Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and had an excellent week, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. This weekend sees the league pushing on with some big matches including Liverpool hosting Chelsea, West Ham hosting Everton in a relegation clash, while Manchester United travel to Arsenal trying to derail the league leaders.

Fixtures — Times are shown as U.K. Time

This weeks round of fixtures will see the games kicking off on Saturday morning until Monday evening.

Saturday 21st January 2023

Liverpool - Chelsea 12.30pm KO (Kick Off)

Bournemouth - Nottingham Forest 3pm KO

Leicester- Brighton 3pm KO

Southampton - Aston Villa 3pm KO

West Ham - Everton 3pm KO

Crystal Palace - Newcastle 5.30pm KO

Sunday 22nd January 2023

Leeds - Brentford 2pm KO

Manchester City - Wolves 2pm KO

Arsenal - Manchester United 4.30pm KO

Monday 23rd January 2023

Fulham - Tottenham 8pm 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.

Liverpool - Chelsea

Anfield kicks off this weekends games, with two sides out of form facing off. Ninth place Liverpool face tenth placed Chelsea, with both teams only having 28 points amassed so far this season. Last time out in the league Liverpool produced what Klopp confessed to be the "worst" game of his Liverpool career as Brighton thrashed his side 3-0. They did look a rejuvenated side during the week as they beat Wolves to progress in the FA Cup, with Klopp allowing a number of younger players to have their chance, with Elliott and Bajctic particularly impressing. It was their first victory of 2023 at the fourth attempt. It also marked Liverpool's first clean sheet in seven games across all competitions, however their home form will be a boosting factor here as they have only lost once in their previous 32 top-flight games at Anfield. This will be Klopp's 1,000th game as a manger and he will be counting on his players producing for the occasion. As for Chelsea, Potter's side just about managed a win over Crystal Palace last time out in the league, avoiding a fourth league game in a row without victory. They have confirmed the signing of Mudryk from under the nose of Arsenal, giving another addition to the Chelsea squad as Potter tries to figure out a formation and style his players can adhere to and be successful with. He has the backing of the owners and will be given time, but Chelsea are hanging onto their top half position by a mere three points. Liverpool will be without Diaz, Jota, Firmino, van Dijk, and Arthur Melo through injuries, while Tsimikas and Nunez are both doubts. Chelsea will travel to the North-West without Mendy, Pulisic, Fofana, Chilwell, Broja, James, Zakaria, Kante, and Sterling due to injury, while Felix is suspended following his red card last time out. Liverpool showed in the cup that when they want they are capable of playing to their high standards, as they withstood a barrage of pressure from Wolves. They still have their injury issues and questions remain over the midfield, but it is Chelsea who are seeing players dropping like flies. Likely this will be a close game but I can see the home side having a bit too much for the visitors, and winning this one 3-1.

Bournemouth - Nottingham Forest

Two clubs involved in the large battle to avoid relegation this season, 17th placed Bournemouth with 16 points welcome 13th place Nottingham Forest who are on 20 points, to the Vitality Stadium. Things have somewhat turned sour for O'Neil, having been unbeaten in his first six league games as manager, his side have now lost eight of their last nine. They hover above the relegation zone by a single point and to make matter worse have failed to score in their previous four league games. New owners brought optimism of funds for signings, but that has not materialised so far. A lack of firepower up front could be the overall downfall for this side, however they do welcome an opponent who have struggled so far on the road this season. Forest have scored just twice in their nine away league fixtures. History is on the Cherries side, having beaten their opponents in four of  their last five against each other. The Tricky Trees are on a good run of form however, having pulled themselves out of the bottom three thanks to wins in their last two league games against Southampton and Leicester. The upturn has seen Cooper get his hastily assembled squad clicking, and their position in the league is nothing to be scoffed at. They have also reached the Carabao Cup semi finals in an impressive Cup run, and their recent momentum could be a catalyst for ensuring their safety this season. The Cherries will be missing Solanke, Cook, Stanislas, Fredericks, Brooks, and Tavernier for this one, while Forest will travel to the South Coast without Awoniyi, Henderson, Richards, Niakhate, Boly, Lingard, Biancone, and Kouyate. An interesting stat of note is that Forest have won all their five league games this season with a score to nil, meaning if they concede they do not win. I expect them to put up a strong effort against Bournemouth, who themselves have struggled to find the back of the net of late. Therefore this is bound to be a low scoring game, with the most likely result a draw, and I will back a final score of 0-0.

