Month: January 2023

Dani Alves was arrested on Friday by police in Barcelona after it was alleged he sexually assaulted a woman in a nightclub bathroom.

The former Barcelona and Brazil right-back gave a statement to the Mossos d’Esquadra police force before the public prosecutor’s office requested that he should be detained and not granted bail.

Spanish news agency EFE reported how that application, plus a private prosecution brought by the woman who made the allegation, would be put to the investigating judge to determine whether Alves is kept in prison while investigations continue.

Alves, 39, has also played for Paris Saint-Germain, Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla, and returned for a second spell at Barcelona last season, before joining Mexican team Pumas UNAM.

The incident under investigation is alleged to have happened on the evening of December 30.

In a video sent to Spanish broadcaster Antena 3 earlier this month, Alves denied assaulting the woman.

Mikel Arteta credited Erik ten Hag for overseeing a rapid transformation in Manchester United’s fortunes ahead of Arsenal’s huge Premier League clash with the Red Devils on Sunday.

Arsenal hold a five-point lead at the Premier League summit ahead of facing United, who remain the only team to beat the Gunners in the competition this season, winning 3-1 at Old Trafford in September.

While United’s hopes of entering the title race appear slim following Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, the Red Devils are fancied to finish in the top four after going unbeaten in their past six Premier League games (W5 D1).

Having instigated a dramatic turnaround of his own at Emirates Stadium, Arteta has been impressed by Ten Hag’s work at Old Trafford.

“It’s very impressive. He’s turned things around pretty quickly,” Arteta said at Friday’s pre-match press conference. 

“I think he has implemented a very clear way of playing. The players have bought into it and there’s a really good energy around the place. 

“A lot of things have changed in a short period of time, so credit to him and the coaching staff for what they have done.”

While United’s in-form attacker Marcus Rashford has been involved in eight goals in his 10 Premier League starts against Arsenal, Arteta knows he will not be the only threat to his team on Sunday.

“It’s not only him, unfortunately,” Arteta said when asked how he would look to contain Rashford. “It’s a lot of individuals and the collective organisation that they have. 

“We have to be very aware of that. I will try to do that. We prepare for games to try to hide the ways they have to create problems for us.”

United were dealt a huge blow ahead of their trip to north London as midfield enforcer Casemiro received his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season at Palace, earning him a one-match ban.

However, Arteta noted the Brazil international did not start when United overcame Arsenal earlier in the season, adding: “It’s something that we can’t control. 

“He didn’t play in our first game either and we still didn’t do enough to win that match. When you look at the squad they have, it’s incredible. 

“They have the individuals and collective organisation to beat any opponent in this league, but we’ll plan the game knowing he’s not available.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s bid for a first league title since the 2003-2004 season has seen skipper Martin Odegaard assume a central role, scoring a team-high eight Premier League goals.

Asked about Odegaard’s development since he became captain last July, Arteta said: “He’s done it in a very natural way. He’s still a really young player with huge talent, but still with more desire than talent.

“He knows he can get much better and he’s on that pathway, enjoying playing for us and contributing to the team in a really impactful way. He needs to continue to do that.”

Leeds United and Manchester United are set to face each other twice in five days after their Old Trafford match was allocated a new February slot.

The Premier League game was originally set to take place on September 18 but was postponed due to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and now it is set to happen on Wednesday, February 8.

Erik ten Hag’s side are then due to travel to Elland Road to face Jesse Marsch’s men on February 12, with the Red Devils chasing an unlikely title charge and the Whites aiming to dodge another relegation battle.

With both teams into the fourth round of the FA Cup, the February 8 league clash between the old rivals could still be changed again in order to facilitate any replays.

“The Premier League is giving supporters as much notice as possible by announcing this potential fixture date ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round weekend [on January 28-29],” read a statement from the two clubs.

“The Premier League also acknowledges the unique circumstances of the teams playing each other twice in the same week. This is to avoid potential fixture congestion later in the season.

“Should either side require an FA Cup fourth-round replay, the Premier League will look at alternative dates to place this fixture.”

Manchester United will face Reading in the FA Cup while Leeds will travel to Boreham Wood or Accrington Stanley.

Chelsea have an opportunity to truly turn a corner under Graham Potter when they face Liverpool in Jurgen Klopp’s 1,000th game as a manager.

Just four months into the job, Potter had to fend off questions regarding his future on the back of a run of one win in eight matches, six of those ending in defeat.

Last weekend’s slender 1-0 win over Crystal Palace has brought the “buzz” back to Chelsea, in the view of Potter, but another loss at Anfield on Saturday could change all that.

Tenth-place Chelsea are not the only Premier League giant to have struggled this term, with opponents Liverpool level on points in ninth, albeit having played a game less.

Indeed, this weekend’s meeting will mark the first time since the 2015-16 campaign that both sides have been outside the top six at this stage of a season.

