Easter weekend sees a line-up of fixtures that should see business as usual for most clubs, ending with an Easter Sunday afternoon red hot encounter between Liverpool and Arsenal.
Manchester United v Everton – Saturday 8th April 2023 – 12:30 BST
Manchester United slipped out of the top positions in the Premier League table before Wednesday night’s game. However, they have regained their 4th place position and can extend their lead to six points over Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently in 5th place, with a win on Saturday lunchtime. The team has a 10-3-1 record at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season.
After going winless for three games and failing to score a goal since February, Manchester United secured a win against Brentford this week, putting an end to their goal drought. This victory also means that Manchester United has won 20 out of the last 22 games played at Old Trafford in all competitions.
Casemiro will finally serve the last game of his four-game domestic suspension. Only one change was made to the team on Wednesday, with Wout Weghorst dropped from the starting line up. However, he may return for the early kick off. Luke Shaw is likely to miss some playing time due to a hamstring injury he sustained during the win against Brentford a few days ago.
To avoid relegation this season, Everton will need character, hard work, and a bit of good fortune. However, credit must be given to the players for not shying away from things they can control. Sean Dyche has instilled belief in the squad, but the Everton players’ willingness to work hard helped them secure a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night.
Although Michael Keane’s equalizer was a bolt from the blue and required some good fortune, the point earned by Everton places them 16th in the Premier League table, outside of the relegation zone on goal difference. The Toffees have a 1-6-7 record on their travels in the Premier League, so any points earned during their short trip to Old Trafford will be considered a bonus.
Despite their 4-0 loss to Arsenal, Everton played much better than the scoreline suggested. They are unbeaten in four Premier League games since then, earning six points out of a possible twelve. While their stronger results have come from fixtures played at Goodison Park, Everton secured back-to-back 2-2 draws at Nottingham Forest and Chelsea to snap a four-game losing streak away from home.
Abdoulaye Doucoure lost his cool momentarily, resulting in a sending off against Tottenham Hotspur before the late equalizer. He is suspended until the end of April, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is slowly rebuilding his fitness.
Erik ten Hag’s choice to play Bruno Fernandes deeper due to the absence of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen has resulted in the loss of another viable goal scorer for Manchester United. While the Dutchman could push Fernandes closer to the final third, that is unlikely until Casemiro’s return next week. This leaves Manchester United over-reliant on Marcus Rashford, who scored the winner in their match against Brentford on Wednesday.
However, Manchester United had the opportunity to score more than one goal against Brentford with better composure in the final third. They were largely comfortable defensively, and Everton is still struggling to create as many chances as they would like, with the continued absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin being a big miss.
Despite Manchester United’s 20 wins out of 22 home games in all competitions, there are still significant defensive problems that need to be addressed. Everton has conceded at least twice in their last six away games. Manchester United typically score more than one goal in their winning efforts at Old Trafford, and they may be able to do so with more confidence after their recent three-point victory.
Premier League Head to Head
| 09/10/22, 20:00 | Everton – Manchester United | 1 : 2 (1 : 2) (0 : 0) |
| 09/04/22, 13:30 | Everton – Manchester United | 1 : 0 (1 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 02/10/21, 13:30 | Manchester United – Everton | 1 : 1 (1 : 0) (0 : 1) |
| 06/02/21, 21:00 | Manchester United – Everton | 3 : 3 (2 : 0) (1 : 3) |
| 07/11/20, 13:30 | Everton – Manchester United | 1 : 3 (1 : 2) (0 : 1) |
Match Result Prediction
Manchester United to win.
Score Prediction
Manchester United 2 – 0 Everton
Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest – Saturday 8th April 2023 – 15:00 BST
On Tuesday, Aston Villa secured a 1-2 victory against local rivals Leicester City, with a late winning goal that could prove to be crucial for their season. Unai Emery, who previously expressed a personal goal of achieving European Football, seems to have instilled this belief in the Villa squad, as they are now in contention for a top-seven finish and a spot in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Following successful performances at Stamford Bridge and the King Power Stadium, Aston Villa are well-positioned in the race for European qualification, boasting a 7-2-5 record and scoring 23 goals at Villa Park in the Premier League. The team is currently on an unbeaten run of 6 games, having earned 16 out of a possible 18 points during this period. Although they suffered disappointing losses against Leicester City and Arsenal at Villa Park, they have won 3 of their last 5 home games in the Premier League, keeping clean sheets in their most recent consecutive wins.
