With nine weeks remaining in the season, the intensity is turning up in the English Premier League. Teams are jostling for a position in the top four slots, earning a UEFA Champions League birth for next year, while others are scrambling to avoid relegation. Only three points separate seventh place from fourth, and the intensity is sure to be high this weekend.
It's sure to be a thrilling weekend of EPL play, with a great deal at stake as we pull toward the home stretch. You can find the tickets available here for all matches.
Here is our look at some of the key games for Match Day 27:
Manchester United vs. Sunderland
Man United has struggled a bit in recent EPL matches, earning just one win in their last three. They're clinging to fourth place in the table, leading fifth-place Southampton by just one point.
The pressure is on this weekend for The Red Devils, and will be for every remaining week of the season. They'll need to be in good form in order to slide into a Champions League spot for next season. They're fortunate to be facing a Sunderland side this weekend, which hasn't taken three points on the road since December 14. That should lead spell a victory Man U, and perhaps a very slight bit of breathing room.
Prediction: Manchester United 2 – 0 Sunderland
West Brom vs Southampton
Southampton has shocked fans and experts alike this season, with Ronald Koeman's side sitting a point away from a Champions League slot.
Don't expect this to be a cakewalk for The Saints though, taking on a scrappy West Brom side which has won its last two home EPL matches by a combined score of 6-0. Still, with the added incentive of an opportunity to crack the top four, expect Southampton to squeak one out.
Prediction: Southampton 2 – 1 West Brom
Liverpool vs Manchester City
Undoubtedly the match of the week in the EPL, featuring second-place Man City traveling to Anfield to take on seventh-place Liverpool.
Every game is crucial for both of these sides the rest of the way out, with City chasing an EPL title, and Liverpool just three points shy of a Champions League birth next season. City trails first place Chelsea by five points, and given the Blues' steady display of dominance this year in the EPL, The Citizens can't afford to fall much further behind. The addition of Wilfred Bony from Swansea City could really provide a lift for Man City, as he is expected to make his EPL debut with the club this weekend.
Liverpool hasn't lost in its last five Premier League matches at Anfield, but this will be their toughest test in some time, facing a City side that has outscored opponents 9-1 in its last two EPL matches. The Reds are looking to atone for an early season loss at City, 3-1. Expect a tight, thrilling match, with a lot on the line in this one.
Prediction: Liverpool 3, Man City 3
Arsenal vs Everton
It's a long shot for Arsenal to challenge Chelsea or Man City for the EPL crown, but three points are crucial for The Gunners to stay in Champions League contention. Arsenal is in third currently, but leads fifth-place Southampton by just two points.
Everton started off hot in the EPL but has cooled off rapidly, sitting in 12th in the table. Still, the side has been resilient in recent matches, and it won't be an easy task for Arsenal.
Prediction: Arsenal 2 – 1 Everton
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