The Premier League boasts a whole lot of big clashes during matchweek 28; we’ve handpicked the cream of the crop for you to keep an eye out for.
Arsenal vs Brentford
Brentford is tasked with a daunting trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face off against an Arsenal side that is playing some of the best football they’ve played since Arsene Wenger was at the club. The incredible ability to score goals that Arsenal has shown in 2024 will be a huge concern for a Brentford side that has conceded 11 goals in their last 4 league matches. Nonetheless, the battle between Arsenal’s resolute defense of Ben White, Saliba, and Gabriel against Brentford’s powerful attacking trio of Mbeumo, Toney, and Wissa.
My prediction is an Arsenal straight win. Arsenal has shown the desire required to put pressure on Liverpool and City and take advantage of any slip-ups. They will surely take the opportunity to spend Saturday night (at the very least) on top of the Premier League standings.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham
Sunday’s action kicks off with a major tie in the top 4 race as Aston Villa will welcome Spurs to Villa Park. 4th placed Villa will be hoping to consolidate their spot with an important win against 5th placed Spurs who trail them by 5 points, having played a game less. Spurs will be boosted by the return of their forwards in the scoring books with Werner, Richarlison, Son, and Johnson all finding the back of the net in recent times. Villa, on the other hand, will be looking to get back to the home form that saw Villa Park being one of the most feared venues for opposing teams to visit in the Premier League. Since the turn of the year, Villa has failed to utilize their home advantage as well as they did in 2023.
My prediction for this match is over of 2.5 goals. An evenly poised match but both teams are guaranteed to give it a proper crack, so we will see a few goals for sure.
Liverpool vs Manchester City
Possibly the game of the season. This massive clash has decided several league titles over the past few years, and that might be the case yet again when Liverpool host Manchester City on Sunday afternoon with a point separating them at the top of the table. Despite an ongoing injury crisis, Liverpool has been boosted by the recent returns of Nunez and Szobozslai, and the return of Mo Salah which is said to be happening this weekend against City. Pep’s men will also be emboldened by Haaland’s return to scoring regularly in recent weeks, as well as Rodri’s unbelievable contributions in midfield, who is yet to lose a game at City.
Prediction: Despite what Arsenal fans might hope for, I predict a straight win for Manchester City simply because even when they are underperforming, they have players who can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and win it because of the winning mindset they’ve developed over the years.
Chelsea vs Newcastle
An interesting match-up at Stamford Bridge on Monday night as 11th-placed Chelsea hosts 8th placed Newcastle. Two hugely inconsistent sides, as their last 5 results might suggest (Chelsea: 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses; Newcastle: 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss). Possibly a frustrating evening for the fans but definitely an exciting one for neutrals as these teams generally score and concede a lot of goals, which is to be expected as they are both rebuilding their teams.
My prediction for this match is a draw. Although I do expect goals in this match, I don’t think either side will strike the decisive blow and take all 3 points.
