Chelsea vs. Leicester
Wednesday, without getting carried away on a bandwagon gathering pace with every David Luiz performance, Frank Lampard goal and John Terry rallying cry, saw a return to the sort of performance that earned the old guard the exact player power they have allegedly been exerting as of late.
With an exhilarating and rousing display at Stamford Bridge midweek, Chelsea will return to the same playing field on Sunday and with a vocal crowd and the riding of the crest of a wave, The Blues have the ability to outfox Leicester without really stepping out of second gear. Leicester have underwhelmed this season and whilst they’re six points off of a play-off position (potentially extending to nine), their form of late hasn’t been great, losing two of their last three and the London club will be expected to achieve a comfortable win, especially considering their timely return to form following Andre Villas-Boas’ departure.
Prediction: Chelsea win.
Liverpool vs. Stoke
Liverpool’s home form this season has been built on a tight, disciplined and flexible defence: however, their attacking prowess has left little to be desired for. Whilst they have the second meanest back line in the Premier League, conceding just ten at home all season, they’re the lowest scorers, bar Everton, in the top ten.
However, in the F.A. Cup, as well as having to beating Manchester United to get this far, they have been prolific, scoring thirteen goals in three games, including six against Brighton in the fifth round. Although, hard to call, Liverpool’s saving grace this season has been their cup form in both the F.A. and League Cup and a home win is expected.
Yet, Stoke, who reached last year’s final, are sure to put up a typically resilient display, emphasized by former Potters’ striker Vincent Pericard’s recent comments regarding Tony Pulis’ management style: “Playing at Stoke under Tony was different to being at Portsmouth with Harry. With Harry, you had plenty of five-a-sides but at Stoke, it was all about shape.”
Prediction: Liverpool win.