Matchday 29 kicks off with a cracker as Manchester City play host to Liverpool.
After the last international break of the 2022/23 season, all the major prizes in England and Europe will be awarded before the next Euro 2024 Qualifiers take place. Despite being in FA Cup Quarter Final action a couple of weeks ago, Manchester City has an opportunity to catch up in the Premier League, and Pep Guardiola is not giving up on winning a third consecutive League title.
Manchester City v Liverpool – Saturday 1st April 2023 – 12:30 BST
This weekend, Manchester City plays first and hopes to put pressure on Arsenal by defeating Liverpool and closing the gap between the two main contenders for the Premier League title. Manchester City has a formidable record of 11-1-1 at the Etihad Stadium in the top flight, scoring 43 goals in those matches.
Manchester City entered the latest international break on a six-match winning streak in all competitions, with only half of those wins coming from Premier League fixtures. The team has won eight consecutive home matches in all competitions, including a 7-0 victory over Leipzig and a 6-0 win against Burnley in the week before the players left for international duty.
Phil Foden had to undergo surgery to remove his appendix and is expected to be out for much of April. Additionally, Erling Haaland withdrew from the Norway internationals, raising doubts about his availability.
As anticipated after their significant home defeat, Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid was confirmed. They have had more than two weeks to rest, which Jurgen Klopp hopes has rejuvenated his team. Liverpool is aiming to regain their form as they strive to push their way back into the top four in the Premier League.
Over the past couple of weeks, Liverpool’s results have been unsatisfactory, and they are currently sixth in the table, trailing Tottenham Hotspur by seven points in the top four, albeit with two games in hand. While Liverpool’s home performance is not a major concern, their 3-3-7 record away from home in the Premier League is troubling and must improve if they intend to return to the Champions League next season.
Liverpool appeared to be heading in the right direction, having secured consecutive Premier League victories, including a resounding triumph over Manchester United. However, they have since suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats at Bournemouth and Real Madrid. Liverpool has lost four of its last six away games in all competitions, failing to score in four of their last five matches.
Joe Gomez, Thiago, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez are all expected to play this weekend, while Stefan Bajcetic, who showed promise as a young player, will be ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury.
Liverpool faces a crucial week ahead, returning from internationals with three challenging fixtures against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. While Jurgen Klopp believes his team has the attacking prowess to outscore these opponents, he must also acknowledge that Liverpool has only scored three goals in their last six away games across all competitions.
Liverpool has struggled to defend in recent away matches, failing to score in four of their last five. Their next match is against Manchester City, who have scored the most home goals in the Premier League this season. Although having Erling Haaland leading the line would be advantageous, Manchester City possesses enough quality in the final third to create chances even without him. Liverpool can contribute to a high-scoring match with their swift counterattacks, but ultimately, Manchester City is likely to secure a victory, and the pressure will be on Arsenal to respond.
Premier League Head to Head
| 16/10/22, 17:30 | Liverpool – Manchester City | 1 : 0 (0 : 0) (1 : 0) |
| 10/04/22, 17:30 | Manchester City – Liverpool | 2 : 2 (2 : 1) (0 : 1) |
| 03/10/21, 17:30 | Liverpool – Manchester City | 2 : 2 (0 : 0) (2 : 2) |
| 07/02/21, 17:30 | Liverpool – Manchester City | 1 : 4 (0 : 0) (1 : 4) |
| 08/11/20, 17:30 | Manchester City – Liverpool | 1 : 1 (1 : 1) (0 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Manchester City to win.
Score Prediction
Manchester City 2 – 1 Liverpool
Bournemouth v Fulham – Saturday 1st April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Two weeks ago, Bournemouth’s placement in the Premier League table fell back to 19th after their recent results. However, they are only trailing one point behind Leicester City in 17th place. This upcoming week is crucial for Bournemouth as they will be hosting two League fixtures in an effort to enhance their 4-4-5 record at the Vitality Stadium.
Previously, Bournemouth had a winless streak of 9 games in all competitions, but they have since made a comeback and obtained 6 points out of the last 15 available. After the World Cup break, Bournemouth had not won any of their five home games in all competitions, but they managed to break that pattern with a significant 1-0 victory over Liverpool in their most recent Premier League game at home.
Late fitness tests will determine the availability of Illia Zabarnyi, Marcus Tavernier, and Junior Stanislas for the upcoming fixture.
