Liverpool vs. Everton
H2H: W27 D25 L10
Fab: The Merseyside Derby is upon us once more, but beyond all the hype you have to wonder if it’s a fixture Everton fans really do look forward to. Their record in it is appalling, more so at Anfield. That said, both teams come into this clash in contrasting form, Liverpool winless in the last two, while Everton have won their last two. Can the same be maintained? Probably not. It’s a chance for the red half of Merseyside to resume normal service and I think they will take it.
Prediction: 3-1
Bobo: Everton were able to record their first win over Liverpool at Anfield since 1999 in February 2021. That was an outlier result that I do not think they have the ability to achieve here. Liverpool are looking good and I expect that this will be a routine derby win for them.
Prediction: 2-0
Bournemouth vs. Wolves
H2H: W1 D2 L3
Fab: The Cherries can’t buy a win and face their former manager Gary O’Neill who may feel hard done by by the manner in which he was axed from the club. He comes with his Wolves side which seems to have arrested their slump and are unbeaten in their last three league fixtures including that win over the champions Man City. I fully expect them to heap more pressure on Andoni Iraola and extend Bournemouth’s wait for a league win this season.
Prediction: 1-2
Bobo: Bournemouth need to start getting points somewhere or they face they relegation battle from early on. It is really hard to pinpoint where their problem lies. Wolves have picked up some important points and will be looking for consistency. This should make for an interesting match but I think the Cherries will pick their first points.
Prediction: 2-1
Brentford vs. Burnley
H2H: W1 D0 L1
Fab: Brentford are finding the going rather rough and tough, exemplified by their last fixture against Man United where they lead up until the 93rd minute and at the final whistle they had lost the game. Indeed, an inability hold on to leads has been their Achilles heel so far. Life isn’t any rosier for Burnley on their return to the top flight and they are quite leaky at the back too. It’s going to be a strugglers’ paradise but I reckon the Bees are due some good fortune and will eke out a win.
Prediction: 2-1
Bobo: Brentford have really been out of sorts after the big season they had last season. Burnley are not looking too good with their only win coming against Luton. I think this is a great chance for Burnley to remind themselves of what winning feels like and they probably will.
Prediction: 2-1
Manchester City vs. Brighton
H2H: W10 D1 L1
Fab: Pep Guardiola vs Roberto De Zerbi, basically every football hipster/tactico’s dream. So be prepared to be inundated with tactical threads all over social media. Pep thinks Brighton are the best team in the world in terms of building up play from the back, a style that he more than anyone else has made the norm in the Premier League. Can the Seagulls confirm this assertion and win? City have lost twice in succession (they almost never do that) and I don’t think it will be three.
Prediction: 4-2
Bobo: The Blues will have enjoyed the break following two straight losses – a rare occurrence for them. Brighton will also want to recover from a loss and a draw in their last two matches to keep up with the teams at the top. However, I think the stakes are higher for City and they will probably get the win here.
Prediction: 3-1
Newcastle vs. Crystal Palace
H2H: W11 D8 L5
Fab: So, Newcastle have tended of late to score bucketloads, while Palace don’t seem to score that much. The major point of discussion ahead of this match is probably Sandro Tonali’s betting indiscretions but I wouldn’t be betting against the Toon carrying on with their good form here.
Prediction: 3-1
Bobo: An interesting match between the 8th and 9th team. Newcastle will want to win the match to get into those European spots as early as possible and the Eagles just kind of always soar about. I think the Toons have a greater incentive and more quality and will win this.
Prediction: 3-1
Nottingham Forest vs. Luton
H2H:
Fab: The Tricky Trees haven’t won in a while and this is exactly the fixture to change that unwanted stat. Luton may have gotten that win at Everton at the end of last month but I still struggle to see how they are going to win matches. So yeah, a home win for me.
Prediction: 2-1
Bobo: Forest have the quality they need to get the three points they need against Luton. Luton will want to keep climbing up the table to avoid getting relegated. However, I do not think they have an answer to the threat posed by Forest and it will be a Forest win.
Prediction: 2-0
Chelsea vs. Arsenal
H2H: W20 D17 L25
Fab: Growing up, this was a fixture that only seemed to provide heartache to Chelsea and it would look like we are back to that era. Arsenal have won their last 3 encounters including two at the Bridge and it would be argued, are hot favourites to make it four in a row. The Blues continue to try to strike the right balance with their team selection and indeed are in decent form, but you’ve just got to think that Arsenal, on a high of finally beating title rivals Man City just before the break should get the business done here.
Prediction: 0-1
Bobo: Arsenal have come a long way as a team and a long way in this fixture. From struggling to beat Chelsea at all to winning the last three at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will have hated to see the international break just as it seemed they were getting some momentum. They have a good team and good numbers and this will be a tough one for Arsenal. However, I think Arsenal have the quality to take the three points here and keep up the challenge at the top.
Prediction: 1-3
Sheffield United vs. Manchester United
H2H: W2 D1 L7
Fab: Probably not many Man United supporters will be retaining Busta Rhymes’ hit song Arab Money in their playlist after the much coveted Qatar ownership gave up on their quest. Luckily for United they face easily the worst team in the league and they should huff and puff to get the win over the line.
Prediction: 1-2
Bobo: Sheffield United are rock bottom and they need to start picking up points from somewhere. However, this is not the game they will do that. The Red Devils are not at their best but surely they should be able to comfortably beat this Sheffield side? I think so.
Prediction: 1-3
Aston Villa vs. West Ham United
H2H: W13 D21 L14
Fab: Both teams are having more than a decent season in the top flight and so this is a clash worth watching. I’m expecting lots of goals as usual in a Villa game, but they’ll need to be a lot tighter at the back as they have a particularly poor record against the Hammers, winless in their last ten. West Ham will look to that with delight knowing full well that it’s traditionally a kind fixture for them. A draw, anyone?
Prediction: 2-2
Bobo: An interesting match. Both teams are looking to ensure they get into those European spots. Emery’s side have been looking brilliant in attack and the Hammers have been a solid unit. This is a really hard one to call but I think the Midlands team will edge it.
Prediction: 3-2
Tottenham Hotspurs vs. Fulham
H2H: W18 D7 L7
Fab: Tottenham will probably win this one, because why not?
Prediction: 2-0
Bobo: Tottenham lie at the top of the table and most of it is deserved. Most. Fulham lie 12th and their wins have come against teams at the very end of the table. Spurs have a really good record against their London rivals and I think they will keep it going and stay at the top.
Prediction: 2-1
The Dugout 