Premier League Gameweek 22 Preview
The Premier League is back amongst the non-stop English Cup action! We`ve picked a couple of games to watch this week!
Nottingham returns to Premier League action after a 0-0 draw against Bristol City in the FA Cup, following a 3-2 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League. Although Forest upset Manchester United in their last Premier League game at City Ground, they have only recorded 1 win in their last 5 Premier League games at home, however, they will have a boost of confidence noting that they`ve beaten Arsenal in 3 consecutive games in all competitions at the City Ground and we expect them to give the Gunners a challenge.
Arsenal have broken their 4-game winless streak with a blistering 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace in their last game. The Gunners have endured a poor run of form away from home in the Premier League, as they`ve not won in their last 3 games away from the Emirates. Although they`ve pulled off an impressive victory and a clean sheet against Palace, they`ve conceded 2 goals in 3 consecutive games before the win – highlighting their leaking defensive line. Considering that both sides are in a shaky defensive form, we see goals at both ends, therefore, we expect both teams to score and over 2.5 goals in this game.
The Premier League leaders return to league action on the back of a 5-2 victory over Norwich in the FA Cup – extending their lossless streak to 10 games in all competitions. The news of Klopp leaving at the end of the season has clearly sparked the Liverpool players and it would not be surprising if the Reds continue to power through teams to give Klopp era a perfect end. Returning to Anfield Klopp`s side will be full of confidence as they`re yet to taste defeat at home in the EPL this season, with their latest result being a 4-2 victory over Newcastle. However, Liverpool have failed to figure Chelsea out in their last 5 Premier League meetings, with all 5 ending in a draw.
Chelsea settled for a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa in the FA Cup in their last fixture, leading to an unwanted replay in Birmingham. The Blues do, however, go into the game in fairly good form, having won their last 3 Premier League games, and secured a 6-1 victory over Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup. The talking point will be the last 5 Premier League meetings between Liverpool and Chelsea ending in a draw, and there must be a break in this run soon. With Liverpool remaining impressively focused on their title race, we expect Liverpool to win in a narrow game with under 2.5 goals.
Wolverhampton returns to Premier League action in great form, having beaten West Brom 2-0 in the FA Cup and extending their lossless streak to 7 games in all competitions. Wolves have also avoided a defeat in their last 5 Premier League fixtures, having won 4 of those. Their home record in the Premier League has been admirable this season, as they`ve only lost their first 2 home games and have now avoided a defeat in their last 8 home fixtures, having beaten the likes of Chelse, Manchester City, and Newcastle. Therefore, O`Neil`s outfit goes into the game with a great chance of at least a draw, even a possible win.
Although a 4-2 win, Manchester United did not look convincing in the FA Cup clash against Newport, as they let their focus slip on multiple occasions. The Red Devils go to Molineux with a poor defensive record, having conceded 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 games across all competitions, and considering Wolves' strong form at home, we anticipate United to have a lot of work to do. Still, the Red Devils have won in their last 3 visits to Wolverhampton and have also beaten Wolves 1-0 in the reverse fixture. Considering ten Hag has his full starting 11 back from injury, we expect him to grind out a win on Thursday. Therefore, we expect Manchester United to win, and under 2.5 goals.