Heading in to match day 27 of the English Premier League, we kick off with Liverpool taking on the long journey to the south coast to face Bournemouth following a 7 – 0 demolition of Manchester United. A struggling Everton side face a tough test at home to Brentford, finishing up on Sunday with a West London versus North London derby between Fulham and Arsenal, and the final super Sunday fixture between Newcastle and Wolves.
Bournemouth v Liverpool – Saturday 11th March 2023 – K/O 12:30 GMT
Bournemouth’s fortunes have taken a turn for the worse as they now find themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table instead of climbing out of the relegation zone. Despite being only one point behind 17th-placed Leeds United, a win before their fellow relegation battlers kick off would provide a significant boost to The Cherries, who have a record of three wins, four draws, and five losses at their home ground, the Vitality Stadium.
Since their return from the World Cup, Bournemouth have won just one of their last twelve games in all competitions. They suffered consecutive defeats against the current top two teams in the Premier League after their 1-0 win over Wolves. Their latest loss came against Manchester City, who convincingly beat them two weeks ago. However, Bournemouth managed to hold Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United to 1-1 draws at home before their loss to City.
The team is plagued with injuries, and Lloyd Kelly, Jefferson Lerma, and Marcus Tavernier are all hoping to make a return to the squad after a week of rest and recovery. Gary O’Neil, the coach, may be eagerly anticipating the international break to allow his players more time to recuperate and prepare for the crucial two months ahead.
Liverpool’s recent performance has seen them climb to 5th place in the Premier League table, with an impressive goal difference. They are now just three points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place, with the added benefit of having a game in hand. A win in their upcoming league fixture would allow them to temporarily return to the top four, although their record of three wins, three draws, and six losses away from home is not particularly reassuring.
Despite a heavy 3-0 loss to Wolves, Liverpool has won four of their last six games, with most of the wins coming at Anfield. In their previous match, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United with the help of two early goals and a Nick Pope sending off. However, they drew at Crystal Palace and suffered three consecutive away league defeats before their win at St James’ Park.
Joe Gomez and Naby Keita may be available for selection, but given last weekend’s successful performance, it is unlikely that there will be any changes to the starting eleven unless an injury occurs during training later in the week.
Liverpool’s home form has been impressive lately, except when facing Real Madrid. However, Jurgen Klopp acknowledges that his players need to improve their away record.
Liverpool has only won one of their last five away games in the Premier League, suffering a defeat from relegation-threatened Wolves in that period. Although they managed to produce consecutive away clean sheets with a goalless draw at Crystal Palace, Klopp will be relying on Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo to continue their recent success against Manchester United.
These three players have been developing a good understanding and rhythm, which will be essential for Liverpool’s bid to finish in the top four. While they have demonstrated their attacking abilities against defences like Bournemouth’s, this has occurred mostly at home.
Despite Bournemouth’s poor recent record against Liverpool and their conceding of seven goals in two league games, it is possible that they may score. However, I believe that Liverpool can replicate their performance from last Sunday and win by at least two goals against Bournemouth.
Premier League Head to Head Stats
27/08/22, 16:00 Liverpool – AFC Bournemouth 9 : 0 (5 : 0) (4 : 0)
07/03/20, 13:30 Liverpool – AFC Bournemouth 2 : 1 (2 : 1) (0 : 0)
07/12/19, 16:00 AFC Bournemouth – Liverpool 0 : 3 (0 : 2) (0 : 1)
09/02/19, 16:00 Liverpool – AFC Bournemouth 3 : 0 (2 : 0) (1 : 0)
08/12/18, 13:30 AFC Bournemouth – Liverpool 0 : 4 (0 : 1) (0 : 3)
Match Result Prediction
Liverpool to win.
Score Prediction
Bournemouth 0 – 3 Liverpool
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Everton v Brentford – Saturday 11th March 2023 – K/O 15:00 GMT
After their recent draw at the City Ground, Everton has fallen to 18th place in the Premier League table, but they are still in the relegation zone based on goal difference. Everyone associated with the club knows that their performance at Goodison Park will be critical in their battle against relegation, as they have a record of 4-2-7 at home.
Although Everton may feel like they lost two points in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest last weekend, the result ended their streak of consecutive Premier League defeats. While Sean Dyche’s team had recently secured home victories over Arsenal and Leeds United, Everton was defeated 0-2 by Aston Villa in their last game at Goodison Park.
Nathan Patterson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are both uncertain for the next match, but the latter may be closer to making a return. Vitalii Mykolenko is expected to have recovered from his illness and will likely resume his position at left-back.