As for team news, Boubacar Kamara is now a doubt for the upcoming game, joining Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho in the uncertain category.
Currently, the Tricky Trees sit in 17th place in the Premier League, with their position just outside the relegation zone being determined by goal difference alone. Their form away from the City Ground has been a major weakness, with a record of 1 win, 3 draws, and 10 losses. In these away matches, Nottingham Forest have only scored 5 goals while conceding a whopping 34.
Furthermore, Nottingham Forest have struggled to secure positive results in recent matches, having failed to win any of their last 8 Premier League games and earning only 3 points in that span. Although they initially took the lead in their most recent game, Nottingham Forest suffered their fifth consecutive away defeat in all competitions, conceding at least 2 goals in each of those losses.
With Steve Cooper feeling the heat, the team’s performance will be crucial in the upcoming games. While Serge Aurier may return from injury, Scott McKenna and Dean Henderson are still a few days away from being fit for selection.
At the start of the season, Steve Cooper received the backing of the Nottingham Forest board when the team was struggling, and the team responded with a strong run of form. However, Cooper now faces pressure to deliver a positive result, assuming he is still in charge for the upcoming fixture. The team’s poor away form is a particular concern, having suffered 5 consecutive away defeats and conceding at least 2 goals in each of those losses. Nottingham Forest now faces a tough challenge traveling to Villa Park, where the home team is in good spirits.
Aston Villa is currently on an unbeaten run of 6 Premier League games, winning 5 of those matches, including consecutive victories over Crystal Palace and Bournemouth at Villa Park. With Ollie Watkins in fine form, the team looks formidable in attack and may prove too much for Nottingham Forest’s defence.
Furthermore, Unai Emery’s side has scored at least 2 goals in 4 of their last 5 home matches in the Premier League and will be confident in securing all 3 points in this fixture. With European Football within reach, Aston Villa is a team in form and is likely to win this match.
Premier League Head to Head
| 10/10/22, 21:00 | Nottingham Forest – Aston Villa | 1 : 1 (1 : 1) (0 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Aston Villa to win.
Score Prediction
Aston Villa 1 – 0 Nottingham Forest
Brentford v Newcastle United – Saturday 8th April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Brentford’s recent defeat does not seem to greatly upset their manager, Thomas Frank, given that the team has already overachieved this season. Nonetheless, the club and Frank remain ambitious, with hopes of regaining their place in European competition. The team faces a challenging fixture this weekend following two difficult away games after the international break. Despite being ranked 9th in the Premier League table, only three points separate them from Brighton in 6th place. Brentford will need a win to stay competitive. So far this season, Brentford has a record of 7 wins, 6 draws, and 1 loss at home at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford recently suffered a defeat at Everton that ended their long unbeaten run in the Premier League. Since defeating their rivals Fulham, the team has won only one of their last five games and lost twice, particularly in games played away from home. However, Brentford remains unbeaten in their last ten Premier League games at home, half of which they have won. The team is not expected to have any new injury concerns from their previous game at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Vitaly Janelt is getting closer to returning to the team.
With back-to-back fixtures scheduled in London, the decision has been made for Newcastle United to stay in the capital after their thumping win over West Ham United in East London. The Magpies will now travel to West London for their next fixture, with the opportunity to solidify their position in the Premier League’s top four.
Newcastle United has maintained their third-place position in the League table and increased their lead over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur to three points. Winning this upcoming fixture will allow them to put further pressure on teams below them. The team has a 6-6-2 away record from their home ground of St James’ Park.
The Magpies have won their last four Premier League games, scoring at least two goals in each match, propelling them back into the top four. The team has lost only one of their last eleven away Premier League games, with back-to-back victories at Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.
Joe Willock is expected to return for the upcoming fixture, and Eddie Howe faces a difficult choice between starting Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson, both of whom are in top form.
Newcastle United is a dangerous team with players in form like Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, capable of creating scoring opportunities that could potentially hurt Brentford’s defence. Although Brentford has only earned five clean sheets at home this season, they have only failed to score in two games, making them a confident opponent for Newcastle United. However, Thomas Frank would have preferred to enter the game with his team in better form.
