The Premier League took a pause for an eventful week of European football. 18 games on Wednesday night is something that every football fan around the world would’ve been interested in. There was a lot to play for, even for the English sides. After all the drama, we now return to Premier League action. Arsenal still lead the way, but closing the gap is both Manchester City and Aston Villa. The opposite end of the table is unchanged with Wolves, Burnley and West Ham taking the bottom three spots.

We have three days of fixtures to look forward to. Saturday will see five games being played, three of them kicking off at 3pm (GMT). Brighton will take on Everton, Leeds will host Arsenal and Wolves will welcome Bournemouth. Following that will be a 5:30pm kick off between Chelsea and West Ham. Ending Saturday will be an 8pm fixture that will see Newcastle travel to Liverpool. Moving on to Sunday we have a further four fixtures. Three will kick off at 2pm with Aston Villa hosting Brentford, Manchester United will play Fulham and Nottingham Forest will go up against Crystal Palace. The final fixture of the day will be Tottenham vs Manchester City, kick off will be 4:30pm. To finish this game week will be Sunderland vs Burnley who will play on Monday night with kick off at 8pm.

Brighton vs Everton

Brighton were on an upward trajectory after their poor form in December. But, Fulham gave them a reality check last weekend. A 2-1 defeat will be a sore one as they still remain outside the top 10. Fabian Hurzeler will be itching to get his side back in the top half of the table and has a chance to do that this weekend as four teams sit on 33 points, three ahead of the Seagulls. What works in Brighton’s favour is their positive goal difference which would see them leapfrog Everton. Life at the AMEX Stadium has been largely pretty good, having only lost once at home all season. However, Hurzeler’s men were beaten by the Toffee’s earlier in the campaign, so vengeance will be on the menu.

Everton have welcomed back their main stars, but have just lost Jack Grealish to a season ending injury. Everton’s biggest creator will have to watch from sidelines from here on out. David Moyes will have to find another source of inspiration. This will be imperative as they’ve scored the lowest amount of goals in the top 10, they have just 25 goals with the next lowest being 32 from Fulham. Having said that, Everton have been picking up decent results. They’ve only lost once in their last five league games, including a 1-0 win away at Villa Park. Moyes certainly knows how to engineer a result, despite lacking a bit of punch up top. A win could see the Merseyside club reach 7th, which would be an unbelievable position. A lot of this is down to Everton’s away form, which is the 7th best in the division. Along with that, they’re unbeaten at the AMEX since 2019, that’s a stretch of five games.

To be honest, I can see Everton masterminding another result here. I’m not thinking a win, but certainly a draw is in the realm of possibilities.

Predicted Result: Brighton 1-1 Everton

Leeds vs Arsenal

Leeds are a team transformed, they just need their league position to start reflecting that. They still sit 16th in the league, but have only lost once in the league since the end of November. That’s 10 games and just one defeat, which is phenomenal. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been inspirational for the West Yorkshire side, scoring nine goals. Daniel Farke will be looking to him again to find a way past Arsenal. Farke’s side only have two defeats at Elland Road; only Arsenal, Manchester City, Sunderland and Brighton have a better record. However, they’re going to have to do something they haven’t done since 2003. That’s to beat Arsenal.

Arsenal have had a brilliant time away from the Premier League. They maintained their 100% record in the Champions League, scoring the most and conceding the least. They topped the Champions League table and looked good for it. However, there’s a domestic league that needs to played in as well and Arsenal have been struggling. Three games without a win now, the last one being a gut punching loss to Manchester United. With that defeat, City and Villa were able to close the gap to just four points. It’s fair to say Arsenal need a win and can temporarily extend the gap to seven points, City and Villa play Sunday. On goal difference, Arsenal do still have the best away form, losing just twice.

It seems like Mikel Arteta has taken some time to reflect on the United performance and we could see a different approach, Leeds being the test subject. However, Leeds are a completely different side to the one that the Gunners beat 5-0 at the start of the season. Daniel Farke has made Leeds resolute. I think Arsenal will steal a 1-0 win here.

