Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and had a great week so far over the Christmas holidays, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. After an action packed first round back to the league games, we are in for a busy couple of days with the games coming thick and fast. Liverpool could be in for a tough test against the Foxes, City will look to heap further misery on Lampard, Arsenal will face a spirited Brighton, and Spurs host Emery's Villa.
Fixtures - Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weeks round of fixtures will see the games kicking off on Friday evening and finishing on Sunday evening.
Friday 30th December 2022
West Ham - Brentford 7.30pm KO (Kick Off)
Liverpool - Leicester 8pm KO
Saturday 31st December 2022
Wolves - Manchester United 12.30pm KO
Bournemouth - Crystal Palace 3pm KO
Fulham - Southampton 3pm KO
Manchester City - Everton 3pm KO
Newcastle - Leeds 3pm KO
Brighton - Arsenal 7.30pm KO
Sunday 1st January 2023
Tottenham - Aston Villa 2pm KO
Nottingham Forest - Chelsea 4.30pm 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 weeks matches. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee.
West Ham - Brentford
The New Years fixtures kick off with West, currently in 16th with 14 points, hosting high flying Brentford who sit in 10th with 20 points. The Hammers have suffered four straight league defeats to sit just a single point above the relegation zone, although they did start well last time out against Arsenal. The only real saving grace for Moyes has been the progress in Europe, with his side also out of the cup last week. They have however gotten ten of their points at home this season, showing strong form in front of their own fans. The Bees meanwhile are going for back-to-back away league wins following their win at the Etihad prior to the break. Their draw with Spurs on Boxing Day made it four games unbeaten in the league and manager Frank has signed a new contract until 2027. Toney, who is under investigation for betting offences, has 30 goal involvements in just his first 50 top flight appearances. West Ham will be missing Zouma and Cornet, while Aguerd and Scamacca are doubts. Brentford meanwhile will be without Ajer, Baptiste, Strakosha, and Hickey, while Onyeka is also a doubt. Brentford beat the Hammers home and away last season, and have also drawn half of their league games this season. While the Hammers are strong at home, it feels like this one will end with a share of the spoils. A final score of 2-2 is on the cards.
Liverpool - Leicester
Sixth placed Liverpool who have 25 points welcome a Leicester side sitting in 13th with 17 points so far this campaign. Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Gakpo over the Christmas period but he will not be available for this one due to the window not opening until the 1st of January 2023. This followed on from their strong win over Villa where youngsters Bajcetic and Doak both impressed in their cameos. The Reds have also lost only one of their last 31 Premier League home games, and have scored in 31 home league matches since a 1-0 loss to Fulham in March 2021. The Foxes meanwhile inflicted defeat on Liverpool at the King Power in the final game of 2021, but set-piece goals have been their downfall this season. They were down and out by half time against Newcastle last time out, although they sit four points above the drop zone for now. They have four straight victories on the road in all competitions while also keeping four clean sheets in those games. Arthur, Diaz, Jota, Jones, Firmino, and Milner will all miss this one for Klopp's side, with Konate being assessed and Gapko not registered. The Foxes meanwhile will travel without Pereira, Evans, Justin, Praet, Maddison, and Bertrand. The impressive defensive displays from Leicester before the World Cup break disappeared against Newcastle, and Salah and Nunez will be hoping for more of the same here. Anfield should be buzzing after beating United to one of their prime transfer targets, therefore I cannot look beyond the home side and a 3-1 win.
Wolves - Manchester United
With 13 points currently Wolves are sitting in 18th position in the standings and will face a tough task as they welcome 5th placed United, who have 29 points, to Molineux. Wolves have seen an upturn in form since new manager Lopetegui took over, with a win in the cup followed by a last gasp victory over Everton in the league. It will be a a huge confidence-booster along with their confirmed loan signing of Cucha, who will not be available for this game due to registration reasons. However they have climbed up to within a point of safety and things are looking bright so far. United meanwhile managed a comfortable win over Forest last time out, however Ten Hag will be somewhat dismayed his side could not get the signing of Gapko over the line before Liverpool swooped in. He has seen his team win nine, draw two and lose four of their 15 league matches this season, although reinforcement upfront is likely required with Ronaldo gone. Wolves will be missing Kalajdzic, Neto, and Oliveira for this one, while Podence, Otto, and Boubacar Traore need to be assessed. Ten Hag will be without the services of Greenwood, Martinez, Sancho, and Tuanzebe, while Dalot, Lindelof, and McTominay are doubts. United have the fifth best away record in the league, but have been leaky at the back away from home, meaning this should make for quite an interesting game as Wolves are the lowest scorers in the league this season. Wolves will be confident going into this one, as Emery showed when taking over at Villa, these teams are more than capable of getting a result against the bigger sides. I believe this will be an interesting tactical battle, with the final result ending in a 2-2 draw.