While Fulham understands that a single outcome won’t define their season, they regretfully acknowledge the missed opportunity in reaching the FA Cup Semi Final, particularly considering the circumstances surrounding their match against Manchester United. At present, the team is sitting at 9th place in the Premier League table with a sincere hope of returning to European football. To boost their European aspirations, Fulham must improve their record of 5-2-6 away from home during the season’s final stretch.
Although Fulham emerged victorious against Leeds United in the FA Cup Fifth Round, they have since lost three consecutive matches, with three goals conceded in each. The team is determined to end their away losing streak as they travel to the South Coast.
Shane Duffy is uncertain for the upcoming match, while Willian and Aleksandar Mitrovic are both suspended.
Bournemouth secured their latest Premier League triumph at the Vitality Stadium, marking their first home win since November before the World Cup. The team’s recent victory against Liverpool has instilled a great deal of confidence, particularly since Gary O’Neil has long been stating that the team has been unlucky in matches and is not a club teetering on the brink of relegation.
With the fallout from the FA Cup Quarter Final loss still resonating in April, Fulham may be facing Bournemouth at an opportune time. Although Marco Silva is soon to face a charge, his team will be without Willian and Aleksandar Mitrovic, which I believe leaves them with a shortage of attacking options in preparation for their trip to the South Coast.
Despite facing difficulties, Fulham has demonstrated that they can still secure positive results. However, Bournemouth has been creating opportunities at home and will be confident that they can defeat their fellow promoted club from last season. Despite their positive results this season, Fulham has struggled with conceding significant opportunities, and Bournemouth has exhibited a dangerous attacking mindset.
Of course, Fulham believes that they can still expose some of Bournemouth’s defensive weaknesses, but I believe they will lose some of their offensive prowess without Willian and Mitrovic. This may give Bournemouth an advantage, and we think they can secure a victory in a significant Premier League fixture, as evident by their odds on the ‘Draw No Bet’ market.
Premier League Head to Head
| 15/10/22, 16:00 | Fulham – AFC Bournemouth | 2 : 2 (1 : 2) (1 : 0) |
| 20/04/19, 16:00 | AFC Bournemouth – Fulham | 0 : 1 (0 : 0) (0 : 1) |
| 27/10/18, 16:00 | Fulham – AFC Bournemouth | 0 : 3 (0 : 1) (0 : 2) |
Match Result Prediction
Bournemouth to win.
Score Prediction
Bournemouth 1 – 0 Fulham
Arsenal v Leeds United – Saturday 1st April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Arsenal comfortably defeated Crystal Palace two weeks ago, creating an 8-point gap between themselves and Manchester City at the top of the table. The Gunners boast a formidable 11-2-1 record at the Emirates Stadium this season and are confident of maintaining their lead in the Division during the upcoming fixture.
Although Arsenal has not lost any of their last 8 games in regulation time across all competitions, they did suffer a penalty shootout defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Last 16 of the Europa League. While they were also beaten 1-3 at home by Manchester City, the team has bounced back with 6 straight Premier League victories, including the last 3 at home.
However, Arsenal faces injury concerns with Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey both picking up knocks and are doubtful for the upcoming game. Additionally, Eddie Nketiah is not expected back until the following weekend, while William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both expected to miss games, with Tomiyasu already ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Leeds United secured three crucial points two weeks ago, elevating them to 14th place on the League table. However, they are only two points clear of the relegation zone. The team’s away record improved to 2-3-9 in the Premier League this season after winning their last match at Molineux.
While Leeds United suffered a defeat in the FA Cup Fifth Round against Fulham under Javi Gracia, their main focus is on the Premier League, where they have gained 7 points from a possible 12, providing a significant boost. The team had lost three consecutive away games in all competitions since surrendering a 0-2 lead in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United. Nonetheless, they broke the losing streak with a 2-4 victory over Wolves.
Unfortunately, Max Wober, Tyler Adams, and Adam Forshaw are expected to miss out due to injuries. Additionally, Wilfried Gnonto sustained a knock while on international duty with Italy and may not be risked ahead of the crucial game against Nottingham Forest during the week.
As teams return from the international break, questions arise about how they will handle the situation. Most top clubs have players scattered around the world, some not returning until days before their next League game. However, Arsenal fans expect no excuses from their title-chasing club.
Mikel Arteta expects a good performance from his team as they aim to maintain the gap over Manchester City with another home win. Arsenal has been excellent at home all season, scoring numerous goals at the Emirates Stadium, including a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace just two weeks ago. The team has handled early international breaks well.