Although this is expected to be a close game, with both teams capable of scoring, the layers may have underestimated the potential for high-scoring outcomes. The underlying numbers suggest that Brentford is still performing well enough at home to score, but Newcastle United has proven themselves to be a formidable attacking force. Thus, it is likely that both teams will score, resulting in a surprisingly high-scoring game.
Premier League Head to Head
| 08/10/22, 16:00 | Newcastle United – Brentford | 5 : 1 (2 : 0) (3 : 1) | 10. Gameday |
| 26/02/22, 16:00 | Brentford – Newcastle United | 0 : 2 (0 : 2) (0 : 0) | 27. Gameday |
| 20/11/21, 16:00 | Newcastle United – Brentford | 3 : 3 (2 : 2) (1 : 1) | 12. Gameday |
Match Result Prediction
Newcastle United to win.
Score Prediction
Brentford 1 – 2 Newcastle United
Fulham v West Ham United – Saturday 8th April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Fulham has seen a decline in their performance over the past three weeks, leading them to drop to the 10th position in the Premier League standings, trailing behind the teams in European positions by 4 points. Although the fans may relish seeing Fulham outrank their West London rivals Chelsea, there is still much work to be done to finish as the top club from this side of the Capital. This season, Fulham holds a record of 6 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses at Craven Cottage in the Premier League.
After defeating Leeds United in the FA Cup Fifth Round, Fulham’s success seemed to be on an upward trajectory. However, the team has since experienced a losing streak of 4 games in all competitions, including being eliminated from the Cup. Last week, Fulham suffered a 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth despite initially leading 0-1. Furthermore, their unbeaten run of 4 games at Craven Cottage came to an end in the previous month, when they lost 0-3 to the current Premier League leaders, Arsenal.
Although Willian is expected to return after serving a suspension, Aleksandar Mitrovic will not be available for seven more matches due to his misconduct of pushing the referee during his own sending off in mid-March at Old Trafford.
The Hammers currently sit in the 15th position in the Premier League table, narrowly avoiding relegation by goal difference alone, which was impacted by their recent 1-5 home defeat to Newcastle United. To salvage their position, West Ham United must produce a resounding comeback, yet their abysmal away record of 1 win, 3 draws, and 9 losses away from the London Stadium only exacerbates the sting of their recent home loss.
Despite being unbeaten in four games across all competitions, having won three of them, West Ham United’s morale was deflated due to poor errors contributing to their previous loss. The team has failed to win any of their last 11 away Premier League matches, losing eight of them, including an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Brighton last month.
Although Gianluca Scamacca will remain sidelined, David Moyes is anticipated to make several changes to the starting lineup to ignite a response from the team.
Despite Fulham’s recent struggles in conceding goals, West Ham United has allowed at least two goals in four out of their last six away Premier League matches. This statistic may encourage the home team in this upcoming London derby, which is set to be played in favorable conditions over the Easter weekend. With the return of Willian, I believe Fulham will have an increased chance of bouncing back from their recent poor results.
David Moyes and West Ham United will also be searching for a reaction, and they have demonstrated their ability to create opportunities when they move forward. Although some fans may feel that the manager is restraining their creative players, West Ham United has managed to score in seven out of their last nine Premier League games. Additionally, they have taken note of the number of goals that Fulham has conceded during their four-game losing streak.
Although the market predicts a low-scoring game, this could be attributed to the absence of Fulham’s key player. Nonetheless, I anticipate that both teams will showcase attacking football, potentially accompanied by poor defending. An early goal may ignite this fixture in West London, which holds significant meaning to both Fulham and West Ham United.
Premier League Head to Head
| 09/10/22, 15:00 | West Ham United – Fulham | 3 : 1 (1 : 1) (2 : 0) |
| 06/02/21, 18:30 | Fulham – West Ham United | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 07/11/20, 21:00 | West Ham United – Fulham | 1 : 0 (0 : 0) (1 : 0) |
| 22/02/19, 20:45 | West Ham United – Fulham | 3 : 1 (2 : 1) (1 : 0) |
| 15/12/18, 18:30 | Fulham – West Ham United | 0 : 2 (0 : 2) (0 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Fulham to win.
Score Prediction
Fulham 1 – 0 West Ham United
Leicester City v Bournemouth – Saturday 8th April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Leicester City’s interim management duo, Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell, almost steered the team to a significant result, but a 1-2 loss to Aston Villa has put the 2016 Premier League Champions in a perilous position. The sacking of Brendan Rodgers last weekend has left Leicester City fans hoping that the board can find a suitable replacement to rescue the club from the threat of relegation. However, their reported attempt to recruit Graham Potter, the former Brighton and Chelsea manager, was unsuccessful.