Bournemouth - Crystal Palace
The Cherries sit in 14th position with 16 points as they welcome 11th placed Palace who have 19 points on the board. It has been a tough return to action for Bournemouth, with a cup and league defeat to show so far. After a turnaround in form under now full time manager O'Neil, Bournemouth have lost five of their last six in the league and sit four points above bottom side Southampton. They have a tricky start to the new year, meaning a positive result here could be massive in ensuring they don't get dragged back down into the drop zone. Palace meanwhile have a return to forget, having two men sent off in their previous game against Fulham. That followed a penalty shootout defeat to Newcastle in the league, meaning Palace have lost their last three competitive fixtures in all competitions. They are finely balanced being six points above relegation and six points off the top six, and Vieira will look to kick start their season before the end of the calendar year. Bournemouth will be missing Brooks and Neto, while Fredericks, Stanislas, and Tavernier are doubts. As for Palace, they will be without Mitchell, Tomkins, and Guehi though suspension, while McArthur, Ferguson, and Johnstone are all injured. Palace have the somewhat better form heading into this, with three wins in their previous six league games. However, neither side are looking their best currently and it would not be a surprise to see a competitive draw play out. These sides will likely cancel each other out and barring a moment of magic, it will end in a 1-1 draw.
Fulham - Southampton
Bottom of the table Southampton with 12 points visit 9th place Fulham who have amassed an astonishing 22 points so far on their return to the Premier League this season. The Cottagers cruised to victory at Crystal Palace in their Boxing Day encounter, with Mitrovic once again being a key figure in the result. Fulham have surpassed expectations so far, with an away record as good as Chelsea and better than Liverpool. With Mitrovic adding assists to his game, he will be the difference for them over the remainder of the season if they are to stay up and even finish in the top half. The Cottagers have 27 goals so far, more than double the 13 of their opponents Southampton. The Saints, under new manager Jones, have continued their poor form and lost each of their last four Premier League fixtures. They are only two points off safety, but picking up points has not been easy to come by so far this season. Fulham will be without Kebano and Soloman, while Kurzawa is a doubt. The Saint will travel to London without Livramento, Walcott, and Larios, while Lavia and McCarthy are doubts. Fulham are confident at the moment, with their tails up and they will smell blood here against a morale stricken Southampton. It could go either way, but I am backing the Serbian himself, Mitrovic, to be the difference once more as Fulham win this game 2-0.
Manchester City - Everton
With Pep's side sitting in second on 35 points they will fancy themselves against an Everton side sitting in 17th with 14 points and just one point above the relegation zone. City have been excellent once more this season and Haaland has broken the record as the fastest player to score 20 goals in the Premier League. Their blip against Brentford prior to the World Cup seems to be behind them, with positive wins over Liverpool in the cup and Leeds in the league showing they have not taken their eye off the ball. Arteta's side are five points clear but should be warned, no side can chase a team down quite like City can. Everton meanwhile are on a run of four straight losses in all competitions. Lampard is under pressure to turn their form around and drag them away from the relegation zone, as nobody as they club is expecting the heart wrenching repeat of last season. Their defending has left a lot to be desired in recent games including a loss to Wolves. That loss to a side below them is what puts Everton in the most danger, as depending on results they could find themselves bottom of the league after this round of games. Both Dias and Alvarez will be unavailable for the Citizens, while the Toffees will travel to Manchester without Garner, Coady, and Townsend, while Calvert-Lewin and Mina are doubts. Its likely that Pep will want his side to make up for their last home game in the league, a defeat to Brentford, by putting Everton to the sword. If City feel like it then there are a lot of goals to be had here. Lampard will need to get his side organised and focused for this one, but I can only see one winner. A 4-0 home win for City.
Newcastle - Leeds
High flying third place Newcastle, with 33 points, will welcome struggling Leeds to St. James Park, with the visitors sitting in 15th with 15 points. What a twelve months it has been for Newcastle, going from the bottom of the table when Eddie Howe arrived to challenging for a Champions League spot and even occupying second in the table briefly last time out before City played. They have six league wins in a row, dismantling Leicester with ease last time out. They have only lost once all season, which was at Anfield, and only Liverpool and Cambridge United have managed to beat Newcastle at St. James Park in 2022. Amazingly, when Newcastle last played Leeds (January 2022) the Geordies had only won once in twenty games and were second from bottom. This time its Leeds closer to those relegation places, with Marsch overseeing his side having the division's second-worst away record, and have lost three of the last four in all competitions. Their defence has looked shaky, conceding ten times in the last three fixtures. To compound matters, a loss to Newcastle could see Leeds drop into the relegation zone if other results go against them. Krafth, Isak, Shelvey, and Dummett are all ruled out, while Wilson is a minor doubt for Newcastle. As for Leeds, they will travel to the North East without Adams, Sinisterra, Gray, and Dallas, while Bamford is facing a late fitness test. There can only really be one winner here, which would not have been so clear at the beginning of this year. Newcastle are flying, Almiron has caught goal scoring fever, and the Magpies are putting up serious credentials to challenge for top four or dare I say it even a title race. They will run out comfortable 3-0 winners at home.
