Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and looking forward to the weekend, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. This weekends has some great games as we get into the serious business end of the campaign. With only ten match left after this weekend, the pressure is on as Everton host Brentford, Leicester welcome Chelsea, City travel to Palace, and Arsenal face off against Fulham.
Fixtures — Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weeks round of fixtures will see the games kicking off on Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening.
Saturday 11th March 2023
Bournemouth - Liverpool 12.30pm KO (Kick Off)
Everton - Brentford 3pm KO
Leeds - Brighton 3pm KO
Leicester - Chelsea 3pm KO
Tottenham - Nottingham Forest 3pm KO
Crystal Palace - Manchester City 5.30pm KO
Sunday 12th March 2023
Fulham - Arsenal 2pm KO
Manchester United - Southampton 2pm KO
West Ham - Aston Villa 2pm KO
Newcastle - Wolves 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.
Bournemouth - Liverpool
Bottom place Bournemouth, who have 21 points on the board, welcome fifth place Liverpool fresh off their thrashing of Manchester United last week which saw them move onto 42 points. The Cherries suffered late heartache last time out after they raced ahead against Arsenal only to lose with virtually the final kick of the game. O'Neil can be proud about his side's efforts against the league leaders but they have another tough test here and games are running out. They are now bottom of the table thanks to goal difference and face a side who put nine past them earlier in the campaign. They are on a four game winless run at the Vitality Stadium and their inability to hold onto winning positions, having squandered 17 points when winning this season, means that run looks likely to continue. Klopp meanwhile had plenty to smile about last weekend his new look attack clicked into gear and scored seven without reply. I am sure he would enjoy more of the same here, as Salah became Liverpool's record scorer in the Premier League. With a big game away to Madrid coming up securing a win here to push his side into the top four, at least until Spurs play, would be the perfect weekend for Klopp. His side have five clean sheets in their last five league games and will be determined to continue that run here. Bournemouth will be missing Vina, Stanislas, and Brooks, while Zabarnyi, Kelly, Tavernier, Lerma and Traore will all need to be assessed ahead of the game. Liverpool will be missing Ramsay, Diaz, and Thiago, while Gomez, Arthur Melo, and Keita are all doubts. Form wise Bournemouth have lost three and drawn two of their previous six in the league, while Liverpool have won four and drawn once in their last six league games. There is clearly one favourite going into this one, with Liverpool top of the form table and Bournemouth bottom of the league. The Cherries will be motivated not to get walked over like they did in the reverse fixtures where Liverpool won 9-0 at home, but Liverpool will also need to be aware of the potential banana skin here. With the Reds strike-force clicking and scoring for fun of late there are bound to be goals, and a big morale boosting win here along with their seven at United could be the catalyst for securing top four. How they will do against Madrid in the week could also depend on how they link up here, with every game seeing the attack looking more in tune. I will go for a 0-4 Liverpool win as they prepare for the crunch part of their season.
Everton - Brentford
The Toffees sit in 18th position with a total of 22 points and welcome European contenders Brentford who occupy ninth with 38 points. Last time out Everton twice let the lead slip against Forest, and they are struggling to get themselves away from the relegation dogfight for a second year in a row. Things have improved under Dyche, with Everton picking up more points in his first six games in charge compared to Lampard's final twelve, but it has not been a smooth transition. Individual errors have been costing them, and they have only two wins in their last 29 away games meaning their home form will be key to staying up. With a difficult schedule ahead a win here looks vital, but Brentford will be no pushovers. The Bees have surprised everyone in their second season as they push for European qualification. They are on an unbeaten run of twelve games in the league which dates back to October, and beat Fulham last Monday night to further boost their chances. While some doubt remains over what will happen to Toney regarding his betting charges, for now the team are focused on pushing as far up the table as possible. Everton will be missing Townsend while Calvert-Lewin, Patterson, and Mykolenko are all doubts. As for the Bees, they will be without Strakosha. Everton have two wins and three defeats in their last six league games, while Brentford have three wins and three draws in their previous six league fixtures. The reverse fixture ended as a draw back in August, but it seems only one team can be favourites going into this one. Everton have looked strong under Dyche, but the frailties remain. If Brentford can stifle any Everton set pieces they have a real hope of a positive result, as six of the Toffees goals since the World Cup have come from a dead ball situation. Therefore I am going to back Brentford to come away with a convincing 1-3 away win to condemn Everton fans to further misery.
