Matchday 28 arrives following a midweek round of European fixtures. First up this week the Magpies travel to face Nottingham Forest. Read on the below for this weeks previews.
Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United – Friday 16th March 2023 – 20:00 GMT
The Premier League’s rare Friday night match will be covered by television cameras. Nottingham Forest, currently 14th in the table, are only a few points away from the relegation zone. The City Ground has been a stronghold for Nottingham Forest, boasting a 5-5-3 record in the top flight.
Nottingham Forest has been struggling in their last 5 Premier League games since their 1-0 home win against Leeds United, securing only 2 points out of a possible 15, causing them to slip back towards the Championship. The team was also defeated 0-3 by Manchester United in the League Cup Semi-Final First Leg. Nevertheless, Nottingham Forest has not lost a Premier League game in the past 9 matches at the City Ground, winning 4 of them.
Several players such as Dean Henderson, Scott McKenna, Cheikhou Kouyate, and Chris Wood are looking to use the international break to recuperate and return to full fitness when the Premier League resumes in early April. Meanwhile, Brennan Johnson, who has found his footing in the top flight, may not be available for this game.
Following the results from last weekend, Newcastle United has climbed back up to 5th place in the Premier League table. They currently trail Tottenham Hotspur by 4 points in 4th place, but have two games in hand. With a record of 4-6-2 away in the Premier League, Newcastle United shares the record for the fewest away defeats and goals conceded with Arsenal.
Unfortunately, Newcastle United has not won any of their last 5 games across all competitions. They suffered three consecutive losses before securing a victory with a late goal against Wolves in their recent home match. Their last away League game against Manchester City resulted in a 2-0 loss, marking their first defeat on the road in the top flight since August. Moreover, they have not won any of their last 4 away Premier League games.
This weekend, Joelinton will complete his suspension, and Anthony Gordon has been ruled out due to injury.
Nottingham Forest’s recent fixtures have seen them concede a considerable number of chances, which is concerning given the absence of Scott McKenna and Willy Boly. Although they have been formidable at home, this vulnerability could prove problematic against a Newcastle United team that tends to create opportunities, although their conversion rate can be inconsistent.
In their past 4 away Premier League matches, Newcastle United has only scored one goal since their convincing victory against Leicester City on Boxing Day. However, their 2-1 win over Wolves last weekend has provided a much-needed boost to their confidence. Eddie Howe is likely to employ the same strategy that resulted in numerous chances in their games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, although poor composure in the final third has often let them down. Nevertheless, I believe they will be able to generate many opportunities in this match.
Nottingham Forest has managed to score in their previous 11 home Premier League games, indicating that they can be a threat even without Brennan Johnson. However, keeping their defence intact may be a challenge, and I anticipate this fixture producing more goals than expected.
Premier League Head to Head
06/08/22, 16:00 Newcastle United – Nottingham Forest 2 : 0 (0 : 0) (2 : 0)
Match Result Prediction
Newcastle United to win.
Score Prediction
Nottingham Forest 0 – 2 Newcastle United
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Aston Villa v Bournemouth – Saturday 18th March 2023 – K/O 15:00 GMT
Aston Villa is currently in 11th place in the Premier League table, with a comfortable 8 point lead over 12th placed Crystal Palace. However, they are looking up at the teams above them and aiming to close the 7 point gap to the top seven. To achieve this, they will need a strong end to the campaign at Villa Park, where they have a decent 6-2-5 record in the top flight.
Despite losing 2-4 to Arsenal in a game that was decided by late goals, Aston Villa has gone unbeaten in their last three Premier League games. They led both Leicester City and Arsenal before losing both games at Villa Park, but managed to beat Crystal Palace in their last home fixture. Their run of wins was halted by a 1-1 draw with West Ham United last weekend.
Ahead of their upcoming game, the availability of Leander Dendoncker and Boubacar Kamara is uncertain, and both players will undergo late fitness tests to determine their participation.