Arsenal’s opponent, Leeds United, struggled away from home before their 2-4 win over Wolves prior to the March internationals. Although this result may raise some doubts, Javi Gracia and his players have a vital game against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, which could be a distraction. Overemphasizing this fixture may cause them to lose focus, especially if they fall behind by a goal or two, leaving them short for the upcoming game against a direct relegation rival.
Leeds United has lost on their previous five visits to the Emirates Stadium, and they had lost three away games in a row before the victory at Molineux. Defensively, Leeds United has some significant issues to overcome, and Arsenal is likely to have too much, even with the break for international matches, as they aim to keep their title charge on track.
Premier League Head to Head
| 16/10/22, 15:00 | Leeds United – Arsenal | 0 : 1 (0 : 1) (0 : 0) |
| 08/05/22, 15:00 | Arsenal – Leeds United | 2 : 1 (2 : 0) (0 : 1) |
| 18/12/21, 18:30 | Leeds United – Arsenal | 1 : 4 (0 : 3) (1 : 1) |
| 14/02/21, 17:30 | Arsenal – Leeds United | 4 : 2 (3 : 0) (1 : 2) |
| 22/11/20, 17:30 | Leeds United – Arsenal | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Arsenal to win.
Score Prediction
Arsenal 2 – 0 Leeds
Brighton v Brentford – Saturday 1st April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Brighton faces a crucial two months ahead as they aim to secure a strong finish in the Premier League, which could potentially convince their manager Roberto De Zerbi to stay, amidst rumours linking him to the vacant managerial position at Tottenham Hotspur. While De Zerbi has not ruled out a move, he is currently focused on Brighton’s season. The team is currently seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place, but with three games in hand. Brighton will be facing Spurs next weekend and is aiming to improve their 7-2-4 home record.
The fans have high aspirations for the team and are dreaming of European football at the Amex Stadium, with hopes of making it to the Champions League. Despite suffering a surprise defeat to Fulham, Brighton has bounced back with an unbeaten run of five games, winning four of them. They have also won six out of their last seven home games in all competitions, including a 5-0 win against Grimsby Town in the FA Cup Quarter Final two weeks ago.
Tariq Lamptey, who has been out due to an injury, is hoping to make his comeback after the international break.
Ivan Toney’s hearing with The Football Association is yet to take place, and a possible long-term suspension could be on the horizon for the Brentford striker. However, he was able to make his debut for England in their recent 2-0 victory over Ukraine. Toney is expected to continue leading the line for Brentford this weekend as they aim to secure a spot in European football.
Currently placed 8th in the Premier League table with 42 points, Brentford, alongside Liverpool and Brighton, has a game in hand over Tottenham Hotspur and is trailing the top four by 7 points. Brentford has a 3-6-4 away record in the top flight this season and is looking to achieve a significant away result this weekend.
Despite a loss to Everton, Brentford has only lost one of their last 15 Premier League games and has recovered well, earning 4 points from the 6 available. Their last away League game resulted in a 0-2 victory at Southampton, but prior to that, they were unsuccessful in their previous three away games.
Shandon Baptiste is currently suspended, but Kristoffer Ajer and Mads Roerslev are hopeful of being available for selection.
Both Brighton and their opponents Brentford may not have been looking forward to the international break, especially with concerns over the fitness of key players. Alexis Mac Allister and Kaoru Mitoma, who represented Argentina and Japan respectively, should have had enough time to rest and prepare for the upcoming match.
Brighton’s attacking style under manager Roberto De Zerbi has been impressive, and the home team will likely take an aggressive stance against Brentford. Despite having the same number of points as Brighton this season, Brentford should still be wary of the home team’s attacking capabilities.
Home advantage is crucial for Brighton, who managed to beat Brentford 2-0 in their last encounter at the Amex Stadium. Although Brentford did win their previous meeting in West London, Brighton has shown more ruthlessness under De Zerbi’s leadership.
Brentford has had a decent season, but their away record hasn’t been as impressive as their performances at the Gtech Community Stadium. Everton and Southampton created chances against them, and Brighton is playing at a higher level than those relegation-threatened teams.
Expectations are high for a game with plenty of goals, but Brighton is likely to produce the majority of them on Saturday. This game marks the start of a push to be involved in the top four race, and Brighton is determined to win this game and secure a good position before a series of away games.
Premier League Head to Head
| 14/10/22, 21:00 | Brentford – Brighton and Hove Albion | 2 : 0 (1 : 0) (1 : 0) |
| 26/12/21, 21:00 | Brighton and Hove Albion – Brentford | 2 : 0 (2 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 11/09/21, 16:00 | Brentford – Brighton and Hove Albion | 0 : 1 (0 : 0) (0 : 1) |
Match Result Prediction
Brighton to win.