Leeds - Brighton
Leeds have a total of 22 points so far and sit in 17th position, just outside of the relegation zone by goal difference, and welcome eight place Brighton who have 38 points so far and will look to climb back into European contention here. Leeds will be hoping new manager Gracia can find some magic within this side, having won his first game against Southampton but lost against Fulham and Chelsea since then. Their loss to Chelsea last time out was their 13th league defeat of a difficult season, but a return to Elland Road will be welcome considering they achieved 16 of their 22 points so far at home. They will need the crowd behind them to guide this side further up the table and away from danger, although face a difficult challenge against Brighton. The Seagulls dismantled West Ham with ease last weekend as they continue to push for European football. With three games in hand on fourth placed Tottenham they have plenty to aim for, while they are also fighting for a trip to Wembley when they face Grimsby in the FA Cup. They stuttered towards the end of February when they dropped five points in games against Crystal Palace and Fulham, but Brighton will be confident going into this one having won three and drawn two of their last five meetings with Leeds. Leeds will be without Rodrigo, Forshaw, and Dallas, while Bamford, Sinisterra, and Cooper are doubts. Brighton meanwhile will be without Mwepu, Lallana, Colwill, and Moder, while Lamptey is a doubt. Form wise Leeds are the bottom of the form league with one win and four defeats in their previous six league games, while Brighton have three wins and two draws in their last six matches in the league. Brighton won the reverse fixture 1-0 back in August. Brighton are not the best away from home, having conceded in each of their last nine which will give Leeds hope. While I expect Leeds to score, I still believe Brighton will be too much for them, and ultimately this game will end with a 1-3 away win for the Seagulls.
Leicester - Chelsea
The Foxes are in 15th position with 24 points ahead of their clash against tenth placed Chelsea who after overcoming Dortmund in the Champions League will look to add to their tally of 34 points. Rodgers men lost to struggling Southampton last time out, as the Saints stunned them away from home. It was Leicester's fourth straight defeat and they remain just two points about the relegation zone, with more worries creeping in regarding their safety this season. They have lost 15 league games so far this season, the joint highest in the league, and have failed to register a shot on target in their last two games. They face a Chelsea side who themselves have been struggling this season under Potter, although they did manage a win over Leeds last weekend before a vital win over Dortmund during the week. They are 11 points off the Champions League places with little hope of closing that gap, so possibly winning the competition is their best hope of getting back into it. Their away form remains alarming, without a win in their last 10 games away from Stamford Bridge in all competitions. This includes seven loses and scoring just four goals in those games. Improving their return away from home is vital and could give Leicester a real lifeline going into this one, although Potter will be desperate to remain on a winning run. The Foxes will be missing Bertrand, Justin, Tielemans, and Kristiansen, while Barnes and Barnes are doubts. Chelsea will be travelling to the midlands without Thiago Silva, Mendy, Broja, and Kante, while Azpilicueta and Mount are doubts. Leicester have managed to win twice but lose three times in their previous six in the league, while Chelsea have one win and three draws in their last six league games. Chelsea managed to beat Leicester 2-1 back in August. Confidence is slowly rising around Chelsea and the win over Dortmund will have really boosted the sides belief. Leicester will know they are more than capable of an upset at home, and although Chelsea have looked better with their 3 at the back formation, I am going to put this one down as a 1-1 draw.
Tottenham - Nottingham Forest
Fourth place Spurs with 45 points welcome 14th place Forest with 26 points to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The mood is likely to be sour for Spurs after their elimination against AC Milan in the Champions League, meaning their wait for silverware continues. The fans were booing, the futures of Conte and Kane are unresolved, while Richarlison decided to hit out at Conte for his lack of game time. It has been a dificult two weeks as Spurs were also eliminated from the FA Cup last weekend. Their attention must now focus on holding onto fourth place, but they are in a tough battle with Liverpool, Newcastle, Brighton and Brentford all in the mix. They have not won or scored in their last three games and considering both Liverpool and Newcastle have games in hand, the outlook is bleak. They have however won their last three at home in the league without conceding and will need another strong performance to ease the fans disappointment. Forest meanwhile have been impressive at home this season, unbeaten in nine league games as they overcame Everton last time out. The Tricky Trees sit four points above the drop zone and are far from safe as of yet, but the signs are positive. Their recent form has seen them without a win in four league games and their away form is worrying. Forest have only one win away from home all season, and have only managed to score three goals away from the City Ground in the league. Forest did manage to knock Spurs out of the Carabao Cup earlier in the season, but face a daunting task of becoming the first promoted side to win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs will be missing Bissouma, Lloris, Sessegnon, and Bentancur. Forest meanwhile will travel to London without Kouyate, Richards, Biancone, Henderson, Awoniyi, McKenna, and Boly, while there are doubts over Niakhate. Spurs have won four and drawn twice in their previous six league games, while Forest have one win and three draws in their last six in the league. Spurs managed to win the reverse fixture 2-0 back in August and while their season has imploded in recent weeks, Spurs and Conte can at least steady the ship with a win here. Liverpool could be ahead of them in the table by the time this game kicks off, and while confidence will be low the players will be expected to react here. Forest are so poor away from home that Spurs have the perfect chance to get the win, and therefore I expect them to come away with a solid 2-0 home victory.