After securing a crucial three points in their previous game, Bournemouth briefly moved out of the relegation zone. However, Everton’s victory has since dropped them back down to 18th place in the Premier League table. Although they are only in the bottom three on goal difference, Bournemouth will need to improve their 2-2-9 record away from home to remain competitive. Another positive result before the international break could provide a much-needed confidence boost for the team.
Bournemouth’s recent form had been dismal, with seven losses in eight games across all competitions. However, they have managed to earn seven points out of a possible fifteen since mid-February, suggesting a slight improvement. Despite losing to Arsenal in their most recent away fixture, Bournemouth were unfortunate to do so, and have only won once in their last nine away games – a 0-1 victory against Wolves.
Adam Smith, Hamed Traore, and Marcus Tavenier are all uncertain for the team’s final game before the international break. They will require late fitness tests to confirm their availability.
Unai Emery will need his team to remain focused if they hope to overcome Gary O’Neil’s Bournemouth side. Bournemouth’s recent 1-0 win over Liverpool has given them new hope in their fight to avoid relegation. They have earned seven points from their last fifteen in the Premier League, showcasing improved form after bolstering their squad during the January transfer window. Their new players seem to have integrated well at the Vitality Stadium, and the majority of their better results have come at home.
Despite losing eight of their last nine away games in all competitions, Bournemouth have managed to secure notable victories at Wolves and led 0-2 at Arsenal before ultimately losing 3-2. While these performances deserve recognition, it is important to note that Bournemouth’s defence still needs improvement if they are to stay up.
Although Bournemouth have won on their last two visits to Villa Park, the last of those was in August 2019, and the home win over Aston Villa came when both teams had different management on the opening day of the season. Aston Villa, who have been playing with creative flair, will provide opportunities for an in-form Ollie Watkins to make an impact. Both teams’ starting elevens will likely have an impact, but I predict a win for the home team.
Premier League Head to Head
06/08/22, 16:00 Bournemouth – Aston Villa 2 : 0 (1 : 0) (1 : 0)
01/02/20, 16:00 Bournemouth – Aston Villa 2 : 1 (2 : 0) (0 : 1)
17/08/19, 16:00 Aston Villa – Bournemouth 1 : 2 (0 : 2) (1 : 0)
09/04/16, 16:00 Aston Villa – Bournemouth 1 : 2 (0 : 1) (1 : 1)
08/08/15, 16:00 AFC Bournemouth – Aston Villa 0 : 1 (0 : 0) (0 : 1)
Match Result Prediction
Aston Villa to win.
Score Prediction
Aston Villa 2 – 1 Bournemouth
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Brentford v Leicester City – Saturday 18th March 2023 – K/O 15:00 GMT
Brentford bounced back strongly from their loss at Goodison Park and secured an easy three points against Southampton on Wednesday, keeping their hopes of qualifying for Europe alive. Ahead of the international break, it would be ideal for Thomas Frank and his team to secure another win and maintain their momentum, especially with the possibility of Ivan Toney facing a long-term suspension.
However, the issue of Toney’s potential suspension is not the immediate concern, and he could face a two-game suspension if he receives a booking in the upcoming matches. Toney played a crucial role in helping Brentford climb to 8th place in the Premier League, ahead of rivals Fulham, and a victory in their next game could see them finish the month in 6th place. Brentford has a good home record with a 7-5-1 record in the top flight, and they will look to continue their winning ways at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Although Brentford’s long unbeaten Premier League record was ended by Everton, they are determined to get back on track and continue their winning ways. With Kristoffer Ajer and Vitaly Janelt both expected to miss the next game, and Mads Roerslev a doubt, the team will have to make some adjustments to their line-up. Nonetheless, Brentford will look to build on their recent home form, having won four of their last five home League games.