The past week has been a disastrous one for Leicester City, with results going against them. They are now in 19th place in the Premier League table, with just two points keeping them from the relegation zone. The Foxes have a crucial upcoming fixture at the King Power Stadium, where they have a 3-3-8 record in the top flight.
Leicester City has failed to win a game in eight consecutive matches across all competitions, losing seven of those games, including the defeat to Aston Villa, where a VAR decision overturned a late penalty that could have helped them end their losing streak. Their poor form has also extended to their home ground, where they have lost four consecutive games across all competitions.
While Jonny Evans is hoping to play some part in the upcoming fixture, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will be suspended after receiving a red card during Tuesday’s game.
After showing promising signs during Tuesday’s match, there is reason to believe that Bournemouth can avoid relegation from the Premier League, but Gary O’Neil knows that more positive results are needed as the season enters its final stages. While losing to Brighton will not determine Bournemouth’s fate, the rest of this month will be crucial, with several matches against relegation rivals on the horizon, starting with Saturday’s game.
Bournemouth’s 18th-place standing in the Premier League table can largely be attributed to their early struggles under former manager Scott Parker, who was sacked after a heavy defeat to Liverpool. With only goal difference separating them from several other clubs, Bournemouth will be facing one of the two teams below them in the table. Their away record in the Division stands at 2-2-10.
Despite a lack of consistency in recent results, Bournemouth’s three wins in their last seven fixtures have been vital in keeping the club within reach of the teams around them. Winning some key matches away from home could prove to be crucial for Bournemouth, who have lost nine of their last ten away games across all competitions.
Fortunately, the same squad that was available to the manager in the past week should be ready to compete on Saturday.
Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell, the interim management team of Leicester City, can take some positives from the 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa at home, as the Foxes put in a competitive performance before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was sent off. Although his absence will be felt, Leicester City still has enough quality within the squad to create opportunities against Bournemouth’s vulnerable defense under Gary O’Neil, who is known to take chances going forward.
Bournemouth has a stronger record at home, having lost nine of their last ten away games across all competitions while conceding numerous goals. Meanwhile, Leicester City is struggling with confidence, having suffered four consecutive home losses. The first goal in the match will be crucial, but Leicester City has players capable of creating chances and securing the lead. Despite their recent form, Leicester City’s home advantage may prove to be the key factor as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone.
Although Bournemouth led 0-2 at Arsenal last month, they have conceded three goals each at the Emirates Stadium and at Aston Villa. The underlying statistics do not bode well for them, and Leicester City may triumph in what promises to be an entertaining yet highly tense fixture.
Premier League Head to Head
| 08/10/22, 16:00 | AFC Bournemouth – Leicester City | 2 : 1 (0 : 1) (2 : 0) |
| 12/07/20, 20:00 | AFC Bournemouth – Leicester City | 4 : 1 (0 : 1) (4 : 0) |
| 31/08/19, 16:00 | Leicester City – AFC Bournemouth | 3 : 1 (2 : 1) (1 : 0) |
| 30/03/19, 16:00 | Leicester City – AFC Bournemouth | 2 : 0 (1 : 0) (1 : 0) |
| 15/09/18, 16:00 | AFC Bournemouth – Leicester City | 4 : 2 (3 : 0) (1 : 2) |
Match Result Prediction
Leicester City to win.
Score Prediction
Leicester City 1 – 0 Bournemouth
Tottenham v Brighton – Saturday 8th April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Despite moving back into the top four on Monday night, Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of returning to the Champions League are dwindling. Their 10-0-4 home record needs improvement, and with more games played than their main rivals, the pressure is on. Tottenham’s recent form has been poor, winning only 1 of their last 6 games across all competitions, and getting knocked out of both the FA Cup and Champions League. They also drew consecutive Premier League games after conceding equalisers in injury time, but those matches were played away from home. On a positive note, Spurs have won their last 4 home Premier League games. Lucas Moura will be absent due to suspension, while Richarlison is doubtful, and Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, and Ryan Sessegnon are expected to miss out.