Predicted Result: Leeds 0-1 Arsenal

Wolves vs Bournemouth

Wolves have had an excellent 2026 so far. Even the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City made Wolves look a competitive side. It’s still just one win in 23 games though, but Rob Edwards has found a formula that has halted the poor performances. Will they break free from the relegation zone? No, but they can certainly trouble Burnley. If they don’t finish bottom then that would be a solid achievement, in spite of relegation. The West Midlands side have improved dramatically in defence, conceding just four goals in five games. That’s compared to the 11 in the previous five.

Bournemouth had a terrible time during November and December which saw them plummet to 15th, but three matches without a loss has seen a little lift in the table. The Cherries still sit 13th, but wins over Spurs and Liverpool will give them confidence to keep going. Despite some good form in recent weeks, the away results have been terrible. They have the 17th worst record in the league, winning just once away from the Vitality Stadium. Andoni Iraola has a big task on his hands, even a win won’t see much movement for the club. What is important though is sustaining form and a win against Wolves will do just that.

I think Bournemouth will have a renaissance period in the next few games and Wolves will be one of the victims of that. They’ve signed a promising Brazilian teenager called Rayan who looks set to light up English football. I think Bournemouth fans can come out from behind the sofa, life might be quite good again.

Predicted Result: Wolves 0-2 Bournemouth

Chelsea vs West Ham

Liam Rosenior has seemingly turned Chelsea around since his arrival, winning all but one game. They picked up a very good victory against Napoli in the week, securing a top 8 finish in the Champions League. Enzo Maresca has seemingly dealt enough damage to Chelsea that they won’t challenge for the title this season, but a top four finish is certainly in their expectations. They currently sit nine points behind Villa and City, but there’s still plenty of games left for further twists. But, one thing that Rosenior will have to improve is Chelsea’s home form. They sit 13th in the league for that metric, winning just five out of the 11 games played at Stamford Bridge. For context, City and Arsenal both have nine, five wins is on par with Leeds and Brighton.

West Ham have won two Premier League games in a row for the first time since November 8th. While it hasn’t seen them escape the relegation zone, it’s helped them keep up with Nottingham Forest who remain five points ahead. Without those two wins, even Burnley would’ve jumped above them. Nuno Espírito Santo will want to keep the wins coming, but this will be a stern test. However, they did win their last away game in London, beating Spurs 2-1. The Hammers need to find that grit and determination again to find a way past this superior Chelsea side.

Despite a gruelling trip to Italy, Chelsea will likely have enough left in the tank to dispatch West Ham and keep up their chances of landing top four.

Predicted Result: Chelsea 3-0 West Ham

Liverpool vs Newcastle

Arne Slot had a very enjoyable midweek experience as he watched his side batter Qarabag 6-0. It would have done wonders for morale after they were defeated by Bournemouth last weekend. A late blow saw the Merseyside club lose 3-2. While prospects of finishing in the top four remain positive, they do need to find a win here to keep up with Manchester United and Chelsea. They’re just two points behind the Red Devils, but midweek fixtures will be taxing on the squad. Jeremie Frimpong has been ruled out for a few weeks, adding to Slot’s injury woes. Another woe for Slot is the form at Anfield. Normally a cauldron, teams have been finding ways to avoid losing. Liverpool have dropped points in five fixtures, winning the other six. In addition to this, only six clubs have scored less goals at home than Liverpool.

Newcastle faced a tricky away trip to PSG in the week, but left with their pride and dignity still very much intact. The European champions couldn’t find a win against Eddie Howe’s boys and that’s exactly the kind of result that will give his side confidence. The Geordie’s did win three games in a row, in the Premiership, but haven’t won for a couple of games now. They suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Villa last weekend. But, they’re still in a position to climb the table with a win and can even overtake Liverpool who sit three points ahead of them. Although, the Magpies will have to see about improving away form if they want to think about playing in Europe next season. They have just two wins on the road, losing five.

