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 some big games in the form of Arsenal facing a high flying Brentford side, Leicester have the tough task of hosting Spurs, struggling Bournemouth welcome Newcastle, Leeds and United face off for the second time in five days, and we conclude with what promises to be a fierce Merseyside Derby on Monday night. The other big news this week has seen multiple bombshells dropped, with the first being the Premier League bringing over 100 charges against Manchester City, while we also had the surprise of 'Super League 2.0' being announced on Thursday.
Fixtures — Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weeks round of fixtures will see the games kicking off on Saturday lunchtime until Monday evening.
Saturday 11th February2023
West Ham - Chelsea 12.30pm KO (Kick Off)
Arsenal - Brentford 3pm KO
Crystal Palace - Brighton 3pm KO
Fulham - Nottingham Forest 3pm KO
Leicester - Tottenham 3pm KO
Southampton - Wolves 3pm KO
Bournemouth - Newcastle 5.30pm KO
Sunday 12th February 2023
Leeds - Manchester United 2pm KO
Manchester City - Aston Villa 4.30pm KO
Monday 13th February 2023
Liverpool - Everton 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.
West Ham - Chelsea
The Hammers occupy 17th position with 19 points so far as they aim to drag themselves away from the relegation places, and welcome a Chelsea side languishing in ninth with 30 points on the board. This will be the 120th meeting between these sides, as Moyes side have turned their fortunes around in the New Year by recording three wins and two draws in their last six in all competition. Prior to that they had six defeats in seven games and things looked bleak for the Hammers. Their draw with Newcastle last weekend was a huge step in the right direction as they have managed to climb narrowly out of the relegation zone, and will be seeking to claim back-to-back home wins for the first time since October. Chelsea meanwhile will be hoping to avoid an eight away match with a win here, as Potter will be keen to get his new players gelled into the side as quick as possible. Chelsea have won only two of their last 12 Premier League matches, with a goalless draw against Fulham last time out. Their lack of goals scored is likely the biggest concern, as they have only managed 22 league goals all season, and seven in their last 12 league matches. Their standings in the table reflect this and the potential of missing out on next seasons Champions League is looking increasingly likely. West Ham will be without Kehrer, Areola, Cornet, and Zouma, while Scamacca is also a doubt. Chelsea meanwhile have to travel to the London Stadium without Zakaria, Mendy, Pulisic, Broja, and Kante, while Fofana and Kovacic will need to be assessed ahead of kick off. West Ham have one win and two draws in their previous six league games, while Chelsea have one win and three draws. The pressure is on both these sides and West Ham look to claw themselves away from the relegation zone and Chelsea will be desperate to show their financial spending spree is paying off by climbing up the table. Both sides have struggled for goals and neither is boasting impressive form, and I think this could be a very even game. Moyes will ensure his players make it tough for Chelsea's new stars, although having Felix back after serving a three-match suspension could be pivotal for Chelsea. I am going to back a 1-1 draw here as neither side can afford a loss.
Arsenal - Brentford
League leaders Arsenal will look to add to their 50 point tally after their surprise defeat to Everton last weekend, as they host seventh place Brentford who have amassed 33 points so far this campaign. The new manager bounce certainly came out in force last weekend as Dyche steered Everton to a massive win over Arsenal, although Arteta's side maintained their lead at the top of the table thanks to North London rivals Spurs beating Manchester City. They will be determined to get back to winning ways and have the bonus of remaining undefeated at home this season so far, with eight wins and a draw in their nine home league games so far. Brentford meanwhile tore Southampton apart last time out, leaving them only six points off fifth with a game in hand. Frank's men are unbeaten in nine league games, and have only conceded one goal in their last five in the league. Their away form however is in stark contrast, as the Bees have only managed to win twice away from home all season. Arsenal should not take that for granted though, as Brentford have beaten Manchester United and Liverpool this season, along with winning away to Manchester City. Arsenal will be without Elneny and Jesus, while Smith Rowe and Nelson are also doubts. As for Brentford, they will need to assess Onyeka and Baptiste for fitness before this one, with Jansson ruled out. Arsenal have lost their previous two in all competitions, but have four wins and a draw in their last six in the league. Brentford have the better form going into this one, with four wins and two draws in their previous six league games. This is bound to be an exciting and close encounter. Both sides have been impressive this season, and I expect Brentford to make things difficult for the league leaders. Its likely to be one goal either way to decide the outcome here, but Arteta's men have been strong in their London derbies so far this season and therefore I will back them to return to winning ways with a 2-1 home win.
