Premier London Derbies (PLDs) return on Saturday 10 April 2021 at Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace entertain Chelsea. This fixture has tended to go the Blues’ way in the last 4 seasons: 0-1 in 2016-17; 2-1 in 2017-18; 0-1 in 2018-19; and 2-3 in 2019-20. With Palace low scorers and a negative goal difference (-16 goals) and Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea usually very tight in defence another away win seems likely. That 2-5 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion was an aberration!
That unexpected defeat of Chelsea (51 points from 30 games played), Tottenham Hotspur’s (49 from 30) 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, and West Ham United’s good 2-3 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers allowed the Hammers to jump over both into 4th place in the Premier League (PL) with 52 points from 30. If these Clubs keep up the same rates of points per game over their final 8 games of the season it will remain very tight for the places in European football. Liverpool (49 from 30), Everton (47 from 29) and Aston Villa (44 from 29) will want their say too.
Arsenal (42 from 30) are some way behind but usually finish the season strongly. They still have interests in the Europa League but the late equalizer by Slavia Prague in the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium could be a very valuable away goal. Chelsea are also still in the UEFA Champions League with a 2 away goals advantage over Porto of Portugal after their Quarter Final first leg. Crystal Palace’s season appears to be fizzling out. At present 12th on 38 from 30 they could have 48 points at this rate and comfortable safety. That leaves Fulham, whose valiant rally has stalled again, with only 26 from 31 played. A projected 33 points will probably not be enough to keep them up. Will they be passed Brentford coming up on the way down?
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.