Game week 29 is upon us like a flash. GW28 gave us the most goals in a single round of football this season. A grand total of 31 goals were scored across the 10 fixtures. There’s been a slight change to the top three as we have a new entry. Arsenal remain top, Manchester City follow in behind in 2nd and now we have Manchester United in 3rd. The bottom three remain unchanged with Wolves, Burnley and West Ham.

This round will see fixtures take place from Tuesday to Thursday. On Tuesday we have four fixtures. Three will kick off at 7:30pm (GMT). That will be Bournemouth hosting Brentford, Everton up against Burnley and Leeds welcoming Sunderland. Then at 8:15pm we’ll see Liverpool travel to Wolves. Wednesday will contain five games with four kicking off at 7:30pm. Aston Villa will take on Chelsea, Brighton will face Arsenal, Fulham will host West Ham and Manchester City will play Nottingham Forest. To conclude Wednesday’s action will be an 8:15pm kick off that will see Newcastle battle Manchester United. To round off GW29 will be a singular fixture on Thursday. Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace will kick off at 8pm.

Bournemouth vs Brentford

Bournemouth retained their unbeaten run against Sunderland, but will be disappointed they couldn’t grab all three points. They will be happy to earn a point, but all three points would’ve seen some real movement on the table. For now, they linger in 10th. That was also their 12th draw of the season, no team has more. The next highest is 10, so they’re quite clear in terms of draws. However, they retain reasonable form at the Vitality Stadium, losing just twice. Only Manchester City and Arsenal have lost less. The last time the Cherries’ lost at home was against Arsenal on January 3rd. That makes it four games without defeat on home soil. It’s also interesting to note that no team has scored more than Bournemouth out of the bottom 14 teams.

Brentford sit 7th in the league and make up one of those 14 teams, but they have the same number of goals scored as Bournemouth. Brentford engaged in one of the games of the season on Saturday. 3-0 up inside 34 minutes. Flash forward to the 60th minute and Burnley had brought the game level at 3-3. Brentford did find the winner in the 93rd minute, but even then Burnley had another equaliser chalked off. Keith Andrews breathed a sigh of relief seeing his side retain the 7th spot. They now sit two points behind Chelsea. Despite the hair raising finale, that is them back to winning ways after suffering a 2-0 loss at home to Brighton last time out.

These two are the highest scoring sides outside of the top six. It shows how much quality they have in their ranks. It’ll likely be that they cancel each other out, neither will be able establish control.

Predicted Result: Bournemouth 2-2 Brentford

Everton vs Burnley

Like I said in my GW28 post, Everton are a surprise package away from home. They proved that as they were able to beat Newcastle 3-2 at St James Park. That win has catapulted Everton up the away rankings table. They now sit just behind the big boys in third. 24 points on the road is an incredible achievement for any side. But, they now return to the Hill-Dickinson stadium where they do struggle. Just 16 points on home turf, eight less than what they’ve achieved on their travels. They haven’t actually won a home game since December 6th. That’s a run of six games without a win. David Moyes clearly knows where his issues lie and he has a perfect opportunity to turn it around here. A big win could see climb into 7th.

Burnley came agonisingly close to earning a point against Brentford. Going three goals down is problematic, but showing the fight to bring it back to 3-3 needs to be applauded. They did eventually lose, but even that didn’t end their fight. Scott Parker can probably feel that his side will continue to battle for every point and that’s all he can ask for. They sit six points behind West Ham and eight behind Forest, luckily neither of those sides won at the weekend. What will give the side some confidence is that they’re unbeaten in two away fixtures in a row. They were able to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 and hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw. Parker’s men are also showing some poise in front of goal as they’ve registered seven goals in their last three matches. Goals will equal wins at some point.

As much as Everton impressed against Newcastle, Burnley will be a different kind of proposition. They’ll fight tooth and nail for every point. Not saying that Everton won’t, but they have a habit of getting caught out at home.

Predicted Result: Everton 0-0 Burnley

Leeds vs Sunderland

Another round of the newly promoted facing off. The previous result ended in a 1-1 draw which is rather on trend for both of these sides. Leeds have accumulated 10 draws this season which is the joint-second highest in the division. Perhaps too much caution thrown to the wind. But, Leeds were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City at the weekend in a game that the home side were left ruing missed chances. Daniel Farke’s men were well within their right to feel like they deserved more, but that’s football. That’s now the fourth defeat at Elland Road. Despite discipline at home slipping, they still have a good record to boast. They’ve only lost three times in their last 15 league fixtures, which is still very promising for how the rest of their season will pan out.

Unfortunately, Sunderland have wobbled in the last few weeks and have sunk down to 12th in the league. They’re without a win in four games, but they were able to grab a draw at the weekend and bring a stop to the losing streak. Sunderland won’t get dragged into a relegation battle, but they’ll want to challenge for Europe and they’re still not exactly far off. Brentford sit six places ahead of them, so there’s wriggle room to make a late surge into Europe. The 1-1 draw at Bournemouth is a good result and they need to take that into this game. They’re still in the bottom four, for away form. The Black Cats have won just two games outside of the Stadium of Light, in the league, with the 2-1 win over Chelsea as the last time they won. That was back in on October 25th.