Crystal Palace - Brighton
Palace are sitting in twelfth with 24 points so far and face the impressive Brighton who have managed 34 points and are sitting pretty in sixth as they dream of qualifying for Europe next season. A loss to United last week saw Palace unable to make the most of Casemiro's red card, and succumbed to their ninth defeat of the season in the league. Currently six points above the relegation zone and are without a win in their last six matches in all competitions. They have a tough run of games ahead and Vieira will know his side could easily be fighting for their survival if they don't turn defeats and draws into wins. De Zebri's side meanwhile are flying in the league, and have six wins in their last nine league games. In form winger Mitoma has been imperative, with five goals in his last seven appearances, including a last gasp winner last time out against Bournemouth. Their haul of 24 goals in their last ten league matches in the best in the Premier League, while their total of 38 league goals is only bettered by Arsenal, Man City, and Spurs. Their last four away games have brough 12 goals so the Seagulls will be licking their lips at facing this Palace side. Vieira's side will be without Zaha, Ward, McArthur, and Ferguson, while Andersen is a doubt. The Seagulls will travel to London without Mwepu, Colwill, and Moder, while Ferguson and Lallana are doubts. Palace have one win and three defeats in their last six league games, while Brighton have four wins and a draw in their last six league encounters. In recent meetings these games have been close affairs, but this Brighton side are a new look team with De Zebri at the helm. The game is likely to be close fought, but I can only see one winner. The Seagulls will continue to soar as they record a 0-2 away win here in their bid for European football next season.
Fulham - Nottingham Forest
Fulham, who currently sit in eight and have 32 points this campaign, welcome Forest to Craven Cottage with the visitors in 13th with 24 points. Fulham continued their impressive season with progression in the FA Cup during the week and will be looking to rectify their recent stutter in the league which sees them without a win in three. Fulham have managed nine wins so far this campaign, but they have failed to score in each of their last three league outings after an impressive four game winning run. They have only managed two clean sheets at home so far in the league this season and will need to shore up their defence if they want to maintain their push for European places. As for Forest, no side has taken more points in 2023 than Coopers side and they are unbeaten in five league games following a win over Leeds last time out. Forest have opened up a healthy gap of six points to the relegation places, and their improvement is making their survival look all the more likely. Their away form needs work, with only one win away from home making them the second worst team on the road in the league, and only three away goals scored. Fulham will be without Kebano while Cairney and Reed are doubts. Forest will be Kouyate, Richards, Yates, Biancone, Awoniyi, Henderson, and Niakhate. Forest have lost just once in their last eight league games, with three wins and two draws in their last six. Fulham have three wins and a draw in their last six. Forest are in the form of their lives, and with plenty of new players integrated into the squad, there will be real hope and belief among the fans. Their away form is poor, and a lack of goals away from home points to a difficult trip to London. Fulham are not in a great moment, but will see this as a perfect opportunity to turn things around. I will bank on Mitrovic and co to find their form once again and secure a 2-1 home win.
Leicester - Tottenham
The Foxes see themselves in 14th with 21 points as they host Spurs, who sit in fifth with 39 points, to the King Power stadium. Rodgers side beat Villa last time out, as they had three debutants in the side while looking to kickstart their season. They are three points clear of the relegation zone and two wins and a draw in their last three in all competitions has improved the mood drastically. Their home form is worrying however, with a single draw in their previous six home games in the league. Three of those games saw Leicester fail to score, but they have managed six goals in their two recent top-flight fixtures with Villa and Brighton. As for Spurs, their win over Manchester City along with the fact Kane became their record goal scorer has seen spirits lifted for the London side. They were solid in defence and assured in their victory, although Conte was missing as he required surgery back in Italy. They sit three points off the Champions League places and will look to push into those places while building on their three wins and three clean sheets in all competitions. Spurs have also managed 12 goals in their last five Premier League away games. Rodgers will be without Justin and Bertrand, while Pereira, Soumare, and Evans. Conte will have to do without Lloris and Romero, while Lucas Moura and Sarr are doubts. Leicester have only one win and one draw in their last six league games, while Spurs three wins and three loses in their last six league appearances. Lloris will be a huge loss for Spurs, as their captain is side-lined for a number of weeks. Add in the loss of Romero and it will be difficult for Spurs to ensure a fourth successive clean sheet, although they can rely on the in form Kane at the other end. While Leicester have seen a mini resurgence of late, I think Spurs should have too much for them, and secure themselves a 1-3 away victory.
