Round 24 of the Premier League is an interesting one as it falls just as the European winter transfer window slams shut. To add intrigue to the weekend is the possibility that results in these games could influence the transfer odds at the end of the window. As we look forward to another 10 games of top-flight action, our experts have come up with their best Premier League predictions and tips for this key round of fixtures.
Nottingham Forest vs Brighton
Nottingham Forest vs Brighton is a match between two teams that are certainly having better seasons than many expected, especially in the home team’s case. However, both come into this one off the back of a defeat. Forest were on the end of a rout away at Bournemouth, losing 5-0, so they will want to get back on track immediately and keep their Champions League dreams alive. Brighton’s form has dipped since the start of the season, and a win at the City Ground could be the boost they need.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool
Bournemouth are having a fantastic season and are on course for their highest ever finish in the Premier League. Their last two fixtures have seen them cruise to victory against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, scoring plenty of goals in the process. This is all while in the midst of an injury crisis. The visit of Liverpool will be a huge test because, under Arne Slot, they’re sitting pretty at the top of the division. Previously, Bournemouth vs Liverpool would have been a straightforward selection, but that’s no longer the case, largely thanks to Cherries’ boss Andoni Iraola.
Everton vs Leicester City
For much of the season, Everton vs Leicester City was seen as a fixture between two teams embroiled in a battle for survival in the Premier League. And in many ways, it still is. The Toffees and the Foxes are placed 16th and 17th, respectively, but what’s important is that both teams come into this fixture at Goodison Park after winning last time out. Everton, under the returning David Moyes, have won two games in a row for the first time this campaign, so they’ll be confident, especially on home turf. Leicester, under Ruud van Nistelrooy, ended a long losing streak with victory at Spurs, but it will be a big ask to make it two wins from two.
Ipswich Town vs Southampton
Last season, Ipswich Town vs Southampton was a Championship fixture, with both teams gaining promotion from the second tier. As expected, Ipswich and Southampton have found the step up in level tough, with both in the relegation zone. The picture looks less bleak for the home team in this one, but they have been comprehensively beaten in their last couple of games. Ivan Juric is yet to receive the manager bounce since taking over at Southampton, and with his team on just six points, it’s vital they win here. It’s a relegation six-pointer in many ways, and if the Saints fail to pick any points up at Portman Road, they will need more than a miracle to survive.
Newcastle United vs Fulham
Newcastle United and Fulham are having great seasons in their own right. The Magpies are looking like the team that qualified for the Champions League not so long ago, and the Cottagers are a top-ten side looking to push on. Newcastle United vs Fulham is, therefore, a yardstick for both. Eddie Howe’s team will see this fixture as one they must win if they’re to challenge for a top-five finish, while Fulham will find out just how good they are and if they have what it takes to battle for European football qualification. Newcastle will be hoping playing at home gives them the edge, but Fulham will be out to spoil the party.
Wolves vs Aston Villa
Wolves vs Aston Villa, a Midlands derby, brings Saturday’s football to an end in glorious fashion. Everything goes out of the window in a derby, including form, which is great news for Wolves, who have struggled all season. In usual circumstances, Aston Villa will have fancied their chances in this one, but their form has been inconsistent of late, and they also play midweek in the Champions League. Could this be an opportunity for Wolves to bag all three points at Molineux? A victory could see them climb out of the bottom three. Villa need to win to keep the pressure on the top six.
Brentford vs Tottenham
One of the two fixtures kicking off at 14:00 on Sunday is of huge importance to the away team. Brentford vs Spurs, at the Gtech, is as must-win as it gets for Spurs manager Ange Postecoglu, with his team winless in their last seven Premier League games and on the verge of being drawn into a relegation battle. The problem for Spurs and Postecoglu is that while they’re in the midst of an injury crisis, they’re also visiting the home of the Bees, a team that has been impressive at home all season. If there’s one team you don’t want to visit when you’re in Spurs’ position, it’s Brentford. However, Thomas Frank’s side will see this as a chance to collect three points and climb up the division.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
It’s been another season of disappointment so far for Manchester United, but their 1-0 win away at Fulham last time out could be the spark they’ve been looking for. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, struggled to begin with, but they’ve managed to pick up some results since. However, Manchester United vs Crystal Palace is a match between two teams that lack consistency and can’t put wins together to have a major impact on their league position. United fans will expect their team to come out on top at Old Trafford, regardless of opposition. But with Palace knowing United aren’t the force of old, could they take it to their opponents and cause somewhat of an upset?
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Arsenal vs Manchester City is the fixture of the weekend, and it wraps up the action on Sunday. For the last two seasons, Arsenal and City have led the way at the top of the Premier League, but they’re both chasing Liverpool this term. While City stuttered, Arsenal failed to capitalise, and they could be made to rue their missed opportunity. It’s fair to say this is a must-win fixture for both at the Emirates because the Gunners need to keep pace with Arne Slot’s team, while City can’t afford to drop any more points. A defeat for Pep Guardiola’s side could see them fall out of the top six.
Chelsea vs West Ham United
Monday night’s Premier League action sees Graham Potter, recently installed as West Ham’s manager, return to Stamford Bridge. So, there’s a bit of extra spice added to Chelsea vs West Ham. Chelsea, who were flying high in the division at one stage, have become inconsistent of late with some disappointing results and performances seeing them fall out of the top four. West Ham were a losing team but are now more competitive under Potter, and he will be out to show his previous employers what he’s capable of. Enzo Maresca’s team know they can’t afford to drop more points if the top five is their target.
