Premier League Preview: Chelsea/Fulham, Boro/Man U, Liverpool/Newcastle
There are 4 games left in the Premier League season (5 for Man U), and several teams are still fighting for relegation or spots in European soccer next season. Fulham will face Chelsea andhas moved into 7th with a chance at the Europa League, while Liverpool fce struggling Newcastle, and Man U travel to 19th place Middlesbrough. Here’s a preview of all 3 games.
Fulham at Chelsea – Saturday – 15:00 GMT – In the earlier meeting, Fulham was able to grind out a 2-2 draw with two goals from Clint Dempsey. Chelsea have played very solid soccer in the last month, especially on the road at Liverpool, Juventus, and Barcelona. It is a derby match and Chelsea consistently underacheive at home. With the second leg of the Champions League on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see if temporary coach Guus Hiddink plays his strongest side. Chelsea are virtually out of the Premier League race and have 3rd placed just about locked up, so the Champions League should be a top priority. It should be a physical and close matche between two solid teams. Prediction – 1-1 Draw
Manchester United at Middlesbrough – Saturday – 12:45 GMT – Middlesbrough is in 19th place, and 3 points behind 17th Hull City. They have struggled all season and a victory or draw against league leaders Manchester United 
would be a much needed boost. Man U had a terrific second half at Tottenham last weekend, and should be able to dominate the weaker Middlesbrough side. The only worrying sign for United was they struggled to convert chances against Arsenal in the midweek Champions League match, and were down 0-2 at hafltime to Tottenham. As with Chelsea, it will be interesting to see if Sir Alex Ferguson rests Rooney, Ronaldo, or any of the other key players. Prediction – Manchester United win 2-0
Newcastle at Liverpool – Sunday – 13:30 GMT – Liverpool had a disappointing draw against Arsenal 2 weeks ago and Newcastle continues to be in danger of relegation. Alan Shearer has a tough job of keeping Newcastle in the Premier League next season, as they’ve only earned 3 points in their last 6 games. In the same span, Liverpool have 16, with 5 wins and 1 draw. At Anfield, Liverpool should be able to dominate and anything less than the full 3 points will effectively kill their league title hopes. Steven Gerrard should be returning after an injury and will help to energize the club. Prediction – Liverpool win 4-0