Score Prediction
Brighton 1 – 0 Brentford
Crystal Palace v Leicester City – Saturday 1st April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Crystal Palace fans may not have been too surprised by the sacking of Patrick Vieira, but the appointment of Roy Hodgson seems to have been met with consensus. Hodgson was not expected to take on another role after his short stint at Watford last season, and fans are concerned that his defensive style may not translate well to the team’s need for more goals.
Under Vieira’s management, Crystal Palace’s defense has not been a major issue, but their lack of goals has caused them to struggle in the Premier League. They are currently 12th in the table, with a slim 3-point lead over the bottom three. While the upcoming fixture list looks favorable for Hodgson and his team, Crystal Palace’s home record this season stands at 4-5-5.
So far in 2023, Crystal Palace have played 13 games without a single victory, and their recent 4-1 loss to Arsenal marks their fourth consecutive league defeat. Despite this, they had managed to draw four consecutive games at Selhurst Park before their late 0-1 loss to Manchester City.
The team has been plagued by injuries, with both Vicente Guaita and Sam Johnstone out before the international break. However, they are expected to return this weekend, along with Nathan Ferguson, Joachim Andersen, and James McArthur, who are all hoping to be available for selection.
Leicester City fans had hoped that the international break might have brought about a change in management, with many losing faith in Brendan Rodgers. However, the board has chosen to wait until the end of the season before making any long-term decisions, even if it means risking relegation from the Premier League.
Results have been poor, and the team has slipped to 17th place in the league table with just one point separating them from the relegation zone. A shock loss in the FA Cup Fifth Round has only added to the team’s lack of confidence, and their away record in the Premier League stands at 4-1-9.
Although Leicester City enjoyed a 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at home in mid-February, they have since suffered five consecutive losses in all competitions. They managed to snap that losing streak with a 1-1 draw at Brentford two weeks ago, but they have not won any of their last three away Premier League games.
Wout Faes has returned from suspension, but Harry Souttar and Victor Kristiansen are both doubtful for the upcoming match. Jonny Evans and Youri Tielemens are nearing a return, but it is unlikely to be this weekend.
Despite pressure from the stands, the board has maintained their belief in Brendan Rodgers as the manager of Leicester City. While he has a talented squad, most of them are attacking players and fixing the team’s defensive issues has proven difficult.
In the previous match against Brentford, Leicester City was unable to convert several quality chances, but their 1-1 draw demonstrated the players’ determination to fight for their manager. The team will benefit greatly from James Maddison’s return to fitness, and Harvey Barnes’ rest should provide the opportunity to create chances at Selhurst Park.
The oddsmakers do not expect many goals, but an early goal could ignite the match. Both teams’ defenses are not entirely convincing, and their attacking players have enough quality to create chances.
Although Crystal Palace has struggled to score in recent games due to a tough fixture list, this match represents a considerable step down in difficulty. Leicester City’s attacking threat is expected to help create opportunities for both teams.
While the previous game between Crystal Palace and Leicester City ended in a goalless draw, five of the seven previous matches between these teams have had at least three goals scored. With chances expected at both ends of the pitch, and favourable weather conditions, the attacking players should take the spotlight in this match.
Premier League Head to Head
| 15/10/22, 13:30 | Leicester City – Crystal Palace | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 10/04/22, 15:00 | Leicester City – Crystal Palace | 2 : 1 (2 : 0) (0 : 1) |
| 03/10/21, 15:00 | Crystal Palace – Leicester City | 2 : 2 (0 : 2) (2 : 0) |
| 26/04/21, 21:00 | Leicester City – Crystal Palace | 2 : 1 (0 : 1) (2 : 0) |
| 28/12/20, 16:00 | Crystal Palace – Leicester City | 1 : 1 (0 : 0) (1 : 1) |
Match Result Prediction
Leicester City to win.
Score Prediction
Crystal Palace 0 – 1 Leicester City
Nottingham Forest v Wolves – Saturday 1st April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Nottingham Forest suffered a 1-2 defeat to Newcastle United two weeks ago due to late goals at the end of each half, pushing them to the brink of dropping back into the relegation zone. Steve Cooper, the unhappy coach, had time to ponder the mistakes made during that game. Nottingham Forest is facing a critical period in their fight for survival, with upcoming games against their relegation rivals. Currently 16th in the Premier League table, they are just two points clear of the bottom three.
