SATURDAY:
ASTON VILLA V NEWCASTLE
Both sides are two of the in-form teams in the league at the moment and are both pushing for Europe.
Aston Villa have won their last four games and are unbeaten in their last seven. They were in and around mid-table at the start of this run of form and now they find themselves pushing for a place in Europe. Unai Emery has done an excellent job since taking over from Steven Gerrard and it's about time he got the credit he deserved.
Newcastle on the other hand have won their last 5 and are in a great position to qualify for next seasons Champions League. They appeared to be out of gas not that long ago but their recent results have got their season back on track.
The Magpies were much better in the second half against Brentford last weekend with the substitution of Alexander Isak making a big difference. Callum Wilson had more support up top when he came on and the pair of them caused Brentford all kinds of problems.
PREDICTION: 0-2
It will definitely be a close game because of the form both sides are in. Both sides will go for it because of that and the way they both play. But I think Newcastle will come out on top as they've got the best defence as this season can back up.
CHELSEA V BRIGHTON
Chelsea were in the game for some of their defeat to Real Madrid as they had some decent chances and kept the score down. But their familiar failings again let them down. Ben Chilwell's red card may have played a part but before that they were in the game.
It's been more than 6 hours since Chelsea last scored a goal and it's possibly been their longest run without scoring one. They obviously don't have a clinical centre forward but the players in wide areas aren't delivering much on that front either. Eden Hazard was the last out and out goal threat they had and they've not replaced him.
Brighton were very unlucky in their defeat at Spurs mainly because of the VAR decisions that went against them. The Mitoma handball was arguably the only decision that was correct as the ball did touch his arm before he scored. But the other handball and the two penalty decisions were all wrong and should've gone in their favour.
The Seagulls won the reverse fixture 4-1 back in October which was Roberto De Zerbi's first win in charge. With Chelsea being in the state they're in the Italian will fancy his side to bag another convincing win here with the form they've been in all season. They're definitely capable of doing so.
PREDICTION: 0-2
I've got to back Brighton here because they know what their identity is unlike Chelsea. They're a side who are in better form and a team who know each other whilst Chelsea are the complete opposite. They also offer more of a goal threat and it's for that reason I think they'll win here.
EVERTON V FULHAM
Everton will be glad to be back at home for this game as they've had more joy at home than they've had on the road. They've won all but two of their home games since Sean Dyche took over and their home form has again been a catalyst for them in their battle to avoid the drop.
Fulham appear to be running out of gas following four straight defeats which have seen them slip away from the European places. They're likely to slip further away from those places with Mitrovic suspended as they lack a focal point up top without him in the side.
It's still been a very good season for the Cottagers who have over performed by their standards. Anywhere in and around mid-table would represent a very good first season back in the top flat.
PREDICTION: 1-0
Both sides are without their main goal scorers for this one with Everton without Calvert Lewin and Fulham without Mitrovic. The Toffees have struggled for goals for much of the season but I think they'll win this one as they're at home and will be tough to beat.
SOUTHAMPTON V CRYSTAL PALACE
Southampton have been dreadful at home this season and I don't know how many times I've said it. Just two wins and one clean sheet at St Mary's this season which is not good reading for them.
They still have a fighting chance of staying up but for me they're good as gone. They don't score enough goals and because of that and the form they're in, I can't see where their next win will come from.
Crystal Palace were a completely different side in the second half against Leeds as they were more on the front foot and caused Leeds a number of problems. It was a statement win and performance from the Eagles as they were without talisman Wilfired Zaha. Both Eze and Olise stepped up brilliantly and showed signs of life without the Ivorian.
The return of Roy Hodgson has turned out to be a brilliant decision by Palace as they've got some confidence back on board and look reenergised. Performances have been much improved and with him in charge they should have no worries about relegation.
PREDICTION: 1-2
I'm backing Palace here because of Southampton's terrible record at home. With the Eagles beginning to find some form and with some confidence on board, they should no problems in winning this game.
TOTTENHAM V BOURNEMOUTH
Spurs were lucky to beat Brighton last weekend where they again were not at their best. It was their quality that won them the game and with players like Kane and Son in your side you have every chance.
You would fancy Spurs to win here as they're at home where they're in better form than they have been away. They've won their last 5 at home in the league which should give them a lot of confidence heading into this one.
Bournemouth are in decent form at the moment winning 3 of their last 5 and are in a good position to stay up because of it. Some people are beginning to give Gary O'Neil some credit for the job he's done and if he does keep them up he could be a manager of the season contender.
They got a massive win last time out against Leicester and winning those games against the teams in and around you is crucial. They'll obviously want to win here to keep up the momentum but the Cherries will still target the games against fellow relegation rivals as they're most important.
PREDICTION: 2-0
I'm backing Spurs to win here because I think they'll have enough quality to win the game. I don't see it being a convincing win as they haven't had many. But with Kane and Son in their side, they have every chance.
WOLVES V BRENTFORD
Wolves got a crucial win last time out against Chelsea with a brilliant strike from Mattheus Cunha winning them the game. They have some breathing space between themselves and the bottom three as a result of that win and another few wins should guarantee their safety.