Leicester- Brighton

The Foxes wit in 15th place on 17 points and welcome the high flying Seagulls who are in 7th with an impressive 30 points. Rodgers side have lost all the good momentum they built up prior to the World Cup break, with their loss against Forest last time out the fourth league defeat in a row since the league resumed. They had lost only one in six before the international tournament, and climbed out of the relegation zone thanks to that form. It has crept back into their game however and they are now only two points clear of relegation. Their worries upfront are possibly just as alarming, as Rodgers men have scored just twice in their last six games in all competitions, and just once from their last four league matches. Brighton on the other hand are flying under De Zebri. His attacking style tore Liverpool apart last time out, and although they are losing Trossard the team is on a three-game winning run in all competitions where they have scored 12 goals along the way. They are putting themselves in contention for European places and have a real chance if they can maintain their impressive form. While their attacking threat has seen them score on average three goals in their last five league games, they have not kept a clean sheet away from home in the league since August. Leicester will be without Bertrand, Justin, Pereira, Evans, and Soumare, while Maddison, Perez, and Dewsbury-Hall are all doubts. As for Brighton, they will be without Moder and Mwepu, with Trossard also on the verge of signing for Arsenal at the time of writing. The Foxes are missing that killer instinct, with their defeat against Forest not for a lack of trying to score. They have not scored in their three most recent top-flight home games, all of which they lost, and it seems likely it could be a fourth here. Brighton look too sharp on the ball and too strong for Leicester, and therefore should strengthen their European ambitions with a 0-2 victory here.

Southampton - Aston Villa

Southampton find themselves bottom of the table with only 15 points so far, and welcome a Villa side sitting comfortably in 11th position on 25 points. While they prop up the table, it seems like the Saints may have just turned the corner under new manager Jones, having won their last three games in all competitions. Last time out they overcame relegation rivals Everton, and before that it was Man City who they dumped out of the Carabao Cup and Palace from the FA Cup. Confidence will be growing on the South Coast, as they are now only bottom on goal difference and a single point from safety. They will have a level of caution to their recent upturn in form however, as Jones side had been on a seven game winless run, losing six in a row in the league, before they overcame Everton. They have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous eight league games as things are still shaky at the back, and have not kept a clean sheet at home all season. Villa are looking strong under Emery, ignoring the Cup exit to Stevenage, his side overcame Leeds last time out and are only three points off the top half. They are unbeaten in the Premier League since the turn of the year, with two wins and a draw, with Liverpool the only side to beat Villa in the league since Emery took the reigns. They have however managed to both score and concede in  five of their six top-flight games under the ex-Arsenal boss, and he will know a tighter defence is paramount if they are to push into the top half. The Saints will be missing Livramento and Larios, while Bella-Kotchap, McCarthy, and Walcott are being assessed. Villa will be without Diego Carlos, McGinn, and Steer, with Digne also a doubt. Southampton are growing in confidence, and it seems Jones could be getting his message across. A result here would certainly win over more of the fans, but Emery's team are a force to be reckoned with. This game is likely to have goals, and plenty of them, and therefore I am going for a 2-3 away win.

West Ham - Everton

A huge contest in terms of the relegation scrap, West Ham are currently in 18th position with fifteen, one place above Everton on goal difference alone. Moyes is under real pressure at West Ham, having confirmed the signing of Danny Ings from Villa in an attempt to bolster his sides attacking threat. The Hammers have only managed a meagre one point in their previous seven league matches, although their opponents have only managed two points in the same amount of games. West Ham's performances in the UEFA Europa Conference League is possibly what has kept Moyes in a job so far, but league survival is so important to this club. They had managed to win six games in a row at home, but have lost the last four at the London Stadium, and all against sides they would be expected to beat. As for Everton, things are looking no better albeit without any European Football to distract from their league woes. With their new stadium in the process of being constructed, the last thing the club could afford is relegation. The fans have made that clear, with allegations of threats keeping the board away from Goodison last time out. Lampard seems to have lost the fans, with the only thing keeping Everton off the bottom of the league is their slightly stronger goal difference. They are lacking a real attacking threat, although their best performances have come away to both Manchester clubs this season. They played with a back five and allowed Gray to play on the counter, which might be the best choice here. To make matters worse, their home form kept they up last season, but has become a toxic ground this season by the now unrecoverable relationship between the fans and the board. Playing away here may suit them. The Hammers will be missing Cornet and Scamacca, while Areola is also a doubt. Everton are heading into this without Patterson, Garner, Townsend, and Keane. This is a game with it all to play for, as either manager could be the latest to be fired if they suffer defeat here. The difference between these sides is likely to show in this one, as while West Ham as playing poor, Everton are in a total crisis. The Toffees are incapable of winning games from their recent performances, and while Moyes and his men have struggled, this is likely to be the game where they finally get some points on the board. I am going for a 2-0 home win in a game full of tension.

