After a full schedule of midweek fixtures, there is a swift turnaround in the with some huge games looming large this weekend.
with Liverpool keeping pace behind them.
’s win over the champions moved them into third and takes on his old club on Saturday with
City are looking to end a run of four games without a league win, heading to Luton Town while Manchester United are looking to secure their second win of the win at home to in-form Bournemouth.
As ever, previews the action for Metro.co.uk…
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
Liverpool weren’t incredible against Sheffield United but they got that job done. That’s what you need. I remember when the games were coming thick and fast, not every game will be great. Some games will be s**t to watch and the team will play bad. You might be thinking ‘oh my god.’
But that’s how it is. Sometimes you get tired. Sometimes it’s more mental tiredness as opposed to physical tiredness, then your reactions are slow. This is when you need to win 1-0, an ugly win. I don’t care, just get the points, go home and rest. Try to repeat it.
Liverpool got the job done against Sheffield United, as you would expect. Crystal Palace, as I’ve said before, can surprise you on their day. That’s for sure.
Roy Hodgson has been there and done that. You watch him and think ‘f*****g hell, respect man.’ He’s still going strong and I think the players like him. The players like him being their coach. I think they play for him and when he’s under pressure they will rally behind him and try to get the best out of the team and get points.
I will go with a surprise and say a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Wolves vs Nottingham Forest
I think Forest will be in trouble all season long. When they play against the big teams, Forest are a big team but times are different, they need to fight to survive.
Wolves are doing fine by their standards, let’s say. I like Forest, to be honest. I want them to do well and I like Steve Cooper, as well. I’ll go for another draw here.
Prediction 1-1
Brighton vs Burnley
Brighton are Brighton, they’ll have good games and have bad games but they will not change for anyone. They will play football, look for space and pass, pass, pass.
Burnley need points, but I think the way football is played by Brighton will be too much for them. I think Brighton will win.
Prediction 2-0
Sheffield United vs Brentford
You always have a bit of improvement when the manager comes in. Chris Wilder has the knowledge and is familiar with the process. Of course, Liverpool was a tough opponent and they lost. Now they have a chance to correct it and they need to do so if they have hopes to survive. I’ll go for a Sheffield United win.
Prediction 1-0
Manchester United vs Bournemouth
I don’t know how many times I have used the term ‘must win’ for United. But it is the truth. They’re three points off City. You need to win, you’re playing at Old Trafford and you won against Chelsea.
Now, Bournemouth come and it’s a game you can easily win. Just don’t do the opposite and lose. United have the momentum but let’s not spoil it with a bad performance. Keep the pressure on the teams above.
This is a great opportunity for United to win, so I’ll go for it.
Prediction 2-1
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
I want Aston Villa to win. Why? Because I want them to make it even more interesting, but not only that. It’s because they deserve it based on the performances they are putting in, how they are playing and what Emery is doing there.
Their record at home at the moment is amazing, and the players will be feeling confident. I’m not saying Arsenal deserve to lose, they also are in great form at the moment. Just to make it more interesting, I want Aston Villa to win.
Prediction 2-1
Luton Town vs Manchester City
Kenilworth is not an easy place to go. But what can you say? If you say Luton to win, it’s a bit too much in my opinion. City are City. It doesn’t matter if they lost 1-0 against Aston Villa. Their form won’t bother anyone.
To be honest, it must be a miracle for Luton to win. The quality of Man City is so, so superior. Luton will try to bully them in a way. They will pass, run, put in the effort and hope for the best. City will play, play, play. Honestly, I think City will win.
Prediction 1-2
Fulham vs West Ham
It was a great win last time out for Fulham, but I think they can do so much better. They need to find the consistency factor. I want to see them continue their winning run and they can do it for sure, so I’ll go with them.
West Ham is West Ham. They have good players and a good manager but they are beatable with the right attitude and right game plan. The way Fulham like to play with risky passes, I think they can win the game.
Prediction 3-1
Everton vs Chelsea
Everton need to compensate for the points deduction and they got a great result last time out against Newcastle. It’s a hard battle and I sympathise with them but the rules are the rules. They have paid the penalty and now have to get out of it.
I don’t know what to say about Chelsea anymore, honestly. Chelsea need to start putting a shift in to just get wins and points. For them, it’s going to be difficult as now is the moment for Everton to take advantage.
Everton try to bully the opposition at Goodison Park and they can do it. It can save you and make points. It doesn’t matter how, they just need points. Get a win, a I don’t care how. I’ll go with Everton.
Prediction 2-1
Tottenham vs Newcastle
I think it will be a good game. Both teams play attacking football. Eddie Howe is doing great with Newcastle everyone can see that. Both sides need to bounce back from disappointing results last time out.
Spurs may have lost a bit of momentum with the losses and the draw against Man City, but the team is still good and compact. They still have a chance to do something special.
They need to get points from games like this but they need to be fully concentrated against Newcastle. They are very dangerous with the players they have.
I’m tempted to say Spurs will win but I’ll go with a draw. We all hope it’s high scoring but it sometimes ends up as a boring-ass game. But with the players both teams have, I expect to see goals.
Prediction 2-2
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