/https%3A%2F%2Fgreatestshot.com%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F01%2FGettyImages-2195703549.jpg)
We’re going for a draw here. Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi remains out and has been a key member of their squad this season, while Brighton is always capable of a great performance — especially against teams above them in the table.
Speaking of surprising teams, who expected Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth to be one of the most feared Premier League sides right now? They are unbeaten in all competitions since November and are only 1 point away from Champions League places. Liverpool has shown frailties, especially in defense, as persistent injuries to center-backs Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez have proven to be problematic for them despite conceding the least amount of goals in the league. They also had the luxury of resting the vast majority of their players.
This is a difficult one to call, but we imagine Liverpool slipping up here. Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert has been incredible this season and could continue to cause problems against the Reds.
Three points should be considered mandatory for Ipswich, who are in 19th and would leap over Wolves and Leicester should they fail to win. If Southampton’s starlet Tyler Dibling is considered unfit to start, it may be a long evening for the Saints.
Newcastle’s impressive seven-game win streak was halted by a shock 4-1 loss to Bournemouth, but they recovered in the next game beating Southampton 3-1. Fulham is a bit of a mixed bag this season, beating Chelsea one week and losing to Wolves the next. They had an unusually poor performance against Manchester United at home last weekend and a tough game at St. James’ Park won’t help them.
At the moment, anything Newcastle striker Alexander Isak touches turns to gold, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t continue his hot streak here.
Brentford’s attack scores for fun this season, and it’s being spearheaded by Bryan Mbuemo (14 goals). With a Spurs defense that is barely holding it together, it might be too much for them to handle.
Manchester United won against Fulham last weekend, perhaps to the surprise of many. United haven’t necessarily been the most in-form team this season while Fulham have looked good. Crystal Palace is an opponent that United should be blowing away on paper, but the fact they’ve traveled midweek from Romania may make them more fatigued than their opponents. Striker Rasmus Hojlund has been the subject of much criticism this season, and he would do well to quiet those critics in this match.
Manchester City, fresh off another spending spree, are looking to continue their winning ways against title contenders Arsenal. City are historically good at the Emirates Stadium despite losing there last season. The reverse fixture at the Etihad was packed with excitement in a 2-2 draw with a Leondro Trossard red card, and there’s little reason to think that it won’t be another open game. City has improved considerably since then, and with the addition of their new signings, it could give them an edge.
This London Derby has a bit more riding on it than it usually does. Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter will return to Stamford Bridge, but this time in the opposing dugout. West Ham have seen improved performances under him, but the results have been a mixed bag. Still, there is a clear identity, which is something that could hardly be said under former manager Julen Lopetegui. However, Chelsea’s firepower up front, combined with their home advantage, will make this a bridge too far for West Ham.
