This is another another edition of my What If series where I try and predict what would have happened in the Premier League if the matches were played on the dates they were supposed to be played on. In the previous edition Liverpool were confirmed Champions and Chelsea were brought even closer to the field in the top 4 race while Aston Villa made their way out of the drop zone. Scroll down to see what I believe would’ve happened this Gameweek.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
What Would have happened:
This would’ve been a tougher matchup for Villa than their previous 2 games having had some luck with the schedule around the FA Cup quarter finals. Wolves would only be 5 points off the top 4 coming into this with Chelsea having lost in the previous midweek and they’re a better side than Villa anyway who did look seriously poor before this break. I’d be pretty confident in Wolves taking care of business here and being able to shut out Villa with Boly fully match fit again at this point.
Aston Villa 0-2 Wolves
Arsenal vs Norwich City
What would have happened:
Away form has been a huge problem for Norwich all season and with Arsenal unbeaten at home in the league in 2020, this wouldn’t have been an obvious place for them to turn that form around. Arsenal would need to win here to make sure their season didn’t completely fall away and I can see them winning this one easily enough and keeping a clean sheet in the process..
Arsenal 3-0 Norwich
Bournemouth vs Newcastle United
What would have happened:
This fixture has actually been quite entertaining over recent times with neither team struggling to find the net. Bournemouth would be sat in 19th at this point and this fixture would be the easiest one they have until gameweek 37. I feel they have the stronger attack and that would be enough to pick up a vital win in this one. King is a stronger player at home than away and with him finally shaking off his hamstring injury, he’d be able to add the spark they’ve been missing for most of the season. Newcastle would still be looking for the 4 points needed to probably confirm safety but I feel they’d have a better chance picking up those points at home.
Bournemouth 3-1 Newcastle
Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester United
What would have happened:
This game would’ve been a real litmus test for if United were able to reach top 4. An away game they should be able to win on paper against a side who have probably performed better than a lot of their results indicate and find themselves in the relegation scrap because of it. I do believe they’ll be able to sneak a 1-0 here, their defence has improved massively recently and with Brighton not being a particularly clinical side at home despite creating lots of chances, they can keep a clean sheet here and nick a winner.
Brighton 0-1 Man United
Crystal Palace vs Burnley
What would have happened:
A midtable matchup that Palace have dominated in recent times having won 4 in a row against Burnley. This would be a low scoring one in my eyes with these teams scoring only 4 goals between them in the previous 3 gameweeks and with neither side likely to contend for Europe, I could see Dyche turning up for a point and getting it in a very forgettable game.
Palace 0-0 Burnley
Watford vs Southampton
What would have happened:
This is another tough one to predict. Watford have been a very inconsistent side as of late while Southampton have tailed off a bit since a good run around Christmas with their away form especially alarming. Southampton have dominated the matchup in recent times but Watford would come into this game in slightly better form. I’d say Watford are the more likely winners but 1-1 is the most likely score for me.
Watford 1-1 Southampton
Sheffield United vs Tottenham Hotspur
What would have happened:
Sheffield United would be going through a dip in form coming into this one but Spurs would be a complete mess in my eyes with all of these attacking injuries and Sheffield United have been pretty fearless at home to the top sides this season. I have them winning this one and effectively ending the season for a luckless Spurs side.
Sheffield United 2-0 Tottenham
West Ham United vs Chelsea
What would have happened:
West Ham would come into this in great form but I feel Chelsea would be too strong here. Gilmour looked like the sort of X factor player that may be able to get them over the line for a top 4 spot and the return of Loftus Cheek would help as well though I could only have seen him coming off the bench in this one. West Ham have major problems at the back with none of their defenders impressing much recently and I can’t see them keeping 2 clean sheets in a row against London rivals though they may be able to nick a goal to keep the scoreline close.
West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
Manchester City vs Liverpool
What would have happened:
Liverpool would’ve won the title by now in this series but there would still be a definite edge to this game and both teams would be giving their all. I’d have given City the edge though, they’d have had this game circled for a long time and with both sides likely to be at full strength, City would probably have the advantage at home. Liverpool haven’t been amazing at the back as of late and even with Alisson likely to be back for this one, it would be a tall order for them to keep City out.
Man City 2-1 Liverpool
Everton vs Leicester City
What would have happened:
Leicester have had the edge in this matchup recently having won the last 3 times these sides have faced off and are the better team. But Everton can cause problems for anyone on a good day and they would be coming into this game full of confidence going forward after scoring 3 at Norwich and ending a winless run. With a strong home atmosphere to boot, they would give Leicester plenty to think about here and I can see this being a high scoring draw in the end.
Everton 2-2 Leicester
Updated table after Gameweek 32:
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