Southampton - Wolves
Bottom of the table Southampton, who have only 15 points, will hope to improve their survival hopes as they face off against fellow relegation candidates, Wolves, who themselves have 20 points and sit 15th in the standings. The Saints suffered at the hands of Brentford last time out as the pressure mounts on Jones. They have lost eight of their last nine in the league and their only win in that time came over fellow strugglers Everton. They poor season has seen them concede at least one goal a game at home, and have kept just one clean sheet in their last 27 top-flight matches. While Jones has lost six of his seven league games in charge, he did manage to oversee progression into the FA Cup fifth round. It may not be enough to save his job however, with both fans and media unconvinced by his management of the team. They have won fewer home points than any other team in England's top four tiers this season with just six, which is shocking in itself. The visitors to St. Mary's, Wolves, recorded a comfortable win over Liverpool last time out and are look a new side. Their recent form has seen Wolves climb out of the relegation zone and they have won three of their six league games under Lopetegui. Their tally of seven goals since his arrival is just one fewer than they managed in the fifteen games before his appointment. The Saints will be missing Livramento and Larios, while Walker-Peters and McCarthy are doubts. Wolves meanwhile will be without Kalajdzic, Francisco Oliveira, Traore, Neto, and Hwang, while Lemina is a doubt. Southampton have one win and five losses in their previous six league games, while Wolves have three wins and a draw in their last six league matches. Neither side is thrilling this season in terms of finding the back of the net, with both sides yet to amass twenty league goals. Its likely to be a low scoring game, with Wolves boosted by their three goal haul last weekend and likely to build upon it. Therefore I am backing them for a 0-1 away win here.
Bournemouth - Newcastle
The Cherries are struggling in 19th with 17 points this season, and face an in-form Newcastle who have 40 points and sit in fourth. Bournemouth were undone by a late goal against Brighton last time out, as O'Neil looks to settle his new signings into his side and drag them away from the drop. They have looked more impressive in recent games, pushing Brighton all the way and coming undone against Forest, showing that the Cherries are ready for the fight ahead. They are six league games without a win but remain only two points from safety in a congested bottom half of the table. Their biggest issue of late has been goals, with just one goal in their previous five league games. They also boast the worst defence in the league, with 43 conceded so far this campaign. This contrasts heavily with their opponents this weekend, as Howe will be returning to face his former side here. Newcastle have the best defence in the division, and although they could only manage a draw last time out against West Ham, the Magpies are still battling for Champions League qualification. Their league form has somewhat stuttered of late, with four draws in their last five, although a Carabao Cup final on the horizon is nothing to baulk at for the richest club in England. They are on a run of 16 league games without defeat and will look to extend that here. Bournemouth will be without Kelly, Stephens, Brooks, Fredericks, and Stanislas, while Solanke, Cook, and Tavernier are doubts. Newcastle will be without Manquillo, Bruno Guimaraes, Krafth, and Targett, with Isak a doubt. Bournemouth have lost five and drawn one of their last six in the league, while Newcastle recent league form has seen them win two and draw four. Although Newcastle have struggled without Bruno Guimaraes, they are more than capable of managing games. Bournemouth have injected life into their squad with new signings, so Newcastle will need to be at it to get a result here, but I think Howe's men have enough about them. A 0-2 away win should be the likely result of this one.
Leeds - Manchester United
These sides played out a thrilling draw during the week, as 16th placed Leeds with 19 points surrendered a lead against third place United who have 43 points. The big news for Leeds was the sacking of Marsch following their defeat against Forest last weekend, and they looked a rejuvenated side as they raced into an early lead at home to United. However, their frailties remain and they did let the Red Devils back into the tie in a frantic game, which will resume here. The ever rising talent of Gnonto did the unthinkable, and became only the second player in history to do so, when he scored a first minute goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Although they remain without a manger, the impact of Skubala taking charge was evident as they rose out of the relegation places for the time being. Their performance was positive, but Leeds are without a win in eight league games and still look unsettled at the back. United will be delighted with the impact Sancho had during the week on his return to the side, Ten Hags side have been in a rough patch of form recently. One win in their previous four league games has seen them in danger of being overtaken by Newcastle, while Spurs remain hot on their tails for a Champions League spot. They are also on a run of five league games without a clean sheet, and a makeshift midfield will be once again tested here. Leeds will be without Rodrigo, Struijk, Gray, Forshaw, Forshaw, Sinisterra, and Dallas. Perkins and Marc Roca Junque are also doubts. United meanwhile will be without van de Beek, Eriksen, Casemiro, McTominay, and Martial, while Antony and Wan-Bissaka are also doubts. Greenwood still remains out of the squad despite his charges being dropped. Leeds have lost two and drawn four of their previous six league games, while United have won three and drawn two of their own. Its fascinating to see these sides face off once again after their midweek battle, with Leeds likely to be full of confidence given the result. Ten Hag's men will possibly have one eye on their upcoming clash with Barcelona, and the team selection should be interesting. Leeds will likely capitalise on this and therefore I can see another draw on the cards, with the final result most likely being 2-2 once again.
