The final full round of midweek games in this Premier League season gets underway, as Leicester start life after Claude Puel.
Cardiff and Huddersfield meanwhile will be hoping to pick up home wins as they battle relegation, whilst Newcastle meet Burnley as both sides look to boost their survival hopes.
Cardiff City vs Everton
Embed from Getty ImagesCardiff shouldn’t be too disheartened after Friday’s thumping by a clinical Watford side at their absolute best.
When had their chances, they did everything right bar the final touch but need to be stronger when defending and in possession. If can do that here then they have a good chance at points.
Everton meanwhile haven’t played in over a fortnight, making it impossible to say what sort of team we could see here, although their defence did need a lot of work if they want to a top ten finish.
A draw would be a safe bet given Everton’s fortnight off but I fancy Cardiff to correct the wrongs of last weekend and get a much needed win.
Prediction: Cardiff City 2-1 Everton
Jake predicts: Cardiff City 0-1 Everton
Result: Cardiff City 0-3 Everton
Huddersfield Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
After a steady if unspectacular performance at weekend, Huddersfield’s best hope of survival is an escapology act.
With barely any chances of note at Newcastle, its a miracle that they didn’t lose by more than two goals thanks to Jonas Lossl’s excellent goalkeeping. He needs more of that here if they are to get at least a point against a fierce Wolves side.
Wolves come here disappointed by their draw at Bournemouth, so am expecting them to come out and test the Terriers’ resolve with relentless attacks.
Those attacks should eventually pay off.
Prediction: Huddersfield Town 0-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Jake predicts: Huddersfield Town 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Result: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Leicester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Embed from Getty ImagesHaving sacked Claude Puel on Sunday, Leicester really need a win here if are to keep pace with Watford and Wolves, as they battle for seventh.
Brighton meanwhile have had over a week to prepare so I am hoping to see a better away performance than usual, with just four away wins in all competition this season.
We will see goals here but with one point from last five away league games and having scored in last three, the Seagulls will be lucky to get a point.
Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Jake predicts: Leicester City 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Result: Leicester City 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Newcastle United vs Burnley (8:00pm)
This should be a fun tasty battle because both sides were brilliant on Saturday in home wins over Huddersfield and Tottenham respectively.
Newcastle had a nice energy about them on the attack, with Miguel Almiron a particular stand-out who Burnley are going to struggle to contain.
Burnley had a similar performance to extend their unbeaten league run to eight games with a solid all round clinical performance, as Dwight McNeil continues to become influential in and around the box.
I am finding it tough to call so am going for a hard fought draw.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Burnley
Jake predicts: Newcastle United 2-1 Burnley
Result: Newcastle United 2-0 Burnley
Prediction Wars
With the season past the 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 | 186 |
| Jake Self | 184 |