Paddy’s picks: Premier League preview
Another big weekend in the Premier League at both ends of the table. Sean Dyche takes charge of his first match as relegation threatened Everton take on table toppers Arsenal at Goodison Park. It’s getting to the stage of the season were every game matters due to either winning the title like Arsenal or trying to avoid relegation. This is the first round of fixtures since the transfer window closed and it will be interesting to see how new signings get on especially Jorginho making his Arsenal debut.
Everton are currently in a relegation scrap and need to start getting points on the board but their next three games are against Arsenal today then Liverpool and Leeds. Dyche knows some of the players well from his days at Burnley especially Dwight Mc Neill and James Tarkowski. Multiple strikers turned down joining Everton on deadline day which included former Chelsea and Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud. This will be another test for Arsenal especially with Everton fighting for their lives and with it been Sean Dyche’s first match at Goodison Park. Arsenal have been outstanding this season and this included beating Spurs and Man United in their last two Premier League games. Arsenal will play on the counter attack with the pace of Bukayo Saka and rely on the creativity of Martin Odegaard. Score prediction 1-2
Brendan Rodgers takes his Leicester side to Villa Park for a tough match against an in form Aston Villa. Leicester are only one point above the dreaded relegation zone. Leicester put an end to their losing streak with a draw against Brighton in their last Premier League game and will be looking for a similar performance against Aston Villa this weekend. Aston Villa have been in great form lately with winning their last two Premier League games against both Leeds at home and Southampton at St Mary’s. Villa will potentially go above both Chelsea and Liverpool in the table if they win this game against Leicester. Score prediction 2-0
Brentford host bottom of the table Southampton at Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford put in a fantastic defensive performance on the road to get a draw in their last Premier League game against Leeds. Brentford have been very good at home this season which includes beating both Liverpool and Man United at Gtech Community Stadium. Southampton got a win in their FA Cup game against Blackpool but lost to Newcastle in the second leg of EFL Cup semi-final. Southampton will make it difficult by defending deep and hitting Brentford on the counter attack but will rely on saves from Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. Score prediction 1-0
Brighton are in great form after beating Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup. A lot of Irish interest in Brighton’s results at the moment due to the rise of Evan Ferguson. Brighton will go back to sixth and only one point behind fifth place Spurs if they beat Bournemouth at home. Bournemouth are struggling as they are currently in the bottom three of the Premier League table. Bournemouth got a well needed result with a draw in their last home game against Nottingham Forest. This will be a tough game for Bournemouth due to how well Brighton are playing at the moment under Roberto De Zerbi. Score prediction 3-0
Manchester United welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford this weekend. The home side will have a bit of revenge on their minds as Crystal Palace scored an injury time equaliser in the reverse fixture. It was great to see Jadon Sancho return to the pitch during the second leg of EFL Cup semi-final and this could be a good fixture to make his Premier League return. Man United have a quick turn around since their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening and it will be interesting to see if this has any impact on their performance. Crystal Palace will make it difficult for Man United similar to the game at Selhurst Park a couple of weeks ago. Palace do like a clean sheet but manager Patrick Vieira will be worried that they have only scored one goal in their last three Premier League games. Score prediction 2-0
Wolverhampton Wanders welcome struggling Liverpool to Molineux. Jurgen Klopp will be looking for a response after losing to Brighton in the fourth round of FA Cup. Liverpool are currently ten points behind fourth place and need to start winning games if they want to finish in the top four this season. Wolves are also in a relegation scrap and need points to try avoid the drop. Wolves will look to take advantage of Liverpool’s defence especially with Virgil Van Dijk still injured. Score prediction 1-2
The late game is Newcastle against West Ham at St James Park. Eddie Howe has done a fantastic job at Newcastle as they reached the final of EFL Cup during the week. Newcastle will be looking to score a couple of goals in this game as they have only scored one goal in their last three Premier League games. David Moyes lifted the pressure as they won their last home game against Everton. Declan Rice was influential in their win against Everton and will be looking to get him on the ball to create chances for the away side at St James Park. Score prediction 2-0
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