Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and had an excellent week so far, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. This midweek round will see Newcastle host Everton, West Ham welcome Spurs, while title chasers Arsenal welcome Luton while Manchester City host Aston Villa, with Liverpool welcoming Sheffield United to Anfield. The round concludes with Chelsea hosting Manchester United.
Fixtures — Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weeks round of fixtures will see the games spread out across three days from Tuesday evening until Thursday evening.
Tuesday 2nd April 2024
Newcastle - Everton 7.30pm KO
Nottingham Forest - Fulham 7.30pm KO
Bournemouth - Crystal Palace 7.45pm KO
Burnley - Wolves 7.45pm KO
West Ham - Tottenham 8.15pm KO
Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Arsenal - Luton 7.30pm KO
Brentford - Brighton 7.30pm KO
Manchester City - Aston Villa 8.15pm KO
Thursday 4th April 2024
Liverpool - Sheffield United 7.30pm KO
Chelsea - Manchester United 8.15pm KO
Predictions
Now for the most exciting part, as I go through the latest info regarding each team to make an attempt at predicting the results for this week matches. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee.
Newcastle - Everton
Newcastle are currently sitting in eight with 43 points, while Everton are sitting in sixteenth with 25 points.
Howe's side managed a stunning 4-3 comeback win over West Ham last weekend after being 3-1 down. Their hopes of pushing into the European places are very much alive, with sixth placed United only 5 points ahead. However their numerous injury concerns keep mounting and Howe will need to carefully manage his troops for the remainder of the season. They have conceded three times or more ten times already this season in the league, and improving at the back will be crucial in getting this club performing as one of the top sides competing for trophies and top tier European football.
Everton lost 2-1 to Bournemouth last time out and their lack of goalscoring ability this season has left Dyche's side three points above the drop zone. They have a game in hand, but also face potential a further points deduction before the end of the season. Only Sheffield United have scored less this season, and they have conceded a goal in injury-time in each of their last four games. Having only taken five points from their last ten league games, the worst in the division, they are also on a 12 games run without a win in the league. A change of fortune will be quickly needed to maintain the Toffees ever-presence in the Premier League since its creation back in 1992.
Newcastle will be without Tonali, Botman, Lascelles, Miley, Wilson, Joelinton, Pope, and Gordon. They will also need to check Trippier, Targett, Livramento, and Almiron. Everton will be missing Alli, Dobbin, and Danjuma. They also need to assess Mykolenko.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WDLWLW
Away: LDDLLL
Everton beat Newcastle 3-0 at Goodison Park back in December and a win for Newcastle here would make it four wins in a row against Everton. I feel Howe's side are under pressure with their injuries but as shown last weekend they can find goals. Everton meanwhile are in such poor goalscoring form that a single goal could be enough for Newcastle here. A home win is on the cards to boost Newcastle's ambitions of further European football next season.
Final score: 2-0
Nottingham Forest - Fulham
Nottingham Forest are currently seventeenth with 22 points, while Fulham are twelfth with 39 points.
Forest managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace last weekend and moved out of the relegation zone on goal difference, ahead of Luton. They have only managed a single win in their last ten games, and have been on the losing end in six Premier League games in 2024 so far. They are appealing their points deduction, but Nuno will need to galvanise his side to overcome the negative vibe around the club so far. A banner at the City Ground read "We shall fight and we shall overcome" so the fans are standing by the club, but the players need to replicate it on the pitch.
Fulham drew 3-3 away to Sheffield United last time out and Marco Silva's side are only two points off the top half. Their performance against bottom side Sheffield United will not have filled Silva with confidence, but their comeback after VAR stopped them going 4-1 down should be commended. They are only 5 points off the top seven but the Cottagers have played a game more than most of the sides around them. While they will have slight ambitions of pushing into the European places, getting themselves secure in the top half should be the first priority
Forest will be missing Awoniyi while they also need to assess the fitness of Tavares, Boly, and Aina. Fulham will have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WLLLDD
Away: LWWLWD
Fulham put five unanswered goals past Forest at Craven Cottage back in December, while Fulham managed to win both league encounters between these sides last season. The Cottagers have not lost at the City Ground on their previous four visits, Only one side should win here, but anything is possible as shown in both these sides last games. It will be close and therefore I will back a draw between these sides.
Final score: 1-1
Bournemouth - Crystal Palace
Bournemouth are sitting in thirteenth with 38 points, while Palace are fourteenth with 30 points.