If Brighton can secure a spot in European Football, it would be a monumental achievement, especially if they can add an FA Cup victory to their resume, with a Semi Final match scheduled later this month. Currently sitting in 6th place in the Premier League table, the Seagulls are firmly in the top four race. To solidify their position as legitimate contenders for a Champions League spot, they need to continue their away success, having produced a 6-4-3 record on the road in the League.
Brighton’s recent form has been impressive, winning 5 of their last 7 games across all competitions and remaining unbeaten in their last 11 away matches in regular time. While they had drawn their previous 3 away league games, they ended that run with a 0-2 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Tariq Lamptey’s availability remains uncertain, but Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister should recover from their injuries.
While Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with the vacant managerial job at Tottenham Hotspur, his primary focus remains with Brighton. His players enjoy playing under the Italian’s attacking approach, which could prove dangerous for Tottenham Hotspur, who have defensive vulnerabilities that Brighton can exploit.
Despite Brighton’s impressive form this season, it’s worth noting that Tottenham Hotspur have secured significant wins over Manchester City and Chelsea in recent months. Therefore, it’s difficult to completely write them off, and both teams could have success in attack.
Considering the recent underlying numbers, it wouldn’t be surprising if both teams score. However, it’s worth noting that there hasn’t been a draw at the stadium in the Premier League this season. Given that both teams are fighting for crucial points as the season draws to a close, it’s likely that we’ll see at least three goals scored during the match.
Premier League Head to Head
| 08/10/22, 18:30 | Brighton and Hove Albion – Tottenham Hotspur | 0 : 1 (0 : 1) (0 : 0) |
| 16/04/22, 13:30 | Tottenham Hotspur – Brighton and Hove Albion | 0 : 1 (0 : 0) (0 : 1) |
| 16/03/22, 20:30 | Brighton and Hove Albion – Tottenham Hotspur | 0 : 2 (0 : 1) (0 : 1) |
| 31/01/21, 20:15 | Brighton and Hove Albion – Tottenham Hotspur | 1 : 0 (1 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 01/11/20, 20:15 | Tottenham Hotspur – Brighton and Hove Albion | 2 : 1 (1 : 0) (1 : 1) |
Match Result Prediction
Tottenham to win.
Score Prediction
Tottenham 3 – 1 Brighton
Wolves v Chelsea – Saturday 8th April 2023 – 15:00 BST
Wolves’ fight against relegation continues, and while a late goal nearly earned them a valuable point, the club’s next two home games will be critical. If they suffer losses in both matches, it will intensify the pressure on Julen Lopetegui and his players. However, victories would help the team move away from the looming threat of relegation and the uncertainties surrounding the club.
Recent results have left Wolves with only one point above the relegation zone, and with a busy April ahead, they could easily slip back into the bottom three. The team’s record of 5-2-7 at Molineux in the top flight highlights the importance of performing well at home if they want to maintain their Premier League status.
Although Wolves secured a win against Tottenham Hotspur last month, they have only managed to get a single point from their matches against Newcastle United, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest. Before the March international break, they had won three out of four home games, but they suffered a loss to Leeds United and also lost to Bournemouth, a relegation rival, in their recent run of home fixtures.
Unfortunately, Jonny and Ruben Neves will be absent due to suspensions, and although Boubacar Traore could potentially return, Hee-Chan Hwang might have to wait a little longer.
Despite the recent sacking of Graham Potter, Chelsea’s lack of fortune in front of goal has persisted in their last two home games against Aston Villa and Liverpool. The team has been creating numerous chances, as supported by their underlying numbers, but the players in the final third seem to be lacking confidence and have been unable to find the back of the net.
Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the top seven and earning a return to European Football are dwindling, with the team currently sitting at 11th place in the Premier League table and around five points away from those positions. Winning the Champions League remains a possible route back into Europe, but it appears to be a long shot for The Blues, especially as they try to improve their 4-4-6 away record in the Premier League over the Easter weekend.
Last month, Chelsea had a streak of three wins in all competitions, which seemed to have turned things around for the former manager. However, the team has failed to win any of their last three matches since then. In their last away game, they ended their 10-game winless run with a 1-3 victory over Leicester City. All three recent setbacks have occurred at Stamford Bridge.
Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are both expected to miss out, but there is a possibility they could return next week.
