A quick turnaround in the EPL gives some midweek football to enjoy. NO midnight alarms this week with each game kicking off between 8:30am and 9am making for great viewing.
We might as well crown Liverpool champs now and worry about all the other teams.
Let’s get into it.
Palace have been inconsistent, but they do tend to find the net at Selhurst Park, while Villa’s defence on the road isn’t exactly watertight.
Ollie Watkins has been great in front of goal, and Palace’s attack has enough to trouble Unai Emery’s side. Villa love an open game, and this one should have goals.
Both teams to get on the scoresheet feels like the right play.
Brighton are flying at home, winning four of their last five against Bournemouth, and they’ve kept two clean sheets in a row. The Cherries have been shaky on the road and struggle against teams who control possession.
With Mitoma and João Pedro in form, the Seagulls should have too much quality.
Expect them to dominate the ball and take their chances.
Fulham have been surprisingly strong away, scoring exactly two goals in their last five road games.
Wolves, on the other hand, have lost four of their last six at Molineux and seem to struggle breaking down compact teams.
If Fulham stay disciplined, their counterattack could be lethal. This is a sneaky good value bet with the Cottagers to nick it.
Chelsea are desperate for a statement win, and against a leaky Southampton side, they should get it.
The Saints have been shipping goals lately, and Stamford Bridge could be the worst place for them to try and tighten up.
The Blues have defensive issues of their own, but their attack should be too much here. Expect goals, entertainment, and a much-needed Chelsea win.
We could get an extremely flat Arsenal after losing at home to West Ham last week, or we could get a fired up side that comes out wanting to right their wrongs and keep their title hopes alive.
Forest will sit deep and make this an ugly, frustrating game—something they’ve done well against big sides before.
The Gunners should take all three points, but it won’t be a goal-fest.
Everton have finally found some rhythm, going unbeaten in their last six matches, while Brentford’s home form has fallen off a cliff.
The Bees have failed to win in five straight at home, struggling to create chances.
Dyche has Everton well-drilled, and they’re hard to break down. A draw wouldn’t be shocking, but Everton could steal all three.
United should have too much quality for Ipswich, but let’s not ignore they are 15th on the ladder with an unreliable defence.
The Red Devils have kept just two clean sheets in their last 10, and Ipswich love to attack.
McKenna’s side should be able to cause some problems, but United’s quality should get them through. A high-scoring home win looks to be the move.
Whenever these two meet, chaos tends to follow. Both sides play attacking football and aren’t afraid to leave space at the back.
I’m not sure what sort of side Pep Guardiola will run out but when considering both teams form of late I’m expecting an end-to-end thriller and backing the total goals to clear.
With one hand on the trophy it’s hard to back anything but a home win for Liverpool this week. They’re a different beast at Anfield, and their high press should cause Newcastle all sorts of issues.
That said, Newcastle are never shy in attack, and Isak or Gordon could find a way through.
Liverpool’s quality should prevail, but they’ll probably need to outscore Newcastle in a lively affair.
West Ham are finding form, and at home, they should have too much for a Leicester side that hasn’t travelled well.
The Foxes have struggled against physical teams, and West Ham’s midfield power should dominate.
If Bowen and Kudus are on their game, Leicester could be in trouble. The Hammers to take care of business at the London Stadium.