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 Arsenal look to bounce back after their midweek defeat to Manchester City, Chelsea hoping to finally get a win as they host managerless Southampton, Newcastle hosting the only side to beat them in the league so far this season, and Spurs and West Ham having a London Derby.
Fixtures — Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weeks round of fixtures will see the games kicking off on Saturday lunchtime until Sunday evening.
Saturday 18th February2023
Aston Villa - Arsenal 12.30pm KO (Kick Off)
Brentford - Crystal Palace 3pm KO
Brighton - Fulham 3pm KO
Chelsea - Southampton 3pm KO
Everton - Leeds 3pm KO
Nottingham Forest - Manchester City 3pm KO
Wolves - Bournemouth 3pm KO
Newcastle - Liverpool 5.30pm KO
Sunday 19th February 2023
Manchester United - Leicester 2pm KO
Tottenham - West Ham 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 week matches. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee.
Aston Villa - Arsenal
A huge game kicks off the weekend as Emery, who's side are currently 11th with 28 points, welcome his former club who dropped down to second in the table with 51 points after their midweek defeat to Manchester City. Just like Arsenal, Villa lost to Manchester City last time out, making it two loses in a row in the league for the lions. Their aspirations for a top half finish have taken a huge blow, but under Emery they have looked a much stronger side. In their previous five home league games both sides have gotten on the scoresheet, but Villa have only managed to secure victory in one of those games. They will need to be weary of any potential backlash from Arsenal following their first home defeat of the season. Arteta bemoaned his sides decisive mistakes against the Champions, loosing their spot on top of the table in the process. They are without a win in three league games as the wheels seem to be coming off for Arsenal, and a lack of depth could be the decisive issue. They haw made the fewest rotations to their starting lineup this season and fatigue is bound to play its part as the games stack up. They still have the best away record this season and will look to keep their joint low of only seven goals conceded away from home in the league intact. Villa will be without Diego Carlos, Mings, and Steer, while Bertrand Traore is a doubt. As for Arsenal, they will be without Elneny and Jesus, but are hopeful that Smith Rowe and Partey could return. Villa have five wins and four defeats in their previous ten league games, while Arsenal have six wins and two defeats in their last ten in the league. This game will be a chance for Arsenal to show whether they can handle the pressure as they find themselves in second on goal difference. Three loses and a draw in all competitions is not what Arteta's men needed, and while Partey is out they look light in midfield even with the recent addition of Jorginho. Emery has already gotten one over United this season and will fancy his side here, with his side beginning to regain their goalscoring ability. Its likely to be a close contest and could go either way, but I think Arsenal will just get a narrow 1-2 away win.
Brentford - Crystal Palace
High flying Brentford, who sit eight with 34 points this season, welcome struggling Palace who are currently in 12th with 25 points. The Bees managed a draw against Arsenal last time out as their impressive season continues, and while many will point to the officiating errors, Brentford were worth the point. Toney continued his excellent scoring record this season and bullied the Arsenal defence, which Palace will need to be prepared for here. They have not lost in the league since October and have put together a ten game unbeaten run in the league. Having won their previous three home games the confidence will be flowing as Arsenal are the only side to have beaten Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium this season. Adding to that is the fact Brentford have scored at least twice in each of their last four home games and Palace are certainly up against it here. The Eagles managed a point against Brighton last time out, as Vieira's men were also beneficiaries of officiating mistakes which ruled out a Brighton goal. Currently seven points above the relegation zone, Palace are in the middle of their toughest run of fixtures this season. They are without a win in seven league games, but have managed draws against Manchester United, Newcastle and Brighton in that time. This season has not been as impressive as the last one, but Vieira has them working as a unit and all they are missing is that elusive victory to boost their season hopes of pushing into the top half. The Bees will be missing Strakosha while Jansson is also a doubt. As for Palace, they will be missing Ferguson, Zaha, and Ward, while Hughes, Richards, and Andersen are doubts. Form wise, Brentford have five wins and five draws in their previous ten league games, while Palace have two wins and five defeats in their last ten in the league. While this fixture is not famed for its goal scoring prowess, it is therefore likely to be a low scoring affair. With Palace having come back to secure 14 points from losing positions this season they are a force to be considered, but Brentford are in such a good run of forms its difficult to look past them. Therefore I will back a tight game which ends in a 2-0 home win.
