Paddy’s picks: 3rd January 2023
My preview for nine Premier League games which will take place over the next three days. The pick of the games will be first against third as Arsenal welcome Newcastle to The Emirates. This round of fixtures has already caused an upset as Brentford beat Liverpool 3-1 on Monday 2nd of January 2023. The Premier League has been very competitive this season and not surprised with the unpredictability of results.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United. Bukayo Saka gives defenders nightmares with his pace and has found form in front of goal as he has scored six goals in 2022/2023 Premier League. Arsenal will be looking for revenge as Newcastle were the team that finished The Gunners charge for Champions League football in the 2021/2022 Premier League. Newcastle had a tough couple of games over the festive period with drawing at home against Leeds and beating Leicester 3-0 at the King Power Stadium. Arsenal with open a 10 point lead at the top of the table if they win this game as second place Manchester City are not playing until Thursday. Score prediction 2-1
Manchester United welcome AFC Bournemouth to Old Trafford. Man United don’t have an out and out striker but Marcus Rashford is in great form as he has scored six goals in the 2022/2023 Premier League. Man United are now back in the top four and have an opportunity to go ahead of Newcastle in third if Arsenal beat The Magpies and the Red Devils get another win at home. Bournemouth are struggling as they have conceded four goals in their last two Premier League games. Score prediction 2-0
Leicester City welcome Fulham to the King Power Stadium. Fulham are in great form since the Premier League restarted as they scored three in their win against Crystal Palace and two in their home win against Southampton. Leicester need to start picking up points as they are only three points above the dreaded relegation zone. Leicester would be happy with a clean sheet in this game as they have conceded five goals in their last two Premier League games. Score prediction 0-2
Everton welcome in form Brighton & Hove Albion to Goodison Park. Frank Lampard got a well needed result as they drew 1-1 against Man City at the Etihad Stadium. Brighton showed a lot of character as they came from behind to nearly get a draw against Arsenal in their last game. Brighton won their last away game three nil against Southampton and World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is back in the squad for this game. Score prediction 1-2
Leeds and West Ham United is a massive game for both teams. David Moyes needs a result because they are only above the relegation zone on goal difference. Leeds got a clean sheet in their last game but scoring a goal is a huge problem for Jesse Marsch’s men. This game will be tight and one goal might decide it. Leeds need to sign a striker in the January Transfer Window due to Patrick Bamford having multiple injuries over the last couple of years. Score prediction 1-0
Crystal Palace entertain Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park. Antonio Conte will be looking for a response from Spurs after their home defeat against Aston Villa. Palace got a win on the road against Bournemouth and will like to hurt Spurs on the counter attack with their quick attacking players. Spurs can’t afford to drop points as the race for top four is becoming very congested. Score prediction 1-1
Southampton have a six pointer at St Mary’s against Nottingham Forest. Nathan Jones would rather a poor performance but sneak a one nil home win. Forest will fancy their chances as the confidence is extremely low at Southampton due to been bottom of the Premier League table. This game will be extremely tight as there is so much at stake regarding trying to avoid the dreaded relegation zone. Score prediction 0-1
Aston Villa welcome Wolverhampton Wanders to Villa Park. Wolves played well against Man United but their problem is struggling to score a goal. Unai Emery is looking for two wins in a row after they won two nil in their last game against Spurs. Wolves will look to play on the counter attack with the pace of Adama Traore. Score prediction 2-1
The final game in this round of fixtures is the clash between Chelsea and Man City on Thursday at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea started well against Forest but they have a similar problem to other teams in the league with having no striker. Chelsea are currently in ninth position and the owners won’t be happy with fellow London clubs Brentford, Fulham and Arsenal are all above them in the table. Man City need to go on an unbelievable run to cut into Arsenal’s lead at the top and can’t afford anymore slip ups. Phil Foden is a fantastic player and it’s crazy that Pep Guardiola is starting Jack Grealish ahead of him. Score prediction 1-2