The Cherries managed a 2-1 home win over Everton last weekend thanks to an injury-time own goal from Coleman. Iraola's side have now managed ten points from their last four league games and sit just three points off the top half, and six points off seventh place West Ham. With a comfortable 16 points between the Cherries and the drop zone, they will be aiming to better their best ever Premier League finish of 9th in 2016/17. Solanke has been their outstanding performer upfront and his goals return could be the factor in Bournemouth pushing into the top.
Palace drew 1-1 away to Forest last time out as Glasner has his side sitting eight points clear of the relegation zone. With a single win, two draws, and a defeat in his four league games in charge so far there have been signs of improvement. They are sitting eight points off Bournemouth and any hopes of pushing towards the top half are long gone, but they will want to consolidate themselves for a strong end to the season and allow Glasner to push ahead next season. Positive signs remain and returning key attackers from injury could be a big difference going forward.
Bournemouth will be without Fredericks and Sinisterra, while they need to assess Senesi and Christie. Crystal Palace will be without Doucoure, Holding, Guehi, Johnstone, Rak-Sakyi, and Franca. They also need to assess Olise.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: DLWDWW
Away: LDWLDD
The Cherries won 2-0 at Selhurst Park back in December but Crystal Palace have beaten Bournemouth in the previous five Premier League meetings prior to that defeat. Form will be with Bournemouth going into this one as they are flying high compared to Palace, but the Eagles will be more than cpaable of making this a tight game. A draw is the most likely outcome.
Final score: 2-2
Burnley - Wolves
Burnley remain in nineteenth with 18 points while Wolves are tenth with 41 points.
Kompany's side managed a 2-2 draw away to Chelsea last weekend but remain four points from safety with games running out. The Clarets have played a game more than bottom side Sheffield United while sitting three clear of them, but showed their spirit in twice coming from behind to draw at Stamford Bridge. Kompany will be banned for this after getting a red card in the last game, but with five points from the last nine available they are starting to show form which could yet result in a great escape. They will need to dig in with a swift return to the Championship still the most likely result this season.
Wolves lost 2-0 away to Villa last time out and it has been a rough patch of form for O'Neil's side following their FA Cup elimination against Coventry City before the international break. Sitting tenth they are only three points off seventh placed West Ham, while having a game in hand, so they are still in with a shout of qualifying for Europe next season. Ensuring they maintain their attacking threat, even with a makeshift attack due to injuries, will be imperative for Wolves if they want to push further up the ranking.
Burnley will be without Redmond, Ramsey, Koleosho, Fofana, and Assignon. They also need to assess Al-Dakhil and Beyer. Wolves will be without Hwang and Neto, while they need to check the fitness of Cunha, Bellegarde, and Dawson.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LLLDWD
Away: LWWLWL
Wolves managed a 1-0 home win over Burnley back in December, but Burnley did managed to win 1-0 at home and draw 0-0 away to Wolves when these sides met in the Premier League back in 2021/22. Burnley have won four of the last eight between these sides while only losing once, and I feel Kompany's side could produce a surprise result here. It wont be easy, but I think they can fend off the threat of Wolves and secure an unlikely win to throw a spanner in the works of the relegation battle.
Final score: 2-1
West Ham - Tottenham
West Ham sit in seventh with 44 points while Spurs sit in fifth with 56 points.
Moyes side lost 4-3 against Newcastle last time out, with Phillips being the main culprit after coming on when West Ham were 3-1 ahead. Moyes will be disappointed as his side are without a win in three Premier League games. Their push to get into Europe next season has them four points behind United in sixth, but all the way down to 13th placed Bournemouth are only six points behind. Home form has been strong for the Hammers this season, losing only three times in the league at the London Stadium all season. With a Europa League Quarter Final with Bayer Leverkusen ahead, finding form over their next two league games will be huge for Moyes side.
Spurs managed a 2-1 home win over Luton last weekend to keep their top four hopes alive. With Villa sitting three points ahead Ange will be happy knowing his side have a game in hand. Tottenham have only managed six away wins all season in the league so will be up against it here, and after a chorus of boos at half time last time out Spurs will need to improve for this one. Knowing that United are six points behind Spurs are secure in fifth, which could be enough for Champions League next season, but will want to try push ahead of Villa in the standings to secure their place in Europe top tier competition.
West Ham will be missing Edson Alvarez while they need to assess Aguerd and Areola. Spurs will be missing Sessegnon, Forster, and Solomon.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LWWDDL
Away: WLWWLW
West Ham managed to beat Spurs 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in December, but Spurs have won three of the four games prior to that between these sides in all competitions, drawing the other one. Its difficult to know what sort of side will turn up for either of these teams, and therefore I feel a share of the spoils is the most likely result.
