Premier League Matchday 23 Predictions

Aston Villa v Arsenal

Villa have been on a stuttering run lately and were well beaten by West Ham during the week. I am not worried about them though because they have shown they can win any game on a good day this season. The Gunners will be without David Luiz and Bernd Leno after their red cards midweek, which might force a change to a back three. I would expect a response from both teams after poor performances last time out.

Prediction 1-1

Burnley v Brighton

Burnley should not be upset about losing to Manchester City in their last game - before that they were on a very decent run. Having said that, Brighton have beaten Spurs and Liverpool in the last week and should be buzzing with confidence. Burnley always make it tough for visiting teams, but the Seagulls have been playing very well lately.

Prediction 0-1

Newcastle v Southampton

Steve Bruce would have been unhappy with his side's defeat on Tuesday night - they were ahead after 2 minutes but never looked like scoring again after that. For the second season running, the Saints need to respond from a 9-0 defeat. After that score line against Leicester last season, they went on a decent winning run. Can I see that happening again? Possibly, but not until next week.

Prediction 2-0

Fulham v West Ham

Fulham have drawn a lot of games recently, but other teams above them have been winning games. We are almost at the stage now that Fulham have to try and win every game - draws might not be good enough for them. The Hammers are soaring high and are mounting an unexpected challenge for Champions League football next season. I can't see them having too many problems at Craven Cottage.

Prediction 0-2

Manchester United v Everton

Yes United won 9-0 in midweek, but that certainly does not mean they have turned a corner. Their let down this season has been a lack of consistency with their performances. Much the same can be said of Everton, although since the turn of the year they have improved on this. Ancelotti is tactically very astute and will know how United will try and play. I'm still not totally convinced they have the players to deal with this, however.

Prediction 1-1 

Tottenham v West Brom

It was 2012 when Spurs last lost three consecutive league games, and Jose Mourinho will not be used to that either. They are boosted by the seemingly imminent return of Harry Kane. Even without him, however, they will beat West Brom. They have shown some fight in recent games, but against the better teams you need quality as well.

Prediction 2-0

Wolves v Leicester

Wolves finally ended their long run without a win against Arsenal in the week, but even with 9 men they very nearly threw away some points. I have not been convinced by them all season. Although Leicester are much higher up the league, they too have had an inconsistent couple of weeks. They have sorely missed Jamie Vardy because without him they have to change the way they play. Based on recent form, there is not much in this one.

Prediction 1-1

Liverpool v Manchester City

I do not want to use the phrase 'title decider' in February, but this could get Manchester City one hand on the trophy. Liverpool have to very quickly start scoring again at home - defeats against Burnley and Brighton are very uncharacteristic for them. Sadio Mane's injury hasn't helped them, but they have looked flat and at times clueless in front of goal. City, meanwhile, are beginning to look like the 100 point team of 2 seasons ago - they are playing excellent football and grinding out results when they need them. I did not expect to be fancying City here, but I really fancy them.

Prediction 0-2

Sheffield United v Chelsea

Sheffield United have won three of their last five games in the league, but they are still a long way from saving themselves. I have been impressed in their team spirit - the players clearly believe they can stay up. They face a Chelsea side unbeaten since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel. The Blues were very impressive at Spurs on Thursday evening and a similar story here would not be surprising.

Prediction 0-2

Leeds v Crystal Palace 

I have decided to stop trying to analyse Leeds - it is absolutely impossible to do. They play football the Bielsa way and that is that. Sometimes it works the way it did at Leicester last week, other times they get hammered. Palace are far more steady than that - they have been very good defensively since the festive period. I have no idea what will happen in this one - here goes nothing!

Prediction 2-2

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