Despite the recent loss, Nottingham Forest understands the importance of maintaining their home form to avoid an immediate return to the Championship. With a 5-5-4 record at the City Ground, they are hoping to bounce back after ending their nine-game unbeaten run at home in the Premier League against Newcastle United.
Although they earned an important 1-0 win over Leeds United in early February, Nottingham Forest failed to win any of their six Premier League fixtures since that victory, losing four of those matches. However, the team is optimistic about the next few days as several players are expected to recover from injuries sustained in previous games. Brennan Johnson, who withdrew from international duty with Wales, is a doubt for the upcoming game. Nonetheless, the squad should be much healthier this weekend than it was two weeks ago.
Wolves’ feel-good factor under Julen Lopetegui has dwindled after their 2-4 home defeat to Leeds United, which has kept them firmly in the middle of the relegation battle. Having played at least one game more than most teams below them in the league table, Wolves could find their position extremely precarious when they play their next game next weekend.
Despite being 13th in the Premier League table, Wolves are only three points clear of the bottom three, and a loss at the City Ground could put immense pressure on the team. Their record of 2-4-8 away from home does not inspire confidence in Wolves fans, and they have some crucial games coming up in April.
Wolves have won only one of their last six Premier League games, losing four of those matches after the home thrashing by Leeds United. While they managed to come from behind to beat Southampton at St Mary’s six weeks ago and appeared to be moving away from the relegation battle, they have only picked up a single point from their last three away Premier League games.
Jonny is suspended, but Matheus Nunes is available after his red card was rescinded. Hugo Bueno and Boubacar Traore are doubtful, and Hee-Chan Hwang is not expected to return until next week.
With key players likely to return, Nottingham Forest will aim to expose Wolves’ recent defensive vulnerabilities. Although Wolves have had two weeks to work on their defense, they have still conceded a lot of goals, while Nottingham Forest has shown that they can create chances and score goals at home.
However, Nottingham Forest may struggle at the back due to the absence of Scott McKenna and Willy Boly. Over the last six weeks, teams have been able to create many chances against them, including Everton, who have had difficulties scoring goals this season, similar to Wolves.
Despite their own defensive issues, Wolves have been able to create chances and will believe that they can succeed in this match. The first goal will likely be crucial, but even the team that falls behind will have opportunities to come back. The chances of seeing goals scored on the day might be underestimated by the oddsmakers.
The 1-1 draw between the clubs at the City Ground in January demonstrated that both Nottingham Forest and Wolves are capable of hurting the other. It is likely that both teams will score in this Midlands derby, as the three points are crucial for both teams. There might be some risk-taking, and the odds for seeing at least three goals seem too high.
Premier League Head to Head
| 15/10/22, 16:00 | Wolverhampton Wanderers – Nottingham Forest | 1 : 0 (0 : 0) (1 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Nottingham Forest to win.
Score Prediction
Nottingham Forest 2 – 0 Wolves
Chelsea v Aston Villa – Saturday 1st April 2023 – 17:30 BST
To secure a spot in the Champions League, Chelsea’s best chance is winning the competition this season. However, this is no easy feat with Real Madrid and either Bayern Munich or Manchester City standing in the way of Graham Potter’s team reaching the final. Although a top-four finish may be unlikely with only two months left in the season, Potter aims for a strong finish to secure European football at Stamford Bridge next season.
A strong finish is crucial for Potter to demonstrate his leadership abilities to the Chelsea board. Currently 10th in the Premier League table, Chelsea sits four points behind 7th placed Brighton, the final European football qualifying position. Their home record has been inconsistent with a 6-4-3 record at Stamford Bridge.
In their recent 2-2 draw with Everton, Chelsea took the lead twice but conceded in the 89th minute, ending their three-game winning streak across all competitions. A loss to Southampton at home added pressure on the manager, but the team bounced back with wins against Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund.
However, ahead of the weekend fixture, Reece James and Kai Havertz returned from international duty early and both are uncertain to play. Havertz is more likely to feature, while Potter will evaluate Wesley Fofana, Raheem Sterling, and Mason Mount’s conditions.
Over the next two months, Aston Villa’s squad must prove to Unai Emery that they are deserving of inclusion in any project aimed at improving the club’s fortunes. The possibility of securing a place in Europe could motivate the players, but consistency is essential if they hope to climb into the top seven places.
Currently in 11th place in the Premier League table, Aston Villa sits only behind Chelsea on goal difference and trails Brighton, in 7th place, by four points. In the Premier League this season, the Villains have a 4-3-6 record away from Villa Park.