Brighton - Arsenal
This should make for an interesting encounter, as seventh place Brighton who have 24 points so far welcome the league leaders Arsenal who sit on 40 points. Brighton sunk their south coast rivals further into despair last time out as they recorded a comfortable victory to continue their impressive season. The Seagulls have only conceded six goals at home this season, making the Amex a fortress so far. They are pushing themselves all the way and the loss of Potter has not stopped them with De Zebri making the most of his charges. Arsenal meanwhile did not miss Jesus upfront last time out as they beat West Ham in a brilliant comeback. Arteta has overseen his side pick up 13 points from their last five away games, while only conceding once in those fixtures. Their momentum has not been broken by the World Cup break so far, and Arteta will be keen to ensure that continues. Brighton will be without Moder, Webster, Mac Allister, Caicedo, and Mwepu, while Welbeck is a doubt. The Gooners will travel without Jesus and Nelson, while Tomiyasu and Smith Rowe will need to be assessed. Its a tough one to call, but the sheer fact Brighton are missing their generals in midfield will be a huge advantage to Arsenal. I can see the London side asserting themselves on this game, and while they may struggle to break Brighton down, they will eventually and record a 1-2 away win here.
Tottenham - Aston Villa
Spurs currently sit in fourth position with 30 points and welcome an Aston Villa side who look somewhat reborn under Emery and occupy 12th place with 18 points. Spurs could only muster a draw in their return to league action against Brentford on Boxing Day. Spurs have only managed two wins from their last six in the league, leaving them a mere point ahead of United, who also have a game in hand. Their drop in form has been alarming, and another poor result could see them drop out of the top four. Conte will need to find a solution as to why so many teams are afforded a lead against his Spurs side, and cut out the errors at the back. Villa meanwhile came undone against Liverpool but things are looking good under Unai Emery. They remain in the bottom half, but have won three of the last six in the league while losing the other three. He will be looking to get his style on show from his players, and given time, Emery has proved he can make teams work hard and get results, as already shown in their league win over United before the break. Spurs will be without Richarlison and Lucas Moura, while Djed-Spence, Romero, and Bentancur are doubts. Villa meanwhile will be heading to London without Diego Carlos, Ramsey, and possibly also Martinez. This is a very tough one to call. On one hand Spurs are showing some truely awful form meaning it is difficult to back them, while at the same time Villa are far from the finished product under Emery. The pressure will be on Spurs for the first home game back after the World Cup and if Villa take a lead it could turn into a cauldron for Spurs. I think Conte will be pushing his side a lot, but this one could go either way. I will back Spurs to just about get the win with a 3-2 result at home.
Nottingham Forest - Chelsea
Sitting in 19th position with 13 points, Forest welcome eight place Chelsea who have 24 points so far this season. Forest with their abundance of new players have still not quite managed to click together. United tore them apart at Old Trafford, although Mangala did prove a shining light for Forest. The Tricky Trees will be missing some key danger men for this one, and have only managed two wins in their last six league games. They badly need to start getting more points on the board if they are to remain in the league, and a statement win over Chelsea would prove just that. Forest have been stronger at home, having managed to win narrowly against West Ham, Liverpool and Crystal Palace this season. Chelsea meanwhile got a much needed win last time out after successive losses prior to the break. They have fallen off the pace in terms of the race for top four and further dropped points could really hamper their chances of securing Champions League for next season. Havertz looked good upfront and could finally be finding form in a role that suits him. Sterling also looked sharp, but their players are still learning to play the style Potter wants as most of his key players were away for the World Cup. The list of injuries for Forest includes Richards, Biancone, Gibbs-White, Kouyate, and Niakhate, while Lingard is a doubt but Henderson will return after not being allowed to play against his parent club Manchester United last time out. Chelsea meanwhile will be without Kante, Fofana, Broja, and James, with Ziyech, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek, and Chillwell all needing assessment ahead of the game. There can only be one winner here, and if Chelsea do not win then they have serious issues to resolve. Throwing money at players will of course happen again, but it is not always the solution. Potter needs the win here, and I am backing them to go out and get a 0-2 away win here.
Check out my 2022/23 Season Preview and Predictions here: Premier League 2022/23 Prediction
You can also find my updated predictions after the Round of 16 Champions League draw here: Champions League 22/23 Round of 16 Draw & Prediction
Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed the preview of the matches and get to see the games.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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