An intriguing one to start the weekend. Forest’s ascendency has taken a bit of a hit in recent weeks with three defeats in their last five outings. But they’re still in third spot and one place above today’s visitors. Mind you, City have lost two of their last four. So where does that leave this game? Anyone’s guess, but you have to fancy pedigree over whippersnapper. Away win.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs FULHAM (1500)
Another close game on the cards. Many will have this one down as battle of equals, but territorial advantage may tip the balance. Home win.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs IPSWICH TOWN (1500)
Every game is vital now for the Tractor Boys. With Palace having pulled themselves out of immediate danger, you’d have to think they have the advantage. Home win.
LIVERPOOL vs SOUTHAMPTON (1500)
Very top against very bottom. Poor old Saints. Could get nasty. Home win.
BRENTFORD vs ASTON VILLA (1730)
Yet again, it’s hard to choose between these two. This is the meat, or the salad, in a Villa vs Club Brugge sandwich and the visitors will have their focus firmly on Wednesday’s home tie that could see them into the Champions League quarter-final. Home win.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs EVERTON (2000)
Much has been made of late of Everton’s rebirth under David Moyes. There’s little to suggest that this will be still-born. But a tricky fixture nonetheless, for both sides. Draw.
SUNDAY
CHELSEA vs LEICESTER CITY (1400)
The Foxes do look doomed. Chelsea could, and probably will, end the day in third spot. Home win.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs BOURNEMOUTH (1400)
The hosts sit 10 points below the visitors, although both have lost as many games as they’ve won in their last six. Will home advantage favour Spurs this afternoon? It might. Draw.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs ARSENAL (1630)
A classic top-flight fixture, that definitely favours the visitors. Away win.
MONDAY
WEST HAM UNITED vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (2000)
The Barcodes will look to get a measure of revenge after losing to the mighty Irons at St James Park earlier in the season. But Newcastle’s form isn’t encouraging, with four defeats in their last six games. That’s almost as bad as our form, although ours may be somewhat boosted by two consecutive wins going into this. Jarrod Bowen’s pace and Mohammed Kudus’ creativity will, you hope, test Newcastle’s defence. Lucas Paquetá’s midfield mastery and Alphonse Areola’s shot-stopping should also boost our chances. For the visitors, Alexander Isak’s clinical finishing and Bruno Guimarães’ midfield dominance will be pivotal. This should be the kind of game that justifies its inclusion as the Monday night live game, but it will be a tough encounter. Draw.
