Premier League Matchday 31 predictions: Liverpool and Manchester City to win

With the international break taking the spotlight for the next few days, the Premier League action will return next weekend with a handful of exciting fixtures.

While Manchester City appeared to be leading a one-horse title race for a while, Liverpool have managed to catch up to Pep Guardiola’s side in recent weeks, and they are currently trailing only by a point at the second place.

The two will be facing relatively easy opponents on Matchday 31 while Man Utd, Tottenham and West Ham will continue their stiff battle for a place in the top-four.

If you are betting on any of the games next weekend, it’s worth taking time to review these free soccer predictions as well as read our previews below before placing any bets on the games.

Liverpool vs Watford

Liverpool are currently on an incredible 16-match winning streak across all competitions, and they are likely to extend it against Watford.

The Reds are coming on the back of a hard-fought win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-finals, where Diogo Jota scored the decisive strike.

The Hornets ended their brief rough patch with an impressive 2-1 victory over Southampton, which could also be a huge momentum shift in their relegation battle. Cucho Hernandez stole the headlines with a brace, and he has been showing his class in recent weeks.

Nonetheless, the odds are against the 18th-placed Watford when they travel to Anfield.

A victory for the home side could see them grab the top spot but only if Man City drop points against Burnley at the same time.

Prediction: Winner – Liverpool

Manchester City vs Burnley

Manchester City couldn’t afford to drop points, as was the case during the draw against Crystal Palace in their previous fixture, with Liverpool ready to leapfrog them to the top of the table.

The Sky Blues are the favourites against Burnley, and they will look to build on their emphatic win over Southampton in the FA Cup.

Prediction: Winner – Manchester City

Brighton vs Norwich City

Brighton, whose form has declined with five consecutive defeats, have a great chance to break the shackles against the bottom-most club Norwich City.

Prediction: Winner – Brighton

Chelsea vs Brentford

Chelsea’s form has remained intact despite their turmoil off the field, and they are currently on a six-match winning run.

Coming off the FA Cup triumph over Middlesbrough, Thomas Tuchel’s men will be up against Brentford, whose form has been fluctuating this season.

The Blues are expected to get over the line while Kai Havertz, who has found the net on the last three league outings, will look to continue his impressive form.

Prediction: Winner – Chelsea

Leeds United vs Southampton

A crucial game for Leeds United as they are only seven points above the relegation zone. They will look to build on their thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and move further into safe territory.

Jesse Marsch’s men will face Southampton, who are without a win in their last three league games.

Prediction: Winner – Leeds United

Wolves vs Aston Villa

Wolves were on the receiving end against Leeds last week, which leaves them eighth in the table, four points off a place in the Conference League.

On the other hand, Steven Gerrard’s impressive start at Aston Villa has been pegged back by consecutive defeats against West Ham and Aston Villa.

Prediction: Winner – Aston Villa

Manchester United vs Leicester City

All eyes will be on Manchester United and how they are going to recover from their Champions League setback against Atletico Madrid.

Currently sixth in the table, United have to make the most of their remaining games in order to keep their top-four hopes alive.

Leicester City caused serious damage to the Red Devils in the reverse fixture with a 4-2 win. The Foxes might be underperforming this season, but they have a great chance to perform a league double against United.

United produced a brilliant win against Tottenham in their last league game with the help of a magnificent hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo.

There is a big chance for spoils to be shared between United and Leicester.

Prediction: Winner – Leicester City

West Ham vs Everton

West Ham are beginning to slip up in the crucial stage of the season, and they need to stay focused in order to keep their top-four chances alive, at least a place in Europa League.

The Hammers suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham last week, and they will be desperate to return to winning ways.

Elsewhere, Frank Lampard is off to a tough start to his spell at Goodison Park, managing only four victories in ten games.

The Toffees’ momentum has also been hit with a crushing 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.

David Moyes’ side are looking like the favourites to see through the contest.

Prediction: Winner – West Ham

Tottenham vs Newcastle

Tottenham come into this contest with an emphatic victory over Hammers, where Son Heung-min scored a sensational double.

They are likely to keep up their winning run against Newcastle, who have suffered consecutive defeats against Chelsea and Everton.

Antonio Conte’s are fifth in the table, and a victory could see them level points with Arsenal, who still have a game left in hand.

Prediction: Winner – Tottenham

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Arsenal have been holding onto the fourth position for weeks due to their impressive form, managing six wins in their last eight league outings.

Although a game is left in hand and three points above Tottenham, the Gunners can’t afford to catch a break.

Their next opponent will be Crystal Palace, who have been impressive in recent weeks and held defending champions Man City to a draw.

The Eagles are expected to give tough times to Mikel Arteta’s men as they did to City.

Prediction: Winner – Crystal Palace