Brendan Rodgers’ future as the manager of Leicester City is under scrutiny as the fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with his performance. If the team suffers a loss in West London on Saturday, the board may face a tough decision in the next two weeks. Leicester City’s poor form has dragged them back into the relegation battle, and a couple of negative results could see them slip back into the bottom three by the end of the weekend.
The pressure is mounting on Rodgers as Leicester City has slipped down to 16th place in the Premier League table, only outside of the bottom three on goal difference. The Foxes’ away record in the Premier League this season is dismal, with just four wins, zero draws, and nine losses, scoring 21 goals but conceding 29.
Leicester City’s fortunes have been inconsistent this season, and they have lost five consecutive games in all competitions, including a 1-3 defeat at home to Chelsea last weekend. Their form away from home in the Premier League is particularly concerning, with four defeats in their last five games since the World Cup break.
The team will have to cope without Wout Faes, who was sent off last weekend and serves a one-game suspension. However, Jonny Evans and Victor Kristiansen are expected to return after the international break. Harvey Barnes should be fit to start, but Youri Tielemens is out until the middle of April.
Leicester City’s defensive issues have been a concern and the suspension of Wout Faes this weekend will only magnify their vulnerabilities. However, Leicester City will feel they can match up well with Brentford when they are attacking, as they have won their last three away games against this opponent since January 2020. Moreover, they have scored twice in all three Premier League games between the clubs since last season.
The critical question for Leicester City is whether they can contain the influential Ivan Toney and keep Brentford at bay. Although Toney is expected to face a suspension soon, he is currently in fine form and will be brimming with confidence after being called up to the England team for the upcoming Euro 2024 Qualifiers. He played a crucial role in the recent win against Southampton.
Leicester City will be without the injured trio of Faes, Jonny Evans, and Jannik Vestergaard, which could make them even more susceptible to Toney and Brentford’s attacking prowess. Therefore, I anticipate a high-scoring match, as both teams have been creating chances and neither has been entirely secure at the back. I predict that at least three goals will be scored, given the favourable playing conditions in West London this time out.
Premier League Head to Head
07/08/22, 15:00 Leicester City – Brentford 2 : 2 (1 : 0) (1 : 2)
20/03/22, 15:00 Leicester City – Brentford 2 : 1 (2 : 0) (0 : 1)
24/10/21, 15:00 Brentford – Leicester City 1 : 2 (0 : 1) (1 : 1)
Match Result Prediction
Brentford to win.
Score Prediction
Brentford 2 – 0 Leicester City
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Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur – Saturday 18th March 2023 – K/O 15:00
For the optimists, Southampton’s remaining fixtures being played at St Mary’s gives them hope of avoiding relegation. However, the pessimists argue that their poor home record, highlighted by the recent loss to Brentford, needs to be addressed by manager Ruben Selles. Southampton, currently at the bottom of the Premier League table, have 11 games left and are only 2 points away from safety in a highly competitive bottom half. Despite winning six points in the last six games, they have only scored three goals under Selles’ management. Additionally, the team has lost three out of their last four home games in all competitions, conceding twice in each of those losses. The loss to Brentford also adds to their poor record of six losses in their last seven Premier League games at St Mary’s. There are concerns over Kyle Walker-Peters and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who may not be available for upcoming matches due to injuries.
Despite Antonio Conte’s attempts to avoid discussions about his future as Tottenham Hotspur manager, he is consistently questioned about his contract at press conferences. While the recent victory over Nottingham Forest will have pleased the fans, Conte needs to focus on improving the team’s performance away from home if they hope to secure another top-four finish. Currently, Tottenham Hotspur is four points ahead of fifth-placed Newcastle United, although they have played two more games. The team has a record of 5 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses away from home in the Premier League.
After a poor run that saw the team lose in both the FA Cup and Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur ended a three-game winless streak with the win over Nottingham Forest. However, the team has lost their last four away games in all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat in each of the last three games against Milan, Sheffield United, and Wolves. While Emerson Royal is expected to be available, Hugo Lloris and Ryan Sessegnon may have to wait until after the international break to make their returns.
Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur are both struggling with inconsistent form, making it difficult to predict a winner for the upcoming match. Southampton has struggled to score goals all season, but they may be able to take advantage of Tottenham Hotspur’s recent defensive troubles and create opportunities through set pieces or open play. On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur has the benefit of a strong performance by Harry Kane and may be able to penetrate Southampton’s porous defense.
Both teams have been struggling in the final third, and historically, the fixtures between them have produced goals from both sides. However, the lack of confidence and effectiveness in the current season may lead to a low-scoring match. The first goal of the match could be pivotal in determining the outcome, and either team may fail to score at all. Despite the recent history of the fixture, I believe this match may not produce goals from both sides due to the teams’ current form.
Premier League Head to Head
06/08/22, 16:00 Tottenham Hotspur – Southampton 4 : 1 (2 : 1) (2 : 0)
09/02/22, 20:45 Tottenham Hotspur – Southampton 2 : 3 (1 : 1) (1 : 2)
28/12/21, 16:00 Southampton – Tottenham Hotspur 1 : 1 (1 : 1) (0 : 0)
21/04/21, 19:00 Tottenham Hotspur – Southampton 2 : 1 (0 : 1) (2 : 0)
20/09/20, 13:00 Southampton – Tottenham Hotspur 2 : 5 (1 : 1) (1 : 4)
Match Result Prediction
Tottenham to win.
Score Prediction
Southampton 1 – 2 Tottenham Hotspur
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Wolves v Leeds United – Saturday 18th March 2023 – K/O 15:00
The defeat of Wolves to Newcastle United last Sunday has caused controversy due to a decision that worked against them early on. If the referee or VAR had made a decision that favoured the visiting team, the outcome could have been different. As a result, the pressure is on Wolves and Julen Lopetegui to secure a significant result before the international break in order to move away from the relegation zone.
Despite remaining in 13th place in the Premier League table, Wolves are just three points clear of the bottom three positions. If they lose to a team currently in the relegation zone, it would be a major setback for a team that has a 5-2-6 record at Molineux.
Although Wolves appeared to be making progress in early February, they have only won one of their last five Premier League games. However, they have won three of their last four League fixtures at home, including their last Premier League game at Molineux against Tottenham Hotspur.
While Boubacar Traore is expected to be involved, Pablo Sarabia is a doubtful starter. Unfortunately, Hugo Bueno and Diego Costa are expected to miss out on the upcoming game.
Leeds United’s resilience in scoring two equalisers during their last match demonstrates the strength of character within the team. This trait will be essential for Javi Gracia as he aims to steer the club out of the relegation zone, the sole purpose of his appointment. However, aside from their 2-2 draw with Brighton, Leeds United had an underwhelming weekend as their relegation rivals, Bournemouth and Everton, both won.
These results have resulted in Leeds United dropping to 19th place in the congested Premier League table, but they remain just a point behind 16th-placed Leicester City. In their away fixtures in the top-flight, the team has only earned one win out of 13 games, scoring a total of 13 goals.
Although Leeds United has only won one game in their last eight across all competitions, the point earned in their last match with Brighton is still valuable. Now, the team’s priority is to improve their poor away record, having only gained two points in the Premier League since their victory at Liverpool. The team suffered a 2-2 draw against Manchester United and lost 1-0 to Everton and Chelsea in their subsequent away games.
Liam Cooper may return, but Tyler Adams is expected to miss the next game.
This Premier League match is crucial as both Wolves and Leeds United are fighting to stay out of the relegation battle. Both teams are now led by Spanish managers, but they are struggling to find consistency.
Home advantage will be vital for all teams at the bottom, except perhaps for Southampton. This factor could make the difference in this match.
Leeds United has struggled to score goals, let alone win points, away from home, while Wolves have won three of their last four games at home under Julen Lopetegui. These wins were achieved through a solid defence. Despite still awaiting a goal from a striker, Wolves has quality midfielders who can assist. As a result, I believe they will create better opportunities in this match.