Final score: 1-1
Arsenal - Luton
Arsenal occupy second place with 64 points while Luton sit in eighteenth with 22 points.
Arsenal faced title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad last weekend and held them to a 0-0 draw, but dropped to second in the league and sit two points behind leaders Liverpool. Arteta played a more defensive approach at the Etihad but could have won he game and will be pleased with the result. So far Arsenal have taken maximum points in their five games against newly promoted sides this season, and given that Liverpool play a day later Arsenal could move back into top spot in the meantime. Maintaining their strong defensive form will be pivotal for Arsenal in the home stretch for this title.
Luton lost 2-1 away to Spurs last time out and slipped back into the relegation zone, with Forest ahead only on goal difference. Edwards side gave a strong account of themselves against Spurs and were unfortunate not to take at least a point, but the fine margins for the league don't allow for slip ups. They have yet to secure an away clean sheet this season and are now without a win in their last ten games in all competitions. Having led at the break in each of their last three league games before going on to lose, they will need to find more defensive resolve to keep themselves in the league.
Arsenal will be missing Timber for this one. Luton will be without Lockyer, Bell, Nakamba, Adebayo, Lokonga, Potts, Andersen, Ogbene, and Brown. They will also be without Doughty, Osho, Burke, and Chong.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WWWWWD
Away: LLDLDL
Arsenal secured a 4-3 win over Luton at Kenilworth Road back in December, and Arteta's side will be favourites here. At home in front of their own fans and following on from the Manchester City result there can only be one outcome here. Goal differnce could be crucial come the end of the season and adding to their impressive tally should be the aim here as Arsenal secure the win.
Final score: 2-0
Brentford - Brighton
Brentford occupy fifteenth with 27 points while Brighton sit in ninth with 42 points.
The Bees held United to a 1-1 draw at home last weekend but were unlucky not to take the three points. They managed 85 touches in the Manchester United penalty area but a lack of finishing cost Frank's side. Five points separate them from the relegation zone and the fact they are without a run in seven Premier League games, is hampering the club moving away from danger. They have given good accounts against big clubs and almost stole a point off Arsenal, but they have scored in their last five league games but have also conceded in their last 11 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brighton lost 2-1 against Liverpool last weekend but De Zerbi's side gave a strong account of themselves against the league leaders after taking an early lead. They sit six points off United in the Europa League spot, while West Ham are only two points ahead in the Europa Conference League position. Brighton also have a game in hand on the Hammers, but the race for Europe is tight with a number of teams vying for these positions. Four away league loses in a row means the Seagulls are in for another tough trip here, while having also managed just 2 points from six visits to London so far this season.
Brentford will be without Dasilva, Henry, Mee, Hickey, Schade, and Reguilon. They will also need to check the fitness of Pinnock and Norgaard. Brighton will be without March, Mitoma, Hinshelwood, Gilmour, and Milner. They also need to check on Joao Pedro.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LLDLLD
Away: LWDLWL
Brighton managed a 2-1 win over Brentford at the Amex Stadium back in December, but lost 2-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium last season. Both these sides faced two of the biggest clubs in England last time out and should welcome more familiar opposition in this match. It will be a tough encounter as both have plenty to play for, but given Brighton's poor away form I think Brentford will finally secure a league win.
Final score: 1-0
Manchester City - Aston Villa
City are sitting in third with 64 points while Villa sit in fourth with 59 points.
Pep's side were hold to a 0-0 at home against Arsenal last weekend, and now sit three points off league leaders Liverpool. Their last two league games have been against the top two and City managed a point in each, but the pressure is on as they chase a fourth title in a row. They are also worse off in terms of goal difference compared to their title rivals, and City will need Haaland to find his scoring form once again. They are unbeaten in their last 23 games across all competitions but with a busy FA Cup and Champions League schedule ahead, last seasons treble winners can afford no more slip ups as they look to repeat the feat.
Aston Villa managed a 2-0 win over Wolves in the West Midlands Derby last time out to move back into fourth and sit three points clear of Spurs. They have played a game more than Spurs but Emery's side have avoided defeat in each of their eight away games so far in 2024. They managed five clean sheets in those games but a recent wobble in the league has left the door open for Spurs to upset the Lions Champions League hopes. With Emery's side also pushing to win the Europa Conference League, finding a balance between both competitions will be imperative to ensuring they have a successful season.