Despite conceding two late goals in their 2-4 loss to Arsenal, Aston Villa rebounded to produce a four-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, winning three of those fixtures. All four of their away Premier League victories this season have been under Emery’s leadership, and they have only lost one of their six away games with him at the helm.
Matty Cash, Boubacar Kamara, Leander Dendoncker, and Philippe Coutinho are all hopeful of being fit for the upcoming match or Tuesday’s game against Leicester City.
Before the March international break, Graham Potter’s Chelsea appeared to have made progress, despite their last Premier League game resulting in a 2-2 draw with Everton. Having struggled to score, Chelsea seemed to have regained their footing in the attacking third and will likely feel confident about their ability to create chances against Aston Villa.
On the other hand, Unai Emery has led Aston Villa to four victories in their last six away Premier League games, and his team has performed well on the road. Aston Villa generates opportunities away from home, and players like Ollie Watkins are in good form in the final third. As a result, I anticipate the visiting team heading to Stamford Bridge with confidence in their ability to score goals.
Both teams may feel they have little to lose, and securing three points is critical to their European ambitions. As a result, I expect some chances will be taken. Eight of the last ten Premier League games played at Chelsea against Aston Villa have resulted in at least three goals being scored, and I believe this fixture will offer plenty of opportunities in the final third for strikers to extend that trend.
Premier League Head to Head
| 16/10/22, 15:00 | Aston Villa – Chelsea | 0 : 2 (0 : 1) (0 : 1) |
| 26/12/21, 18:30 | Aston Villa – Chelsea | 1 : 3 (1 : 1) (0 : 2) |
| 11/09/21, 18:30 | Chelsea – Aston Villa | 3 : 0 (1 : 0) (2 : 0) |
| 23/05/21, 17:00 | Aston Villa – Chelsea | 2 : 1 (1 : 0) (1 : 1) |
| 28/12/20, 18:30 | Chelsea – Aston Villa | 1 : 1 (1 : 0) (0 : 1) |
Match Result Prediction
Chelsea to win.
Score Prediction
Chelsea 2 – 0 Aston Villa
West Ham United v Southampton – Sunday 2nd April 2023 – 14:00 BST
Despite reaching the European Quarter Finals consecutively and having a winnable tie upcoming, West Ham United’s board is worried about their future in the Premier League. Reports suggest that David Moyes and his coaching staff are at risk of losing their jobs if they fail to produce a significant result this Sunday against one of their main relegation rivals.
Two weeks ago, Manchester City’s participation in the FA Cup Quarter Finals resulted in a free weekend for West Ham United. However, the club has slipped to 18th place in the Premier League table due to others taking advantage of the opportunity. Their position could worsen before Sunday’s fixture, so The Hammers must concentrate on improving their 5-3-5 record at the London Stadium.
West Ham United emerged victorious in both legs of the Europa Conference League Last 16 tie against AEK Larnaca. However, they have only won one of their last six Premier League matches, which has caused them to slip back into the relegation zone. In their previous League fixture at the London Stadium, they could only manage a 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa. Nonetheless, West Ham United has been unbeaten in their last four League matches at home and has collected eight points from a possible 12 in that period.
This weekend, Lukasz Fabianski and Michail Antonio could both return, giving David Moyes a complete squad to choose from.
Ruben Selles faces a challenging task of leading Southampton out of the relegation drop zone following Nathan Jones’ departure. However, the interim manager is receiving a positive response from the players. The team’s character was evident when they made a comeback from being 1-3 down to draw 3-3 with Tottenham Hotspur two weeks ago. Antonio Conte was so frustrated with the result that he exploded in his press conference, eventually leading to his resignation as Spurs’ manager.
While wins are necessary, Selles can take solace in the comeback since Southampton once again finds themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table. The point earned will feel like a gain instead of a loss, and Southampton is only two points behind Leicester City in 17th place. The Saints have a 4-1-9 record away from home in the Premier League, with only nine goals scored.
Southampton unexpectedly exited the FA Cup in the Fifth Round against Grimsby Town. Nonetheless, they have only lost one of their last four Premier League games and have earned eight points out of a possible 18 under Ruben Selles. They even managed to secure a goalless draw against ten-man Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, Southampton has only scored one goal in their last four away Premier League games and has lost twice during that period.
Armel Bella-Kotchap, Mohamed Salisu, and Che Adams are potential injury concerns.
David Moyes and Ruben Selles cannot control results, but their teams’ performances in this game will be crucial. While Selles will be given time as Southampton’s second manager this season, Moyes needs a win to avoid being sacked, as reports suggest. Recent performances at the London Stadium have been encouraging for West Ham United, who picked up eight points from their last 12 available here and beat relegation rivals Everton and Nottingham Forest with ease.
