies a 1-1 draw is the most likely outcome. I don’t think so, maybe they know something I don’t! Saying that I’m now talking myself out of this especially with how Swansea take on those big games – look at their last game against Arsenal. I’m sticking to it.

Manchester United 3-1 Arsenal

Arsenal seemed to have their position in the top three wrapped up until Swansea but the door is still open for automatic Champions League qualification with Gunners two points ahead of United.

The scores are level in this fixture so far this season with both clubs netting 2-1 reverses away from home but with United are favourites because they needing to win against Arsene Wenger’s men, who usually fare badly under pressure.

Gunners also need to watch out for dangerman Wayne Rooney – who has scored in both meetings this season and has a superb record against them – and in the last big game of the season, Louis van Gaal’s men should lay down a marker for next season.

Charlie Webster’s Prediction

Manchester United 1-3 Arsenal

Wenger won’t be impressed after their last performance, I think Arsenal will bounce back and respond well at Old Trafford. I was edging Manchester United but going on recent weeks, I’m going for an Arsenal win.

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