Brighton - Fulham
Brighton are the surprise package this season, with De Zebri's men sitting in sixth with 35 points and welcome another surprise packing in Fulham, who sit in seventh and also have 35 points on the board. Brighton dropped points due to a VAR error last time out against Palace, but the Seagulls had 75% possession and 17 shots on goal. They have adapted to De Zebri's attacking style and extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to seven matches in 2023. Their 24 goals in the last ten league games is more than any other side in the league, and sit six points off fourth place Newcastle with a game in hand. The fans will certainly believe they can push on and secure some sort of European football for the club next season, but will face a tough challenge against Fulham. The London side have been majestic this season and surpassed all expectations, with the potential of playing in Europe for the first time since 2008-09 when they reached the Europa League final. They will need to match or better their seventh placed finish of that season to guarantee a spot in Europe, and their dead-ball expertise could be the key. They have 15 goals from dead-ball situations so far this season and face a side who have conceded 13 goals from set pieces so far. The Seagulls will be missing Moder, Colwill, Welbeck, and Mwepu, while Lallana is also a doubt. As for Fulham, they will be without Cairney and Kebano, while late fitness tests will be required for Da Silva, Robinson, and Mitrovic. Brighton have managed six wins with only two defeats in their last ten league encounters, while Fulham have five wins and four defeats in their last ten in the league. Fulham already beat Brighton back at the beginning of the campaign but its a different prospect they now face. Both these sides are likely to provide an entertaining contest here, as they battle it out to affirm themselves in the top six. Plenty of chances are likely to be created, and it may come down to which defence is in better form on the day. Therefore I will back a 2-2 draw in this one.
Chelsea - Southampton
Chelsea struggled once again during the week as they lost away to Dortmund in the Champions League, and currently sit tenth with 31 points. They welcome Southampton who recently fired Jones after his abysmal spell in charge which sees them bottom of the league on 15 points. Chelsea struggled to break down Dortmund during the week and were caught out on the break, as Potters men have only managed to win once since the turn of the year. Three wins in sixteen games in charge is not what the fans expected when he was appointed, They did manage to draw each of their previous three in the league but high money signings have not improved things, although many would argue it will take time for them to gel. With a goal return of only five of their last 14 matches across all tournaments the lack of an out and out striker is hampering them. With ten points between them and fourth placed Newcastle, anything less than a victory would be a disaster here. Southampton meanwhile cut ties with Nathan Jones after 3 months in charge and some very interesting post match press conferences. They lost nine of his fourteen games in charge and Selles will take charge for the time being. The Saints did manage to beat Chelsea earlier this season, one of only four league victories all campaign, but the odds are against them here. New signings have been bedded in and there is hope of a new manager bounce getting the best from the squad as they desperately need the points. Potter will be without Kante, Broja, Pulisic, and Mendy, while Sterling and Chilwell are minor doubts. The Saints will be without Livramento and Larios, while McCarthy and Walker-Peters need to be assessed. Chelsea have only managed two wins and four draws in their previous ten league matches, while Southampton have suffered nine defeats with a single win in the same amount of games. Both sides need the win here, and anything less will be seen as insufficient for either side. While Southampton will possibly feel unshackled by the dismissal of Jones, Chelsea are still facing big questions with Potter at the helm. Anything less than a win here and Chelsea fans will be really questioning what he is offering the side, and with their attacking talent available, they must win. Therefore I am going for a narrow 1-0 win for Chelsea at the Bridge.
Everton - Leeds
Dyche's side have it all to do this season if they wish to remain in the league, with Everton currently sitting in 18th with 18 points. They welcome a Leeds side who recently let Marsch go due to poor results and form, as they sit in 17th and also have 19 points. Everton had a perfect start under Dyche, securing victory over Arsenal, but suffered away to Liverpool last time out. Back on home soil and against a relegation candidate, this is a huge game for both sides. Everton have suffered 12 defeats in 22 league games, but are only a point from safety and their opponents. A lack of goals has been the biggest issue for Dyche's side, with just 16 league goals all season, and 15 before he arrived. Getting the same atmosphere as they had against Arsenal will be vital in spurring the side on and getting them away from the drop zone. Leeds meanwhile are continue to hunt for a permanent manager with Skubala taking charge of his third game here. They drew and then lost against Manchester United since Marsch departed, but they are currently on a nine game winless run which is the worst in the league. They have only managed four wins all season in the league, although they included wins over Liverpool and Chelsea. They have been better at finding the back of the net compared with Everton, but have also struggled with defending and conceded much more than their opponents, with 38 conceded compared to Everton's 30. Everton will be without Calvert-Lewin and Townsend, while Patterson and Garner require late fitness tests. As for Leeds, they will be without Rodrigo, Dallas, Gray, and Forshaw. There are also doubt over Cooper, Sinisterra, Perkins, and Roca Junque. Everton have one win and seven defeats in their last ten league games, while Leeds have one win and five defeats in their last ten in the league. A draw is unlikely to do much for either sides hopes of staying up this season, so I expect a fierce and close game. Dyche will need to motivate the players once again and get the fans bouncing, while Leeds will be determined to climb away from the bottom three after sliding down the table. While Everton are likely favourites in being the home side, I can only see one winner, with that being a narrow 1-2 win for Leeds.
