Villa 2-1 Leeds
Villa had a strange performance in the cup last week against Newcastle, but truth be told, I’m not sure Emery will be too disappointed about going out the cup. This Villa side has been stretched this season with all the games in Europe.
As for Leeds, it’s been a great few weeks for them and I would say they’re only a handful of points away from being almost safe. All credit to Daniel Farke, he’s answered a lot of his critics this season.
Leeds will go to Villa Park and make this difficult, but I think Villa will just edge it.
One to watch- The one bright spot from that FA Cup defeat was Tammy Abraham getting his first goal back at the club.
Brentford 2-0 Brighton
I thought Brentford were fantastic against Arsenal, they gave them such a scare. I’m so impressed by them this season. I mean this in the most complimentary way possible; they must be absolutely horrible to play against. The energy, the set-piece quality, those long throws!
This has probably been Brighton’s worst spell for a few years, things just don’t look right at the minute. They just keep losing too many games and I know they have 31 points, but they could well get dragged into this relegation fight.
One side full of confidence, chasing Europe, the other is really struggling. 2-0.
One to watch- It has to be big Igor Thiago, what a handful this lad is! He just signed a new contract the other day as well, that’s great for the club.
Chelsea 3-0 Burnley
I think Rosenior’s doing a good job at Chelsea. In fact, I think he’s probably going under the radar. Turmoil is probably too strong a word, but things weren’t great at Chelsea when Maresca left, and they seem in a much better place right now.
What a win that was for Burnley at Palace, fantastic. It would have been so easy for those lads to down tools at 2-0 down, so to go and turn the game around and win it, every credit to them.
That being said, I have to pick Chelsea here.
One to watch- It’s been good to see Cole Palmer look more like himself of late, it’s no coincidence that Chelsea’s form has benefited as a result.
West Ham 2-2 Bournemouth
This could be a good one. Every credit to Nuno and those West Ham lads, they’ve shown so much character over the last month. I know they’ll be disappointed to not get all three points against Man United but they have to take the positives from that game.
Bournemouth are flying again, three wins in their last four! All of a sudden, they’re back in the race for Europe and are such a great side to watch when they’re in this mood.
Bournemouth have been involved in plenty of thrillers; this might be another.
One to watch- It looks like Bournemouth have found another gem in Rayan, what a talent he looks!
Man City 3-1 Newcastle
It’s been a brilliant week or so for City, just how big could that win at Anfield be by the end of the season? With Arsenal playing Spurs the following day, this is another chance to apply some pressure on them.
What a fantastic night that was for Newcastle in Baku, and what a fantastic night for Gordon! I don’t care who you’re playing, to score four in a Champions League game is some achievement!
Newcastle obviously have that long, long trip back from Azerbaijan. I have to pick City here.
One to watch- Haaland looks like he’s found his shooting boots again.
Palace 1-0 Wolves
I still don’t know how Palace blew that game against Burnley. A win in that one and a win here and they’d have been pretty much safe. It’s vital they bounce back here.
There’s not too much to say about Wolves. That being said, I was so impressed by the character they showed in that comeback against Arsenal.
I’m giving Palace the edge, 1-0.
One to watch- He scored two against Burnley and all eyes will be on Strand Larsen against his old side. It would typical if he was to go and score against them.
Forest 1-2 Liverpool
It’s all change at Forest… again! I’ve got to say, I’m not sure if I understand the decision to part ways with Sean Dyche. Recent results had dipped a little, but he had done a good job and I’m very confident he’d have kept them up. Now, I’m not so sure.
Winning away at Sunderland was massive for Liverpool, they hadn’t lost at home all season. That might just be the win that sparks this team into life for the reminder of the season, starting with this one.
I’m picking Liverpool.
One to watch – Szoboszlai will be back for this one and he’s probably been their best player this season, regardless of what position he’s played.
Sunderland 2-1 Fulham
Speaking of Sunderland, they finally lost that unbeaten home record, and the results have dropped off a little of late. Still, what an amazing season it’s been for a club that lets not forget, only got up through the playoffs.
Fulham are another side that have dropped off, three defeats in a row. I just seems that some of these midtable sides like Bournemouth and Fulham have been so up and down this season.
I’m backing Sunderland but only just.
One to watch- Brobbey’s been a good bit of business by Sunderland, he’s certainly a handful!
Spurs 2-2 Arsenal
The big one, and a very hard game to predict it. Let’s be honest, who knows what to expect from Spurs. I like Thomas Frank but the performances of late have been really poor and they probably needed a change. Tudor’s come in and he’s got a decent reputation in Italy but how will he get on at Spurs, only time will tell. Talk about an early test for him though!
As for Arsenal, who knows what to expect? I cannot believe they blew that game against Wolves, that’s just so unlike them and boy, has that put pressure on this game. Are those Arsenal lads beginning to feel the pressure?
That Spurs crowd should lift the players and make this a closer game that some might expect. I can see a nervy, entertaining draw!
One to watch- Saka’s signed a new deal and he’ll want to celebrate in style here. He’s due a goal as well.
Everton 1-1 Man Utd
Obviously, Everton went to Old Trafford and won with 10 men, but this will have a different feel to it. Everton have been better on the road than at home of late, I’m not quite sure why! It almost feels like they need a signature, big win at the new ground to really kickstart this era at the club, this could be it.
United drew with West Ham and the fella might never get his haircut at this rate. Ignoring all that though, that wasn’t a bad result and Michael Carrick would absolutely have taken 13 points from 15 when he got appointed.
I’m leaning towards the draw in this one but I’m not quite sure what to expect.
One to watch- I do think we’re beginning to see more of the best of Sesko, I loved that finish against West Ham.
