Premier League Predictions: Matchweek 27

SATURDAY:

BRENTFORD V CHELSEA

Brentford are nervously looking over their shoulder with Thomas Frank's side now just five points above the relegation zone. But I still think they'll ok as they'll have enough to get themselves out of it.

Chelsea responded well to their Carabao Cup final defeat in midweek by beating Leeds in the FA Cup and it was important that they showed a reaction.

Brentford have strong at home ever since they've been in the Premier League whilst Chelsea this season have struggled on the road. I should really go for a Brentford win based on this but as the Bees are missing key players through injury, I think the points will be shared here.

PREDICTION: 1-1

EVERTON V WEST HAM

Everton had their points deduction reduced to six points on Monday and it resulted in them being lifted out of the relegation zone and up to 15th in the table. But they do have another points deduction looming over them.

The Toffees are still waiting for their first win of 2024 and 5 of their last 6 games have ended in draws. They need to start turning these draws into wins if they're to push clear of the relegation zone.

West Ham finally got their first win of 2024 against Brentford on Monday which was a result that will no doubt relieve the pressure on manager David Moyes. He needed that win as much as his team did because of the amount of pressure he was under.

Lucas Paqueta made his return from injury in that game and his return is a massive boost for the Hammers who missed him terribly while he was out injured. The Hammers will hopefully see an upturn in results now their Brazilian playmaker is back fit.

The Toffees won the reverse fixture at Upton Park back in October and I think they'll do the same here. Especially as they're at home where they can make it difficult for the opposition.

PREDICTION: 1-0

FULHAM V BRIGHTON

Fulham went right after Man United from the very first whistle last weekend and they got the result that their performance deserved. Their work rate off the ball made it difficult for United.

The Cottagers have been strong at home this season and they're up against a Brighton side who haven't been as good away.

Roberto De Zerbi's side went out of the FA Cup to Wolves in midweek where they had their chances, but they weren't able to take them.

This game will definitely be close and I think both teams will go for it. But I think Fulham will just edge it as they're at home.

PREDICTION: 2-1

NEWCASTLE V WOLVES

Newcastle needed extra time and penalties to beat Blackburn in midweek in a game where they were not at their best.

The Magpies haven't been as strong at home as they were last season and the same can be said for them defensively as they have looked open at times this season.

This season keeps getting better and better for Wolves. They're in a potential challenge for Europe and are in the FA Cup Quarter Finals after beating Brighton midweek. Gary O'Neil is surely a manager of the season contender.

Wolves will definitely look to expose Newcastle here as their attacking players have been in good form this season.

But I think Eddie Howe's side might just edge this one as they're at home where they'll have the crowd on their side.

PREDICTION: 2-1

NOTTINGHAM FOREST V LIVERPOOL

Nottingham Forest had some decent chances against Man United in midweek and they'll be kicking themselves for not taking them as they ended up losing the game.

Forest still face the threat of a potential points deduction and they're set to find out about that within the next few days.

But on the pitch, their focus should be on their battle to avoid relegation which is what all the players will be focused on.

Liverpool's young players once again stood out in midweek against Southampton and I wonder if Jurgen Klopp will hand some of them a first Premier League start in this one. Jaydon Dann's deserves one after his double on Wednesday off the bench.

But the reds will still be hoping that they'll have some of their senior players back form injury for this one including Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez, who both haven't played since the win at Brentford.

Those two might not be risked here with Man City coming up next weekend and even if that is the case, I still think the reds will still have enough to claim the points here.

PREDICTION: 0-2

TOTTENHAM V CRYSTAL PALACE

Spurs didn't play last weekend due to Chelsea being in the Carabao Cup final and this could give them a physical advantage as they've had a couple of weeks to prepare for this game. From this they'll feel refreshed and ready to go.

Crystal Palace played with a freedom in Oliver Glasner's first game in charge against Burnley last weekend and their performance alongside the result on the day will give them a lot of confidence.

The Eagles could have Eberechi Eze back for this one after missing the last couple of games through injury and his return will be a big boost for Glasner whose style of play will suit Eze very well.

I can see this game being very open as both teams love to attack. But I think Spurs will be the side that come out on top as they have more in quality.

PREDICTION: 3-1

LUTON V ASTON VILLA

Luton have been difficult to beat when playing at home this season but you couldn't say that about them in midweek against Man City where they got heavily exposed defensively.

After going out of the FA Cup in midweek, Rob Edwards' side will now have their focus set on Premier League survival.

Aston Villa have Champions League football in their sights and are currently in pole position for that all important 4th place finish.

Their away form hasn't quite been as good as their home form this season, but I do think they'll win this one and I think they'll have more than enough quality to do so.

PREDICTION: 1-3

SUNDAY:

BURNLEY V BOURNEMOUTH

Burnley have the worst home record in the league this season and are looking like a side who look good as gone.

The pressure is on Vincent Kompany to get points but I don't think the club will sack him as he might be the best man to take them back up if they end up going down.

Bournemouth went out of the FA Cup to Leicester in midweek where they missed Dominic Solanke's presence up top.

The Cherries are still chasing their first win of 2024 and I think they'll get it here because of how poor Burnley have been at home.

PREDICTION: 1-3

MAN CITY V MAN UNITED

Man City really showed their class against Luton in midweek where both Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland stole the show. But mainly it was Haaland with his five goals.

City have completely over United in recent games against them including this fixture last season and in the reverse fixture back in October. I can see the same happening again here.

Man United just scraped past Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup in midweek and I have some feeling that they're going back to the team they were earlier in the season.

This is because they've lost key players to injury including the players they lost earlier in the season like Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez. They're going to be without Rasmus Hojlund for the next couple of weeks and he is already proving to be a big miss.

United have been miles behind City for a number of years now and I don't see them getting any closer within the next few years. I can see City show how far ahead they are of their local rivals.

PREDICTION: 4-1

MONDAY:

SHEFFIELD UNITED V ARSENAL

Sheffield United have lost their last two home games 5-0 against Aston Villa and Brighton respectively. I can see the same happening here with the form Arsenal are in.

Arsenal have been in excellent goal scoring form since the turn of year scoring 25 times in 6 games. I can only see that form carrying on here.

It's important that the Gunners do win here as victory will put the pressure on both City and Liverpool who play on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

PREDICTION: 0-5