Although Javi Gracia has not been in charge at Elland Road for too long, he has yet to have the desired impact on the team’s defensive side. Leeds United showed determination by fighting back for a point against Brighton last week. However, their performance has been better at Elland Road than in their away games. I think Wolves will have the upper hand in this game, but the first goal will be crucial.
Premier League Head to Head
06/08/22, 16:00 Leeds United – Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 : 1 (1 : 1) (1 : 0)
18/03/22, 21:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers – Leeds United 2 : 3 (2 : 0) (0 : 3)
23/10/21, 16:00 Leeds United – Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 : 1 (0 : 1) (1 : 0)
19/02/21, 21:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers – Leeds United 1 : 0 (0 : 0) (1 : 0)
19/10/20, 21:00 Leeds United – Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 : 1 (0 : 0) (0 : 1)
Match Result Prediction
Wolves to win.
Score Prediction
Wolves 2 – 0 Leeds United
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Chelsea v Everton – Saturday 18th March 2023 – K/O 17:30 GMT
Graham Potter may have felt his tenure as Chelsea manager had truly begun after a tense victory over Leeds United, as his team has progressed to the Champions League Quarter Final and won back-to-back Premier League games since. While Chelsea’s top-four hopes may be out of reach, missing out on European football altogether would be a significant setback for the club. Currently in 10th place, Chelsea remains only five points behind Brighton in seventh, the last position that offers European football through the Premier League. Chelsea aims to improve their home record this weekend as they look to build on their best run since October, having won three in a row in all competitions. However, they will be without key players Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, and Raheem Sterling, while Mason Mount, Reece James, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are all doubtful for the match.
Sean Dyche might have felt a bit uneasy after his team blew a couple of leads at the City Ground. Everton’s narrow lead over Brentford in their last game added to his nerves, but a goal scored in the opening minute helped secure a victory. Dyche has been working hard to bring out the best in his squad at Goodison Park, but he still wants to see more ruthlessness from his players in the final third to maintain their long-standing position as a top-flight club.
Although their vital three points against Brentford moved Everton up to 15th place, they’re only one point above the relegation zone. With a late Saturday game coming up, their position could easily change. Everton’s 1-5-7 record away from home further emphasizes the importance of their home form.
After suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa and a 4-0 loss at Arsenal, Everton bounced back to secure four points out of six in their last two games against Nottingham Forest and Brentford. Although they had lost four consecutive away games previously, they twice led at the City Ground before settling for a 2-2 draw.
Nathan Patterson might be available for the upcoming game, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin won’t be rushed into action until he’s fully fit after the international break.
As the bottom of the table is quite congested, Everton may find themselves in a different position when they play on Saturday evening. Despite this, Sean Dyche is unlikely to change his approach and will aim for a tight, compact defense while looking to create scoring opportunities through set pieces or counter attacks.
To be fair to the manager, his team has shown a positive approach in recent games against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. Everton gave the league leaders a tough test before conceding late goals in the first half. A similar approach could trouble Chelsea, especially given their injuries, although Graham Potter may feel that he is finally making an impact with his players.
Chelsea’s three consecutive wins will have boosted the team and manager. They still have hope of securing a spot in Europe through their league finish. Maintaining momentum is a top priority for Potter and his team. They know Everton are struggling to keep clean sheets, particularly away from home. However, Chelsea has the talent to expose these vulnerabilities and score goals.
Scoring has been a challenge for Chelsea in recent months, but they have scored five goals in their last two games, boosting the confidence of their attackers. Both teams are likely to have chances in the upcoming game, and I believe there will be at least three goals scored.
