Article: Premier League Matchday 23: Preview & Predictions
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By Jonathan Lewis | 21st JAN 2022
Despite dealing with repeated fixture postponements due to a Covid-19 outbreak in English clubs, the Premier League continues with ten more games this weekend.
From Friday’s relegation six-pointer between Watford and Norwich City to Chelsea’s handsomely-looking encounter against Tottenham, let’s take a look at the whole of Matchday 23 courtesy of Sports View.
Watford vs Norwich City
After another Covid-19 induced match cancellation called Watford’s relegation six-pointer off for the second time running in midweek, Claudio Ranieri’s men gear up for another encounter against direct salvation rivals.
Norwich’s visit to Vicarage Road gives the Hornets a perfect opportunity to bounce back from a seven-game winless Premier League run (D1, L6) and extend a one-point gap between the sides.
Prediction: Watford to win
Everton vs Aston Villa
Everton‘s life in the post-Rafael Benitez era kicks off at Goodison Park against mid-table Aston Villa, with both teams looking to overcome rough patches.
The opponents have experienced identical fortunes from their last three league outings (D1, L2) and are both closer to the drop zone than they are to a European finish.
Prediction: Both teams to score
Brentford vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Seeking redemption following an underwhelming three-game losing streak in the Premier League, the competition debutants Brentford take on European fighters Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Unlike their hosts, Wolves have been on the upwards trajectory, as a return of three wins from their last four league matches (D1) kept them within touching distance of fourth-placed West Ham.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
Leeds United vs Newcastle United
After winning back-to-back Premier League encounters for the first time this season, Leeds United will be looking to make a decisive step towards escaping from the bottom half.
Coming to Elland Road amid a massive crisis, relegation-battling Newcastle United will be aiming for only their second league triumph of the season (D9, L10).
Prediction: Leeds to win
Manchester United vs West Ham United
Manchester United‘s pursuit of the coveted Champions League finish continues this weekend as they entertain fourth-placed West Ham United at Old Trafford.
A 3-1 victory at the Brentford Community Stadium in midweek helped the Red Devils whittle down the gap on the Hammers to a mere two points, highlighting the importance of this match-up regarding the top-four race.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
Southampton vs Manchester City
Saturday’s Premier League action closes out at St Mary’s Stadium as mid-table Southampton hope to avoid defeat in both seasonal meetings with Manchester City in league football for the first time since 2002/03.
Despite holding the reigning English champions to a scoreless draw in the reverse fixture back in September, the Saints will now have to deal with a side that head into proceedings on a run of 12 consecutive league wins.
Prediction: Manchester City to win
Arsenal vs Burnley
Emirates Stadium is the venue as underperforming Arsenal take on relegation-threatened Burnley in a potentially pivotal Premier League game for both sides.
While the Clarets are currently rooted to the foot of the standings, the Gunners’ recent drop-off threatens to dent their hopes of landing their first top-four finish since 2015/16.
Prediction: Arsenal to win
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
Liverpool‘s desperate attempt to reduce the gap on league-leaders Man City faces a seemingly winnable task at Selhurst Park as they meet an out-of-sorts Crystal Palace side.
Since a 2-1 home defeat in April 2017, the Reds have won nine successive league matches against Palace, including the last four in a row by an aggregate score of 16-0.
Prediction: Liverpool to win
Leicester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion are set to trade tackles in a mid-table Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium.
Despite boasting up to four games in hand over the teams above them, Brendan Rodgers’ men will feel heartbroken following a crushing 3-2 home loss at the hands of Tottenham in midweek, a result Football Today predicted before the game.
Prediction: Draw No Bet
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
A mouth-watering, all-London Premier League showdown between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur will serve to round off Saturday’s action in England’s top-flight.
Going into this matchday, the Blues have failed to win their last four league fixtures on the trot (D3, L1) and risk being sucked into the battle for fourth-placed.
By contrast, a come-from-behind 3-2 win at Leicester in midweek maintained Spurs’ unbeaten Premier League streak under Antonio Conte to nine matches (W6, D3).
Prediction: Both teams to score
Jonathan Lewis is an MFF sports writer