Southampton, who have been struggling for away goals and may be without Che Adams, will need to improve defensively. Their strategy is to stay in games and rely on set-piece magic from James Ward-Prowse, as was the case in their 1-0 win at Chelsea in February. However, they have a poor record in East London, and they needed to be lucky to win 3-2 last season.
Despite West Ham United’s underwhelming season, they have plenty of quality and will likely get out of their current predicament, given their impressive home form. With a healthy squad, they are likely to win this game, having scored twice against Everton and four times against Nottingham Forest this season. I predict that West Ham United will win this game with at least two goals.
Premier League Head to Head
| 16/10/22, 15:00 | Southampton – West Ham United | 1 : 1 (1 : 0) (0 : 1) |
| 26/12/21, 16:00 | West Ham United – Southampton | 2 : 3 (0 : 1) (2 : 2) |
| 11/09/21, 16:00 | Southampton – West Ham United | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 23/05/21, 17:00 | West Ham United – Southampton | 3 : 0 (2 : 0) (1 : 0) |
| 29/12/20, 19:00 | Southampton – West Ham United | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
West Ham to win.
Score Prediction
West Ham 2 – 1 Southampton
Newcastle United v Manchester United – Sunday 2nd April 2023 – 16:30 BST
Two weeks ago, Newcastle United secured a well-deserved victory over Nottingham Forest with the help of a late penalty. This win has rekindled their hopes of finishing in the top four, and the upcoming week feels crucial in keeping that dream alive. On Sunday, they have an opportunity to bring 3rd placed Manchester United back into the fray and open up two spots to compete for.
As they head into the next round of Premier League fixtures after the international break, Newcastle United are currently in 5th place on the league table. However, they are 2 points behind 4th placed Tottenham Hotspur and 3 points behind Manchester United. Despite having played the same number of matches as Manchester United, Newcastle United have two games in hand over Tottenham Hotspur, giving them a chance to surpass both clubs if they win. So far this season, they have a record of 7 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss at St James’ Park.
After suffering three consecutive losses in all competitions, including two in the Premier League, Newcastle United managed to bounce back with back-to-back 2-1 wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, both coming from goals scored in the last eleven minutes of the match. Prior to the win over Wolves, they had only won 1 of their 4 home Premier League games.
Joelinton has returned from suspension, and Nick Pope and Sven Botman are expected to have recovered from their injuries. However, Miguel Almiron will be out until the end of April, while Anthony Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin should be available for selection.
Since the World Cup break, Manchester United have been playing matches every three days, making the international break a welcome relief for the squad. While some players were on international duty, others received a much-needed break as Manchester United prepare for a crucial two months of football.
Manchester United have the chance to compete for a top-four finish and two cup competitions, which means manager Erik ten Hag must balance his squad selections carefully. The upcoming week will focus solely on the Premier League, with three important fixtures to play as Manchester United aim to secure one of the top four positions. They currently sit in 3rd place on the Premier League table, but there is only an 8-point gap between them and 7th-placed Brighton, who also have a game in hand. Although their home form has been pivotal, Manchester United hold a 6-2-5 record away from home in the top flight.
Two weeks ago, Manchester United beat Fulham 3-1 in the FA Cup Quarter Final, taking advantage of their opponents’ lack of discipline. They have won three of their last four matches in all competitions, but have only won three of their last eight league games, allowing other teams to close in on them. Additionally, they have failed to score in their last two Premier League fixtures. This will be their first away league game since the disastrous day at Anfield last month, and they have only won one of their last four away league fixtures.
Casemiro is suspended for domestic games and will not be available until April 13th. Marcel Sabitzer is doubtful after picking up an injury while playing for Austria, but Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are expected to be fit. Christian Eriksen’s recovery is progressing positively, and he could be available later this week.
If Newcastle United manages to win on Sunday, they could rise to 3rd place in the Premier League, with only the league competition to focus on for the rest of the season. Although they have been strong at home this season, their defence has been less successful in recent games, which means they must score more goals. Unfortunately, they have scored the fewest goals among the top eight teams in the Premier League, and they will need Alexander Isak to stay healthy and continue scoring goals.
Newcastle United has had some success against Manchester United, creating chances in their two previous matches, even though they failed to score. With Casemiro out of the squad, Manchester United will be missing their defensive presence, and Newcastle United may be able to capitalise on this. This game has the potential to produce several goals, particularly if an early goal is scored. Furthermore, the attacking players on both teams are playing better than they did during their goalless draw at Old Trafford in October.