Crystal Palace - Newcastle

Palace find themselves in 12th position with a total of 23 points so far as they welcome a resurgent Newcastle, who are in 4th with 38 points, to Selhurst Park. Palace secured a point against Manchester United during the week thanks to a stunning Olise free-kick in second-half stoppage time, and they face another top four candidate here. Vieira has his side playing well and they are in no danger of relegation on current form and points, but their run of upcoming games against United again, Brentford, Brighton, and Liverpool will be a tough task. They are winless in their last three home league games, and if results start to go against them they could find themselves dragged into the relegation dogfight soon. They have also suffered eight consecutive defeats in league games at home kicking off at 5.30pm on a Saturday. Newcastle meanwhile overcame a strong Fulham performance to steal an 89th minute winner via Isak last time out. They are in the Champions League mix and only four points off second, while currently on a run of five clean sheets in a row. They also boast a 14-game unbeaten run in the league, while having the best defensive record of conceding just 11 goals all season long. They have won four of their last six away games in the league and could still enhance their squad further in the winter transfer window. Vieira will be missing Andersen, McArthur, and Ferguson through injury, while Howe will be without Targett, Shelvey, and Krafth, while Bruno Guimaraes is also a doubt. Newcastle will be sweating over Bruno, with serious concerns as he left the pitch in tears last time out. Palace will take confidence in having held Newcastle to two 0-0 draws already this season, in the league and cup, but Newcastle will be the fresher of the two sides. While this is unlikely to go down as a classic, with the staunch Newcastle defence likely to deter any Palace threat on the counter, the away side should manage to secure all three points here with a 1-2 away win.

Leeds - Brentford

Leeds are currently 14th with 17 points on the board as they host a Brentford side sitting in 8th with 28 points amassed from their games so far this season. These sides played out a 5-2 thriller the last time they met, with Brentford emerging victorious that time. Leeds will be up against it as they showed last time out in losing at Villa Park in the league, but they did manage a win over Cardiff in the FA Cup replay during the week. Marsch has been struggling to get the best from his side as that cup win was their first win in eight competitive games. Their last win in the league came against Bournemouth in November, with only four league wins so far all season. As for Brentford, they are flying high and have record wins over the likes of Liverpool and Man City to push themselves into European contention. The Bees beat Bournemouth at home in the league last time out, and Frank will be looking to build on their recent away wins in the league. They have only managed to win away from home twice so far this season, but they have won their last three league games as part of an unbeaten run in the league stretching back seven games.Leeds will be without Dallas, Gray, and Summerville, while Forshaw, Cooper, Koch, and Wober are all doubts. Brentford meanwhile will be lacking Onyeka and Jansson, while Baptiste, Hickey, and Henry are all doubts. The two sides are on very contrasting form heading into this one, as Leeds are struggling while Brentford are soaring. I expect that good form to continue here, and Toney will be looking at this as an excellent chance to add to his goal tally for the season. The final result here should be a comfortable away win with a score of 0-3.

