Aston Villa VS Arsenal
Unai Emery faces his former club as Aston Villa host Arsenal at Villa Park. Aston Villa suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Manchester City in their last game and they currently sit 11th in the table. Arsenal drew one each with Brentford on Saturday before they suffered a 3-1 home loss against Manchester City that saw them lose top spot in the Premier League. In their previous 21 meetings, Villa have won 5 times compared to Arsenal’s 15. 3 of those wins for Villa occurred within just 7 months (July 2020 to February 2021). For Aston Villa, it’s important for them that they end their losing streak. Villa are ranked 12th in GPG (1.2) and they also have the 12th-best home record in the league. As for Arsenal, they need to win this game. The Gunners are ranked 2nd in GPG (2.1), but they haven’t won any of their last 4 games in all competitions (1D,3L).
My Prediction: 1-2
Brentford VS Crystal Palace
Brentford picked up a positive point away from home against Arsenal last weekend and they currently sit 8th in the Premier League table. Crystal Palace picked up a solid point at home to Brighton last week and they currently sit in 12th place. In their previous 3 meetings, every game has finished as a draw (1-1 on aggregate). For Brentford, this is a great opportunity to pick up another win. The Bees are ranked 7th in GPG (1.6) and they are unbeaten in their last 10 league games. As for Crystal Palace, they really need to pick up a win to stop this poor rut. The Eagles are ranked 14th in GPG (0.9) and they haven’t won any of their last 7 games (in all competitions).
My Prediction: 3-0
Brighton VS Fulham
Two high-flying clubs dreaming of European Football face off as Brighton host Fulham at the AMEX. Brighton dropped two points away from home last week (against Crystal Palace) and they currently sit 6th in the table. Fulham picked up a good 2-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest last week and they currently sit in 7th. In their previous 11 meetings, Brighton have won 5 times compared to Fulham’s 3. For Brighton and Hove Albion, this is their chance to build a gap to the chasing teams. The Seagulls are ranked 3rd in GPG (1.9) and they are unbeaten in their last 7 games (in all competitions). As for Fulham, a win here would be huge for their European chances. Fulham are ranked 10th in GPG (1.5) and they are unbeaten against Brighton in their last 5 meetings (2W,3D).
My Prediction: 5-3
Chelsea VS Southampton
Chelsea host Southampton in a must-win game for both sides. Chelsea drew one all at West Ham in their last league game before they lost to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last night (1-0). Chelsea currently sit 10th in the table. Southampton suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Wolves which saw Nathan Jones lose his job. Southampton currently sit bottom of the Premier League. In their previous 24 meetings, Chelsea have won 13 times compared to Southampton’s 4. For Chelsea, they have to be winning this game. The Blues are ranked 13th in GPG (1.0) and they have the 9th-best home record in the league. As for Southampton, they need to try and pick up a big result to boost their confidence. The Saints are ranked 17th in GPG (0.8) and they have the 14th-best away record in the league.
My Prediction: 2-0
Everton VS Leeds
18th hosts 17th in what could prove to be a pivotal game in both Everton and Leeds’ seasons. Everton suffered a 2-0 loss away to local rivals Liverpool last week whilst Leeds United suffered a 2-0 loss at home to rivals Manchester United. In their previous 6 meetings, Everton have won twice, Leeds have won twice and their have been 2 draws. For Everton, they have to take advantage of being at home. The Toffees are ranked 20th in GPG (0.7) and they have the second-worst home record in the league. As for Leeds, this is a chance for them to move away from the relegation zone. Leeds are ranked 11th in GPG (1.3) and they have the third-worst away record in the league.
My Prediction: 1-0
Nottingham Forest VS Manchester City
Nottingham Forest suffered a 2-0 loss away to Fulham last week and they currently sit 14th in the table. Manchester City beat Aston Villa 3-1 on the weekend before they went to the Emirates last night and beat Arsenal 3-1 to move to the top of the Premier League table. Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest 6-0 in the fixture at the Etihad earlier on in the season. For Nottingham Forest, can they pick up another superb victory at home? Forest are ranked 18th in GPG (0.8) and they have the 10th-best home record in the league. As for Manchester City, they’ll be disappointed with anything other than 3 points out of this game. City are ranked 1st in GPG (2.6) and they have the second-best away record in the league.
My Prediction: 1-3
Wolves VS Bournemouth
Wolverhampton Wanderers picked up a really good 2-1 win away to Southampton last week and they currently sit 15th in the table. Bournemouth picked up a positive point at home to Newcastle last week, but they still sit 19th in the table. In their previous 7 meetings, Wolves have won 3 times compared to Bournemouth’s 2. For Wolves, this is an opportunity to pull themselves well clear of the relegation zone. Wolves are ranked 18th in GPG (0.8) and they’re on a two-game winning run. As for Bournemouth, they need to start winning football matches. The Cherries are ranked 14th in GPG (0.9) and they haven’t won any of their 9 games since the World Cup.
My Prediction: 2-0
Newcastle VS Liverpool
Newcastle host Liverpool in a huge Saturday Night Football clash. Newcastle dropped more points away from home against Bournemouth last week and they currently sit 4th in the table. Liverpool picked up a positive 2-0 win at home against their local rivals Everton to move up into 9th place. In their previous 23 meetings, Newcastle have won 4 times compared to Liverpool’s 13. Newcastle’s only defeat in the league this season came in the reverse fixture at Anfield. For Newcastle, this is a big chance for them to leave Liverpool well in the rear mirror. The Magpies are ranked 9th in GPG (1.6) and they have the 5th-best home record in the league. As for Liverpool, they’re right back into the top 4 battle with a win here. The Reds are ranked 6th in GPG (1.7) and they have the 15th-best away record in the league.
My Prediction: 0-0
Manchester United VS Leicester
Manchester United picked up a 2-0 win away to Leeds in their last game and they currently sit third in the Premier League. Leicester City demolished Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 last week and they currently sit 13th in the table. In their previous 19 meetings, United have won 53% of the time compared to Leicester’s 21%. For Manchester United, they will want to try and put some pressure on both Arsenal and Manchester City. United are ranked 5th in GPG (1.7) and they are unbeaten in their last 6 games. As for Leicester, they come into this game playing their best football of the season. The Foxes are ranked 7th in GPG (1.6) and they’ve scored 8 goals in their last 2 matches.
My Prediction: 2-2
Tottenham VS West Ham
The final game of the weekend sees two London rivals do battle as Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham United. Tottenham were stuffed 4-1 by Leicester City last weekend and they lost 1-0 in Milan earlier on in the week. Spurs currently sit 5th in the table. West Ham picked up a solid point at home to Chelsea last week and they currently sit in 16th place. In their previous 27 meetings, Tottenham have won 12 times compared to West Ham’s 10. For Tottenham, they should be winning this game. Spurs are ranked 4th in GPG (1.8) and they have the 7th best home record in the league. As for West Ham, they need to pull away from the relegation zone. The Hammers are ranked 16th in GPG (0.9) and they have the 4th worst away record in the league.
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