Paddy’s picks: 2022
My preview to this weekend’s Premier League games on both Saturday and Sunday. There are three games left in the Premier League before it breaks for the 2022 World Cup. Eight games are scheduled for Saturday 29th October which includes the clash of Liverpool vs Leeds United at Anfield. The amount of games in quick succession is unbelievable due to the World Cup scheduled halfway through the club season along with 13 games cancelled due to Queen Elizabeth II passing away.
AFC Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur
Bournemouth come into this game after losing their last two matches against both Southampton and West Ham. Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke went off injured against West Ham and missing him will be a big blow for Gary O’ Neill’s men. Spurs manager Antonio Conte is under pressure after losing his last two Premier League games against both Manchester United and Newcastle. Harry Kane scored a winner for Spurs in their midweek Champions League game against Sporting CP but after three minutes of discussion VAR disallowed the goal which meant the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Spurs are without attacking player Dejan Kulusevski & Richarlison for this game and it will be tough to get a result with been away from home. Score prediction 1-1
Brentford vs Wolverhampton Wanders
The Bees good run came to an end as they lost their last Premier League game 4-0 to Aston Villa. Brentford have been good at home this season especially when they scored four goals against Manchester United and five against Leeds. Wolves were forced to give caretaker manager Steve Davies the permanent role after QPR boss Mick Beale turned down Molineux. Wolves are currently in the bottom three of the Premier League due to terrible performances this season. Score prediction 2-0
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Ex Brighton manager Graham Potter takes his Chelsea side back to his former club. Potter has done an impressive job so far at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea are currently unbeaten in the Premier League. Brighton got a great draw against Liverpool but have struggled since then as they have only scored one goal in the Premier League. Brighton were given a headache in the last couple of months as they lost their talented manager Graham Potter to Chelsea. Score prediction 1-2
Crystal Palace vs Southampton
Southampton are currently in good form after their home draw against Arsenal. Ralph Hasenhuttl has done a remarkable job with The Saints as they have stuck with him through thick and thin. Palace have played well lately but have struggled for results which included a 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park. Palace will look to play on the counter attack with their pace and The Saints will look to use James Ward-Prowse accuracy through set-pieces. Score prediction 2-1
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
Eddie Howe has transformed himself as a manager as Newcastle are currently in the top four of the Premier League. Newcastle have got some great results at home this season which included beating Tottenham Hotspur and a draw against Manchester City. Aston Villa recently parted company with manager Steven Gerrard and the Villa players took the shackles off as they scored four goals against Brentford. Villa have paid £6 million to bring Villarreal manager Unai Emery to the Premier League. Score prediction 2-0
Fulham vs Everton
Fulham have performed brillantly in their last two Premier League games after beating both Aston Villa and Leeds. Fulham are currently in 7th position on 18 points and Marco Silva will be looking to beat his former team Everton at Craven Cottage. Everton boss Frank Lampard was relieved after beating Palace at home last weekend. Everton striker Dominic Calwert-Lewin has returned to full fitness and will be looking to score for two games in a row against Fulham.
Liverpool vs Leeds United
Liverpool lost their last Premier League game 1-0 against Nottingham Forest but won their midweek Champions League game 0-3 against Ajax. Mo Salah was ineffective against Forest playing in a centre striker role and needs to revert to his natural wide right role. Leeds have only won two points since beating Chelsea 3-0 in August. Leeds conceded six against Liverpool last season and Jesse Marsch will be in trouble if that happens again this weekend. Score prediction 3-0
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Arsenal are still top of the 2022/2023 Premier League but dropped two points after drawing against The Saints last weekend. The transformation of midfielder Granit Xhaca has been remarkable this season and manager Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit for that. Forest showed that they are very organised in their 1-0 win against Liverpool and will need a repeat of been well-drilled at The Emirates this weekend. Dean Henderson will need to be on top form again this weekend in goal for Forest. Score prediction 1-0
Manchester United vs West Ham United
The final game of the weekend is at Old Trafford. Former Man United manager David Moyes returns to Manchester with his West Ham side. West Ham are in good form as they won their third home Premier League game in a row against Bournemouth on Monday evening. Man United played very well last week against Chelsea but will need to be more clinical this weekend. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in their Europa League game against FC Sheriff and it will be interesting to see if he will start against West Ham. Erik Ten Hag has done well to get Man United back into the race for top four considering how poorly they started the season and will be looking to continue their winning home run this weekend. Score prediction 2-1
Hope you enjoy the action. Paddy