Premier League 25th & 26 January Preview
Darwin Nunez’s stoppage time double against Brentford ensured Liverpool go into this weekend’s Premier League six points clear at the top.
Arsenal let a two-goal lead slip against Aston Villa allowing Nottingham Forest to move level with them on points while Chelsea complete the top four with Man City, Newcastle and Bournemouth all within touching distance of Enzo Maresca’s side.
The bottom of the table remains unchanged after defeats for Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich keep them in the relegation zone.
This weekend’s headline game comes from the Etihad as Man City host Chelsea on Saturday with both sides struggling for any kind of consistency.
This weekend’s fixtures:
Saturday 25th January
AFC Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest kick off 17:00 (CAT)
Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton kick off 17:00 (CAT)
Liverpool v Ipswich Town kick off 17:00 (CAT)
Southampton v Newcastle United kick off 17:00 (CAT)
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal kick off 17:00 (CAT)
Manchester City v Chelsea kick off 19:30 (CAT)
Sunday 26th January
Crystal Palace v Brentford kick off 16:00 (CAT)
Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City kick off 16:00 (CAT)
Aston Villa v West Ham United kick off 18:30 (CAT)
Fulham v Manchester United kick off 21:00 (CAT)
Key Matches Preview
Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest – Saturday, 25th January @ 15:00
In-form Forest go into this game having won 8 of their last 10 Premier League matches and sit level on points with 2nd placed Arsenal.
However, Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games and are unbeaten in their last nine league meetings with Nottingham Forest (W5 D4).
Justin Kluivert, who moved onto 10 league goals for the season with his hat-trick against Newcastle, could have a major say. He’s scored five times in his last three games in all competitions.
New Zealand striker Chris Wood represents the major threat for Espírito Santo’s men. He has netted in each of his last four league games and has 14 Premier League goals for the season. He also scored in the reverse fixture in August.
This looks to be a game where two teams will continue their good form and share the spoils.
Prediction: 1-1
Man City v Chelsea – Saturday, 25th January @ 17:30
Unthinkable at the start of the season, but Man City look like they are battling to claim a top 4 spot and this clash could prove pivotal for both team’s quest for a Champions League place.
City, despite their stuttering season, do have good form against Chelsea and are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against them.
However, the Sky Blues have also lost their last three Premier League games played immediately after a European midweek game, and the manner of their 4-2 defeat to PSG in midweek could have an effect.
Chelsea though are also unpredictable. Having started brightly this season the London side have hit a sticky patch with last weekend’s win over Wolves their only victory in their last 6 PL games.
Watch out for Phil Foden who has scored in each of his last three Premier League games, netting five goals in total for the season. This could be a case of two top teams struggling to hit form cancelling each other out.
Prediction: 2-2
Aston Villa v West Ham – Sunday, 26th January @ 16:30
West Ham are looking for a response when Graham Potter takes his side to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Potter lost his first game in charge of the Hammers to Villa in the FA Cup earlier this month and was dealt another setback last time out.
The Irons lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace last weekend to underline the size of the challenge that awaits the former Chelsea manager.
Villa striker Jhon Duran is set to be a talking point, too with West Ham linked with a move.
Unai Emery’s side sit eighth in the Premier League table and will hope to make in-roads towards the top five with a victory.
Prediction: 2-0
