With just seven games left until the end of the 2022/23 Premier League season it’s really going down to the wire with both the top and the bottom half of the table!
Arsenal v Southampton – Friday 21st April 2023 – 20:00 BST
The outcomes at Anfield and the London Stadium have been difficult to digest, yet Arsenal maintains a 4-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the standings, despite having played one more match. They can increase the pressure by establishing a 7-point margin before facing Manchester City, who are participating in the FA Cup this weekend. Furthermore, Arsenal boasts an impressive 12-2-1 record at the Emirates Stadium to build upon.
Arsenal remains undefeated in 11 consecutive games across all competitions during regular play, although they have experienced draws in 3 of their last 5 matches, including back-to-back 2-2 stalemates at Liverpool and West Ham United. The team will undoubtedly appreciate returning home, as they have triumphed in their previous 4 Premier League matches at the Emirates, scoring a total of 15 goals and a minimum of three in each victory.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s unexpected absence on Sunday raises doubts about his participation in the upcoming Friday evening match. William Saliba is nearing his comeback, but his availability also remains uncertain.
The Saints find themselves at the bottom of the Premier League standings, with a 4-point gap from the safe zone and only seven league matches remaining. Throughout the season, Southampton’s primary issue has been their home performance; however, their 4-1-10 away record in the top flight offers a glimmer of hope for a potential upset in this weekend’s opening league match.
Southampton’s defeat to Crystal Palace last Saturday extended their winless streak to six Premier League games since their 1-0 home triumph over Leicester City. During this period, the team has managed to secure a mere 2 points out of a possible 18, causing them to fall behind their relegation competitors. Additionally, Southampton has failed to score in their last three away league matches after their surprising victory at Chelsea.
Valentino Livramento has recovered from a long-term injury, but it is doubtful that he will be in the starting lineup. Both Mohamed Salisu and Che Adams’ participation is uncertain, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is ineligible to play against his parent team.
Arsenal possesses the talent and ability to overwhelm opponents, and playing at home means they won’t be facing a hostile crowd that could unsettle them during difficult moments on the field. Instead, they can expect ample support from their fans, who are well aware that Arsenal remains in a favorable position in the Premier League title race. This support can help transfer pressure onto Manchester City before the crucial match on Wednesday.
Arsenal couldn’t have hoped for a more suitable adversary, as a struggling Southampton team travels to North London, desperately seeking a victory to boost their morale.
The last-placed team has had difficulties at both ends of the pitch in recent matches, conceding an excessive number of goals. Ruben Selles may want to make the home team uneasy, but it’s uncertain whether Southampton has the caliber to restrain Arsenal, who have consistently demonstrated rapid starts.
Arsenal has netted 15 goals in 4 home Premier League victories, including crushing Southampton’s relegation-threatened rivals Everton and Leeds United. With a few days to prepare for their match at the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal will aim to secure a resounding win to send a message. This time around, they should be able to capitalize on any early advantage they gain.
Premier League Head to Head
| 23/10/22, 15:00 | Southampton – Arsenal | 1 : 1 (0 : 1) (1 : 0) |
| 16/04/22, 16:00 | Southampton – Arsenal | 1 : 0 (1 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 11/12/21, 16:00 | Arsenal – Southampton | 3 : 0 (2 : 0) (1 : 0) |
| 26/01/21, 21:15 | Southampton – Arsenal | 1 : 3 (1 : 2) (0 : 1) |
| 16/12/20, 19:00 | Arsenal – Southampton | 1 : 1 (0 : 1) (1 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Arsenal to win.
Score Prediction
Arsenal 3 – 1 Southampton
Fulham v Leeds United – Saturday 22nd April 2023 – 12:30 BST
Securing a crucial victory at Everton has invigorated Fulham, who currently sit 10th in the Premier League standings and trail the probable European qualification spots by 7 points. Although catching up in the remaining seven league matches seems improbable, Silva will be keen on finishing the season on a positive note, as Fulham seeks to enhance their 6-4-5 home record at Craven Cottage during the early Saturday kickoff.
Fulham had suffered five consecutive losses across all competitions, including matches against relegation-threatened Bournemouth and West Ham United. However, their 3-1 triumph at Everton has placed their opponents in a vulnerable position. Fulham supporters are eager to witness their team’s strong performance, as the squad aims to snap a streak of three home league matches without a victory and overcome their recent scoring drought in the last two games at Craven Cottage.
Daniel James is barred from competing against his parent club this weekend, while Aleksandar Mitrovic remains suspended.
Leeds United’s goal difference suffered a significant blow following their 1-6 home defeat to Liverpool on Monday Night Football, making them the team with the most goals conceded in the Premier League. They currently sit 16th in the standings, with only a 2-point cushion over 18th-placed Nottingham Forest and a 4-point lead over 19th-placed Leicester City. Their 2-3-10 away record provides little reassurance, which makes the recent home losses even more painful.