Premier League Head to Head
06/08/22, 18:30 Everton – Chelsea 0 : 1 (0 : 1) (0 : 0)
01/05/22, 15:00 Everton – Chelsea 1 : 0 (0 : 0) (1 : 0)
16/12/21, 20:45 Chelsea – Everton 1 : 1 (0 : 0) (1 : 1)
08/03/21, 19:00 Chelsea – Everton 2 : 0 (1 : 0) (1 : 0)
12/12/20, 21:00 Everton – Chelsea 1 : 0 (1 : 0) (0 : 0)
Match Result Prediction
Chelsea to win.
Score Prediction
Chelsea 2 – 0 Everton
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Arsenal v Crystal Palace – Sunday 19th March 2023 – K/O 14:00
Arsenal’s exit from the Europa League on Thursday could turn out to be a positive outcome as it allows the team to solely concentrate on the Premier League title race for the next two months. Although playing extra time was not an ideal situation, Arsenal is back at the Emirates Stadium, and facing a struggling opponent may give them a sense of comfort.
Maintaining a five-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League table, Arsenal can further extend their lead on Sunday while their title rivals focus on the FA Cup. Despite losing on penalties at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, Arsenal has an impressive 10-2-1 record in the Premier League.
Moreover, Arsenal has been unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, with five victories. After their home loss to Manchester City last month, Arsenal bounced back with wins against Everton and Bournemouth in their recent league fixtures.
However, Takehiro Tomiyasu, William Saliba, Mohamed Elneny, and Eddie Nketiah may miss out on the upcoming games due to injuries.
To avoid being embroiled in a relegation battle, Crystal Palace must improve their composure in the final third, according to manager Patrick Vieira. The defeat to rivals Brighton on Wednesday has added to the pressure on the team, who are slipping back in the Premier League table.
Crystal Palace has not won a game this year, but they are still in 12th place, only three points ahead of 18th-placed Bournemouth. Depending on the outcome of Saturday’s matches, they could be closer to the relegation zone when they play on Sunday. Their away form has been particularly poor, with a 2-4-7 record.
The team’s winless streak stretches to 12 games across all competitions, with three consecutive 1-0 defeats. The loss to Brighton also marks their fourth defeat in five away games in the Premier League.
Vicente Guiata, Nathan Ferguson, James McArthur, and Will Hughes are all doubtful for the upcoming game.
While some may question how Arsenal’s Europa League exit will impact their Premier League title race, they couldn’t have asked for better opponents to face before and after the international break. Arsenal may feel some fatigue after their defeat to Sporting Lisbon, which went into extra time and penalties, but they are playing a struggling Crystal Palace team who have lost their last three games.
Crystal Palace, managed by former Arsenal player Patrick Vieira, is under pressure to turn their fortunes around and climb out of the relegation zone. Their struggles in the final third have continued, and they are facing an Arsenal team that has been effective at bouncing back from defeats this season.
Although Crystal Palace has had an extra day to prepare for the game, they have had issues scoring away from home. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s attackers are ready to play despite injuries picked up during the Europa League match.
Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper situation may cause problems, and Arsenal should take advantage of their opponent’s issues. Crystal Palace has a good record at the Emirates Stadium, but they are struggling and Arsenal is expected to win.
In an update, Patrick Vieira was sacked as Crystal Palace manager on Friday morning, which may or may not affect the team’s performance in the upcoming game. The decision to sack Vieira is not surprising, but it was expected to happen during the international break.
Premier League Head to Head
05/08/22, 21:00 Crystal Palace – Arsenal 0 : 2 (0 : 1) (0 : 1)
04/04/22, 21:00 Crystal Palace – Arsenal 3 : 0 (2 : 0) (1 : 0)
18/10/21, 21:00 Arsenal – Crystal Palace 2 : 2 (1 : 0) (1 : 2)
19/05/21, 20:00 Crystal Palace – Arsenal 1 : 3 (0 : 1) (1 : 2)
14/01/21, 21:00 Arsenal – Crystal Palace 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0)
Match Result Prediction
Arsenal to win.
Score Prediction
Arsenal 2 – 0 Crystal Palace