Leeds have a bit more to fight for as they’re still well within the clutches of a relegation scrap. I’d consider Elland Road a fortress for teams outside of the big six. I think Leeds will walk away with three points here.

Predicted Result: Leeds 2-1 Sunderland

Wolves vs Liverpool

Wolves have just started to put up a fight and have taken down another big side. This time it was Aston Villa, who they beat 2-0. That makes it just one defeat in their last four league fixtures. That’s 10 points gained since the turn of the year which is an incredible return for them. It’ll likely mean nothing in the long run, but it’s good to see them not go down without a fight. They’re 14 points from safety, which is a mountain of a task, but if you keep winning then you never know. Enjoy what time you have left.

With that being said, Liverpool need to enter this match like Wolves aren’t already a pretty much relegated side. But, Liverpool have done well to slide past some rather tricky away fixtures recently. Finding wins at Sunderland and Forest is reasonably tough, especially Sunderland as they were the first team to win at the Stadium of Light this season. This bodes well for their trip to Wolves. Arne Slot’s men have lost just twice since November 22nd, in the league. That’s 16 league games and just two defeats. However, draws have been prevalent throughout that run. In the last few weeks, those draws have turned into wins and that will be crucial for their battle for top four.

I do think Liverpool will find a way again. Wolves will make it tough, but Slot’s men will grab a winner at some point.

Predicted Result: Wolves 0-2 Liverpool

Aston Villa vs Chelsea

Villa have blown the race for third wide open, but not by being good. Actually the opposite. They were in a title race in December, but Manchester City and Arsenal have left them behind now. They did have a solid grip on third, but that’s now dissipated as well. In fact it’s been given up entirely as United now sit in their place. This comes off the back of just one win in five league matches for Unai Emery. The most recent defeat came at the hands of Wolves. Emery’s men now only sit six points ahead of Chelsea who are in 6th. Liverpool have caught up as well, they’re only three behind the Villans. A while back I said about Villa’s poor return on xG and how it will catch up to them, we’re seeing that now.

Liam Rosenior’s unbeaten streak, in the Premiership, came to an end against Arsenal at the weekend. Three games against the Gunners, three defeats. Plenty of controversy surrounding the fixture, but deep down Rosenior knows his side didn’t do enough to win the game. Chelsea also had to sit and watch Liverpool and Manchester United both pick up wins, which will be damaging for their top four hopes. On the bright side, away form has been very good outside of that defeat to Arsenal. They have the fourth best record in the league, winning six times away from Stamford Bridge. They’ve also scored the most goals away from home with 26, Arsenal have 25.

Villa Park is still an extremely difficult place to go and get a win, but Chelsea will have encouragement from Villa’s dwindling form. Do I think they’ll have the energy to go again in another huge away battle? I don’t think so.

Predicted Result: Villa 1-0 Chelsea

Brighton vs Arsenal

Brighton spent a couple of months barely being able to find a win from anywhere, outside of an FA Cup victory over Manchester United. Between December 3rd and February 20th, the Seagulls recorded just one league win. That’s a stretch of 13 games. However, it’s now two on the bounce for Fabian Hurzeler’s side. They were able to beat Brentford and Nottingham Forest, scoring four and conceding just once. Despite the horrendous form prior to the win at Brentford, they’re 11th in the table and just six points behind Brentford. In addition to this, they’ve still only lost twice at the AMEX Stadium. Having said that, they did lose to Crystal Palace on February 8th which took place on home soil.

Arsenal have made it two wins from two and both have been over London rivals. Though not quite convincing against Chelsea, the three points are all that matters. That’s six goals scored and two conceded within those games. In fact, the last five league fixtures have seen the Gunners score 12 times and concede five. Mikel Arteta, being the perfectionist, will focus on those five conceded goals. That will be a pillar of improvement going forward. Arteta’s men retained the five point advantage over City, which keeps them at arms length for the time being. This fixture will also be the fourth away fixture the Gunners have had in their last five league matches. What it will mean is they only have three away fixtures left after this, with two in London.

Brighton have entered a bit of form prior to this fixture, but the dodgy form between December and February will linger in their minds. Arsenal do have the quality to win this one if they focus, despite Brighton’s excellent home form.

Predicted Result: Brighton 0-2 Arsenal

Fulham vs West Ham

Not a traditional London derby, but it still falls under the umbrella. Fulham have just played in a London derby, beating Spurs on Sunday. Despite the chances to win very comfortably, they almost surrendered a two goal lead. This now makes it two wins from two after three losses on the bounce. The Cottagers now sit 9th in the league and will be happy to be sitting the right side of middle pack. Fulham also have excellent form at Craven Cottage, winning eight of the 14 fixtures. Only Villa, United, City and Arsenal have won more. What Marco Silva will be delighted with is how his team have reacted to adversity this season.