I do think that the midweek hangover will have certainly affected Newcastle more than Liverpool. Going against the European champions away or facing one of the competitions minnows at home? My feeling is that Liverpool will find a way.

Predicted Result: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle

Aston Villa vs Brentford

Villa have been one of the obvious contenders for the team of the season so far. With what little they were given in the summer and how the season started for them, they’re in an incredible position. One that I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted. They’re third in the league, on goal difference, and just four points behind Arsenal. They have the third best home form in the division, losing just twice in the entire season. Although, they did lose their previous game at Villa Park. This does add to the slightly patchy form they’re in, but nothing of great concern. They have two wins in five games, but still sit eight points ahead of 4th spot. What will be a concern for Unai Emery is that his side have now lost Youri Tielemans and John McGinn to long term injuries, in addition to already losing Boubacar Kamara. The midfield is Emery’s biggest tactical advantage, but he’s lost three segments of it. Only Amadou Onana, Morgan Rogers and Douglas Luiz remain as options. Luiz having recently joined on loan.

Brentford are one of the other contenders for the team of the season having put together an astounding run of form for the last couple of months. They sit 8th in the league, but can certainly catch Liverpool in 6th. However, they’ve taken a couple of hits in their last two fixtures, losing to Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. They didn’t score in either tie. The Bee’s will be worried that their away form could scupper their hopes of achieving a top half finish. The season is still a long way to ending, but the psychological damage of losing three games in a row can be devastating. Brentford have the 16th worst away form in the league, losing a whopping eight games. Only Wolves have lost more. Keith Andrews will have to address this issue immediately.

Despite the absence of Tielemans, Kamara and McGinn, I do feel like Villa will have quite a comfortable afternoon. They still have quality in other positions and have welcomed back Tammy Abraham, someone who had an incredible loan spell with the club a number of years ago.

Predicted Result: Villa 2-0 Brentford

Manchester United vs Fulham

Michael Carrick has clearly been a breath of fresh air for United as they’ve beaten the two title chasing sides in as many weekends. City were thrashed by United and performed a bit of a smash-and-grab against the Gunners. Two world class strikes undone the North London side. This leaves United in quite a promising position. Ultimately they’re out of every cup competition and have no European football to worry about, their entire focus is on the league. Aside from Fulham, every club around them will still be fighting in Europe. Many of those clubs will also be competing in the FA Cup still. Do I think that United can make a title charge? Absolutely not, but they can certainly place themselves in a strong position to make top four.

Fulham have also enjoyed a resurgence in the last couple of months. They sit 7th in the league right now and can slip ahead of Liverpool should they win here. Marco Silva has made his side tough to play against. He’s an expert at setting up that mid-block in the pitch and ensuring nothing goes through it. They have creativity all over the pitch, namely Harry Wilson whose had an incredible season so far. Of the 12 goals/assists he’s notched this campaign, seven have come since December 13th. Silva will certainly look to him for inspiration and the one to lead Fulham to any kind of victory over United. Away from Craven Cottage is respectable, picking up points in five of the 11 matches.

I don’t think they’ll be complacent, but United need to make sure that they’re doing everything they can to beat the teams in front of them. They’ve been excellent at creating chances this season, one of the best in the league, but expectations will start to come with that. Carrick will have to manage those, but I can see a frustrating afternoon ahead for United.

Predicted Result: United 2-2 Fulham

Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace

Forest have needed to pick up the pace in the league to keep the distance between them and the relegation zone. They’ve certainly done that by picking up two wins and a draw in recent games. The draw was against Arsenal, but they picked up three vital points at Brentford, a team that have one of the best home records in the league. Sean Dyche will be extremely confident that his side can continue to pick up points, especially after a big result in the week. Forest hit four against Ferencvaros in the Europa League. Home form will be concerning for Dyche, seeing as they’ve lost six times at The City Ground, only West Ham and Wolves have lost more on home turf. They’re going to need to start scoring more goals as well, The City Ground has only seen 12 of them for Forest, Wolves and Palace being the only teams with less.

