Premier League action returns with just four games to look forward to this weekend. Arsenal host Crystal Palace, Nottingham chase a third win on the bounce against Brentford, while Liverpool will lock horns with Bournemouth. Here’s a preview of this weekend’s action:
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace | Saturday, 14:30
Arsenal and Crystal Palace kick off this weekend in a truncated Premier League fixture list. The Gunners aim to return to winning ways after two consecutive losses and a draw in their last three league games. Mikel Arteta’s men have appeared short of ideas in front of goal in recent weeks, managing to score in just their last three games. This has prompted Arsenal to look for a striker in the January transfer market to avoid falling further back in the title-chasing pack.
On the other hand, Palace haven’t had the best start this season, securing only 5 wins in their first 20 games. They are just five points above the drop zone, and with talents like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze in their ranks, they aim to avoid any relegation talk. While Palace have also struggled for goals this season, they managed to put three past Brentford in their last Premier League match.
Arsenal has won 12 times in their last 21 games against Palace and last won 4-1 in a meeting with them at the Emirates Stadium.
Prediction: Arsenal straight win and over 1.5 goals.
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest | Saturday, 19:30
After a strong 2022/2023 season, Brentford seems to be struggling a bit this season, with no wins in their last five Premier League games. Much of their struggles can be attributed to Ivan Toney’s absence, who returns after an 8-month ban from football. The Jamaican striker will be raring to go and prove to many suitors who were chasing his signature that he still has it. They face a Nottingham side that has a bit of bounce after collecting maximum points in their last two fixtures (against Newcastle United and Manchester United). Both games were at home, so it will be interesting to see if they can maintain the same form away from home.
Brentford has won 10 times in their past 22 meetings with Nottingham Forest.
Prediction: I will go with the over 2.5 goals market on this one. I believe it will be an open game.
Sheffield United vs West Ham | Sunday, 18:30
Sheffield United will be looking to capitalize on West Ham missing one of their star players this season due to the Africa Cup of Nations; Mohamed Kudus. While there isn’t much to wax lyrical about regarding the home side, they have managed to pick up four points in their last five games. They have the league’s leakiest defense and have won just two games in 20.
The Hammers have gone four consecutive games unbeaten in the Premier League, a run that has seen them move to position six in the table. While West Ham is the lowest-scoring side in the top 6, they have scored double the amount of goals scored by Sheffield.
Prediction: Sheffield will be buoyed by home support, but that hasn’t achieved much this season. Still, I will be open to them getting something out of this game. Double chance: West Ham win or draw.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool | Sunday, 18:30
The league’s most in-form sides lock horns at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth hosts Liverpool in what should be a mouthwatering Sunday evening tie. The home side has lost just once in their last five matches. That loss was against an in-form Tottenham side who were playing at home. They return home, where they have already beaten Newcastle United and nicked a point against high-flying Aston Villa. While they lost 2-1 against Liverpool back in November 2023, you can’t help but feel The Cherries have a chance here. In that last clash with Liverpool, they matched the Reds on attack, managing to get 16 shots with 7 on target. I expect more of the same this Sunday.
While missing Mo Salah, Liverpool has already shown they can be dangerous going forward without the Egyptian. Their most impressive win came against Arsenal, where Jurgen Klopp’s men showed they are not only reliant on Salah when going forward.
The last time these sides met in a league game at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth walked away with all three points with a 1-0 win.
Prediction: I’m on the fence on this one, but I think Liverpool will do enough to win.