Stats Perform has picked out the standout Opta numbers to preview the big game, with both clubs needing to put a strong run together to have any change of securing a top-four finish.

Poor form laid bare

Chelsea have won just two of their past 10 Premier League matches, collecting nine points from a possible 30 in that period.

Both of those victories – against Bournemouth late last month before seeing off Palace  – have been on home soil, with the Blues winless in five away top-flight matches since mid-October.

Liverpool’s form has been equally as patchy, having lost back-to-back league games in 2023 against Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion, the two sides directly above them.

They picked up their first win of the year in all competitions at the fourth attempt against Wolves in the FA Cup on Tuesday to lift the gloom.

Not since 1953 have the Reds started a year with three straight league losses.

Draws galore

Both teams are therefore in need of a victory if they are to make up any ground on the top four, though this fixture has often ended all square in recent times.

The two league games last season were drawn – 1-1 at Anfield in August and 2-2 at Stamford Bridge five months later, with Chelsea recovering from two goals down in the latter.

Then came the EFL and FA Cup finals contested in the space of three months that defined both sides’ seasons; each ending goalless before Liverpool prevailed on penalties.

Never before have Liverpool and Chelsea drawn three consecutive league games, though, so that streak looks set to end this weekend.

No home comforts

Preceding that run of draws, Chelsea won 1-0 at Anfield in March 2021 – Mason Mont scoring the only goal – to continue an interesting sequence in this fixture.

The home team has won just three of the past 17 league games between Liverpool and Chelsea – and none in the Reds’ case since July 2020 on the day they lifted the title.

Due to the high number of draws, though, Liverpool have lost only two of their past 15 top-flight games with Chelsea at Anfield, winning six and having to settle for a point seven times in that sequence.

Mudryk to make his mark?

One of the big factors behind Liverpool’s drop-off this season has been their struggles at the back, having conceded 25 goals in 18 games – compared to 26 in 38 last season.

Should they concede against Chelsea, it will be the first time since between May and October 2016 they have gone nine successive Premier League games without a clean sheet.

Not since December 1953 have they shipped three-or-more goals in three straight top-flight matches, meanwhile, which they are risk of doing on Saturday. 

But that seems highly unlikely on the face of it as Chelsea have only scored more than twice in a league game once this season, coming in October’s 3-0 win at Wolves.

Mykhailo Mudryk’s arrival has bolstered Chelsea’s attack, and he is out to become the first Ukrainian to score on their Premier League debut.

Expect drama at the top and bottom of the Premier League table on Matchday 21.

Title favourites Arsenal entertain Manchester United in a meeting of old foes and West Ham will look to distance themselves from Frank Lampard’s Everton when they welcome the Toffees to the London Stadium.

Bournemouth host Nottingham Forest in another crucial fixture while Liverpool and Chelsea meet at Anfield both eager to kick-start their seasons.

Read on as we preview all 10 matches on the menu in the English top flight this weekend.

Liverpool vs Chelsea (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)

The Reds earned a 1-0 FA Cup win at Wolves on Tuesday and will aim to build on that result when they face Chelsea.

Jurgen Klopp’s men shared the spoils with the Blues in both of last season’s league fixtures but emerged victorious in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals against the West Londoners.

Klopp is set to take charge of his 1,000th game as manager and is likely to need to find a solution to keep new Chelsea arrival Mykhailo Mudryk quiet, with the Ukrainian winger in line to make his debut at Anfield.

The visitors are suffering a poor run of form but did manage to pick up a win against Crystal Palace last time out — they still remain 10 points off the top four in 10th place.

Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 3pm)

The fixture between Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest could have significant ramifications for the relegation scrap, with both sides sitting within five points of the drop zone.

The Cherries have beaten the East Midlanders in four of the last five meetings but are enduring a woeful run of form which has seen them lose six games on the bounce.

Forest, meanwhile, could win three Premier League matches in a row for the first time since May 1999.

Fans should not expect a thriller at the Vitality Stadium, however. The South Coast ground has seen fewer goals than any other in the top flight this term and only Wolves (six) have a worse goalscoring home record than Gary O’Neil’s outfit (nine).

Leicester vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)

Brighton continue to thrive under Roberto De Zerbi and will hope to carry their recent momentum into the clash at Leicester.

The Seagulls have won three matches in a row, thumping Liverpool 3-0 last time out, but face a tough task at the King Power Stadium, where they have emerged victorious only once in their last 12 visits.

Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes have lost three home league games on the spin while the visitors are looking to win four consecutive away league games for the first time since April 2016.

Pressure is building on Rodgers with his side only two points above the relegation zone in 15th place.

Southampton vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 3pm)

Reinvigorated Southampton have won three games in a row but they have lost their last two encounters with Aston Villa.

Saints have the worst home record in the division and could register four consecutive home league defeats should Unai Emery’s men triumph at St Mary’s.

