After making way for the latest FA Cup action at weekend, the Premier League is already back with a midweek round.
Highlights include Manchester City’s trip to Newcastle whilst free-falling Everton visit Huddersfield who will be keen to impress new boss, Jan Siewert.
Arsenal vs Cardiff City
A week on from the incident surrounding new record signing – Emiliano Sala, Cardiff will certainly be motivated to try and get a positive result here.
Arsenal meanwhile have defensive injury concerns, particularly after their FA Cup exit this weekend, which is an area which the Bluebirds ought to exploit.
Ultimately, the Gunners have won their home games against three of current bottom five already this season, so am backing them to make it four.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Cardiff City
Jake predicts: Arsenal 2-0 Cardiff City
Result: Arsenal 2-1 Cardiff City
Fulham vs Brighton & Hove Albion
This is an absolute must win for Fulham if they’re to realistically fight for survival, especially given Brighton’s dire away form.
With nine days to prepare for this fixture, I hope Fulham have worked on their defendng because they have started their last two league games well with openng goals only to then implode at the back as match goes on.
If get that issue sorted quickly and marry it with their strong starts to create consistency throughout games, there’s no reason why Fulham can’t go for the win here.
Brighton meanwhile will be keen to get back on the goal trail quickly after resting some key players in Saturday’s goalless cup draw against West Brmwich Albion.
A draw therefore would be a good result here but i fancy Fulham to edge it if have worked on right areas.
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Jake predicts: Fulham 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Result: Fulham 4-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Huddersfield Town vs Everton
Embed from Getty ImagesHaving appointed Jan Siewert as manager, it feels like Huddersfield are accepting relegation already and instead preparing for next season.
This however is a winnable match because Everton are literally in freefall, especially at the back which Millwall brilliantly exploited at the weekend in the FA Cup.
What Huddersfield therefore need to do is get on the front attacking foot and really make their set pieces count. Do those two things then we could have a decent game here because Everton will score at least once.
I am ultimately going for a home win here because Huddersfield will be fresher and this is a good chance to impress in front of Siewert at home for the first time, which will motivate the players.
Prediction: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Everton
Jake predicts: Huddersfield Town 0-1 Everton
Result: Huddersfield Town 0-1 Everton
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United
After challenging FA Cup ties against lower league opposition at weekend, both sides will be keen to return to winning ways here.
Wolves are fiercely strong going forward which will concern West Ham, who have lost their last three away games in all competitions.
Their defence however is still insecure with just two clean sheets since October which is worrying for a side challenging for a top ten finish.
The Hammers however no longer has the tension of Marko Arnautovic’s future hanging over them, so should hopefully be able to start pushing for seventh now their transfer outings are pretty much done.
I therefore expect a edgy match with both sides scoring and might just be this round’s thriller.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 West Ham United
Jake predicts: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 West Ham United
Result: Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 West Ham United
Manchester United vs Burnley (8:00pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesGiven their contrasting fortunes at weekend in the FA Cup, expect Burnley to bring the stronger team because Manchester United will rest some key players as they look to make it nine wins on spin.
United however are definitely back to their attacking best despite defence still raising serious questions, when playing higher up the pitch.
If Burnley are to get anything from this game, they need to sit back deeply and try to pick United off on a rapid counter attack, which will be tough but doable if got the pace and clinical finishing touch.
United should eventually win through though given their attacking prowess and the Clarets’ leaky defence.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Burnley
Jake predicts: Manchester United 2-0 Burnley
Result: Manchester United 2-2 Burnley
Newcastle United vs Manchester City (8:00pm)
With 22 wins on the bounce against Newcastle and a strong run of form, Manchester City need a win here to maintain pressure on Liverpool in the title race.
The Magpies however impressed in their last league outing with a strong attacking game against Cardiff, and Rafa Benitez clearly has prioritised this game ahead of a cup run, with numerous changes at weekend.
Sadly, I can’t see that decision paying off given Man City’s depth but should at least keep the result respectable if continue to improve their attacking game.
Prediction: Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester City
Jake predicts: Newcastle United 0-3 Manchester City
Result: Newcastle United 2-1 Manchester City
Prediction Wars
With the season nearing half way point, so is Prediction Wars between me and Boro Rants writer, Jake Self.
Rules remain the same as last season and goes as follows alongside latest standings;
Correct score – 3 points
Correct result – 1 point
Incorrect result – 0 points
| Name | Points |
| James Gregory | 162 |
| Jake Self | 162 |
Leave a Reply