Speaking of Palace, they’re in a real rut. The South London side haven’t won a game since the 11th December and that was against Shelbourne in the Conference League. That’s 11 games without a win in every competition. Oliver Glasner needs results fast as they actually sit within touching distance of Forest in 17th. Considering this side were up in the top four as late as November, this season has truly derailed. They’ve lost Marc Guehi too which is only going to make life harder. Adam Wharton is also suspended for this tie and Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future is also up in the air. Oliver Glasner needs to plug the holes on this sinking ship, otherwise the club will fall into a relegation scrap.

I do think Forest will add to the misery for Palace as well. I think Forest are man-for-man just as good, but are actually in some form and have a tad more on the line. I mean Forest would have to win 7-0 to dislodge Palace from 15th, but it shows how close Dyche’s men can come with a simple win.

Predicted Result: Forest 2-1 Palace

Tottenham vs Manchester City

Spurs were able to claim top four in the Champions League after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in the week. They’ve had a brilliant campaign so far. But, life hits them like a steam train whenever they have to play in the Premier League. They sit 14th in the league, only eight points clear of the relegation zone. I don’t think Spurs are even close to that eventuality, but it is a cloud that looms ever darker. There’s also a casual suggestion, amongst the Spurs online supporters, that they would prefer to lose the game as it’ll dent Arsenal’s title hopes. Thomas Frank certainly won’t care that much about what Arsenal do, so it’s very much just in the heads of those Spurs fans. The reality is though that Spurs do need to win. If any team around them can claim a victory then it’ll make their task so much harder. They need Europe next season in order to sustain their presence as one of the top clubs of the football pyramid. It’s unlikely they’ll win the Champions League, so they need to pick up form now.

City have had a mixed few weeks after a scintillating end to 2025. Pep Guardiola’s men have only won once in their last five league games, but were also thumped 3-1 by Bodo Glimt in the middle of all that. However, they’ll be happy with the fact that Arsenal couldn’t take advantage of the slump in form. The Gunners could be double digits out of sight from City, but instead it’s just four points. This is a lifeline for Pep who is an expert at overcoming adversity. But, form has to improve. Even the game against Wolves, City didn’t look overly impressive. They face a side that have already beaten them this season as well and they now have to do it away from the Etihad. The Citizens have dropped points in six games on the road, losing four of them. They’ll also have an eye on the EFL Cup semi final second leg on Tuesday, despite having a two-goal advantage.

Do I think Spurs will be able to triumph over City? No, I think the North London side will slip into old habits and will allow City to walk comfortably towards victory.

Predicted Result: Spurs 0-2 City

Sunderland vs Burnley

The battle of the promoted sides meet again. Sunderland came out worse off in the reverse fixture, losing 2-0 at Turf Moor. That result came in August and things have changed significantly since then. Both these sides have led different lives in the top division with Sunderland certainly enjoying themselves more than their opponents. Regis Le Bris has done a wondrous job navigating his side through the perils of top flight football, but has found more bumps in the road as of late. The Black Cats have only won once in their last five league games, in fact that’s the only win in seven games. Of course Le Bris will demand more from his side, but he also has to be content with how well they have done so far. The 3-1 loss at West Ham last weekend will be gutting, but they have a chance to put things right against Burnley. They’ll also be playing at home-sweet-home, they’re the only team in the division to have not lost at home yet.

Burnley are undefeated in three games, they haven’t won any of them, but undefeated all the same. What is actually impressive though is that those three games came against Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United. The reality is that you’d have expected Burnley to get smashed in those fixtures, but they held firm and ground out a result. Scott Parker is going to need a lot more of those performances, but really he needs to pick up wins. They’re not out of the relegation fight, but they need to find 10 points and fast. Away form is diabolical though, having only won once on their travels. Only Bournemouth have conceded more as well.

What happens when a team that hasn’t lost at home faces a side that has only one once away from home? Surely only one outcome.

Predicted Result: Sunderland 1-0 Burnley