Manchester City will be missing Walker while they need to assess Ederson. Villa will be without Boubacar Kamara, Buendia, McGinn, Mings, and Cash. They will also need to assess the fitness of Ramsey and Watkins.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: DWWWDD
Away: WWWLDW
Villa secured a 1-0 home win over Manchester City back in December but the treble winners are back in form and will be looking to enact revenge over the Champions League hopefuls. Whether Emery looks to follow Arsenal's example from the weekend remains to be seen, but Villa have plenty of attacking power and can cause problems, therefore I think Emery will get one over Pep and leave with at least a point.
Final score: 2-2
Liverpool - Sheffield United
Liverpool sit top of the table with 67 points while Sheffield United sit bottom of the table with 15 points.
Klopp's side secured a 2-1 win over Brighton at Anfield last time out and the Reds will be looking to further secure their position at the top of the table here. Given that Arsenal have a better goal difference Klopp will want to see his attackers firing here, and given they have scored 18 times in their last six games at Anfield they will be full of confidence. The Reds are also unbeaten in 55 of their last 56 home Premier League games, and have not lost in their last 32 games in front of their own fans. With a chance to improve their goal difference and more difficult games ahead, I would expect Klopp's side to tear into the Blades from the off with the hopes of resting players in the second half ahead of their trip to Old Trafford on the weekend.
The Blades drew 3-3 at home to Fulham last weekend after going ahead and once again Wilder's side have demonstrated their inability to hold onto leads at this level. They have conceded in 37 of their last 38 away Premier League games, while also only winning two of their last ten away games in the Premier League. They are without a clean sheet in their last 13 games while also having the worst defence in the league with 77 conceded so far. Wilder knows his side are as good as relegated, but they will want to try leave a mark on the league by unsettling the league leaders here.
Liverpool will be missing Matip, Bajcetic, Alisson, Jota, Thiago, and Alexander-Arnold. They will also need to assess Robertson and Jones. Sheffield United will be without Lowe, Basham, Egan, Norrington-Davies, Baldock, Davies, Brewster, and Jebbison. They will also need to assess Archer.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WWWWDW
Away: WLLLDD
Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over the Blades at Bramall Lane back in December and Klopp's side have not lost to the Blades since a League Cup defeat in January 2003. Their last league defeat against Sheffield United came at Anfield in April 1994 but Klopp's side will be expected to put multiple goals past the Blades. With the race so close at the top of the table this will be seen as an opportune time for the Reds to build on their goal difference so I am expecting a big, big win at Anfield under the lights.
Final score: 7-0
Chelsea - Manchester United
The Blues occupy eleventh with 40 points while United sit in sixth with 48 points.
Chelsea drew 2-2 at home with Burnley last time out and Pochettino's side are a points off tenth place Wolves with a game in hand. The Blues have managed to go unbeaten in their last five league games but the mood is far from pristine in the camp. The inconsistency for Chelsea has been a longstanding issue, and in game they look like a team not playing for each other. With lingering rumours over potentials sales of key figures such as Gallagher and James in the summer, the club need to align is a focused direction to push the club back into the top half. They are 8 points off sixth placed United and have a game in hand, so a win here could make a huge change to the outcome of their season.
United were held to a 1-1 draw against Brentford last weekend and remain 8 points off fifth place Spurs, and 11 points off the top four. Ten Hag's side showed little in terms of encouraging signs against Brentford, and given their extra time FA Cup win over Liverpool before the international break it will be disappointing for the fans they could not build on that performance. With Liverpool visiting Old Trafford next weekend the Red Devils need to improve their showing if they want to derail their rivals title challenge, and a win over their own title rivals of the past would be a perfect build up to the weekend.
Chelsea will be without Fofana, Lavia, James, Chukwuemeka, Nkunku, Colwill, Ugochukwu, Sanchez, Gusto, and Chalobah. They also need to assess Chilwell. United will be missing Shaw, Martial, and Malacia. They also need to check on Bayindir, Varane, Evans, and Lindelof.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LWDDWD
Away: WWLLWD
United beat Chelsea 2-1 back in December at Old Trafford, with Pochettino's side without a league win over United since November 2017. Both these sides are in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, with neither manager secure in their position going forward. I expect both sides to go at it in this one and plenty of goals, and while either could win it, I think the game will end in a draw.
Final score: 3-3
Match Prediction Summary
Newcastle 2-0 Everton
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Fulham
Bournemouth 2-2 Crystal Palace
Burnley 2-1 Wolves
West Ham 1-1 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-0 Luton
Brentford 1-0 Brighton
Manchester City 2-2 Aston Villa
Liverpool 7-0 Sheffield United
Chelsea 3-3 Manchester United
Check out my 2023/24 Season Predictions here: Predictions 23/24 Season
Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed the review of the matches and had a wonderful weekend.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
Referral Links and Follow Me:
