Liverpool – Chelsea headlines a jam-packed midweek fixture list. Brand ambassador Harry Redknapp previews this week’s Premier League action.
Forest 1-2 Arsenal
This should be a good game to start with. Forest have been in decent form under Nuno, particularly at home. They beat United here last time out, and this place will be rocking for this one.
It’s a massive couple of weeks on the way for Arsenal. They cruised to the win over Palace in their last game and they’ll be looking to be as clinical as that this time out.
I can see Forest being decent going forward here and maybe even getting a goal. I think Arsenal will have too much for them though, 2-1.
One to watch- After getting a couple as a sub last time out, surely Martinelli will in from the start here!
Fulham 1-1 Everton
This is a hard one to call. Fulham’s recent form isn’t great, they just don’t score enough. They played alright against Newcastle in the FA Cup, but they don’t take their chances when they come. I think they should have enough to stay in the league, but they better be careful.
That defeat to Luton in the FA Cup was a poor one for Everton but ultimately, the league is more important. They’ve been low scorers of late, they’ve only scored two in their last five games in all competitions.
I can see a draw here, 1-1.
One to watch- He’s not getting any younger, but Willian remains a class act. He’s vital for Fulham.
Luton 1-2 Brighton
That was a good win in the FA Cup at Goodison, but Luton need to start winning in the league. It’ll be a real clash of styles here but do Luton have enough to threaten Brighton?
Brighton have had back-to-back goalless draws in the league but did put five past Sheffield United at the weekend, that should give them some confidence here.
I won’t be shocked if Luton score, but I’m giving Brighton the slight edge here. 2-1 to De Zerbi’s men.
One to watch- Joao Pedro has been an unbelievable signing for Brighton and got himself another hat-trick last week. He’s becoming the main man in this side.
Palace 1-0 Sheffield United
What a massive game this is for Crystal Palace and for Roy Hodgson. I understand the fans frustration, but I still think Roy is the right man to steady the ship at Palace and keep them in the league. This isn’t the most talented side and I think most gaffers would struggle with this lot.
I say the same things every week for Sheffield United but time really is running out for them. That was a decent point against West Ham last time out but at this stage of the season they need to get three points.
Trust me, it will be a nervy one at Selhurst. I’m leaning towards Palace though, just don’t expect a thriller!
One to watch- As always, Eze will be Palace’s main hope going forward. Sheffield United will go there and try to frustrate them, so it will be up to this lad to break them down.
Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle
I can’t wait for this one, what a game this could be. I remember they met right at the start of the season and Newcastle blew Villa away, a lot has changed since then! I feel like Villa’s season will be decided in the next few weeks. They’ve got a lot of big games coming up, can this squad cope?
The last time we saw Newcastle in the league, they were losing that thriller to City. It’s been such a difficult spell for the club and I’m sure Eddie is bound to be frustrated to have not brought anyone in at this stage. That being said, February looks a more straightforward month for them fixture-wise.
I’ve got to go with Villa, they’ve been so good at home under Emery.
One to watch- The goals have dried up in the last few weeks for Ollie Watkins, I can’t see that going on for too much longer.
Man City 4-0 Burnley
I can see City winning this one in style. It looks to me like City have really turned on the style in recent weeks. De Bruyne’s back, Haaland’s almost back, good luck stopping this side between now and the end of the season.
Burnley’s season won’t be defined by trips to the Etihad. This could be an unhappy return for Vincent Kompany. They’ve got Liverpool and Arsenal coming in the next few weeks as well, it’s a tough time for Burnley.
City will score a few here. I’m going for a 4-0 win.
One to watch- There’s still not many better in world football than Kevin De Bruyne. He’s fit, he’s motivated, and he could be a force over the next few months.
Tottenham 2-1 Brentford
After getting knocked out the FA Cup last week, it’s all down to the league now for Spurs. The fixtures aren’t too bad moving forward, I still think they’ve got a really good chance to finish in the top four.
Ivan Toney returned to action in style last time out, scoring in that win over Forest. Brentford really needed that win as well, it’s put a little bit of breathing space between them and the bottom three.
I think this will be a closer game than the table would suggest. Brentford always give them the top six close games and I can see Toney scoring. That being said, I’m going for a 2-1 Spurs win.
One to watch- I’m not sure if he’ll be quite ready to start, but Maddison will be a huge addition back in this side. He’s been such a great signing and they’ve missed his quality on the ball.
Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea
We’ve got a dress rehearsal of the EFL Cup here. There’s been some classic matches between these two down the years, it felt like they played each other every week back in the day. I still remember that famous ghost goal in the Champions League! This one won’t be anywhere near as dramatic.
The news about Klopp is bound to galvanise the squad and the fanbase and this will be the first big home game since he announced the news.
Chelsea are so inconsistent and I just can’t see them going to Anfield and coping in that atmosphere. 2-0 Liverpool.
One to watch- Jota has been in incredible form recently. He’s such a composed finisher, he never looks like he’s going to miss!
West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth
I never like picking between former clubs! West Ham are still right up there in the top six, but it’s been a tough few weeks for them with some draws and going out of the FA Cup.
Bournemouth lost heavily against Liverpool, but I thought they were superb in the cup against Swansea, some of the football was fantastic.
I think this will be a closer game than some people might think. I’m leaning towards a 1-1 draw.
One to watch- Solanke is having the season of his career and I’ve been very impressed. If he can keep this form up between now and the end of the season, he could well be on the plane to Germany.
Wolves 2-1 Man United
Last up, and I think this will be a very good game. Wolves are in such great form and a win here could even put them above Newcastle and Chelsea, who’d have thought that a few months ago! They got that great win in the cup against West Brom as well, this squad is bound to be full of confidence.
I never know what to make of United. The game at Newport was a classic FA Cup tie but ten Hag is bound to be worried about the amount of goals and chances they gave away though.
Wolves have been hard to beat all season at home. They’ve beaten City, Chelsea and Spurs here. I think United will join that list. 2-1!
One to watch- Cunha has developed into such a top player under Gary O’Neil.
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