Saturday football
Posted: 15 Feb 2025, 07:25
LEICESTER CITY vs ARSENAL (1230)
A clash of contrasting ambitions: one to win the Premier League title, the other to stay in the division. Unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League matches, this is Arsenal’s longest streak since 2010–11 under Arsène Wenger. Yet coming off a 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City but followed by a disjointed EFL Cup exit to Newcastle. Injuries to Havertz, Saka, Martinelli and Jesus leave Mikel Arteta relying on Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to lead the attack. Defensive stability remains a strength, with the league’s third-best away record (22 goals scored on the road). Meanwhile, Leicester are winless in nine of their last 10 league games, including four consecutive home defeats without scoring – an unenviable record only matched by three teams in top-flight history. To add insult to fuck-up, the Foxes have no clean sheet in 17 league matches, conceding 53 goals in that time, the second-worst in the league. Despite Arsenal’s injury woes, their defensive solidity and Leicester’s home struggles tilt the balance in the visitors’ favour. Leicester have lost six straight league meetings with Arsenal, and their inability to score at home suggests another goalless outcome for the hosts. Arsenal’s title hopes hinge on navigating this injury crisis, while Leicester’s survival bid demands a miracle. Expect the Gunners’ depth and experience to prevail in a tense but decisive away victory. Away win.
ASTON VILLA vs IPSWICH TOWN (1500)
Villa’s quest for Europe meets Ipswich’s survival scrap in a game likely defined by attacking flair. Villa’s home dominance and Ipswich’s defensive frailties tilt the balance. Despite injuries, Villa’s attacking depth and set-piece prowess should overwhelm Ipswich, who’ve kept one clean sheet in 20 league games. While Ipswich’s FA Cup win offers hope, Villa’s home record and firepower should secure three points in a high-scoring affair. Expect goals, drama, and a crucial step toward safety. Home win.
FULHAM vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST (1500)
Fulham’s historical edge - four wins in their last five – and home advantage clash with Forest’s superior form and defensive resilience. However, the Cottagers’ shaky home form (one win since December) and Forest’s lethal counter-attacks tilt this toward a tense stalemate. Expect a high-octane clash with goals at both ends. Fulham’s set-piece threat and Forest’s counter-punching prowess could cancel each other out, leaving both sides to share the spoils in a pivotal battle for European aspirations. Draw.
MANCHESTER CITY vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1500)
A pivotal clash in the race for Champions League qualification sees fifth-placed Manchester City host sixth-placed Newcastle United (both on 41 points), with City slightly ahead on goal difference. Newcastle will hope to break their 20-year winless streak at this venue. The Magpies have won their last four Premier League away games, including victories over Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal, and could secure five consecutive away wins for the first time since 1994. City average 53% possession but struggle against high-pressing teams. Newcastle, with the league’s second-most counter-attack goals, will exploit gaps left by City’s advanced full-backs. Despite Newcastle’s resurgence, City’s historical edge and home advantage look like giving the hosts the advantage. A high-stakes, goal-laden clash awaits, and while the Magpies’ away form offers hope, Haaland’s ruthlessness and De Bruyne’s wizardry should secure a narrow victory for the hosts in a thriller. Home win.
SOUTHAMPTON vs BOURNEMOUTH (1500)
Bournemouth’s attacking quality and Southampton’s defensive frailty place this south coast derby decisively in the visitors’ favour. Despite Onuachu’s threat, the Cherries’ relentless counter-pressing and clinical finishing should overwhelm the league’s worst defence. Southampton’s survival hopes are all but extinguished, while Bournemouth’s European dream thrives. Expect a high-scoring affair with Bournemouth’s ruthlessness overpowering the Saints’ fleeting resistance. The Cherries’ momentum and squad depth should secure a decisive victory. Away win.
