All set for another round of Premier League fixtures? Read our predictions here…
There is no respite in the Premier League with a midweek round of fixtures coming up over the next few days.
The dust has barely settled on another frantic weekend that saw Arsenal maintain their five-point advantage at the top of the table.
At the other end, it’s as you were as well with West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham all losing.
Here, we take a look at the fixtures and offer up our Premier League predictions!
TUESDAY
Bournemouth v Brentford (7.30pm)
Bournemouth had the rub of the green at the weekend with Sunderland unhappy at several match-changing decisions from referee Jarred Gillett. The Cherries profited to claim a point – and extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to eight games – but will hope for more when Brentford visit the Vitality Stadium. Keith Andrews’ side earned a hard-fought win at Burnley on Saturday and this is a clash between two teams for whom a win here would strengthen their claims for a European spot.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Brentford
Everton v Burnley (7.30pm)
Jordan Pickford’s brilliance earned Everton a win at Newcastle on Saturday and they have an excellent chance to build on that when Burnley visit the Hill Dickinson Stadium. A victory on home turf is long overdue – their last three-point haul at their new ground was way back on December 6 – but they will go into this one with optimism. It was a familiar tale for Burnley against Brentford with lots of honest endeavour but no points. One win in 19 Premier League games tells its own story. The Clarets will be playing in the Championship next season.
Prediction: Everton 3-0 Burnley
Leeds v Sunderland (7.30pm)
Leeds played well against Manchester City at the weekend and, but for some better finishing, would have claimed at least a point. Daniel Farke’s side remain a tough proposition at Elland Road and it will again be bouncing for the visit of Sunderland. The Wearsiders arguably deserved more at Bournemouth but the stalemate means it is one win in six. They have enough points on the board to avoid a relegation battle but this is another stiff test. Leeds won the corresponding fixture in the Championship last season thanks to two very late Pascal Struijk goals and we think the hosts will edge this one as well.
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Sunderland
Wolves v Liverpool (8.15pm)
Wolves’ recent performances were finally rewarded against Aston Villa on Friday night to give their long-suffering fans something to smile about. It won’t be enough for them to avoid the drop but Wolves can attack every game between now and the end of the season knowing they have little to lose. That makes them dangerous and Liverpool will be wary given what is at stake. Arne Slot’s side continued their charge for a Champions League place with a 5-2 win over West Ham on Saturday but this is a nasty fixture for the Merseysiders. Don’t be surprised if Wolves get something from it.
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Liverpool
WEDNESDAY
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.30pm)
The battle for a top-five finish and likely qualification for the Champions League is the centre of attention here. Villa have gone off the boil with one win in five league games, allowing the chasing pack to make up ground. Chelsea are very much in the conversation despite Sunday’s defeat at Arsenal. If they can keep 11 men on the field that would undoubtedly help although it is nearly a month now since Liam Rosenior’s side tasted victory in the league.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
Brighton v Arsenal (7.30pm)
This would have looked a routine assignment for Arsenal a fortnight ago but Fabian Hurzeler’s side have picked up with wins over Brentford and Nottingham Forest and, all of a sudden, are looking upwards once again. Danny Welbeck was the matchwinner against Forest and the former Gunners striker will be doing his utmost to disrupt Arsenal’s imposing back four. Much has been said about Arsenal “winning ugly” but the fact is it’s working. They top the table, have scored the most goals and conceded the fewest. It’s a potent combination, even if it doesn’t satisfy the purists. If this comes down to a physical battle then there’s only one winner.
Prediction: Brighton 1-3 Arsenal
Fulham v West Ham (7.30pm)
There has been plenty of positivity around West Ham in recent weeks but the reality is it’s one win in five for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. They played well in patches at Liverpool but never really looked like coming home with the three points. They make the short trip to Fulham for another difficult game. The Cottagers have won their last two and looked good in doing so. They have plenty of good, attacking players that can hurt the Hammers and will see this as an excellent chance to solidify their place in the top half.
Prediction: Fulham 3-1 West Ham
Manchester City v Nottingham Forest (7.30pm)
Manchester City continue to grind out wins despite giving the impression they are not a classic Pep Guardiola team just yet. Saturday was another example of getting over the line despite a few wobbles along the way. The absence of Erling Haaland at Leeds clearly didn’t help and it remains to be seen if the talismanic Norwegian returns for this one. Forest will be hoping he doesn’t. After an impressive opening-game win at Fenerbahce, it is now three straight defeats under the watch of new boss Vitor Pereira. Anything at the Etihad would be seen as a bonus but it looks unlikely.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Newcastle v Manchester United (8.15pm)
Manchester United rode their luck at the weekend, Maxence Lacroix’s harsh dismissal swinging the momentum in their favour against Crystal Palace. Fortunate, yes, but they still had to get the job done and did so as Michael Carrick’s appointment continues to look a masterstroke. They will need to raise their performance levels on Wednesday night, however. Newcastle continue to underwhelm in the league – one win in seven and sitting in 13th is not what their Saudi Arabian overlords would expect given their extensive spending – but they remain a threat on their day.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Manchester United
THURSDAY
Tottenham v Crystal Palace (8pm)
There is no indication yet that Spurs’ problems are any closer to being solved. Doubts remain as to whether Igor Tudor is the answer – would they have been better keeping Thomas Frank? We will never know but the club, and a furious fanbase, need a morale-boosting win, and soon. The good news is Palace are also in disarray. Oliver Glasner’s departure means there are question marks around the players’ desire, although they will rightly point to a battling display at Old Trafford yesterday. This feels like a must-win for Spurs and we fancy them to do it.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Crystal Palace