After earning a late point at the City Ground last week, Julen Lopetegui has had a full week to prepare his team for their upcoming fixture. However, the suspension of Ruben Neves is a setback for Wolves, who have hit a rough patch lately and are becoming harder to trust, despite their previous strong performances under the Spaniard’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s upcoming Champions League Quarter Final against Real Madrid is a major distraction that cannot be ignored. Although the fans may want to see the club return to European Football with a top-seven finish in the Premier League, the players may find it difficult to ignore the upcoming fixture, which could also prompt changes to the starting lineup by the interim management staff.
While Chelsea may eventually find their form and dominate a team in the final third, Wolves could be playing them at a good time. The relegation-threatened club has produced some of their better results at home against higher-ranked opponents, and they will likely feel confident that they can create enough chances to secure a positive outcome, despite their struggles in the final third throughout the season.
The first goal will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match, and although the away team is favoured, their odds seem too low.
Premier League Head to Head
| 08/10/22, 16:00 | Chelsea – Wolverhampton Wanderers | 3 : 0 (1 : 0) (2 : 0) |
| 07/05/22, 16:00 | Chelsea – Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2 : 2 (0 : 0) (2 : 2) |
| 19/12/21, 15:00 | Wolverhampton Wanderers – Chelsea | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 27/01/21, 19:00 | Chelsea – Wolverhampton Wanderers | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 15/12/20, 19:00 | Wolverhampton Wanderers – Chelsea | 2 : 1 (0 : 0) (2 : 1) |
Match Result Prediction
Both teams to draw.
Score Prediction
Wolves 1 – 1 Chelsea
Southampton v Manchester City – Saturday 8th April 2023 – 17:30 BST
As of now, Southampton holds the bottom position in the Premier League standings, but they are just three points behind Leeds United, who are in 17th place. Depending on the results of Tuesday and Wednesday’s fixtures, the gap could widen significantly, adding more pressure on Southampton during their upcoming game on Saturday. Notably, the team plays their match last on Saturday, which means their relegation rivals would have already played twice before they kick-off, thus necessitating a significant result at St Mary’s.
In their previous games, Southampton managed to earn a 3-3 draw against Tottenham Hotspur just before the March international break. However, they failed to score in three out of the four Premier League matches after their 1-0 victory over Leicester City. While Ruben Selles has helped his team gain four points in fixtures played at St Mary’s, Southampton’s defense remains a concern as they have conceded at least two goals in four out of their last five matches in all competitions.
Mohamed Salisu and Che Adams are hopeful about their fitness, but Armel Bella-Kotchap is considered a major doubt for the upcoming match.
The task of catching up to Arsenal in the Premier League title race seems increasingly daunting for the defending champions, Manchester City, as both clubs secured 4-1 victories at home last weekend. Despite Manchester City playing first this week, there is a massive Champions League Quarter Final fixture against Bayern Munich to contend with, so manager Pep Guardiola must keep his players focused.
Currently, there is an eight-point gap between Manchester City and Arsenal, with the former having a game in hand and the opportunity to host The Gunners at the Etihad Stadium later this month. In the meantime, the team will aim to put pressure on Mikel Arteta’s squad by improving their away record in the top-flight, which currently stands at 8-3-3.
Following their home triumph over Liverpool, in which they overcame a goal deficit to win 4-1, Manchester City have now won seven consecutive matches in all competitions. They have also won three of their last four away Premier League games since the 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, scoring a total of nine goals across those four fixtures.
While Phil Foden continues his recovery from surgery, Erling Haaland may make an appearance on Saturday after sitting out the previous match against Liverpool.
As the former manager of Southampton, Nathan Jones experienced few moments more memorable than that day in January, and the players must believe they can replicate that upset. Despite Manchester City’s quality and success, they have only won two of their last five visits to St Mary’s, making this match far from a foregone conclusion, especially as Southampton has secured two victories in that same period.
Manchester City is likely to have Erling Haaland back, and they have shown that they can still dominate games without their top scorer, as demonstrated last weekend. In their recent away fixtures, Manchester City appears to have turned a corner, and with their superior quality in the attacking third, they should be able to break down Southampton’s defense and claim a crucial victory.
Southampton has been struggling to score enough goals and tighten their defence, and I anticipate that Manchester City will triumph in this late Saturday kick-off with a comfortable two-goal margin.
