Predictions for the 22nd round of the Premier League, January 17-19
Manchester United vs Manchester City
The first match of the round – and it's already a high-profile fixture! The Manchester derby is always a game with three possible outcomes, regardless of the current form of the teams. Of course, Man City currently looks much stronger, but we don't believe in their easy victory at “Old Trafford.” We think that the “Red Devils,” motivated by the arrival of Michael Carrick, will definitely score to the delight of their home fans, making the bet on both teams to score a good choice. This bet has won in 9 out of the last 10 matches involving MU.
Match Prediction for Manchester United vs Manchester City: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Chelsea vs Brentford
Liam Rosenior's first match in the Premier League. It's a home game, but the opponent is very challenging – Brentford, who are on a roll and have been unbeaten for six consecutive games. In head-to-head meetings with Chelsea, the “Bees” not only put up a fight but actually dominate: since 2022, they have three wins, while the “Blues” have only one. Considering that the hosts expended a lot of energy in the League Cup semi-final, their success is highly doubtful.
Match Prediction for Chelsea vs Brentford: Brentford to Win with Handicap (+1.5)
Leeds vs Fulham
Leeds are the favorites in the home match against Fulham, however, if we realistically assess the balance of power, the visitors are in no way inferior to the “Peacocks.” In terms of recent results, they are even stronger, which is why they are just a couple of points away from the top five. We expect an even match that will end with both teams scoring, as has happened in 11 of the last 12 games involving Daniel Farke's team.
Match Prediction for Leeds vs Fulham: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Liverpool vs Burnley
Liverpool have defeated Burnley in six consecutive head-to-head meetings, conceding only one goal during this period. Arne Slot's squad has slightly stalled in the Premier League, drawing three times in a row, and such a convenient opponent is perfect for getting back on the winning track. In their last away match, the “Clarets” failed to put up a fight against Brighton (0:2), which Scott Parker later lamented. We believe there is a high probability that the English manager's team will leave the “Anfield” pitch without scoring a goal.
Match Prediction for Liverpool vs Burnley: Both Teams to Score (No)
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace
Sunderland, who have not suffered a single defeat at their home “Stadium of Light” this season, are not considered favorites in the home match against Crystal Palace for reasons not entirely clear to us. The “Eagles” remain a serious opponent, but they are in an obvious crisis, as evidenced by their lack of wins in the last nine games. In such a situation, the choice of bet is quite obvious.
Match Prediction Sunderland vs Crystal Palace: Sunderland will not lose
Tottenham vs West Ham
The London derby between clubs that may soon change their managers. Tottenham and West Ham have been showing unsatisfactory results, but while the "Hammers" management still supports Nuno Espírito Santo, it seems Thomas Frank has exhausted his limit of trust. Considering the precarious position of the Dane and only one victory in the last nine home EPL matches, the significant difference in odds raises questions. The visitors might surprise.
Match Prediction Tottenham vs West Ham: West Ham to win with a handicap (+1)
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Nottingham has been quite successful in home matches against Arsenal, losing only one of the last five (with three wins). However, the current form of Sean Dyche's men is concerning. Four defeats in the last five rounds is not the best scenario before facing the league leader. Arsenal is unlikely to drop points for the second consecutive round, so we believe in a hard-fought but eventual victory for the visitors.
Match Prediction Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Arsenal to win
Wolverhampton vs Newcastle
The "Wolves" have revived, showing that it's too early to write them off. Three consecutive matches without a loss in the EPL and a crushing victory in the FA Cup have given the team a significant emotional boost. Newcastle is also in good form, but the "Magpies" traditionally play noticeably weaker away than at their home stadium. Moreover, Eddie Howe's protégés battled Man City (0:2) in the League Cup semi-final midweek, expending precious energy. Adding to all this is the fact that Wolverhampton has lost to the "black and whites" only once in the last seven matches at "Molineux".
Match Prediction Wolverhampton vs Newcastle: Wolverhampton to win with a handicap (+1)
Aston Villa vs Everton
Everton has stalled completely, securing only one win since mid-December. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, despite a couple of recent slip-ups, continues to maintain their standards. Unai Emery's squad looks particularly formidable at "Villa Park," where they have secured 11 consecutive victories across all competitions. The "Toffees," struggling on both legs, are unlikely to break the "Lions'" historic streak.
Match Prediction Aston Villa vs Everton: Aston Villa to win
Brighton vs Bournemouth
The round will close with two mid-table teams – Brighton and Bournemouth. The "Seagulls" are in better form, having picked up points in three consecutive rounds. However, the "Cherries" are not pushovers – they have navigated a series of matches against London giants more than respectably, losing only to Arsenal (2:3). Brighton's players are poised to continue their form. Andoni Iraola's team should also put up a strong competition, and we believe that together the opponents will surpass the over total. In none of their last five head-to-head meetings were fewer than three goals scored.
