Premier League preview – Week 29

Norwich v Southampton

Key Battle: Sebastien Bassong has enjoyed a good season with Norwich and will have to be at his best to keep Rickie Lambert quiet.

Player to Watch: Morgan Schneiderlin has enjoyed a new lease of life under Mauricio Pochettino and his runs from midfield will be a danger for Norwich.

Talking Point: These two sides are both battling to stay clear of the relegation battle and therefore this game will be a cagey but crucial affair.

Prediction: 2-1

QPR v Sunderland

Key Battle: Adel Taarabt will hope to influence proceedings here by getting space in behind Sunderland’s midfield, so will have to break free of the attentions of Lee Cattermole.

Player to Watch: Loic Remy, if fit, can be the key figure for the Hoops as they look to find the net.

Talking Point: This is the kind of game QPR really need to win if they are to survive in this league. Sunderland may just offer ideal opposition.

Prediction: 1-0

Reading v Aston Villa

Key Battle: Hope Akpan has been a revelation for Reading but it will be tough for him to influence proceedings here, and Aston Villa will hope that Brett Holman can dominate in midfield.

Player to Watch: Andreas Weimann has been one of Villa’s best players this season and his thrusting runs forward could be key.

Talking Point: Reading need the points as do Villa, so this is a real six pointer and a game which is a must win for both sides.

Prediction: 1-2

West Brom v Swansea

Key Battle: Youssef Mulumbu will be tasked with shutting down Swansea’s neat passing rhythm and preventing Leon Britton dictating play.

Player to Watch: Michu’s runs in behind the West Brom backline will be a major danger.

Talking Point: Both of these sides have enjoyed good seasons but have little left to play for – who will come out on top here?

Prediction: 2-1

Newcastle v Stoke

Key Battle: Papiss Cisse will hope to continue his good form by getting the better of Stoke’s limited but physical centre back Ryan Shawcross.

Player to Watch: Moussa Sissoko has been the cream of the crop in Newcastle’s January signings, and his power and technique can do for Stoke.

Talking Point: Newcastle are improving and moving away from the relegation scrap, whilst Stoke are a poor team going nowhere. Only one outcome in this one, surely?

Prediction: 3-0

Liverpool v Tottenham

Key Battle: The league’s two best players this season, Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale, go head to head in this clash.

Player to Watch: Coutinho has been an impressive and useful capture for Liverpool and his unpredictability could be a real danger for the visitors.

Talking Point: Tottenham have a good recent record against Liverpool, but this is a tough game to predict between two impressive sides.

Prediction: 1-1