Nottingham Forest - Manchester City
Forest have managed to pull themselves up in 14th in the table with a respectable 24 points, but face a difficult challenge against league leaders Man City who have 51 points. Forest head into this one unbeaten at home in eight league games, although Coopers men did suffer defeat to Fulham last time out. Prior to that they were on a five-game unbeaten league run, but their home form has been key this year. They have amassed 3/4 of their points at the City Ground, winning five and drawing three of their 11 home matches. They have not suffered defeat at home in the league since September and that seven-game unbeaten run in front of their own fans included picking up points against Liverpool and Chelsea. This will be a totally different challenge against the league Champions, but Cooper and his side will have confidence in themselves. Man City could be back in second by the time they kick off, depending on how Arsenal's game goes, but they will have a spring in their step after securing a 3-1 away win over their title rivals during the week. They will be looking to cement themselves on top of the table with another win here. They have returned to the summit for the first time since November, but amazingly allowed Arsenal over 60% of the ball last time out. The momentum is with Pep's side and with the power of Haaland upfront they will fancy themselves here. City beat Forest 6-0 earlier in the season and with a run of four wins in their last five, the title looks to be heading into City's hands once again barring a collapse in form. Forest will be missing Boly, McKenna, Awoniyi, Niakhate, Henderson, Biancone, Richards, and Kouyate, while Lingard and Yates are doubts. City meanwhile will be without Stones. Forest have managed to win four and draw three of their last ten league games, while City have managed six wins but also three defeats in their previous ten in the league. With the injuries mounting up for Forest and Pep's side in high spirits despite the Premier League charges against the club, they have to be the fo=favourites here. Likely another big win is on the cards, one which will send a clear message to Arsenal that City are going to fight to the very end for this title, and therefore I am going for a 1-5 away win.
Wolves - Bournemouth
Wolves have moved up to 15th with their 23 points so far this season, and will hope to add to their tally as they welcome 19th placed Bournemouth, who have 18 points, to Molineux. Lopetegui saw his side come back and win against Southampton last time out when reduced to ten men, and the euphoric for that result is likely to kick start their season. They now have three wins in four league games and have moved clear of the relegation zone, having only lost to the Manchester clubs since the return from the World Cup break. With a clean sheet in each of their last two home games Wolves will be aiming for three on the bounce here and the fans will really have something to cheer about if they secure the three points, showing the appointment of Lopetegui was an inspired choice. The Cherries meanwhile manage to secure a point at home to Newcastle last time out, O'Neils side are still in the bottom three but find themselves only a point from safety. Their last win in the league came against Everton before the World Cup break and have suffered six away defeats in a row. Their return of only two points in their last seven games in worrying form but their new signings could prove to be vital in their battle to stay in the division. Wolves will be missing Kalajdzic, Hwang, Boubacar Traore, Chiquinho, and the suspended Lemina. Bournemouth meanwhile will travel without Kelly, Brooks, Zabarnyi, and Stanislas, while Senesi and Cook are doubts. Wolves have managed four wins and four defeats in their last ten league games, while Bournemouth have one win and seven defeats in their previous ten league matches. Wolves are certainly the form team heading into this one, as they seem to be understanding what Lopetegui is demanding of the players and showing a renewed spirit. Bournemouth are far from out of it but their form is not helping and a turn around is needed sooner rather than later. Therefore I can only see one winner and the home crowd will be delighted as Wolves secure a 3-1 home win.
