There’s a full midweek of fixtures taking place in the Premier League, and it quickly follows another hugely entertaining and significant weekend of action in the top flight. We saw this weekend how positions can be strengthened when Liverpool defeated Manchester City at the Etihad. And also how the picture can change fast, like when Newcastle United came from behind to secure victory against Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park. It’s fair to say to expect more of the same this week before the FA Cup fixtures roll into town.
Tuesday, February 25
Brighton vs Bournemouth
After back-to-back defeats, with one of those reverses a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest, Brighton have bounced back in style with two wins over Chelsea, one in the FA Cup, and then a 4-0 hammering of basement outfit Southampton. They face a Bournemouth team who lost 1-0 to Wolves after being reduced to ten men at the weekend. Brighton vs Bournemouth is a game between two teams with similar aspirations this term, and they’ll both be eager to make this one count, securing three points while putting a dent in the aspirations of their opponent.
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Early in the campaign, Crystal Palace looked like they’d be battling it out at the wrong end of the table. However, they’re now in midtable, and they’ve proven themselves more than capable of beating the Premier League’s stronger outfits this term, with a 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday evidence of this. Aston Villa are keen to push on from eighth, and after beating Chelsea, they’ll be full of confidence. A visit to Selhurst Park for Unai Emery’s side won’t be easy, and Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa isn’t a straightforward pick.
Wolves vs Fulham
Wolves vs Fulham is arguably a game between two teams who had unexpected results at the weekend. Many expected Wolves to lose to Bournemouth and Fulham to have the upper hand over Crystal Palace. However, it’s Wolves who come into this one fresh off the back of a win, and Fulham visit after a defeat. Wolves are still in danger, and if they can make it back-to-back wins, they will be in a more comfortable position in the top flight. Fulham, who are eager to qualify for Europe, need to get back on track if they’re to keep touch with the group of seven teams aiming to do the same.
Chelsea vs Southampton
If there’s a must-win fixture in this midweek Premier League matchday, it’s Chelsea vs Southampton, but for very different reasons. The home team, under manager Enzo Maresca, have gone from being potential title challengers to a side down in 7th and at risk of being left behind in the race for Europe. The Saints have needed a miracle to get out of their predicament at the foot of the table for weeks, and now their situation is even more desperate. Another defeat will only serve to hammer another into Southampton’s coffin. A win for Chelsea could see them climb back into the top four.
Wednesday, February 26
Brentford vs Everton
Brentford vs Everton is a game between two teams who would, in normal circumstances, have similar aspirations. However, the Toffees have endured a disappointing campaign. That was, until recently, with David Moyes’ return as manager inspiring them to a quick rise up the Premier League, with only six points now separating the two teams. Brentford, though, are in excellent form. They’re a strong home side, and Thomas Frank’s team will be eager to capitalise on their visitor’s weekend disappointment, where they went from being two goals to the good against Manchester United, only to draw 2-2.
Manchester United vs Ipswich Town
Speaking of Manchester United, the fightback they staged at Goodison Park, a game they could have gone on to win, will give them confidence against lowly Ipswich Town who are without a win in seven and five points from safety. Therefore, you’d think Manchester United vs Ipswich is a foregone conclusion. However, United continue to be unpredictable, and their performances leave a lot to be desired. The Tractor Boys are managed by Kieran McKenna, a former coach at Old Trafford, and this will add extra spice to the occasion.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
At the start of the season, Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal isn’t a fixture many would have predicted to be a contest between 3rd and 2nd. But here we are. What’s also surprising is that both Forest and Arsenal come into the game at the City Ground after suffering defeats last time out to Newcastle United and West Ham United, respectively. Forest need to get back on track after back-to-back defeats if they’re to realise their Champions League ambitions. And Arsenal, who are fading in the title race, must find a way to win consistently without a recognised striker and without their attacking stars Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
What a game Wednesday evening has in store at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with an in-form Spurs team taking on an out-of-form City side. For the first time this term, Spurs have won three Premier League games in a row, and they’re looking to make it four from four. City, on the other hand, look a shadow of their former selves, with their fall from grace actually beginning in Spurs vs Manchester City in the Carabao Cup several months ago. Ange Postecoglu’s side will feel like they’ve got City’s number, and they’re brimming with confidence for the first time in a long time. But can you really write Pep Guardiola’s team off?
Liverpool vs Newcastle United
Liverpool vs Newcastle United is renowned for being one of the Premier League’s most exciting fixtures. It’s a game known for drama and goals, and many are expecting more of the same at Anfield on Wednesday night. Aren Slot’s team are looking more and more like Premier League champions as the games are ticked off, and a convincing 2-0 win against title holders Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday has only strengthened this further. However, Newcastle have been doing well in recent weeks, and Alexander Isak is a striker in form. They’ll be a test of Liverpool’s credentials as champions-elect, especially as the Magpies have a top-four finish in their sights.
Thursday, February 27
West Ham United vs Leicester City
The midweek Premier League action is wrapped up at the London Stadium on Thursday evening, where West Ham United take on Leicester City. West Ham, now managed by Graham Potter, a man thought to have been on Leicester’s radar previously, are fresh off the back of a 1-0 away win over London rivals Arsenal, and they will want to build on that triumph by defeating a Foxes team that has lost three Premier League games in a row and all without scoring. What adds to West Ham vs Leicester is that a win for the home team will pull them further clear of danger and only add to Leicester’s woes, with Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s side five points from safety. An away win changes the picture and mood completely.