Although currently in 9th place in the congested Premier League standings, Brentford are only four points adrift of 5th placed Liverpool. To keep up the pressure on the teams above them, the Bees need to improve their away record of 2 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses if they hope to secure a spot in Europe.
Brentford’s unbeaten run has extended to 12 games, with half of those resulting in victories. However, most of those wins have come at home, and the team has settled for draws in their recent away fixtures against Leeds United and Arsenal.
It’s anticipated that Thomas Strakosha will make a return following the international break.
The draw at Nottingham Forest showed promise for Everton’s attacking prowess, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin nearing a return, their chances look better. However, Sean Dyche will be keen for his team to focus on defence against a Brentford side who have shown vulnerabilities in recent away games.
Last season, Brentford beat a struggling Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park. While I expect Brentford to attack, their away form hasn’t been as impressive as their home record. Nonetheless, they could still create chances, as Aston Villa did.
On the other hand, Everton have looked dangerous in recent games, particularly from set pieces. But their defensive frailties also make them susceptible to conceding. With tough conditions to contend with, an early goal could set the stage for a fixture that may see at least three goals.
Premier League Head to Head Stats
27/08/22, 16:00 Brentford – Everton 1 : 1 (0 : 1) (1 : 0)
15/05/22, 17:30 Everton – Brentford 2 : 3 (2 : 1) (0 : 2)
28/11/21, 15:00 Brentford – Everton 1 : 0 (1 : 0) (0 : 0)
Match Result Prediction
Brentford to win.
Score Prediction
Everton 1 – 2 Brentford
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Leeds United v Brighton – Saturday 11th March 2023 – K/O 15:00 GMT
Leeds United have thirteen remaining Premier League games to secure their top-flight status, with the team currently in 17th place and only outside the relegation zone on goal difference. However, they have a chance to improve their home form this weekend, where they have a 4-4-4 record, having both scored and conceded 16 goals.
Despite a recent run of 1 win in their last 7 games across all competitions, with 5 defeats, Leeds United did manage to end their run of 4 home Premier League games without a win by defeating Southampton 1-0 in Javi Gracia’s debut match in charge. Additionally, the team has only lost to Manchester City and Manchester United in their last 6 home league games.
Unfortunately, Liam Cooper, Luis Sinisterra, and Patrick Bamford are all doubtful for the upcoming game.
After a convincing victory over West Ham United, Brighton’s morale has been lifted and they have the potential for a strong March. The club has a Premier League makeup fixture and a winnable FA Cup Quarter Final coming up at the Amex Stadium under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, as they aim to secure a place in Europe.
Brighton’s recent three-point haul has pushed them to 8th place in the Premier League table and 7 points behind the top four with three games in hand. Their 5-3-3 record away from home is encouraging, and the team will look to build on their recent success and continue their winning streak this month.
Brighton has lost only one of their last ten games in all competitions, having won seven, including their last two matches against Stoke City and West Ham United. While unbeaten in their last five away Premier League games, they won the first three of those games before drawing at Leicester City and Crystal Palace.
Tariq Lamptey and Levi Colwell are both hoping to recover in time for the upcoming match.
Brighton’s momentum away from home has slowed down due to draws at Leicester City and Crystal Palace, but their performance at Selhurst Park was good enough to win. Roberto De Zerbi has done an excellent job with the team and aims to make history by bringing European Football to the South Coast. While the Champions League places may be out of reach, Brighton expects to reach at least one game at Wembley in the FA Cup. The team has a great level, and I believe they will be dangerous from the start and likely to secure an away win, despite being priced like a Big Six club. Even if Leeds United scores the first goal, it may not be enough to stop Brighton from scoring, considering their impressive record of scoring away from home.
Premier League Head to Head Stats
27/08/22, 16:00 Brighton and Hove Albion – Leeds United 1 : 0 (0 : 0) (1 : 0)
15/05/22, 15:00 Leeds United – Brighton and Hove Albion 1 : 1 (0 : 1) (1 : 0)
27/11/21, 18:30 Brighton and Hove Albion – Leeds United 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0)
01/05/21, 16:00 Brighton and Hove Albion – Leeds United 2 : 0 (1 : 0) (1 : 0)
16/01/21, 16:00 Leeds United – Brighton and Hove Albion 0 : 1 (0 : 1) (0 : 0)
Match Result Prediction
Brighton to win.
Score Prediction
Leeds United 1 – 2 Brighton
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