Premier League Predictions: Matchweek 24

SATURDAY:

NOTTINGHAM FOREST V BRIGHTON

Nottingham Forest had a rare off day against in-form Bournemouth last weekend and I'm sure that Nuno will also see it that way.

Brighton were beginning to regain some momentum before their defeat to Everton, where they were wasteful in front of goal.

They've had a number of games where that has been the case for them this season, and it could be the reason why they've had a lot of draws this season.

Forest have some tricky games coming which will no doubt test their Champions League aspirations.

I'm backing them to bounce back in this one and give themselves some momentum to take into those games.

PREDICTION: 2-1

BOURNEMOUTH V LIVERPOOL

Bournemouth's last two games were against in-form teams at the time in Newcastle and Nottingham Forest and they won both games rather comfortably.

If they're to consider themselves as serious European or even Champions League contenders, they'll need to get something from this game.

They'll definitely be feeling confident of getting something here as they've taken points off the other big six sides this season. They beat Arsenal, Man City, Spurs and Man United, and recently got a draw at Chelsea.

Liverpool made wholesale changes against PSV in midweek and I could understand why as they already had their place in the last 16 of the Champions League confirmed, and they wanted to save their big hitters for this tough game.

But I still felt they could've had some of their regulars on the bench so they could end the league phase on a high.

Bournemouth won't make it easy for them here because of the form they've been in. But as the reds rested their big hitters in midweek, they should still have enough to win this game as their rested players will be feeling refreshed and ready to go.

PREDICTION: 1-3

EVERTON V LEICESTER

Everton have some much needed confidence on board following back to back wins over Spurs and Brighton and I now think that they're safe for good.

Peaking of confidence, Leicester were handed a much needed confidence boost last weekend with their win against Spurs.

Their performance was much improved in that game and if they can build on that and the result in this one, they might have a chance of staying up.

But with Everton being at home a tougher team to beat than Spurs, I think they'll be the side that comes out on top here.

PREDICTION: 2-1

IPSWICH V SOUTHAMPTON

Ipswich were nowhere near Liverpool in the first half last weekend, but they were more in the game in the second half.

Kieran McKenna's side have won just once at home all season, but they should fancy themselves to get a second win in this one as Southampton have the worst away record in the league this season.

Southampton aren't as easy to beat under Ivan Juric as they were under Russell Martin, but they're still low on confidence and in need of results.

Both teams are in need of results because of where they both are in the league, and I think Ipswich will be the side that take the points here.

PREDICTION: 2-1

NEWCASTLE V FULHAM

Newcastle were back to their best against Southampton last weekend after looking very leggy and tired against Bournemouth the week before.

Eddie Howe's side have a tough run of games coming up in the league after this one and their two cup games next week. Winning this one will give them the confidence to help them through those tough games as well as the two cup ties.

I thought Fulham would beat Man United last weekend and that game will feel like an opportunity missed for them. Especially as United weren't in great form heading into the game.

I barely back Marco Silva's side when they play on the road and that is because I see them more as a side who have a better record at home.

I'm going to stick to that trend of not backing them away from home in this one as I think Newcastle will come out on top here.

And especially as they're at home where they'll have the home crowd on their side.

PREDICTION: 3-0

WOLVES V ASTON VILLA

Wolves are back in the relegation zone and so is the pressure on them to win football matches.

They've lost their last four in the league and haven't won since their opening two games under Vitor Pereira. They need to regain the momentum they had from those games if they're to return to winning ways.

Aston Villa come into this game off the back of beating Celtic in the Champions League to secure their place in the last 16. And whenever they play after being in Europe, they don't usually win.

Their win in the reverse fixture came off the back of them playing in Europe, but that win has been their only win in games after playing in Europe.

Wolves may be low on confidence in terms of their form, but because of the record Villa have in games after playing in Europe, I think the points will be shared here.

PREDICTION: 1-1

SUNDAY:

BRENTFORD V TOTTENHAM

Brentford had the best home record in the league earlier in the season, but have lost their last four at home and since their unbeaten run at home ended, they haven't lost away.

They should fancy themselves to return to winning ways at the Gtech in this one as Spurs' confidence is rock bottom, and the bees have players who can hurt them defensively in Mbeumo and Wissa.

This week is absolutely huge for Spurs and Ange Postecoglou as their next two games after this one are against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup in midweek, and Villa in the FA Cup next weekend.

Those two cup ties are why Postecoglou is still in charge and if they lose them both as well as this one, he might not be in charge for much longer.

Brentford have never beaten Spurs at home in the Premier League, but I think that will change here as Spurs are vulnerable defensively and the Bees have players who can hurt them.

PREDICTION: 3-1

MAN UNITED V CRYSTAL PALACE

Man United were lucky against Fulham last weekend because they really did not deserve to win that game.

Since their draws with Liverpool and Arsenal, none of their performances since then have been particularly convincing, including their home win over Southampton where they were flat until Amad Diallo scored his hat trick.

Crystal Palace won this fixture 1-0 last season under Roy Hodgson and will climb above them if they beat them again in this game.

The Eagles have been much improved over the last few months and I actually fancy them to beat United here.

They're arguably more convincing to watch, in better form, and have players who can punish United's vulnerability.

Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta have rediscovered their best form recently and I'm backing them both to score and make a difference here.

PREDICTION: 1-3

ARSENAL V MAN CITY

A lot of people would've had this down as a title decider when the fixtures first came out, but it hasn't turned out that way.

Arsenal won this fixture 1-0 last season and without Bukayo Saka, like they will be again for this one.

The Gunners have missed Saka since he's been out injured, but they still look dangerous going forward and them beating City last season without him will give Mikel Arteta's side belief and confidence.

Man City needed that win against Club Brugge in midweek and they'll be relieved that they got it because of the pressure that was on them going into the game.

The fortunes in the league have changed drastically since the turn of the year, winning all but one of their games since.

But there is still a vulnerability about them defensively and I think Arsenal will exploit it here. Especially as they have pacy wingers in Martinelli and Trossard who love to run in behind.

PREDICTION: 2-0

MONDAY:

CHELSEA V WEST HAM

Chelsea were very naïve in the way they defended against Man City last weekend and their naivety was what cost them on the day.

Their need for a top class goalkeeper was also highlighted in that game with Robert Sanchez making yet another error leading to a goal. That position has to be a priority for them this summer.

West Ham boss Graham Potter returns to Chelsea for the first time since his sacking two years ago, and I'm not expecting him to receive a good reception from the home fans.

They were much improved against Villa last weekend after looking well off the pace against Palace, and especially in the second half where they were the better side.

The blues won the reverse fixture reasonably comfortably back in September and although I don't think this one will be as comfortable, I still think Enzo Maresca's side will come out on top.

PREDICTION: 2-1