Premier League Matchday 21 Preview
The Premier League is delivering us a couple of promising fixtures this weekend – here`s what we`ve picked to get involved in!
Arsenal are back in action after a nearly 2-week break following their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup. The pressure is on the Gunners to take all 3 points against the Eagles, as they`ve now recorded just 1 win in their last 7 games across all competitions (1W, 2D, 4L). They also go into the game on the back of 3 consecutive defeats, in the FA Cup and the Premier League. To their advantage, the Gunners have recorded 3 consecutive EPL victories over Palace and have not lost to the Eagles in 4 home games, although 3 of the 4 ended in a draw. Considering their recent form against the London neighbours, the odds are heavily in the Gunners` favour on Saturday.
Crystal Palace had less time to reset than Arsenal, after their 1-0 mid-week defeat to Everton in the FA Cup. Hodgson`s side is currently sitting in 14th place on the table, and their away record does them no justice considering they`ve won just 3 of their 10 away games in the top flight this season. Furthermore, they`ve won just 1 of their last 17 away games in the Premier League against fellow London sides, and we expect them to have a tough afternoon here. Therefore, we expect Arsenal to win and over 2.5 goals.
A side not many expected to deliver impressive form this season goes by the name of Bournemouth. The Cherries kick-started 2024 with a 3-2 victory against QPR in the FA Cup, recording their 8th victory in 9 games across all competitions. Nevertheless, Bournemouth will be bitter going against the Reds, whom they`ve lost to twice so far this season – in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League. The Cherries are also under pressure to bounce back from a 3-1 Premier League defeat to Tottenham, and considering they’ve only beaten Liverpool once in their last 10 Premier League encounters, we consider the weekend`s task difficult.
Liverpool have shown respectable focus this season, as they find themselves at the Premier League summit, and still challenging for the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Europa League. Liverpool go to Bournemouth on the back of a 2-1 victory against Fulham in the Carabao Cup, and just 1 defeat in their last 14 games across all competitions. Although Bournemouth will be looking for their 5th consecutive home victory in the Premier League, Liverpool have lost just 1 of their 10 away games in the English topflight, and considering their menacing run of form it is difficult to see them walk away with anything less than 3 points. Both sides are prolific in front of the goal and we anticipate an open game. Therefore, we expect both teams to score, but Liverpool to win.