Chelsea VS Fulham
The Premier League returns after FA Cup action to see another London Derby, this time between Chelsea and Fulham. Chelsea’s last game was a nil-nil draw with Liverpool in the league and the Blues currently sit 10th in the table. Fulham drew one each with Sunderland in the FA Cup 4th round and they sit 7th in the league table. In their previous 14 meetings, Chelsea have won 8 times compared to Fulham’s 1. That win for Fulham happened 3 weeks ago! For Chelsea, a win here would move them right back into European contention. The Blues are ranked 13th in GPG (1.1) and they have the 9th-best home record in the league. As for Fulham, this would be a big win if they were able to pull it off. Fulham are currently ranked 9th in GPG (1.5) and they have the 7th-best away record in the league.
My Prediction: 1-0
Everton VS Arsenal
Sean Dyche’s first task as Everton boss is to try and somehow get a result against league leaders Arsenal. Everton lost 2-0 against West Ham in their last game and they currently sit 19th in the table. Arsenal actually lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup last week, but they still lead the rest of the Premier League by 5 points (with a game in hand). In their last 27 meetings, Arsenal have won 16 times compared to Everton’s 6. Everton have beaten Arsenal 2-1 in their last two league games at Goodison Park. For Everton, this could be a bad day for them, even with a new manager. The Toffees are ranked 19th in GPG (0.8) and they haven’t won any of their last 10 competitive matches. As for Arsenal, they are looking to bounce back from last week’s cup defeat. Arsenal are ranked 2nd in GPG (2.4) and they have by far the best away record in the league.
My Prediction: 1-4
Aston Villa VS Leicester
Aston Villa picked up a 1-0 victory away to Southampton in their last game and they currently sit 11th in the table. Leicester were able to beat Walsall 1-0 away in the FA Cup and they currently sit 14th in the table. In the last 13 games between the two sides, both teams have managed 5 wins each. For Aston Villa, they are quietly moving themselves into the fight for European places and a win here would really put them in that fight. Villa are ranked 12th in GPG (1.2) and they have the 8th best defence in the league (1.4 GCPG). As for Leicester City, they need to get further away from the relegation zone. The Foxes are ranked 10th in GPG (1.4) and they have the 12th-best away record in the league.
My Prediction: 2-0
Brentford VS Southampton
Brentford drew 0-0 with Leeds in their last game and they currently sit 8th in the Premier League table. Southampton were victorious over Blackpool in the FA Cup last weekend (2-1), but they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Newcastle (also 2-1). Southampton are still sitting bottom of the league. In their previous 6 meetings, Brentford have won 3 times compared to Southampton’s 2. Brentford won 3-0 in this fixture last season. For Brentford, this is a great opportunity for them to move into the European places. The Bees are ranked 7th in GPG (1.6) and they have the 6th-best home record in the league. As for Southampton, this would be a great result if they were able to take all 3 points. The Saints are ranked 16th in GPG (0.9) and they haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last 5 games.
My Prediction: 3-1
Brighton VS Bournemouth
Brighton knocked out Liverpool in the FA Cup last week (2-1) and they currently sit 6th in the league table. Bournemouth drew one each with Nottingham Forest in their last game and they now find themselves sitting in the relegation zone (18th). In their previous 14 meetings, Bournemouth have won 8 times compared to just the two wins for Brighton. For Brighton, this is a game they should be winning. The Seagulls are ranked 4th in GPG (1.9) and they are on a 5-game unbeaten run. As for Bournemouth, they really need to try and turn the ship around. The Cherries are ranked 14th in GPG (1.0) and they have the worst away record in the league.
My Prediction: 3-0
Manchester United VS Crystal Palace
Manchester United beat Reading 3-1 in the FA Cup last week and they then beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Wednesday to advance to the Carabao Cup final. United currently sit 4th in the table. Crystal Palace drew 0-0 with Newcastle in their last game and they currently sit 12th in the table. In their previous 22 meetings, Man U have won 64% of the time compared to Palace’s 18%. For Manchester United, they will want to make it 4 wins in a row. United are ranked 7th in GPG (1.6) and they have the fourth-best home record in the league. As for Crystal Palace, this will be a tough game for them to get anything out of it. The Eagles are ranked 15th in GPG (0.9) and they haven’t won any of their last 5 games.
My Prediction: 2-1
Wolves VS Liverpool
Wolverhampton Wanderers lost 3-0 to Manchester City in their last game and they currently sit in 17th place, only outside the relegation zone due to goal difference. Liverpool were beaten by Brighton in the FA Cup last week (2-1) and they currently sit 9th in the league table. In their last 16 meetings, Liverpool have won 12 times compared to Wolves’ 3. Liverpool controversially knocked Wolves out of the FA Cup just a few weeks ago. For Wolverhampton Wanderers, this is a winnable game for them. Wolves are ranked 20th in GPG (0.6) and they have the fourth-worst home record in the league. As for Liverpool, they really need to start getting a good run of results together. The Reds are ranked 5th in GPG (1.8) and they are unbeaten in their last 9 games against Wolves (8W,1D).
My Prediction: 0-0
Newcastle VS West Ham
Newcastle United beat Southampton 2-1 on Tuesday to advance to the Carabao Cup final. Newcastle currently sit third in the Premier League table. West Ham went to League One Derby and picked up a 2-0 win to advance to the FA Cup fifth round. West Ham currently sit 16th in the table. In their previous 21 meetings, Newcastle have won 11 times compared to West Ham’s 6. For Newcastle, this is a game they really should be winning. The Magpies are ranked 6th in GPG (1.7) and they’ve kept 12 clean sheets in the league this season (the best). As for West Ham, they need to turn their season around. The Hammers are ranked 16th in GPG (0.9) and they have the third-worst away record in the league this season.
My Prediction: 2-0
Nottingham Forest VS Leeds
Nottingham Forest were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Manchester United the other day, but they still sit in a very positive 13th place in the league. Leeds beat Accrington Stanley 3-1 in the FA Cup last week and they currently sit 15th in the table. In their previous 20 meetings, Forest have won 40% of the games compared to Leeds’ 25%. For Nottingham Forest, this is another chance for them to move further up the table. Forest are ranked 18th in GPG (0.8) and they have the 11th-best home record in the league. As for Leeds, they need to try and move further away from the relegation zone. Leeds are currently ranked 11th in GPG (1.4) and they have the second-worst away record in the league this season.
My Prediction: 2-1
Tottenham VS Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City in a huge Premier League clash. Tottenham were 3-0 winners at Preston last week and they currently sit 5th in the table. Manchester City were able to knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup last week with a 1-0 win and they currently sit second in the table. In their previous 29 meetings, Spurs have won 9 times compared to Manchester City’s 17. In their 4 meetings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs have won all 4 ties and they haven’t conceded a goal. Heung-Min Son has also scored in all of those games. For Tottenham, they need to get some wins together to keep up with the teams in the top 4. Spurs are currently ranked 3rd in GPG (1.9) and they have the 7th best home record in the league (haven’t drawn a single game). As for Manchester City, they really can’t afford to drop many, if at all any points for the rest of the season. City are ranked 1st in GPG (2.7) and they have the 4th best away record in the league.
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