SATURDAY:
ASTON VILLA V NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Aston Villa have lost their last three home games in all competitions after going on such a good run at home. But they have won both of their away games since that incredible home run ended.
Nottingham Forest picked up a much needed win against West Ham last weekend which gave them some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone.
But I still don't trust them away from home where they have again struggled like they did for the whole of last season.
Because of this I'm backing Villa to win here.
PREDICTION: 2-0
BRIGHTON V EVERTON
Brighton were ruthless in their win at Sheffield United last weekend even though they were helped massively by the Blades going down to 10 men early on.
Everton welcomed back Abdoulaye Doucoure in their draw with Crystal Palace on Monday and his return is a massive boost for them. He was a big miss for them during his absence as they missed his energy and athleticism in the midfield.
The Toffees' 5-1 win in this fixture last season played a key role in them staying up as it started their late season charge towards survival.
I don't see there being a repeat of that here as Brighton are strong at home and will have enough quality in their attack to win the game.
PREDICTION: 3-1
CRYSTAL PALACE V BURNLEY
Crystal Palace will have Oliver Glasner in charge for the first time here after he replaced Roy Hodgson on Monday.
From what I hear, Glasner likes his teams to press from the front and play on the front foot and it could take time for the Palace players to get used to it, as they're not used to playing that brand of football.
What won't help him is the fact that he'll start his reign without his two best players in Eze and Olise who are both injured and are players who are more suited to his style of play.
Burnley along with Sheffield United look good as gone with both sides having the same number of points and being the number of points adrift.
The Clarets have fared better away than they have at home this season and they might fancy their chances here with Palace unfamiliar with their new style of play.
With the Eagles also missing Eze and Olise, I think the Clarets could nick a point here.
PREDICTION: 1-1
MAN UNITED V FULHAM
Man United have looked more together as a team since the turn of the year and their recent good form has got them back in the race for the top four.
Getting players back from injury has played a key part in their recent resurgence alongside the form of Rasmus Hojlund who has been on fire recently.
Fulham have been poor away from home this season winning just once on the road all season. That win came on the opening day of the season against Everton.
The Cottagers have however put up a fight when taking on the big teams this season and were only a few minutes away from picking up a point in the reverse fixture.
I can see them being in the game here but with United being in the form they've been in recently, I think they'll claim the points here.
PREDICTION: 2-1
BOURNEMOUTH V MAN CITY
Bournemouth are still waiting for their first win of 2024 and they'll need to get it soon otherwise they'll find themselves back in the relegation mix.
With Liverpool being involved in the Carabao Cup final, this is a game that Man City need to win in order to keep up the pressure on them.
City have dished out a number of thrashings on Bournemouth over the years and they hammered them 6-1 when the two sides met at the Etihad in November.
I can see them dish out another one on them here as I think they'll have too much for Bournemouth.
PREDICTION: 0-4
ARSENAL V NEWCASTLE
Arsenal have been in fine goal scoring form recently netting 21 times since the turn of the year. Their goal scoring run came to a halt in midweek against Porto where they failed to register one shot on target.
Newcastle have struggled away from home this season but they have won their last two games on the road against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest respectively.
The Magpies haven't been as strong defensively as they were last season and with Arsenal being in such great goal scoring form, I think they'll win this one rather comfortably.
PREDICTION: 3-0
SUNDAY:
WOLVES V SHEFFIELD UNITED
Wolves have been one of surprise packages under Gary O'Neil this season as they're doing a lot better than many people thought they would.
A lot of people had them down to be in a relegation fight at the start of the season following a difficult summer. They've proved their doubters wrong ever since as they're sitting comfortably in mid-table and in touching distance of the European places.
Sheffield United got absolutely hammered by Brighton last weekend where they were let down by Mason Holgate whose reckless red card played a big part.
The Blades have both the worst attack and the worst defence in the league this season which only means one thing: They're a side heading straight back down.
Wolves have been in good goal scoring form this season and I can see them send Chris Wilder's side closer to the Championship.
PREDICTION: 3-0
MONDAY:
WEST HAM V BRENTFORD
West Ham are still without a win in 2024 and the pressure is beginning to grow on manager David Moyes.
Banners were displayed by the fans during their defeat at Nottingham Forest indicating that they want him to go which I can understand as they're not happy with the brand of football, and with the team's recent results.
Brentford have won every game against the Hammers since they've been in the Premier League and they'll no doubt fancy themselves to bag another one here. Especially with the Hammers not in great form.
Ivan Toney has been in good goal scoring form since returning from suspension and I think he'll bag another here to help the Bees to another win over the Hammers.
PREDICTION: 0-2
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