Premier League predictions: Round 31: 05/04-07/04

Manchester United lost what could have handed Ruben Amorim his first ever consecutive Premier League win as United boss when they succumbed to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest away from home. The Portuguese manager has to start all over this weekend against Manchester City at Old Trafford in what would be the second Manchester Derby this term.

Liverpool strengthened their place at the top of the Premier League standings following a narrow 1-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside Derby, and so did Arsenal (2-1) against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium in the London Derby.

It can be claimed that Liverpool are expected to win the league title this summer, as they are currently 12 points above Arsenal in the log. So, what do we now find interesting? The top three and four places. As many as six teams are challenging for the 3rd and 4th positions, so this weekend’s fixtures may give the standings a different look ahead of the next round.

These factors were all considered when we made our predictions (below) for this week’s fixtures.

Premier League gameweek 31 predictions: 05/04/2025 - 07/04/2025

Everton to avoid a defeat at Goodison Park: Everton vs Arsenal

• Date: 05/04/2025
• Kick-off: 13:30 CET
• Arsenal fall short in most of their recent trips to Merseyside, and with Everton’s current form and the Gunners’ injury crisis, we expect a tough afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal believe they are still in the Premier League title race (12 points adrift of Liverpool with eight games left), so this is a must-not-lose game for Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners may have welcomed their star boy (Bukayo Saka) back from injury, but they remain short in defence, as they are expected to travel to Everton without Jurren Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes due to recent injuries. Everton only recorded their first defeat under their new manager, David Moyes, in midweek against Liverpool at Anfield, and coupled with Arsenal’s depleted squad, we expect the hosts to stand tall at Goodison Park.

Everton vs Arsenal prediction: Home team to win or draw

Ipswich Town’s Muric will be busy: Ipswich Town vs Wolves

• Date: 05/04/2025
• Kick-off: 16:00 CET
• The last time both teams met, Ipswich Town defended more, and we expect a much-improved performance from the Wanderers.

Both teams have met just once in the Premier League, but that encounter showed why this clash will be eventful. Ipswich Town won the reverse fixture 2-1, thanks to an injury-time goal from Taylor, but the victory wasn’t easy. Muric was called into action five times, and with Wolves expected to plot revenge in the return leg, we expect the Wanderers to attack in most of the 90 minutes, leaving Muric active all night. We can anticipate at least four saves from the goalie.

Ipswich Town vs Wolves prediction: Home total saves; over 3.5

Crystal Palace and Brighton will exchange goals: Crystal Palace vs Brighton

• Date: 05/04/2025
• Kick-off: 16:00 CET
• This encounter looks even, so it is relatively normal to anticipate goals from both ends.

Crystal Palace and Brighton have a long list of Premier League meetings, but their last few encounters still reflect the nature of these meetings. Both teams found the back of the net in four of their last five league meetings, and having failed to keep a clean sheet in the previous round, there’s a decent chance both clubs will struggle at the back again.

Crystal Palace vs Brighton prediction: Both teams to score – yes

West Ham and Bournemouth will share the honours. West Ham vs Bournemouth

• Date: 05/04/2025
• Kick-off: 16:00 CET
• Neither team has been able to dominate these meetings in recent years, and we expect the same fierce battle this weekend.

West Ham United may be in the bottom half of the Premier League table, but they stand tall whenever they come up against Bournemouth. Neither team won in each of their last three league meetings, and with the Cherries coming off two defeats in a row, we doubt if they are confident enough to beat the Hammers in London.

West Ham vs Bournemouth prediction: Draw

Aston Villa to continue their winning momentum: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

• Date: 05/04/2025
• Kick-off: 18:30 CET
• Nottingham Forest always run out of ideas when they travel to Villa Park, and we don’t expect any change this weekend.

Nottingham Forest may sit in 3rd place and win the reverse fixture, but we don’t expect them to add to their winning tally this weekend due to their poor form at Villa Park. The Tricky Tree last won at Villa Park in 1994 when they were a force, although they only returned to the top flight in 2022 after being absent since 1999. The last few times they travelled to Birmingham, they fell short. Losing their last two trips, coupled with Villa’s winning run of six matches and Marcus Rashford’s and Marco Asensio’s fine forms, suggest the hosts are expected to take all three points.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest prediction: Home team to win

Tottenham and Southampton to entertain fans with goals: Tottenham vs Southampton

• Date: 06/04/2025
• Kick-off: 14:00 CET
• Goals are usually scored in matches involving both teams, and both teams’ porous defense lines suggest the upcoming game will be as entertaining.

Tottenham and Southampton have crossed paths many times in this competition, and their last few meetings reflect the nature of these meetings. Four of their last five Premier League matches ended with three or more goals, so we can count on the upcoming game to be exciting in London.

Tottenham vs Southampton prediction: Over 2.5 goals

Chelsea will engage in many throw-in activities: Brentford vs Chelsea

• Date: 06/04/2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 CET
• Brentford effortlessly put the ball out of play whenever they come up against Chelsea, and we think they will repeat the same this weekend.

Chelsea and Brentford meetings are always intense, but we can focus on the Bees’ weaknesses. The hosts effortlessly put the ball out for a throw-in when they come up against the Blues, and with Chelsea playing for a place in the top four, we expect Thomas Frank’s side to struggle to keep the ball. Chelsea won an average of 23 throw-ins in their last five league meetings with Brentford, and we think they can achieve similar numbers on Sunday, thanks to Enzo Maresca’s style of play – high press.

Brentford vs Chelsea prediction: Away total throw-in – over 22.5

Fulham and Liverpool will find the back of the net: Fulham vs Liverpool

• Date: 06/05/2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 CET
• Both teams effortlessly find the back of the net, and the upcoming game is another chance for both clubs to make their attacking statements.

Liverpool always struggle to get around Fulham, at least in the last three seasons. Both teams found the back of the net in four of their last five league matches, and having scored against Arsenal in midweek, it’s not delusional to back the Cottagers to do the same against the leaders at Craven Cottage.

Fulham vs Liverpool prediction: Both teams to score – yes

Bruno Fernandes to find the target: Manchester United vs Manchester City

• Date: 06/04/2025
• Kick-off: 17:30 CET
• Bruno Fernandes to walk Manchester City’s goalie Ederson in front of the Old Trafford stands.

Manchester City will be without Erling Haaland for the Manchester Derby due to an ankle injury, which cast doubts on City’s threats upfront. However, what we found consistent was Bruno Fernandes’ contributions in the past few Manchester derbies. The Portuguese midfielder, who has emerged as United's most influential player this season, is expected to make a significant impact at Old Trafford on Sunday. Fernandes had at least one shot on target in four of his last five league meetings with City, and because he’s United’s designated free-kick taker, we expect him to hit the target at least on one occasion.

Manchester United vs Manchester United prediction: Bruno Fernandes total shots on target – over 0.5

Newcastle United to continue their winning run: Leicester City vs Newcastle United

• Date: 07/04/2025
• Kick-off: 21:00 CET
• Leicester City are one of the worst-performing teams in the league this term, so we don’t see them escaping a loss in front of their fans this weekend.

The Foxes lost 17 of their last 21 Premier League matches under Ruud van Nistelrooy, including midweek’s 2-0 loss at Man City, and coming up against a Newcastle Utd side that beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final and 2-1 over Brentford in midweek looks like a dead end for the Dutch tactician.

Leicester City vs Newcastle United prediction: Away team to win