Premier League Head to Head
| 08/10/22, 16:00 | Manchester City – Southampton | 4 : 0 (2 : 0) (2 : 0) |
| 22/01/22, 18:30 | Southampton – Manchester City | 1 : 1 (1 : 0) (0 : 1) |
| 18/09/21, 16:00 | Manchester City – Southampton | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 10/03/21, 19:00 | Manchester City – Southampton | 5 : 2 (3 : 1) (2 : 1) |
| 19/12/20, 16:00 | Southampton – Manchester City | 0 : 1 (0 : 1) (0 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Manchester City to win.
Score Prediction
Southampton 1 – 4 Manchester City
Leeds United v Crystal Palace – Sunday 9th April 2023 – 14:00 BST
The current Premier League season has seen numerous sackings, and the outcomes of these decisions have been mixed for the clubs that have opted for mid-season changes. However, for Leeds United, the decision to bring in Javi Gracia seems to have paid off, as he has reversed the club’s previous direction since taking over at Elland Road.
Despite their recent crucial win on Tuesday night, Leeds United still have a lot of work to do with only a two-point gap between their team and the bottom three. With limited games remaining in the season, the table could shift drastically every week, especially since Leeds United are scheduled to play on Sunday this weekend. Their record at Elland Road of 5-5-4 is also crucial since they have five League fixtures remaining at home.
Although they were heavily beaten by Premier League leaders Arsenal last Saturday, Leeds United has managed to secure victories over Wolves and Nottingham Forest in the past few games. Beating fellow relegation candidates is a huge boost, and Leeds United has earned seven points from the three Premier League games played at home under Javi Gracia.
The manager is tight-lipped about injuries, but it is expected that Max Wober and Tyler Adams will miss out. After their recent win over Nottingham Forest, Javi Gracia might opt to keep the same starting eleven.
Crystal Palace, a club that has recently parted ways with their manager, secured a crucial victory last weekend when they scored in injury time against Leicester City. The newly reappointed manager, Roy Hodgson, will be pleased with the points earned, even though his team is still heavily involved in the relegation battle, thanks to the results of the other teams in the last seven days.
Although Crystal Palace currently stands around 12th or 13th in the League table, the three-point gap between them and the relegation zone is still relatively tight. The team has a record of 2-4-8 away from home, but a win on Sunday could greatly enhance their chances of staying in the top flight for another season.
In the 2023 calendar year, Crystal Palace had been in dreadful form, failing to secure a victory in 13 games across all competitions, including four consecutive defeats leading up to the international break, which ultimately led to Patrick Vieira’s dismissal. Roy Hodgson helped break the poor run with a 2-1 home win over Leicester City, and now he will be aiming for a strong away performance from the team, which has lost five of their last six away games.
Unfortunately, Wilfried Zaha picked up an injury in the previous win and is expected to be unavailable for the next game. Meanwhile, Nathan Ferguson and Chris Richards are doubtful for selection.
Although Leeds United showed their attacking prowess in their win over Nottingham Forest, they still have defensive vulnerabilities that Crystal Palace can exploit. The Eagles are a team with pace and decent set-piece delivery that can cause problems for Leeds United. However, Crystal Palace has also been susceptible to teams that attack, just like their hosts will do in this match.
Roy Hodgson’s presence will certainly help to improve the team’s defense, but this game could still be quite open as both teams are looking for another win to bolster their survival chances. A draw with a point each would not be ideal for either club, and they will likely show plenty of attacking intent from the outset.
Under Javi Gracia, Leeds United’s recent games have featured plenty of goals as the manager prefers an attacking approach. On the other hand, Roy Hodgson will aim to tighten things up for his team, but they might be feeling more confident following their late win over Leicester City. This game could end with at least three goals, just like the match at Selhurst Park in October.
Premier League Head to Head
| 09/10/22, 15:00 | Crystal Palace – Leeds United | 2 : 1 (1 : 1) (1 : 0) |
| 25/04/22, 21:00 | Crystal Palace – Leeds United | 0 : 0 (0 : 0) (0 : 0) |
| 30/11/21, 21:15 | Leeds United – Crystal Palace | 1 : 0 (0 : 0) (1 : 0) |
| 08/02/21, 21:00 | Leeds United – Crystal Palace | 2 : 0 (1 : 0) (1 : 0) |
| 07/11/20, 16:00 | Crystal Palace – Leeds United | 4 : 1 (3 : 1) (1 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Leeds United to win.