Manchester City - Aston Villa
The side with all the fingers pointed at it, Manchester City sit in second with 45 points and welcome Unai Emery's Villa side who sit in 11th with 28 points on the board. Last time out Pep's side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Spurs, missing the chance to close the gap after Arsenal had lost to Everton. Since then, it has been one of the most hectic weeks in the clubs 143-year history, as the Premier League have brought over 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules against the club. In what will be a landmark case, for now Pep has to focus his side on the football challenges ahead. With Arsenal once again playing first this weekend, the gap could be eight points by the time his players take to the field. Their current home form sees them looking to extend their winning run to five games, but will have to be weary against this ever improved Aston Villa side. Emery saw his side fall to defeat against Leicester last weekend, but they are currently on a three game winning run away from home. Villa have beaten Spurs and Brighton in that run, too of the sides battling for European places this season and will believe they can inflict a similar result on Manchester City here. City will be missing Stones for this one, with Foden also a doubt. Villa will be without Diego Carlos. Steer, and Bertrand Traore. City have won three and lost two of their previous six games in the league, while Villa have also won three and lost two of theirs. While some City players may be considering their future, along with Pep, following the news of the clubs predicament, it is likely they will be determined to put that to one side and secure a win. Even if things go South for Manchester City in their battle against the Premier League, which could include titles stripped and relegation, the players would want to go out on a high. Therefore I expect Man City to give their fans something to cheer about here and secure a convincing 4-1 win.
Liverpool - Everton
Nobody could have imagined Klopp's side would be sitting tenth with only 29 points at this stage given their quadruple push last season, and they welcome an Everton side bouncing under Dyche and looking to add to their 18 points while hoping to climb away from 18th position and out of the relegation zone. Klopp knows things have not gone right for Liverpool this season, but their form in 2023 is abysmal. A 3-0 hammering away to Wolves last time out was just the latest set back, as Liverpool seem to be in free fall. A lack of goals, scoring just once in their last four league games, has been a huge factor to the feeling of dread around the club, who have the small matter of a Champions League clash against Real Madrid on the horizon. Their famed pressing style seems all out of synch as the new attackers Gakpo and Nunez have so far failed to fully adapt to Klopp's style. Only in 2017 have Liverpool gone longer without a league win at the beginning of a calendar year, and facing an Everton side with Dyche in charge is a different prospect to the one it was a mere two weeks ago. He has completely changed the mood at Goodison after their battling win against league leaders Arsenal last weekend. He has brought stability and a clear tactical identity to Everton in just their fourth league win of the season. They will likely employ the low block style once again, which Liverpool have struggled against. They will look to defend the box, or the 'V' as Dyche refers to it, and hit Liverpool fast on the break. While their home games have been toxic in terms of atmosphere at times this season, Everton will likely be out in full voice at Anfield as they incredibly look the more stable club at the moment. Liverpool will be without Arthur, Luis Diaz, Konate, Firmino, and van Dijk, while Fabinho, Jota, and Thiago are doubts. Everton will visit their local rivals without Garner, Townsend, and Patterson, while Keane and Calvert-Lewin are doubts. Liverpool have won three and lost two in their last six league games, while Everton have one victory and four defeats in their previous six league games. Its important to note that sole victory for Everton came once they appointed Dyche to replace Lampard. Currently this game is a tough one to predict. Will Everton maintain their new manager bounce at the home of their local rivals? Klopp has seen his side struggle so much this campaign, but also has players with the ability to cause problems, such as the chaos of Nunez. Liverpool have lost just one of their last 22 home league games against Everton, back in 2021 when Klopp saw his side lose sic home league games in a row. With the Reds in similar form it is not impossible to think they could suffer another defeat here, and ensuring they don't concede early will be vital. I am going to back a 2-1 narrow home win for Liverpool here as they look to shake off their awful form and record a first league win of 2023.
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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