Crystal Palace - Manchester City
Palace are sitting in twelfth place with 27 points and face a tough test against second place Manchester City who have 58 points on the board. Palace go into this game still looking for their first Premier League win in 2023, having a narrow defat against Aston Villa last time out. Vieira's men are on a ten game winning run since New Years Eve, which includes four defeats and five draws in the league. They also failed to have a single shot on target in their last two outings, with things looking bleak. They remain five points above the relegation places but have been slipping closer and closer to the dogfight. They have managed to frustrate City in the past and will be hoping for a miracle here as the points are badly needed. Man City put Newcastle to the sword at home last time out, getting back to basics and ensuring they keep the pressure on Arsenal. Pep's side are the second best away from home this season with seven wins, three draws and three defeats. Five points behind is far from insurmountable but Pep will know his side can have no more slipups. He will be aware of the threat Palace pose, even if they are struggling, given they have failed to win three of their last six meetings with the London side. Palace will be without Doucoure and Johnstone, while Ferguson is a doubt. Manchester City meanwhile will need to assess Foden ahead of this one. Palace have four draws and two defeats in their last six league games, while City have managed four wins and a draw in their last six in the league. Man City won the reverse fixture 4-2 back in August as Haaland scored his first hattrick in English football. With the Eagles showing little to no attacking threat in their recent games one can only imagine the confidence Pep's men will have going into this. However, they will need to be at their best given that Palace recently got draws with United and Liverpool. While City do have a Champions League second leg with Leipzig on the horizon, I think Pep will make sure they are plenty focused here and I expect them to get a comfortable 0-2 win.
Fulham - Arsenal
Surprise contenders for European football, Fulham sit in seventh with 39 points and welcome surprise league leaders Arsenal who have 63 points in their stellar campaign. Fulham lost to Brentford last time out, going down 3-2 in a battle between two unlikely European contenders. Palhinha missing cleared caused a stir for Fulham, as their seven game unbeaten run came to an end. Having played more games than those around them, for now at least, Fulham don't have control of their own European destiny, but they are on a run of scoring in their previous six while they have also only lost three time at home in 13 games this campaign. They will have to be aware of their poor run against the top sides going into this one, with sixteen of their eighteen previous games versus the table-topping sides ending in defeat. Arsenal meanwhile go into this having secured a 2-2 draw away to Sporting in the Europa League, after a last minute winner against Bournemouth last weekend. It was their lack of composure when defending set pieces that will spark fear amongst the fanbase, With their less than inspiring performances, albeit with a last gasp winner over Bournemouth, Arteta will need to ensure his side focus and up their game to keep their stellar season on track. Their away performances have seen Arsenal win six of their last seven away from home while only conceding a joint-low nine goals. Fulham will be missing Soares, Palhinha, Cairney, Kebano, and Kurzawa. Arsenal meanwhile will be missing Jesus and Elneny, while late fitness tests will be needed for Nketiah and Trossard. Fulham have managed two wins and two draws in their last six league games, while Arsenal have four wins and a draw in their previous six in the league. Arsenal managed a 2-1 victory over Fulham in August and many will expect another positive result against the Cottagers here. However, Arteta will need to keep his side focused and not concede more sloppy goals. With Mitrovic back firing there is always a dangers for Arsenal, and former keeper Leno is likely to be very motivated against his former employers. I can see this being very close and while I think Arsenal might just have enough to get over the line, their lack of depth and magnitude of games means I can see they dropping points here and ending up with a 2-2 draw.