Score Prediction
Leeds United 1 – 0 Crystal Palace
Liverpool v Arsenal – Sunday 9th April 2023 – 16:30 BST
After talk of excitement and a Champions League atmosphere, Liverpool’s recent performance has left Jurgen Klopp extremely disappointed. The team suffered a defeat at the hands of Manchester City, followed by a lucky draw against Chelsea. As a result, their hopes of securing a top-four finish are rapidly dwindling. Klopp has even spoken about his future as manager of the club, indicating that all is not well at Liverpool as they struggle to bridge the gap to the top four.
With Liverpool’s rivals playing before them over the weekend, there is a possibility that the gap to the top four could increase significantly, making a return to the Champions League seem unlikely. However, Liverpool can focus on improving their record at Anfield and building momentum to climb up the ranks.
Although Liverpool had a resounding win over Manchester United, they have only scored one goal in four games in all competitions since then. Before their goalless draw at Stamford Bridge, they had suffered three consecutive losses. Their upcoming game at Anfield, their first since early March, presents an opportunity to turn things around.
Naby Keita and Luis Diaz are expected to be absent, but Thiago is back in training and could play. Virgil Van Dijk will return on Sunday, having been ill, while Klopp made several changes to the starting eleven in the Chelsea draw. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, Cody Gakpo, and Mo Salah are among those hoping to feature in the starting lineup.
Last weekend, Manchester City’s lead in the Premier League table was maintained thanks to a 4-1 win over Leeds United. However, the next few weeks could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the title race. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal faces some significant challenges this month, starting with a match on Sunday at a stadium where they have struggled to succeed in recent times.
Although an 8 point lead at the top of the table seems substantial, Manchester City has played a game less than Arsenal and will be playing first this weekend. Nevertheless, Arsenal controls their destiny and boasts an impressive 11-1-2 away record this season.
Despite the disappointment of their Europa League exit, Arsenal has won 7 consecutive Premier League games since their 1-3 loss to Manchester City. Their recent away form is particularly impressive, having won their last 3 Premier League matches at Aston Villa, Leicester City, and Fulham. However, Arsenal lost their last trip to Merseyside, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Everton in February.
William Saliba and Mohamed Elneny are injury doubts, but Eddie Nketiah could make a comeback. Bukayo Saka was on the bench last weekend due to illness but is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Arsenal’s task of performing at Anfield is notoriously difficult, having lost their last six league games there and struggling to contain Liverpool’s attacking prowess. While this year’s team appears more capable than previous visitors, the match against Liverpool remains a significant test, especially since Liverpool have underperformed in the past week. Although Arsenal has demonstrated their abilities with three consecutive away wins, they were surprisingly defeated by relegation strugglers Everton in February, and their visits to Liverpool have been unpleasant regardless of which top-flight team they face.
Real Madrid had to come from behind to win at Anfield, while Manchester United has also struggled on this ground. While Liverpool has not impressed in their last two matches, their strong attacking quality remains, and it would be surprising if they are unable to contribute to this big game on Sunday.
Liverpool’s hopes for a top-four finish are still feasible, but they need to start winning games. With the crowd’s support, Liverpool may push forward, benefiting Arsenal. Therefore, it would be a surprise if this fixture does not produce at least three goals, which has become a common feature when Arsenal and Liverpool have met. In the previous fixture, five goals were shared at the Emirates Stadium in October, and in 15 of the last 18 league games between these clubs, at least three goals were scored. Both teams have demonstrated defensive weaknesses, and their attacking players are likely to look forward to the game. The match may require several missed opportunities to prevent it from surpassing the total line, similar to Chelsea’s game on Tuesday.
Premier League Head to Head
| 09/10/22, 17:30 | Arsenal – Liverpool | 3 : 2 (2 : 1) (1 : 1) |
| 16/03/22, 21:15 | Arsenal – Liverpool | 0 : 2 (0 : 0) (0 : 2) |
| 20/11/21, 18:30 | Liverpool – Arsenal | 4 : 0 (1 : 0) (3 : 0) |
| 03/04/21, 21:00 | Arsenal – Liverpool | 0 : 3 (0 : 0) (0 : 3) |
| 28/09/20, 21:00 | Liverpool – Arsenal | 3 : 1 (2 : 1) (1 : 0) |
Match Result Prediction
Arsenal to win.
Score Prediction
Liverpool 1 – 2 Arsenal