The Hammers battled hard against Liverpool, but came away on the losing end of a 5-2 score line. That doesn’t tell the full story as West Ham gave Liverpool multiple headaches. The loss ended a three game unbeaten streak, but it does highlight that the East London side have only won once in their last five league matches. If Nuno Espírito Santo is serious about keeping his club up, he’ll need more wins. They sit two behind Forest and four away from Spurs. If results go in their favour, it’s obvious what a win will do for the clubs morale. In fairness, form has been better when they’re on their travels. They’ve picked up 13 points away from the London Stadium and just 12 points in it. The Hammers have picked up points in seven of the 14 away ties.

West Ham are clearly going to stretch this relegation battle as far as they can, so Fulham will have a tough evening. I don’t think West Ham will win, but I don’t think they’ll lose.

Predicted Result: Fulham 1-1 West Ham

Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest

City, once again, closed the gap to Arsenal to just two points when they beat Leeds. But, they’re now five points off again. All Pep Guardiola’s side can do is keep winning and that’s exactly what they’re doing. They’ve not lost in the league since January 17th. They’ve also now won four Premier League matches in a row, which include two tough away games to Liverpool and Leeds. City have the best home form in the league, which makes this tie all the more appetising for Pep. They’ve won 11 out of the 14 fixtures at the Etihad, the only defeat coming within the first couple of games of the season.

Forest are on a two game losing streak, so this is the worst time to face City at the Etihad. Forest haven’t actually won in the league since January 25th, which is giving them serious concerns about relegation. On form, you’d say West Ham look most likely to survive. So, if Forest somehow beat City at the Etihad, it’ll do wonders for the morale. But, this side haven’t ever won at City’s ground in the history of the Premier League. Vitor Pereira has a huge task on his hands.

As much as Forest are battling relegation and will fight for every point, they’ll likely have to wait until next time to make a difference in the league table. They’ll just have to hope West Ham and Spurs lose their fixtures.

Predicted Result: City 3-0 Forest

Newcastle vs Manchester United

Newcastle can’t stop their struggles in the league and another midweek fixture awaits them. St James Park has seen three defeats in a row for the first time under Eddie Howe, which is rather ominous for the remainder of the season. Outside of the Premier League things have been going well. They’re into the 5th round of the FA Cup and are in the knockout stages of the Champions League. They just need to start showing more in the league, otherwise it’ll end up being a hugely disappointing campaign. Champions League football next season now seems like a faraway dream. The Magpies sit 13th in the league, 15 points behind Villa in 4th. Eddie Howe will need to either win the Champions League itself, or re-adjust the club’s objectives for the season. Seven points away from 7th doesn’t feel like an impossible task.

In one sense, the United hierarchy will be feel like Michael Carrick’s appointment has been the saviour of the season. In another sense, they’ll be left with what might have been if they made the decision to sack Ruben Amorim earlier. Mathematically they can still quite easily win the title, but City and Arsenal will have to lose pretty much all remaining matches. Unlikely, but confirming Champions League football for next season was always the priority. Outside of Real Madrid, United are the biggest club in the world and they feel they deserve a seat at the table of the biggest club competition in the world. Carrick has propelled them into 3rd after winning all but one of his first seven matches as United boss. Palace gave them a difficult time at the weekend, but the red card for Maxence Lacroix flipped the odds back in their favour. They were able to take advantage of it.

Whenever Man Utd have played more than one game in a week, they’ve struggled in the second. However, they’re up against a club that are truly down in the dumps. I can’t see Newcastle losing four home games in a row, but I never thought they’d lose more than three at home in a season. A draw would be fair.

Predicted Result: Newcastle 2-2 Manchester United

Tottenham vs Palace

Spurs are possibly having their worst time in recent memory. They have a plethora of injuries and that is a huge factor, but sometimes you have to stop blaming the injuries and start churning out results. They’re the only side in the Premier League to not win a game in 2026, even Wolves have two. The North London side only have four points in 2026, all have come from draws. They sit 16th in the table and are dangerously close to falling into the relegation zone. A couple of contrasting results with West Ham and Forest and they’ll be firmly in the bottom three. They also have home form that’ll make any side wince. The Spurs fans have only seen their side win twice at home in 14 attempts. They’ve lost eight times, which is the joint-second highest in the division. Only Wolves have more.

On the other side of the pitch is a side who are struggling just as much. At the very least the South London side have won a couple of times since the turn of the year. In fact they’ve won two of their last five league fixtures. Both 1-0 wins over Wolves and Brighton. It’s not much, but it’s enough to see them keep themselves clear of a relegation scrap. Oliver Glasner’s men sit 10 points clear of the drop, a big enough safety net you’d imagine. Despite the doom and gloom around the club, Palace’s away form is still one of the best in the league. They’ve won six times outside of Selhurst Park. Only Arsenal, City and Everton have won more.

Despite Palace’s poor form, I do think they’ll grab something here. Igor Tudor seems out of his depth already and Oliver Glasner can confirm that with a victory here. Palace’s compactness on the pitch will suffocate Spurs.

Predicted Result: Spurs 1-2 Palace