April 25, West Brom v Liverpool – WIN (new points tally – 65)
Tony Pulis was a thorn in our side last season, as he masterminded Crystal Palace’s comeback against us in the penultimate game of the season. We will be anxious to avoid a repeat of such circumstances when we face West Brom, and the Echo has backed us for a narrow win.
Three wins in the Baggies’ last five games – over Swansea, Southampton and Stoke – are very impressive and a clear result of the famous Pulis effect. Still, with no relegation battle as motivation, Liverpool could capitalise.
May 2, Liverpool v QPR – WIN (new points tally – 68)
QPR could be dead and buried by this point, having only won one game in 12 under new manager Chris Ramsey. They’ve lost eight of their last nine games, and that’s despite having the Premier League’s fourth top goalscorer in Charlie Austin with fifteen goals. The departure of Harry Redknapp simply hasn’t had a positive effect on the strugglers, and Liverpool shouldn’t have any problem in dispatching them at Anfield – so long as we avoid complacency.
May 9, Chelsea v Liverpool – WIN (new points tally – 71)
The Echo has gone big with this one, and backed us for a win at Stamford Bridge! Chelsea could be champions by this point, which should at least ensure they’re down on their usual intensity. They already have a six point lead on Manchester City, and Manuel Pellegrini’s men are far from their best.
However, there are signs that Chelsea are starting to slip. Dropped points to Burnley and Southampton are one thing, but their star players are showing signs of burnout too. Diego Costa has only managed one Premier League goal since January, and Cesc Fabregas just a single top flight assist in the same period.
Liverpool deserved a win against the Blues in the League Cup earlier this year, and would no doubt love to set the record straight.
May 16, Liverpool v Crystal Palace – WIN (new points tally – 74)
This run-in is feeling awfully familiar isn’t it… but the Echo have gone for six points rather than one from the Chelsea / Palace double-header.
Crystal Palace have won five of their nine Premier League games since Alan Pardew took charge, and sit comfortably in mid-table. Liverpool have already beaten the Eagles once this season, although we were humbled at Selhurst Park earlier this season. Let’s hope home-field advantage pays off!
May 23, Stoke v Liverpool – DRAW (new points tally – 75)
Liverpool have a decent record against Stoke of late, but won’t be looking forward to a difficult final day trip to the Britannia. Stoke have already taken points off Manchester United and Arsenal at home this season, and will no doubt be looking for another big scalp to round their season off on a high. Still, their ground is not the stronghold it may have been a couple of years ago – they’ve won seven, drawn two and lost five of their fourteen homes games this term, with Aston Villa, Leicester, Burnley, Chelsea and Man City all claiming maximum points. Perhaps it is with that in mind that made the Echo has back us to get the job done!
