jonjoward1998

Jan 20, 202310 min read

Premier League Predictions: Matchweek 21

SATURDAY:

LIVERPOOL V CHELSEA

Liverpool put in a much improved display against Wolves in midweek compared to the one they showed last weekend against Brighton. Their pressing was much better and they controlled the game well after getting the goal. Jurgen Klopp will surely want the same kind of performance in this one.

The reds made a lot of changes for that game and are likely to bring their rested players back into the fold for this one. But I wouldn't be surprised if they played one or two of players from midweek in this one. Harvey Elliot will be hoping that he gets the nod again after his man of the match display and I really do hope he does.

Chelsea also put in a much improved performance last time out against Crystal Palace which will hopefully give them some much needed confidence. They were more creative in the final third than they had been in previous games and their performance will certainly be something that they can build on.

New signing Mykhailo Mudryk could make his debut here following his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk and I'm not sure whether he will improve things for the blues. They've already wasted a lot of money on players this season and I have a feeling that this one is going to be another example of their poor recruitment strategy under Todd Boehly.

PREDICTION: 2-1

I think Liverpool will again show up for this one as they're at home where they barely lose and Chelsea have a poor record against the big six teams this season. The blues will have some confidence on board after their win over Crystal Palace but because of their poor record against the top teams and their struggles in front of goal this season, I can see the reds win this one.

BOURNEMOUTH V NOTTINGHAM FOREST

This fixture last season was the one that sealed Bournemouth's promotion to the Premier League with their 1-0 win over Forest being enough to secure their return to the top flight. They now find themselves in a fight to avoid dropping down to the Championship as they're just a point above the relegation zone and are pointless in their last four games.

Goals have been their main problem this season and especially since the World Cup as they've failed to score in each of their four games since the break. They didn't done enough to score in those games and will need to ffer a lot more in this one if they're to come away with the win.

There is a lot of belief with Nottingham Forest that they might stay up with the recent results they've had including their win last Saturday against Leicester which moved them five points clear of the drop. They're looking more like a team than they were earlier in the season and you have give Steve Cooper a lot of credit.

They threw away a two goal lead in the reverse fixture back in September and their results since then suggest that it won't happen again. They're looking much more solid defensively and are looking more like a Premier League side.

PREDICTION: 1-0

I fancy Bournemouth to win here despite the current form they're in because Forest have been poor on the road. Forest do have more confidence on board than the Cherries but because of their poor form away from home, I have a feeling that Gary O'Neil's side will put an end to the barren run of results they've had.

LEICESTER V BRIGHTON

Leicester have lost every game since the World Cup break and pressure is back on Brendan Rodgers once again. They're just two points above the drop and the fans are unhappy with their lack of transfer activity after seeing their banner directed towards the board during their defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The Foxes could have James Maddison back for this one which would be a massive boost for them due to how much they've missed him. They really struggle without their injured stars and they've certainly struggled without Maddison with the creativity and goals he brings to the team.

Brighton's 5-2 win over Leicester in the reverse fixture was their final game under Graham Potter who later left the club in good hands. They started season well under the now current Chelsea boss and Roberto De Zerbi has carried on his good work ever since he arrived at the AMEX.

The departure of Leandro Trossard will be a blow but it was probably the right decision to let him go due to his attitude in the lead up to his departure. An unhappy player in any squad can lead to an unsettled dressing room and moving him on was probably the best way forward for them.

PREDICTION: 0-2

I'm going for another Brighton win here because they're in good form and unlike Leicester who appear to be low on confidence. The Foxes could have Maddison back for this game, but I don't see him playing which is why I think the Seagulls will run out winners here.

SOUTHAMPTON V ASTON VILLA

Southampton finally got off the mark under Nathan Jones with their victory over Everton which was a massive result for them. They have some much needed confidence on board as a result of that victory which came from the momentum gained from the cup competitions.

Things were looking very bleak for the Saints a couple of weeks ago but their win at Everton will give them something to build on as they look to climb off the foot of the table.

Aston Villa have looked decent under Unai Emery who has got the best out of some underperforming players from the previous manager. Leon Bailey has certainly improved despite his crucial miss against Wolves as has Emiliano Buendia. Both have struggled since their arrivals at Villa Park but since Emery has come in, they've been completely different players.

Villa do however have similar problems to their opponents in that they're not clinical in the final third. They have signed a striker during the week who will give Ollie Watkins some competition up top but I don't see him being the answer as he's just 19.

PREDICTION: 1-1

Southampton have something to build on as a result of their win over Everton whilst Villa have had some inconsistent results and performances of late. With the Saints wanting to build on the recent results they've had both in the cup and the league, I can see them put in a performance here. But I think Villa will too.

WEST HAM V EVERTON

I never thought that I would see these two sides in the bottom three together and yet somehow they're there. Both are out of form and both are struggling for goals.

West Ham's struggles in front of goal have mainly been down to the constant changing of their attack. They haven't looked settled up there at all this season due to the amount of changes being made and in all fairness none of their attacking players have been outstanding this season.

There has been a rumour this week that David Moyes could be facing the sack if the Hammers lose this crucial game. There are already a number of names lined up to replace Moyes if he does get sacked and Moyes himself has to get a result here if he's to keep his job.

It's worrying times for Everton at the moment both on and off the pitch. On the pitch their results have been poor whilst off the pitch the club is being poorly run.

The atmosphere is toxic after seeing the fans' protests after their defeat to Southampton where they made their thoughts clear with the banners they held. With the team low on confidence and the atmosphere as toxic as it it, staying in the league this time round will be a lot more challenging.