Brentford probably should've beaten Newcastle last weekend with the chances they had in the first half and Ivan Toney really should've scored a hat trick. They were the side in control at that stage of the game but couldn't make the most of their dominance as Newcastle later turned the game around after half time.
They haven't been as good on the road as they have been at home this season and haven't won any of their last four games. Their last two against Man United and Newcastle both ended in defeat and they'll want to avoid a third straight loss in this one which very rarely happens.
PREDICTION: 1-1
Wolves don't score many whilst Brentford rarely win away from home. It will be a close encounter as both sides will want to play on the front foot. But because of the points I made earlier I can't see either side winning here.
MAN CITY V LEICESTER
Man City were excellent from start to finish against Bayern Munich in midweek where they were dominant throughout. They were outstanding in every department from the goalkeeper to the forward line and they showed why they're serious contenders to win the Champions League.
After Arsenal dropped points against Liverpool the previous weekend, City now need to make the most of every opportunity if they're to win the title. They're six points behind with a game in hand and a win here will put the pressure on Arsenal who play West Ham on Sunday.
Pep might make some changes for this game with the second leg against Bayern on Wednesday in mind. But his team will still look very strong because of how strong his squad is.
Leicester appointed Dean Smith during the week and it was important that they did because they needed a new manager to restore some much needed confidence to the players. They look like a side who are heading for relegation and low on confidence.
The appointment of Smith in my opinion is a decent one and I say that because of his backroom staff. John Terry was his assistant at Aston Villa and is someone who will work with the defence which has been shocking all season. Craig Shakespeare meanwhile is someone who knows the club having managed there and been an assistant to both Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri.
He's not been handed a nice start though with his first game being against the champions who are in excellent form. He might have to wait for that first win which won't be straightforward as he needs to pick his players up and quickly if he's to get results.
PREDICTION: 5-0
I've got to back City here because I think they'll be too strong for Leicester. They're in excellent form and have far superior players and because of that I can see them win this one very comfortably. Especially with Haaland in the form he's in.
SUNDAY:
WEST HAM V ARSENAL
West Ham got a crucial win last time out against Fulham which was a game they had to win to keep their chances of survival alive. They have both winnable and tough fixtures to end the season with and it's important they win the winnable ones. Especially as they're against teams in and around them.
Was Arsenal's draw with Liverpool a point gained or two points dropped? The next 7 games games will tell us. It could be a point gained as getting a point at Anfield isn't easy. But it could also be two points dropped as they were 2-0 up and will be disappointed that they threw the lead away.
The atmosphere at Anfield got the better of them that day and especially after the 41st minute where Granit Xhaka's clash with Trent Alexnader Arnold got the crowd going. They could've lost that game had it not been for Aaron Ramsdale whose saves kept them in it and earned them a point.
They need to show a reaction here because of what happened at Anfield. The pressure will be on them in this game as Man City are playing first and could close the gap to three points if they beat Leicester the day before.
PREDICTION: 0-2
I'm backing Arsenal to win here because I think they'll respond to the pressure on them like they have done many times this season. West Ham will make it difficult for them but I think the Gunners will have enough quality to win the game.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST V MAN UNITED
I'm starting to worry for Nottingham Forest now they're back in the bottom three and without a win in 9 games. They'll be happy to be back at home for this one as they've been much better at home than they have been on the road. But the pressure will be on them as they've relied a lot on their home form this season.
Man United will have Casemiro back for this one after completing his four game suspension and his return is a massive boost for them because of how important he's been for them. But they will however be without Marcus Rashford who is out for a few weeks with a groin injury.
Rashford's injury could give Anthony Martial the chance to step up with the Frenchman expected to start this one in Rashford's place. He's hasn't had many starts this season mainly due to injuries but he has impressed off the bench in recent games which give him some confidence.
PREDICTION: 0-2
United have been struggling on the road recently but I still think they'll win take the points here. They might be without Rashford who has arguably been their best player this season but I think Martial will step up here as they'll have Christian Eriksen back meaning that they'll have someone who will create chances which is something they haven't had over the last month or two.
MONDAY:
LEEDS V LIVERPOOL
Leeds were in complete control of the first half against Crystal Palace but completely fell apart in the second. They had a lot of chances during their dominant spell but again couldn't take them and they were punished for that in the second half.
Liverpool were woken up by their fans against Arsenal with the Xhaka-Alexander Arnold incident playing a key part in that. They upped the tempo of their play after that and they even could've won the game with the chances they had in the second half. But they'll be disappointed with the goals they conceded and their defending for them.
The reds have been poor on the road this season with just three wins on their travels all season. Their second half performance against Arsenal will give them confidence going into this game but that game was at home where they've had more comfort. Repeating that here is a big if because of how inconsistent they've been all season.
PREDICTION: 1-1
Both sides will score here as they've both struggled defensively this season. Leeds will look to use the home crowd to their advantage but as they can be wasteful in front of goal, I can only see them getting a point here. Especially as Liverpool have players who can push you going forward.
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