EPL: There’s no room for error

Glory be, that was full-on. It feels like a long time since there was a title race this intense.

Mainly, that’s because rarely has a club so openly wanted it as much as Liverpool do right now.

That, you feel, is because of a combination of factors — the emotional anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and a captain in Steven Gerrard, who is desperate for the one remaining gong to complete his collection.

Also, of course, 24 years spent largely watching your greatest rival Manchester United clean up will do wonders for your motivation.

Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Man City was a superb game, especially given what is now at stake. There was little in the way of caution, something I suspect will be in abundance when the more wary Jose Mourinho heads to Anfield in a week and a half’s time.

Chelsea remain a huge threat to the Reds’ dream, while City will now expect  to win every game in their run-in.

Gerrard and Co. still have no room for error. 

TONIGHT

Everton v Crystal Palace

3:45pm

The sub-plot to the title race is whether the Toffees can condemn Arsenal to the Europa League next season.

Both Everton and Palace are in form, the former winning seven in a row and the latter with three in a row to put them close to safety.

While Palace are a solid unit right now, Everton should have the tools to unlock them.

Prediction: 2-0

Man City v Sunderland

3:45pm

Gus Poyet, from looking like he was getting to grips with the club, is now cutting a forlorn figure. Even by winning their games in hand, the Black Cats will remain in the bottom three.

And after getting stung at Anfield, City will surely be in no mood to be generous.

Prediction: 4-0

SATURDAY

All 11am unless stated

Tottenham v Fulham 

8:45am

Fulham’s two wins have set them up nicely for a last-gasp survival mission — especially when you look at Norwich’s run-in.

That should give them belief they can get something at White Hart Lane, although it’ll be a tough ask. There is no doubt, however, that Felix Magath has got the Cottagers playing better football. 

Prediction: 3-1

Aston Villa v Southampton

The fact Villa have suspended two key personal in their coaching staff suggests all is not well. A total of 15 points from 19 games is also pretty dismal.

The fact Saints have little to play for might help them here.

Prediction: 2-2

Newcastle v Swansea

With the manager being ridiculed in the local paper, it’s fair to say St James’ Park is not the happiest of places right now.

But then Swansea’s players are fighting each other, apparently, so there is an overall mood of discontent about this fixture.

Swans to get a point, which will help their fast-spiralling campaign.

Prediction: 1-1

West Ham v Crystal Palace

The ’Ammers are close to safety and know one more win should do it. That will appease some fans, who have made their distaste for manager Sam Allardyce’s style of play well known. Big run-in for West Ham’s Andy Carroll, who needs to score some goals to force his way into England’s World Cup squad.

Prediction: 2-1

Chelsea v Sunderland

1:30pm

Only a monumental upset would see Chelsea not pile the pressure on Liverpool for Sunday. 

Chelsea have not been beaten in the league at home this season and this should be a routine win. 

Prediction: 3-0

SUNDAY

Norwich v Liverpool

8am

Without wanting to put the fear of God into Liverpool fans, Norwich were a lot better than recent performances, albeit in defeat, against Fulham.

But with the Reds so pumped up and chasing their 11th-straight win, surely the Canaries will be swept aside?

Prediction:  1-3

Hull v Arsenal

10:05am

A pre-cursor to the FA Cup final, which offers a chance for the Tigers to ruffle the feathers of Arsenal, a club who have faded so badly the future of Arsene Wenger is now being called into question on a weekly basis.

Honours even, for now. 

Prediction:  1-1

Everton v Man Utd

12:10pm

David Moyes will be braced for a prickly reception, although it will be interesting to see whether that response has thawed given United’s awful league position. Roberto Martinez’s preference for more adventurous football points to a home win.

Prediction:  2-1

MONDAY

Man City v West Brom

4pm

Another home banker for City, who should have Sergio Aguero firing and close to full match fitness by the time this game comes around.  

Prediction:  3-1