PREDICTION: 1-0

I'm backing West Ham to return to winning ways here because they have more of a goal threat. They have found goals hard to come by this season like Everton have but they do actually have a go in games. With the Toffees low on confidence lacking a goal threat, I think the Hammers will just edge this one.

CRYSTAL PALACE V NEWCASTLE

Crystal Palace did well to stay in the game against Man United in midweek with Michael Olise's brilliant free kick rescuing a point for them. I was listened to some of Wilfried Zaha's post match interview after that game where he spoke about their fighting spirit and they certainly showed it on Wednesday.

The Eagles have been that side this season who haven't always got the results their performances have deserved. They've played well on many occasions this season like they did last season but haven't been able to match their performances with the results.

Newcastle had to find a way to win against Fulham in their previous game and they may have to that more if they're serious about finishing in the top four. They've obviously never been in this situation before and their win last weekend could be a sign that teams are starting to figure them out.

Eddie Howe's side will be without Bruno Guimaraes for this after the Brazilian went off injured during their win over Fulham. His absence will undoubtedly be a massive lost for them but they should still have enough in their team to keep up their push for Champions League football. Defensively they're solid and going forward they always look dangerous.

PREDICTION: 0-1

I think Newcastle will edge this one because they have more firepower in their attack. They might be without Guimaraes which is a massive blow but with Palace likely to miss a number of chances due to their lack of cutting edge in the final third, The Magpies should have just enough as they're strong in pretty much eery position.

SUNDAY:

LEEDS V BRENTFORD

Leeds were clinical in their FA Cup win over Cardiff in midweek and clinical is a word that is not said about them very much. It was a massive win for them having not won since November and the result itself will give them some much needed confidence.

The pressure is still on Jesse Marsch despite their win in midweek as his side haven't won in six league games. They sit just two points above the relegation zone as things stand but on the plus side they're in a higher position than they were this time last season.

Unlike Leeds Brentford are in great form as they're unbeaten in their last seven league games and sit just a point outside the European places. Some of their fans might be dreaming about European football next season but with Liverpool and Chelsea likely to pick themselves at some stage, they shouldn't get too ahead of themselves.

Ivan Toney scored a hat trick in the reverse fixture and you'd certainly back him to bag another goal in this one with the form he's in. He's scored five goals in his last four games for the Bees and he'll definitely be backing himself to score again in this one.

PREDICTION: 2-2

I can see this one being very close as both sides will go for it due to the way they both play. I don't see Brentford losing as they're in good form but I do think Leeds might carry the confidence gained from their FA Cup win in midweek. Especially with Patrick Bamford back among the goals.

MAN CITY V WOLVES

Man City really turned it on in the second half against Spurs last night where they were more like their usual selves. They moved the ball a lot quicker than they did in the first half where they lacked "fire, passion and desire" according to Pep Guardiola. They certainly showed all three in the second period.

They have the chance to put the pressure on Arsenal in this game with a win moving them to within a couple of points of the league leaders. They've been written off by some people recently but after winning their game in hand in midweek and a couple of games against Arsenal coming up, you should never write City off.

Wolves didn't offer anything going forward for much of the game against Liverpool in midweek up until the final few minutes. They committed more men forward during that stage of the game but as usual they were again ineffective in front of goal.

Their performance have been much improved since Julen Lopetegui has been in charge but their old problems I'm afraid are still there. They signed Pablo Sarabia during the week who will be seen as the player who will help them fit their problems in front of goal. But Wolves need an out and out no.9 in order for them to do that.

PREDICTION: 3-0

I've got to back City here because they'll have more than enough firepower to win the game. Their second half display against Spurs was a sign of them returning to their best and I think they'll be at their best for this one.

ARSENAL V MAN UNITED

Arsenal's only defeat this season came in the reverse fixture which was a game that they didn't deserve to lose. They've been on an incredible run since that defeat and will no doubt believe that they will get themselves over the line this time round.

This is another massive test for Mikel Arteta's side and one they'll be feeling confident of passing. They've passed pretty much every test they've faced this season and are looking like the real deal whenever you watch them.

Man United were unfortunate against Crystal Palace in midweek mainly because they should've had a penalty. The game might've been different had the penalty been awarded with score being 1-0 at the time. But it wasn't to be and United had to settle for the point.

Erik Ten Hag's side will be without Casemiro for this one after the Brazilian picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Palace in midweek. They did beat Arsenal earlier in the season without Casemiro in the team but because of how much Casemiro has improved United since he's been in the team, his suspension is a massive blow for them.

PREDICTION: 2-0

I'm going for an Arsenal win here because of the form they're in and their strong mentality. United are great form as well but I can see Casemiro's absence playing a huge part here. With the Gunners going into every game believing that they can win, I can see that mid-set seeing them through here.

MONDAY:

FULHAM V TOTTENHAM

Fulham will have felt hard done by after their defeat to Newcastle in regards to the decisions that went against them. They did have a penalty go in their favour which they then scored only for it to be ruled out. But the first penalty call was the one that should've been given as it looked more like a penalty than the second call.

The Cottagers won their last home a week ago against Chelsea and have competed well when =ever they've taken on the big teams. With Spurs not looking at all convincing at the moment, Marco Silva's side will be looking to exploit that. Especially as they're a side who start games on the front foot.

Spurs rarely start games on the front foot like Fulham do but they did go ahead in the first half against Man City in midweek even though the goals were presented to them. But they couldn't build on that lead as they struggled to cope with City's pressure in the second half forcing them to make rash decisions.

They'll need a fast start here otherwise Fulham will punish them. Spurs do have the character to turn a game around as they've shown on a number of occasions. But they still need to start this game strongly if they're to have any chance of winning it.