Manchester City - Wolves

Second place Manchester City, who have a total of 42 points, welcome struggling Wolves who themselves sit in 16th position on 17 points. City overcame Spurs on Thursday night having fallen two goals behind, and also saw Haaland end his mini goal drought of four games. Pep himself has said his side have not been good enough and need to give their fans something to cheer about, with his side conceding 7 in their last six while scoring 11. It has not been the free flowing football we have become accustomed to with Man City. A win would see them close the gap to just two points as City play before Arsenal, and Man City have managed a win in each of their last five league games against Wolves but only have three wins from their last six games in all competitions. Wolves meanwhile put in a strong performance but it wasn't enough to break down Liverpool in their FA Cup replay, with the Reds progressing in that one. Lopetegui had just signed Pablo Sarabia to boost his attacking options, which have been the biggest issue for Wolves this campaign. It feels like a big performance is coming from them but they will need to be tighter at the back here. Both sides have scored in three of Wolves last five games, and they can ill afford to give City the chance to hit the back of the net here. Pep will have the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from here, while Lopetegui will be without the services of Neto, Oliveira, Kalajdzic, and Boubacar Traore. Man City are in a bit of a rut at the moment, as alluded to by Pep. He needs to find a way of getting his side back to their best, or they risk falling away from Arsenal in this title race. Wolves have looked a rejuvenated side since Lopetegui arrived and have shown some excellent performances under his management so far. They are more than capable of pushing this City team, however I feel Pep will ensure his side take nothing for granted and therefore I expect a final result of 3-1.

Arsenal - Manchester United

First place Arsenal, who have amassed 47 points so far, welcome third place Manchester United who have gained a total of 39 points in their matches so far this season. Arteta has been working miracles this season, but of late the transfers have gotten away from them. They have managed to agree a fee for Trossard from Brighton, as he looks to strengthen the depth with their lead over City now five points having played a game more. A win here would see Arsenal hit 50 points at the halfway mark, giving them a strong chance of getting to that 100 point mark set by Man City in 2017-18. They are unbeaten in their previous 12 league games and have recorded a win in ten of them, while keeping a clean sheet in each of their games since the turn of the year. However, Arsenal face the only team to have beaten them so far this season, having lost at Old Trafford in September as their only blight so far this campaign in the league. Ten Hag will have to do so again with Casemiro, as he got his fifth yellow card in the draw with Palace during the week. The Red Devils are eight points behind the league leaders and this could lay down a marker for them to be in the title race. There goal difference is lacking however, with Weghorst now in the team to help in that department. August was the last time United failed to score away from home, meaning Arsenal will be up against it. Both these sides have five wins and a draw in their last six league games, meaning two in form teams will be facing off here. Arteta will have to rely on his squad without Nelson and Jesus, while Elneny is also a doubt. As for United, Ten Hag will have to do without Casemiro as he will be suspended, with Martial a doubt and van de Beek, Butland, Sancho, Dalot, Tuanzebe, and Greenwood all ruled out. Expect Arsenal's perfect defensive record to be tested here, as the on fire Rashford will look to hit the back of their rivals net. Its difficult to find a weak link in the Arsenal side, but Ten Hag has shown he is capable of mixing it with the best and this game should prove an interesting battle between the tacticians. It will be close and I can see either side sneaking a win, but this encounter will likely end in a 2-2 draw.

Fulham - Tottenham

The final game of the weekend see 6th place Fulham on 31 points welcoming the team directly above them by two points, Spurs, to Craven Cottage on Monday night. Fulham welcome Spurs having won 3 of their last five home games in the league, while their five game winning streak came to an end against Newcastle last time out. They have lost just once at home in their previous six, and their confidence will be sky high. Their tally of points so far leaves them within touching distance of guaranteeing avoiding relegation this season, however they have exceeded expectations and will believe they can push on to secure European football for next season. They have unfortunately lost their previous five home league encounters with Spurs, but may just end that streak here. Spurs came unstuck against Man City during the week after racing into a strong two goal lead. They ended up conceding four, which for a Conte side is somewhat shocking and a tale of two halves. Whether or not Conte stays on remains to be seen, as he said he is considering things after the death of three friends recently. Spurs have won three out of their last five away games while keeping clean sheets in two of those five encounters. Conte's men have been stronger away from home of late, having lost four of their last five but only losing twice away from home in their last five. They are in a freefall of late having lost five of their last seven and it is unprecedented times for Conte as he weighs up what to do with his side. The Cottagers will be missing Kebano while Duffy is also a doubt, and Spurs will be without Lucas Moura. This game is all in the favour of Fulham, with their form far superior to that of Tottenham. However Spurs showed against City during the week that they can get the goals if they want, but they are unable to see out a match. If Spurs get the lead here potentially they can end that statistic, but Fulham will be full of confidence. Potentially Fulham could moev above Tottenham with a win here, and it seems likely on current form. Therefore, I will back the home side to produce more magic in front of their fans to secure a narrow 2-1 win and heap more misery and pressure upon Conte.

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.

Have a great day.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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