WEST HAM UNITED vs BRENTFORD (1500)
A derby with mid-table implications sees us (15th, 27 points) host Brentford (11th, 31 points). Both sides are targeting a top-half finish, but come into this with patchy form. Our defensive frailties and Brentford’s away resurgence add some intrigue. Our defence is painfully leaky – the Premier League’s second worst – and we can boast (the right word?) just one win in seven since Potter joined: probably not the most encouraging. The Bees have won their last two away games (Southampton and Palace) and now look for their first ever three consecutive top flight away wins. Loan signing Evan Ferguson (ex-Brighton) may feature off the bench, while James Ward-Prowse (free-kick specialist) could make a welcome return. A torn hamstring keeps Summerville sidelined. For the visitors, Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva and Igor Thiago are out. Both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and attacking firepower suggest a high-scoring draw. West Ham’s territorial advantage and Bowen’s 50th anticipated Premier League goal could be pivotal for us, while Bryan Mbeumo will pose a danger for the visitors. While Potter’s tactical tweaks could spark a revival, Brentford’s resilience on the road and set-piece nous suggest a share of the spoils. Expect drama, goals, and, possibly, a nail-biting finish. Draw.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs EVERTON (1730)
The Eagles will aim to solidify their resurgence under Oliver Glasner, while the Toffees seek to extend their unbeaten league run under David Moyes and edge closer to safety. After winning just three of their first 18 league games, Palace have claimed four victories in their last six, including clean sheets in three of their last four matches. But despite their strong overall form, Palace have only two home league wins this season—the third-worst record in the division. Meanwhile, Everton are unbeaten in four league games (W3 D1), although they have not won in London for more than a year. They have climbed 10 points clear of relegation since Moyes’ return. A tense, low-scoring affair is anticipated, with both teams prioritizing defensive stability. Palace’s home struggles and Everton’s injury-hit squad may cancel each other out, but Mateta’s form and Everton’s set-piece prowess could tip the balance. The Eagles’ home form raises doubts, Everton’s injury woes and travel struggles suggest a share of the spoils. Expect tactical discipline, moments of individual brilliance, and a result that reflects both sides’ quest for mid-table security. Draw.
SUNDAY
LIVERPOOL vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1400)
Liverpool, the league leaders (57 points), aim to solidify their title bid against relegation-threatened Wolves (17th, 19 points). The Reds hold a seven-point lead over second-placed Arsenal but face mounting pressure after a chaotic 2-2 Merseyside derby draw with Everton, marred by a late collapse and disciplinary drama. Wolves, two points above the drop zone, seek a rare Anfield upset to boost survival hopes. The hosts go into this on the back of 20 league games without defeat since September 2024, with 15 wins in their last 16 Premier League meetings against Wolves. The visitors, on the other hand, are winless in nine of their last 10 league games against top-six sides. Liverpool’s title charge faces a stern mental test after the Everton drama, but their home form and Salah’s brilliance should prevail. Wolves’ survival bid hinges on defensive resilience, but Anfield’s intensity may prove too much for Pereira’s side. Expect a dominant Reds performance to restore their buffer at the summit. Home win.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1630)
Two sides experiencing dodgy seasons. Draw.
A clash of contrasting ambitions: one to win the Premier League title, the other to stay in the division. Unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League matches, this is Arsenal’s longest streak since 2010–11 under Arsène Wenger. Yet coming off a 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City but followed by a disjointed EFL Cup exit to Newcastle. Injuries to Havertz, Saka, Martinelli and Jesus leave Mikel Arteta relying on Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to lead the attack. Defensive stability remains a strength, with the league’s third-best away record (22 goals scored on the road). Meanwhile, Leicester are winless in nine of their last 10 league games, including four consecutive home defeats without scoring – an unenviable record only matched by three teams in top-flight history. To add insult to fuck-up, the Foxes have no clean sheet in 17 league matches, conceding 53 goals in that time, the second-worst in the league. Despite Arsenal’s injury woes, their defensive solidity and Leicester’s home struggles tilt the balance in the visitors’ favour. Leicester have lost six straight league meetings with Arsenal, and their inability to score at home suggests another goalless outcome for the hosts. Arsenal’s title hopes hinge on navigating this injury crisis, while Leicester’s survival bid demands a miracle. Expect the Gunners’ depth and experience to prevail in a tense but decisive away victory. Away win.
ASTON VILLA vs IPSWICH TOWN (1500)
Villa’s quest for Europe meets Ipswich’s survival scrap in a game likely defined by attacking flair. Villa’s home dominance and Ipswich’s defensive frailties tilt the balance. Despite injuries, Villa’s attacking depth and set-piece prowess should overwhelm Ipswich, who’ve kept one clean sheet in 20 league games. While Ipswich’s FA Cup win offers hope, Villa’s home record and firepower should secure three points in a high-scoring affair. Expect goals, drama, and a crucial step toward safety. Home win.
FULHAM vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST (1500)
Fulham’s historical edge - four wins in their last five – and home advantage clash with Forest’s superior form and defensive resilience. However, the Cottagers’ shaky home form (one win since December) and Forest’s lethal counter-attacks tilt this toward a tense stalemate. Expect a high-octane clash with goals at both ends. Fulham’s set-piece threat and Forest’s counter-punching prowess could cancel each other out, leaving both sides to share the spoils in a pivotal battle for European aspirations. Draw.