Newcastle - Liverpool
Newcastle welcome the only side to have beaten them so far this season, as Howe's men sit in fourth with 41 points. Liverpool meanwhile have struggled this season and currently occupy 9th with 32 points. Howe's men could only struggle to a draw against Bournemouth last time out, but back on home soil they will fancy themselves. They are the draw specialists this season in the league, with 11 draws this season so far and they are currently on a 17 game unbeaten run. It was Liverpool and a late goal by Carvalho which saw them suffer their only league defeat so far this season, but Howe's men have stuttered of late with four draws in their last five league games. A trip to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final might be playing on some players minds here, but the fact they are unbeaten at St. James Park in 12 league games and have only conceded six at home this season will give them plenty of confidence. Liverpool meanwhile finally got themselves a win in the league in 2023 after four games without victory, and what a win it was. Against a tough Everton side, they looked like the Reds of Klopp's earlier year with their fast breaks and well taken goals. Salah will have a confidence boost from scoring, while they will not have given up on securing a top four finish as they sit nine behind Newcastle with a game in hand. Their away form however has seen them only win twice in their last ten games away from home in the league. The fact Liverpool were the last side to win at St James Park in the last, in April of last season, will also be a motivator for this side. Newcastle will be missing Krafth and Bruno Guimaraes, while doubts remain over Manquillo, Willock, Targett, and Wilson. Liverpool meanwhile will travel without Ramsay, Thiago, Luis Diaz, Arthur Melo, and Konate. Form wise, Newcastle have managed five wins and five draws in their last ten league matches, while Liverpool have five wins and four defeats in the same amount of league games. Going on form Newcastle look like the better side here, and their home record would certainly make them favourites. However, the mood at Liverpool will have changed after their win against Everton and Klopp will be determined to maintain it. With a tough clash against Real Madrid next week in the Champions League, Liverpool will want to enter that game in the best form possible. Newcastle will also want to prepare for the Carabao Cup final with a strong win here so both sides will be up for it. While a draw is likely in any Newcastle game, I think Liverpool are looking back at it and with players back from injury they will likely have enough about them to get the three points. Anything less than a win and their hopes of top four could vanish, therefore I will back 1-2 away win.
Manchester United - Leicester
United come into this game having secured a 2-2 away draw against Barcelona in the Europa League, and currently sit third in the league on 46 points. With a tough second leg next week, the will have to be careful against a Leicester team who sit in 13th with 24 points. A victory over Leeds and weekend before Ten Hag's side battled well for a draw in Camp Nou during the week as Rashford scored once again, making it 22 goals for his club this season. United are now just five points off the top of the table and could easily sneak into the title race. They have only lost once in all competitions since the World Cup break and while United will have one eye on the return leg against Barcelona, and the Carabao Cup final, they are certainly flying high at the moment. The Foxes meanwhile enter this tie on the back of back-to-back wins over Spurs and Villa. They scored four on both occasions and look a devastating attack once again. Maddison has been at the heart of it and while Leicester have been lethal with him in the side, they lost the previous four games he missed. The Foxes are still only six points above the relegation zone and have a lot of work to do this season, but Rodgers has gotten them clciking again. The only downside is a lack of clean sheets since the return from the World Cup, and they will be up against it with this United side. United will be missing van de Beek, Martial, Eriksen, Greenwood, and Casemiro, while there are fitness concerns over Antony and McTominay. The Foxes will travel without Bertrand and Justin, while Evans, Tielemans, and Boubakary Soumare. Current form sees United having recorded seven wins and two draws in their last ten league games, while Leicester have four wins and five defeats in their previous ten league games. United have looked off at times of late, especially when Casemiro is out of the team. His suspension will hurt them again here, and I expect Leicester to have joy against the United defence. However, with Ten Hag's men at home they will still be considered favourites and therefore I will back them for a 3-2 home win.
Tottenham - West Ham
Spurs suffered defeat at the San Siro against AC Milan during the week, and with Conte remaining in Italy due to a post gallbladder surgery check up, they will have to manage without him as they look to build on their position of fifth with 39 points. West Ham meanwhile have 20 points and sit in 16th in the table. Stellini will take charge for the third time this season in this encounter, and they will need to be at their best here. Spurs suffered in the Champions League during the week which followed on from a hammering against Leicester. They need to get back on track if they are to push into the Champions League places, but Stellini did oversee victories over Marseille and Manchester City. Spurs form of winning one and then losing one at home this season has seen their season become a stop start affair after their early season push towards the top of the table. West Ham may be in the midst of a relegation battle but recent results have seen them record draws with both Newcastle United and Chelsea. They are now unbeaten in four games in all competitions and have lost just once in their seven games in 2023. Their away form in the league however sees them without an away win since them beat Villa in August, nine game ago. There are still plenty of games to go but Moyes will know his side needs to maintain their recent good form and any points away to Spurs would be considered a positive result. Spurs will be missing Lloris, Bissouma, Bentancur, and Sessegnon. West Ham meanwhile will be without Paquetá, Cornet, and Zouma, while doubts remain over Areola, Cresswell, Aguerd, and Scamacca. Form wise Spurs have four wins and five defeats in their previous ten league games, while West Ham have one win and six defeats in their last ten league games. This is a very tough one to judge, as Spurs are touch and go at the moment and their lack of having Conte in the dugout is likely not going to help. On the other side of things Moyes will be determined to keep his side picking up points and slowly but surely pulling away from the relegation places. Therefore I am going for a thrilling 2-2 draw to finish out the weekends games.
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.
** I first publish this article on Medium on the 17th of February 2023, which can be found here: https://medium.com/@1r3n9project/9b6c8ef1f340?sk=32f7e03a5e3eac70b3f68673e1637ba0 **
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