Premier League (Photo : Getty Images)
Leicester City is inching closer toward securing the Premier League championship, but Saturday's match-up with West Ham presents a stern test for the Foxes. Meanwhile, Arsenal looks to keep climbing in the standing as they play Crystal Palace.
Leicester City vs. West Ham at 11:00 a.m US ET on NBC Sports, Sky Sports 1 (UK) / Live Stream on NBC Extra, Stream Hunter / Starting Lineup & Scores on ESPN FC
On the line: The Foxes are still on top of the Premier League table with 72 points (21-9-3), but still hasn't secured the Premiership at this point. Leicester City has been on a roll the past seven games. They defeated Sunderland last week 2-0 for win no. 21 in 33 games. A victory over Westham would further ballon their lead over Tottenham to 10 points with four games left in their schedule after this.
Westham, on the other hand, have also put themselves in contention for a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League after racking up 52 points (13-13-6) through 32 matches. West Ham's last Premier League victory was at the expense of Everton 3-2 last March 5. Since then, the Irons just scored a total of three points in their last three matches and they are coming off a 1-2 loss over Manchester United.
Prediction & Predicted Winner: the Foxes will once again rely on their defense. Leicester City blanked their last two foes with their suffocating defensive scheme. While they are still miles away from becoming a highly-explosive offensive team, I still believe Leicester City will find a way to slice through West Ham's shaky defense in the end. Leicester 2-0 over West Ham.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace at 11:00 a.m US ET on NBC Sports, Telemundo, SKy Sports 1HD UK / Live Stream on NBC Sports Extra, West Wood One Sports/ Starting Lineup & Stats on ESPN FC
On the line: Arsenal has a shot at securing one of the three outright berths for next year's UEFA Champions League. The Gunners have collected 59 points through 33 matches and are one point behind third-placer Manchester City (60 points). Getting three more points would be huge for Arsenal's cause with five games left in the standings.
As for Glaziers, it all comes down to avoiding relegation. Crystal Palace has 38 points, 8 points above Sunderland - the first team below the relegation line. They are unbeaten in the last three matches, though it was just good for 5 points.
Prediction & Predicted Winner: the hungrier team will win this match. Crystal Palace may be desperate for the victory, but the Gunners enter this match with a mission. Expect Arsenal to go all out from the get-go, stifling the Glaziers with their defense and blowing them away with equally potent offense. I have Gunners winning 3-0.