Though Leeds United managed to defeat Nottingham Forest earlier this month, they have lost three of the four league matches since the March international break, conceding a staggering 15 goals in those defeats. In their last five away games across all competitions, they’ve lost four times; however, they did secure a 4-2 victory at Wolves.
Stuart Dallas, Tyler Adams, and Patrick Bamford are all uncertain to participate in this crucial Premier League match.
Leeds United must have faith in their ability to challenge Fulham in this early kickoff. Despite being without their key player, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham’s goals at Everton last week demonstrate their capacity to deliver in the attacking third. Although they’ve struggled to score in recent matches, the win at Goodison Park should boost their confidence, and Leeds United’s defense may further aid any attack lacking self-assurance.
While a draw wouldn’t be the worst outcome for Leeds United, they’re not a team equipped to adopt a defensive strategy and stifle their opposition.
Both teams are likely to find success offensively, and there might be an underestimation of the probability of witnessing at least three goals in this match. This was the case when Fulham visited Elland Road, and the opportunities presented in the FA Cup match at Craven Cottage just over six weeks ago suggest that we could see at least one more goal than in that encounter.
The last six Leeds United matches have ended with a total of three or more goals, a trend mirrored in five of Fulham’s last six games. Therefore, betting on goals seems like a sensible choice for this weekend.
Premier League Head to Head
| 23/10/22, 15:00 | Leeds United – Fulham | 2 : 3 (1 : 1) (1 : 2) |
| 19/03/21, 21:00 | Fulham – Leeds United | 1 : 2 (1 : 1) (0 : 1) |
| 19/09/20, 16:00 | Leeds United – Fulham | 4 : 3 (2 : 1) (2 : 2) |
Match Result Prediction
Fulham to win.
Score Prediction
Fulham 1 – 0 Leeds United
Brentford v Aston Villa – Saturday 22nd April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Last weekend’s loss has positioned Brentford 9th in the Premier League standings, trailing 7th-placed Brighton by 6 points despite having played two additional matches. Thomas Frank will still regard this as an exceptionally successful second season in the top flight, and Brentford will be driven to outperform West London rivals Fulham and Chelsea, who currently rank 10th and 11th, respectively. At the Gtech Community Stadium this season, the Bees hold a 7-6-2 record.
Brentford has managed to secure only one victory in their last seven Premier League games, suffering three consecutive defeats and scoring just once during this losing streak against Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Wolves. Although they had maintained a 10-match unbeaten run at home, they couldn’t preserve their lead against Newcastle United, ultimately losing 1-2 two weeks ago.
Both Kristoffer Ajer and Keane Lewis-Potter are aiming to return before the season concludes, but they remain a few weeks away. Pontus Jansson is not only expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season, but if that is the case, he would have already played his final match for Brentford, with a transfer to Malmo confirmed.
Currently sitting 6th in the Premier League standings, Aston Villa is just 6 points behind Newcastle United in the top four, although they have played one more game than the Magpies. Securing a top seven finish would likely bring European football back to Villa Park, and some fans might even entertain the possibility of a Champions League spot. To maintain their momentum and pressure the teams above them, the Villains must improve upon their 6-3-6 away record.
Aston Villa has gone undefeated in eight matches since conceding late goals in their 4-2 loss to Arsenal, winning seven of those games, including the last five in a row. After a 3-1 defeat at Manchester City, Villa has bounced back by claiming three of their last four away Premier League games, collecting 10 out of a possible 12 points.
Leon Bailey is anticipated to be absent once more, but Aston Villa’s roster could be strengthened by the potential return of Matty Cash, Boubacar Kamara, and Philippe Coutinho.
Brentford will pose a challenging test for Aston Villa, though Thomas Frank’s squad has recently experienced a dip in form. A disappointing record of one win in their last seven Premier League matches has diminished their European aspirations. Even more concerning is Brentford’s three consecutive losses, including the end of their 10-game unbeaten streak at the Gtech Community Stadium in their last match.
Brentford will attack and create problems for Aston Villa, but they’re struggling defensively, making it difficult to contain the visiting side.
Nevertheless, the home team has the ability to trouble Aston Villa, whose away defense hasn’t been as solid as their clean sheets might suggest. Both Everton and Chelsea created numerous chances against them in home league matches, and Brentford has a strong performance record in front of their own fans.
Oddsmakers are having a hard time separating these two top-half teams, and a close, competitive match is anticipated. In truth, a draw won’t greatly benefit either side, so an offensive game is expected, featuring two strikers with hopes of representing England in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers in June.
Both Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins have demonstrated impressive form, with the latter currently enjoying a hotter streak. It’s likely that we’ll see goals scored in this West London clash.
Premier League Head to Head
| 23/10/22, 15:00 | Aston Villa – Brentford | 4 : 0 (3 : 0) (1 : 0) |
| 02/01/22, 15:00 | Brentford – Aston Villa | 2 : 1 (1 : 1) (1 : 0) |
| 28/08/21, 16:00 | Aston Villa – Brentford | 1 : 1 (1 : 1) (0 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Aston Villa to win.
Score Prediction
Brentford 1 – 2 Aston Villa