MANCHESTER CITY vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1500)
A pivotal clash in the race for Champions League qualification sees fifth-placed Manchester City host sixth-placed Newcastle United (both on 41 points), with City slightly ahead on goal difference. Newcastle will hope to break their 20-year winless streak at this venue. The Magpies have won their last four Premier League away games, including victories over Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal, and could secure five consecutive away wins for the first time since 1994. City average 53% possession but struggle against high-pressing teams. Newcastle, with the league’s second-most counter-attack goals, will exploit gaps left by City’s advanced full-backs. Despite Newcastle’s resurgence, City’s historical edge and home advantage look like giving the hosts the advantage. A high-stakes, goal-laden clash awaits, and while the Magpies’ away form offers hope, Haaland’s ruthlessness and De Bruyne’s wizardry should secure a narrow victory for the hosts in a thriller. Home win.
SOUTHAMPTON vs BOURNEMOUTH (1500)
Bournemouth’s attacking quality and Southampton’s defensive frailty place this south coast derby decisively in the visitors’ favour. Despite Onuachu’s threat, the Cherries’ relentless counter-pressing and clinical finishing should overwhelm the league’s worst defence. Southampton’s survival hopes are all but extinguished, while Bournemouth’s European dream thrives. Expect a high-scoring affair with Bournemouth’s ruthlessness overpowering the Saints’ fleeting resistance. The Cherries’ momentum and squad depth should secure a decisive victory. Away win.
WEST HAM UNITED vs BRENTFORD (1500)
A derby with mid-table implications sees us (15th, 27 points) host Brentford (11th, 31 points). Both sides are targeting a top-half finish, but come into this with patchy form. Our defensive frailties and Brentford’s away resurgence add some intrigue. Our defence is painfully leaky – the Premier League’s second worst – and we can boast (the right word?) just one win in seven since Potter joined: probably not the most encouraging. The Bees have won their last two away games (Southampton and Palace) and now look for their first ever three consecutive top flight away wins. Loan signing Evan Ferguson (ex-Brighton) may feature off the bench, while James Ward-Prowse (free-kick specialist) could make a welcome return. A torn hamstring keeps Summerville sidelined. For the visitors, Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva and Igor Thiago are out. Both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and attacking firepower suggest a high-scoring draw. West Ham’s territorial advantage and Bowen’s 50th anticipated Premier League goal could be pivotal for us, while Bryan Mbeumo will pose a danger for the visitors. While Potter’s tactical tweaks could spark a revival, Brentford’s resilience on the road and set-piece nous suggest a share of the spoils. Expect drama, goals, and, possibly, a nail-biting finish. Draw.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs EVERTON (1730)
The Eagles will aim to solidify their resurgence under Oliver Glasner, while the Toffees seek to extend their unbeaten league run under David Moyes and edge closer to safety. After winning just three of their first 18 league games, Palace have claimed four victories in their last six, including clean sheets in three of their last four matches. But despite their strong overall form, Palace have only two home league wins this season—the third-worst record in the division. Meanwhile, Everton are unbeaten in four league games (W3 D1), although they have not won in London for more than a year. They have climbed 10 points clear of relegation since Moyes’ return. A tense, low-scoring affair is anticipated, with both teams prioritizing defensive stability. Palace’s home struggles and Everton’s injury-hit squad may cancel each other out, but Mateta’s form and Everton’s set-piece prowess could tip the balance. The Eagles’ home form raises doubts, Everton’s injury woes and travel struggles suggest a share of the spoils. Expect tactical discipline, moments of individual brilliance, and a result that reflects both sides’ quest for mid-table security. Draw.
SUNDAY
LIVERPOOL vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1400)
Liverpool, the league leaders (57 points), aim to solidify their title bid against relegation-threatened Wolves (17th, 19 points). The Reds hold a seven-point lead over second-placed Arsenal but face mounting pressure after a chaotic 2-2 Merseyside derby draw with Everton, marred by a late collapse and disciplinary drama. Wolves, two points above the drop zone, seek a rare Anfield upset to boost survival hopes. The hosts go into this on the back of 20 league games without defeat since September 2024, with 15 wins in their last 16 Premier League meetings against Wolves. The visitors, on the other hand, are winless in nine of their last 10 league games against top-six sides. Liverpool’s title charge faces a stern mental test after the Everton drama, but their home form and Salah’s brilliance should prevail. Wolves’ survival bid hinges on defensive resilience, but Anfield’s intensity may prove too much for Pereira’s side. Expect a dominant Reds performance to restore their buffer at the summit. Home win.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1630)
Two sides experiencing dodgy seasons. Draw.
Steve Perrymans white and blue army 