Paddy’s picks: 2022
My preview for both Wednesday and Thursday night games in the Premier League. There is seven games down for decision over the next two nights but the clash of Arsenal vs Manchester City is postponed. Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur is the big clash of the midweek games. With players having to play games in quick succession they hope that they don’t pick up an injury which will ruin their World Cup dreams.
AFC Bournemouth vs Southampton
This is the Harry Redknapp derby as he used to manage both teams. Bournemouth came from two nil down to get a valuable point against Fulham. Gary O’Neill has transformed Bournemouth since he took over and they are in good form at the moment. Southampton are in trouble as they are currently 18th in Premier League table. Southampton stopped the losing streak with a draw against West Ham United in their last game. Score prediction 1-0
Brentford vs Chelsea
Brentford scored four goals against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season. Ivan Toney has currently scored eight goals in 2022/2023 Premier League and will be looking to improve his tally against Chelsea. Graham Potter has lifted the confidence of the Chelsea players since he took over as manager. Chelsea have won their last three Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Wolves and Aston Villa but will have to defend well as Brentford are deadly at set-pieces. Score prediction 1-2
Liverpool vs West Ham
Jurgen Klopp got sent off against Manchester City and should not be on the sideline for their game against West Ham. Liverpool need to show that their performance against Man City was not a once off or a flash in the pan. David Moyes will be delighted that Declan Rice ended his drought in front of goal against The Saints. West Ham should of drew against Chelsea earlier this season only for a bad VAR decision and The Hammers will give Liverpool a good game this evening. Score prediction 2-1
Newcastle United vs Everton
Eddie Howe will be without both attacking players Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin for this game. You can not afford to give a scorable free-kick away against Newcastle as Kieran Tripper is very accurate and was unlucky not to score against Man United. Everton played very well against Spurs until the home side scored in the 59th minute. Demarai Gray missed a great opportunity for The Toffees against Spurs and need to be more clinical in front of goal at St James Park. Score prediction 1-2
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Erik Ten Hag has a headache when it comes to play either Marcus Rashford or Cristiano Ronaldo as main striker. Scott McTominay is available again and will Ten Hag stick with Casemiro or revert back to the Scotsman. Harry Kane has scored 192 Premier League goals and will be looking to cause havoc against both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. Man United beat Spurs 3-2 at Old Trafford in 2021/2022 season and if Spurs have any aspirations of success it needs to be a positive result this evening. If Spurs win this game they will be only one point behind league leaders Arsenal. Man United play both Spurs and Chelsea in the same week and this will show where they are really at. Where as Spurs need to win after losing their last big game 3-1 to Arsenal. Score prediction 1-2
Fulham vs Aston Villa
Steven Gerrard is under pressure as Aston Villa are currently 16th in the Premier League. Aston Villa are struggling to score goals as they have scored only one goal in their last three Premier League games. Fulham are looking for a response after letting a two-goal lead slip against Bournemouth. The home side will be looking to Aleksander Mitrovic to produce the goods again as he has scored seven goals in 2022/2023 Premier League. Score prediction 2-0
Leicester City vs Leeds United
Brendan Rodgers is another manager that is currently under pressure. Leicester have only won one game this season which came against Nottingham Forest. Jesse Marsch will be disappointed that Leeds can’t find away to score at the moment. Leeds played very well in their last two games especially against Arsenal but lost both games. Patrick Bamford is finding his fitness again but is very rusty in front of goal which included missing a penalty against The Gunners. Score prediction 0-2
Hope you enjoy the action and let me know what you think regarding my predictions. Paddy