Match to catch

Manchester United have effectively the last chance to keep the title race alive on Saturday as they travel to Stamford Bridge to play dominant leaders Chelsea. The Blues have been extremely effective in recent weeks - winning regularly without playing well as they seek their first title in five years - and are now seven points clear at the top with a game in hand. It’s highly unlikely Jose Mourinho’s men will blow it from here, but if they were to lose to United and then at Arsenal next week, doubts would creep in. But Chelsea, unbeaten since January, have played like champions this season and I expect them to show the resurgent Red Devils just how far they’ve got to go before they can be considered title contenders. Prediction: Chelsea 2 Man Utd 1.

Keep an eye on

We have arrived at the once-great occasion of FA Cup semi-final weekend, but sadly the combined asininity of the FA and Premier League has reduced this season’s matches to a mere sideshow. Not only are the semis played at Wembley these days, taking these special matches away from traditional neutral venues like Old Trafford and Villa Park, but the Reading-Arsenal clash is being played at the same time as Chelsea take on Man United in the league. Surely one of them should be an early kick-off on a day that no matches start before 3pm (6pm UAE)? The scheduling is idiotic and only further devalues the FA Cup. For what it’s worth, Arsenal and Liverpool should both be strong enough to book their place in the final. Predictions: Reading 1 Arsenal 3, Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 0.

For the purists

Southampton have had an exceptional season and continue to fly high in sixth position, but a lack of goals away from the St Mary’s Stadium looks likely to ensure they will narrowly miss out on European football next season. The Saints haven’t scored more than once in an away game since mid-January and they only have one point from their last three games on the road. The fact they only have two home games remaining, with Saturday’s trip to Stoke the first of four away matches, could mean a potentially disappointing end to what has otherwise been an impressive campaign. Prediction: Stoke 1 Southampton 1.

Showing form

Crystal Palace had a significant helping hand from vulnerable hosts Sunderland last weekend, but still their 4-1 away win was mighty impressive and they recent form (15 points out of the last possible 18 ) is the stuff of Champions League contenders. Boss Alan Pardew deserves great credit for getting the best out of the players and he should be confident of continuing their run at home to West Brom on Saturday. The Baggies’ own resurgence under a new coach, Tony Pulis, has tailed off and they have suffered three successive defeats. Prediction: Palace 2 West Brom 0.

Need a win

Manchester City’s woeful run of four successive away losses, culminating in their derby capitulation last week, means they will be glad to be back at home and against freefalling West Ham on Saturday as they bid to hang on to fourth place. Manuel Pellegrini couldn’t have asked for a more accommodating fixture, but the pressure will be on his side and the crowd could get jittery if they don’t score an early goal. Prediction: Man City 3 West Ham 0.

Get involved

Think I’m way off the mark? Tweet me your EPL predictions via @MartinDownerGN or email sportsdesk@gulfnews.com