My midweek Premier, Champions and Europa League preview
My preview for the midweek Premier League, Europa League and Champions League games. The big game in the Champions League is the second leg between Liverpool and Real Madrid. It’s a huge week for Manchester United with playing the second leg of their last 16 Europa League game against Real Betis and then playing Fulham at Old Trafford in the quarter-final of FA Cup. There is also two rescheduled Premier League games down for decision which affects both ends of the table especially Brighton’s run to Europe.
Brighton & Hove Albion host Crystal Palace at the AMEX Stadium. Brighton were involved in a dramatic draw last weekend at Elland Road against Leeds United. Brighton would be disappointed that they didn’t take three points at Elland Road as they created some great chances before Leeds scored an equaliser. Brighton will go above sixth place Liverpool with a win and will be only six points behind fourth place Tottenham Hotspur. Crystal Palace have been dragged back into a relegation scrap as they are only three points above 18th place Bournemouth. Palace have really struggled as they have won no Premier League matches in 2023. All Irish fans are cheering for Brighton due to the rise of Evan Ferguson and I think the home side will win 2-0 against Palace.
Southampton host Brentford at St Mary’s. Southampton got a great result as they achieved a draw last weekend at Old Trafford against Man United. Southampton will get out of the bottom three if they achieve a win against Brentford. Brentford have achieved some great results away from home this season as they drew against Arsenal at the Emirates and won against Man City at the Etihad. Brentford will go to eight place if they win against Southampton. The job that Thomas Frank has done at Brentford has been very impressive and I think that The Bees will win 2-1
Liverpool trail 5-2 s they travel to Real Madrid for the second leg of their last 16 Champions League clash. Since the first leg Liverpool have won two Premier League matches which included scoring seven goals against Man United. Real Madrid are currently second in the LaLiga and came from one nil down last weekend to win 3-1 against Espanyol. Karim Benzema loves the Champions League as he scored two goals against Liverpool at Anfield. It’s a tough order trying to come from three behind especially with playing against the current Champions League holders. Liverpool’s away record has been poor this season and this continued with losing one nil to Bournemouth last weekend. Score prediction 3-2
The other last 16 Champions League game tonight is between Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt. Napoli take a two-nil lead into the second leg of their clash against Frankfurt. Napoli have been outstanding this season as they have an 18 point lead at the top of Seria A and won two nil against Atalanta last weekend. Frankfurt are currently sixth in the Bundesliga and drew 1-1 against Stuttgart last weekend. I think Napoli will win 2-0.
Arsenal and Man United are playing the second leg of their last 16 Europa League matches on Thursday. Arsenal drew 2-2 away from home against Sporting CP. The Thursday Sunday schedule is tough especially when Arsenal are trying to stay ahead of Man City in the title race. Arsenal will make changes but I think they will have enough to win 2-1.
Man United scored three goals in the second half as they won 4-1 against Real Betis at Old Trafford. Both Man United and Real Betis drew in their matches over the weekend in their respective leagues. Man United cannot be complacent as a three-goal lead could go in a matter of seconds. Man United will rely on the pace of their forward players and I think it will be a draw with Man United going through to the quarter-final. Hope you enjoy the action both tonight and tomorrow evening.