Premier League Head to Head
| 16/10/22, 15:00 | Manchester United – Newcastle United | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 27/12/21, 21:00 | Newcastle United – Manchester United | 1 : 1 (1 : 0) (0 : 1) |
| 11/09/21, 16:00 | Manchester United – Newcastle United | 4 : 1 (1 : 0) (3 : 1) |
| 21/02/21, 20:00 | Manchester United – Newcastle United | 3 : 1 (1 : 1) (2 : 0) |
| 17/10/20, 21:00 | Newcastle United – Manchester United | 1 : 4 (1 : 1) (0 : 3) |
Match Result Prediction
Manchester United to win.
Score Prediction
Newcastle United 2 – 3 Manchester United
Everton v Tottenham – Monday 3rd April 2023 – 20:00 BST
Everton had a fairly successful March, with youngster Ellis Simms scoring a late goal to secure a win. However, manager Sean Dyche may feel that they deserved more points. Despite this, Everton fans believe that their team has momentum heading into the last two months of the season as they fight against relegation.
As they play last this weekend, Everton’s position in the Premier League table could change before they kick off on Monday evening. Currently, they sit in 15th place, two points clear of the relegation zone. Goodison Park will be crucial for Everton, as they have a 5-2-7 record at home and have achieved some notable victories since Dyche replaced the sacked Frank Lampard.
In the last three Premier League games, Everton has been unbeaten and earned five points out of a possible nine. In their most recent fixture at Goodison Park, they scored within the first minute and held on for a 1-0 win over Brentford. This win brings their home record under Sean Dyche to three wins out of four games.
Although Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had two more weeks to work on his fitness with the team, it is uncertain if he will be available for the upcoming fixture. Other than Calvert-Lewin, Everton has a full squad with the exception of long-term injury concern, Andros Townsend.
After an explosive outburst from Antonio Conte following a 3-3 draw with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and their board were forced to make a managerial change. Surprisingly, it took the club until the international break to confirm that Conte had departed and that Cristian Stellini will guide the team for the rest of the season.
Poor performances in the FA Cup and Champions League fueled Conte’s frustration, with fans dissatisfied with what they deem to be uncharacteristic Tottenham football. Despite being in fourth place in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur knows they need to improve quickly to compete with Manchester United, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Brighton for the spots behind Arsenal and Manchester City. Improving their 5-4-5 away record in the Premier League will be a significant step for the team.
Tottenham Hotspur has only won one of their last five games in all competitions, with blowing a 1-3 lead against Southampton as the final straw for Conte. Prior to that match, the team had lost four away games in a row in all competitions, extending their winless away streak to five games.
While Hugo Lloris and Richarlison are expected to return, Tottenham Hotspur will be without Ben Davies, Ivan Perisic, and Emerson Royal due to injuries. While Davies and Royal have long-term problems, Perisic is uncertain for the upcoming fixture on Monday.
Despite securing 1-0 wins in three out of their four home games under Sean Dyche, Everton has continued to play with an attacking edge. The team had significant chances against Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Brentford, and demonstrated their cutting edge in 2-2 away draws at Nottingham Forest and Chelsea.
Set pieces will be crucial, and the potential return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be a significant boost for Everton, who need to win home games to avoid falling into the bottom three.
Tottenham Hotspur is also in need of three points and will likely push forward as they did at Southampton before the late collapse. While the team has defensive issues, they possess attacking players that can cause Everton major problems. This fixture feels like it will produce plenty of action in the final third.
Last season’s corresponding fixture ended in a goalless draw, but four out of the previous five games between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park had three or more goals shared. An early goal could ignite the match between two teams that have demonstrated attacking prowess but are also plagued by significant defensive vulnerabilities.
Premier League Head to Head
| 15/10/22, 18:30 | Tottenham Hotspur – Everton | 2 : 0 (0 : 0) (2 : 0) |
| 07/03/22, 21:00 | Tottenham Hotspur – Everton | 5 : 0 (3 : 0) (2 : 0) |
| 07/11/21, 15:00 | Everton – Tottenham Hotspur | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 16/04/21, 21:00 | Everton – Tottenham Hotspur | 2 : 2 (1 : 1) (1 : 1) |
| 13/09/20, 17:30 | Tottenham Hotspur – Everton | 0 : 1 (0 : 0) (0 : 1) |
Match Result Prediction
Tottenham to win.
Score Prediction
Everton 1 – 2 Tottenham