Manchester United - Southampton
Looking too get their league campaign back on track, third place United with 49 points welcome second from bottom Southampton who have earnt 21 points so far this season. United secured a comfortable 4-1 win away to Betis during the week, however their drubbing against Liverpool, where they lost 7-0, will not be quickly forgotten. They looked lost and incapable of competing in that loss, but the midweek performance will have boosted confidence once again. Their home form is the bread and butter for United, with an unbeaten run of 20 games and having scored at least twice in each of their previous 15 games at Old Trafford. While any slim hopes of a title challenge are put to rest, they can consolidate their third place here and hope to put some more distance between themselves and the chasing pack. Southampton meanwhile moved off the bottom of the table last time out as they overcame Leicester last time out. Selles has had a mixed time so far but they are only a point off Leeds in 17th. Interestingly, the Saints have been stronger away from St. Mary's this season, picking up 12 of their 21 points away from home. Not since January 2016 have the Saints overcome United in the league, a run of 14 games. Manchester United will be without Greenwood, Martial, Eriksen, and van de Beek, while Sabitzer is a doubt. The Saints will head to the North West without Livramento and Larios, while there are doubts over Alcaraz's fitness. United have three wins and two defeats in their previous six in the league, while Southampton have managed to win twice but lost four of their previous six league matches. United managed a narrow 1-0 win the last tine these two met back in August. While the fairytale of avoiding the drop is still alive for Southampton, they will face a tough challenge here. United got over their drubbing last weekend and will look to put it far behind them by returning to winning ways in the league. Southampton did mange to overcome Chelsea recently, but this is a tougher test and therefore I believe United will manage to come through it with a 2-1 home win.
West Ham - Aston Villa
The Hammers, sitting in 16th with 23 points, welcome Villa to the London stadium with the visitors sitting in eleventh with a total of 34 points. West Ham may be struggling domestically but they managed a 2-0 win in the Europa Conference League over AEK Larnaca during the week. West Ham have been awful domestically compared to their high standards in previous seasons and remain just one point outside the relegation zone. Their Europa Conference League campaign has papered over the cracks and could point to a realistic chance of silverware, which in turn would secure a spot in the Europa League next season. Their focus for now has to be on climbing up the table, as they have lost 14 of their 25 Premier League matches this season. Brighton put them to the sword with four unanswered goals last weekend, but at home they look more solid. The Hammers have managed to secure seven points from their last three league encounters at the London Stadium, so they will fancy themselves here. As for Villa, they narrowly won over Palace last time out and are only outside the top ten thanks to goal difference. Emery has had a huge impact, winning four of their previous seven in the league. They have also scored at least once in each of their last 14 games in all competitions, with Watkins in particular good form. Their away form has been patchy though, with four wins and four loses in their last eight away from Villa park, but they will have plenty of confidence going into this one. The Hammers will be missing Fabianski while there are fitness concerns over Cornet ahead of this one. Villa meanwhile will be in London without Coutinho, Diego Carlos, Dendoncker, Steer, and Boubacar Kamara. West Ham have managed two wins and two draws from their last six in the league, while Villa have three wins and three defeats in their last six league games. The last time these two met in the league. back in late August, the Hammers secured a narrow 1-0 victory. Moyes will have to be smart about rotating his players, although they can be confident of progress when AEK Larnaca visit London next Thursday barring a total collapse. He will need to ensure there are no slips here as relegation cannot be a realistic option for the club, and I think they are capable of putting in a good performance here. However, Villa are just as capable, meaning this will likely be a narrow game which could be decided by a single goal. I will back a draw as both teams seem good enough to cancel each other out, with a final result of 2-2.
Newcastle - Wolves
Newcastle have seen themselves slip into sixth place on 41 points as they host 13th place Wolves, who have 27 points, at St. James Park. It has been a tough few weeks for Howe's side as they lost the Carabao Cup final and have since dropped out of the top four, losing to Manchester City last weekend. Their bad patch has seen them fail to score for 315 minutes and without a win in five league games. They are still playing well but the Magpies are lacking the cutting edge in the final third. Perhaps the top four is a stretch too far this season, but they are producing good football and some additions in the summer could make them a real force. Their home form has been their real strength along with their defence, but Newcastle have only managed to win one of their last four at St. James park. Wolves meanwhile head into this having won only twice from their thirteen away games in the league so far. They got a great win over Tottenham last weekend but are far from safe yet. Five points separate them and the relegation places, and their porous defence has managed to keep only one clean sheet all season in the league. They are also the joint lowest scorers in the division, with a tally of 19 scored so far. Lopetegui has however managed to secure 17 points in 11 league games, which is far better than the 8 points from their 11 league games prior to his appointment. Newcastle will be missing Joelinton, Krafth, and Fraser, while Schar is a doubt. Wolves meanwhile will be missing Kalajdzic, Francisco Oliveira, Hwang, Bueno, and Diego Costa, while Boubacar Traore is a doubt. Newcastle have one win and three draws in their last six league games, while Wolves have three wins and a draw in their previous six league fixtures. The pair played out a 1-1 draw back in August, and with the lack of consistent form from either side we could be in store for another draw here. Wolves have slight hopes of pushing towards the top half of the table, and Newcastle will want to get themselves back on track to ensure they secure European football for next season. Newcastle might have the edge over Wolves but their lack of finishing ability means I cant look past the draw, and therefore I think this game will end in another 1-1.
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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