Villa have picked up 13 points in six league matches under Emery, one more than they secured prior to the Basque coach’s arrival.

The visitors will have to keep a watchful eye on Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse — the England international has scored five goals in his last six games.

West Ham vs Everton (Saturday, 3pm)

The final 3pm kick-off on Saturday will see 18th-place West Ham take on 19th-place Everton in a vital clash between two relegation-threatened teams.

The Hammers won this fixture last season but have not recorded consecutive home victories over the Toffees since November 1986.

Frank Lampard’s side are winless in their last nine top-flight trips to London but their last victory did come at West Ham in May 2021.

Their upcoming meeting will be the first time both teams are in the relegation zone since February 1995 — both sides managed to go on to avoid the drop by five points that year.

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)

Crystal Palace have only won two of their last 13 home clashes with Newcastle but will be buoyed by a late draw earned against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

No side in the division have conceded fewer goals than the Magpies this season (11) and they match Arsenal in having lost only one Premier League game in 2022-23.

These teams have already met twice this season, with both fixtures ending goalless. Eddie Howe’s men knocked Palace out of the Carabao Cup in a penalty shootout last November.

The visitors could go 15 Premier League matches unbeaten for the first time in their history and will hope to use Kieran Trippier as their attacking weapon. He has created more chances from set-pieces than any other player in the top flight this season.

Leeds vs Brentford (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)

Brentford ran out 5-2 winners in September’s reverse fixture against Leeds and head to Elland Road to face a side who won by the same scoreline in Wednesday’s FA Cup victory against Cardiff.

Goals are never in short supply between these two teams with 14 scored in their last three meetings.

Bees boss Thomas Frank will be keen to pile more pressure on his opposite number Jesse Marsch, who has not masterminded a league win since early November’s victory over Bournemouth.

Ivan Toney is likely to pose the visitors main goal threat — he has 14 strikes in 19 games this term and netted a hat-trick against the Whites at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Manchester City vs Wolves (Sunday, 2pm)

Manchester City have won five times in a row against Wolves but know they cannot afford to slip up on Sunday.

Their title challenge looked in tatters when two goals down to Tottenham on Thursday night but recovered to secure a 4-2 win to keep pace with leaders Arsenal.

Kevin De Bruyne loves facing the West Midlanders and has been directly involved in nine goals in his last six appearances against the Molineux outfit.

Julen Lopetegui has improved the visitors since replacing Bruno Lage in November but they remain the division’s lowest scorers with 12 goals in 19 outings.

Arsenal vs Manchester United (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)

Arsenal have won five of their last seven top-flight meetings with Manchester United at the Emirates yet did suffer their only league loss of the campaign against the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag knows his side can thrust themselves into the title fight with a win that would close the gap to the league leaders to five points.

Mikel Arteta’s side are yet to concede a goal in 2023 but will need to keep in-form Marcus Rashford quiet. 

The England forward has scored eight goals in his last eight outings and has produced more Premier League goal involvements against the North Londoners than any other side (eight).

Should Bukayo Saka find the net, he will equal Freddie Ljungberg and Thierry Henry in scoring in three consecutive Premier League games for the Gunners against United.

Fulham vs Tottenham (Monday, 8pm, Sky Sports)

Tottenham will be aiming to win seven straight matches at Craven Cottage as they seek to bounce back from the loss at Manchester City.

Fulham will pose a significant threat to that record on Monday despite seeing their five-game winning run end at Newcastle last weekend.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored in all four of the London derbies he has played in this season, whereas Harry Kane has scored more London derby goals than any other player in Premier League history (47).

The last time the Cottagers recorded a victory over Spurs was in March 2013, their only league win in 14 previous matches against the North Londoners.

Follow each game with our unbeatable live scores service. Simply tap the Scores tab on the web or download the LiveScore app from the App Store for iOS devices or Google Play for Android.

Recommended bets: 
– Back Chelsea Double Chance against Liverpool 
– Back Bournemouth to win against Nottingham Forest 
– Back Brighton to win against Leicester 
– Back Aston Villa draw no bet against Southampton 
– Back West Ham to win & over 1.5 goals against Everton 
– Back a draw in Newcastle vs Crystal Palace     

There are six Premier League matches to embrace on Saturday, beginning with a must-win contest between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield.

Those two Premier League giants have endured disappointing seasons so far and defeat for either could be fatal to their Champions League qualification prospects.

It could also be a big day at the bottom end of the table as West Ham host Everton in a relegation six-pointer, an encounter neither manager can afford to lose.

The remaining three 3pm kick-offs see Bournemouth entertain Nottingham Forest, struggling Southampton face a visit from Aston Villa and a bullish Brighton make the trip to Leicester.

Saturday’s action concludes at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace will be hoping to build on their recent 1-1 draw with Manchester United against high-flying Newcastle.

Liverpool vs Chelsea (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Graham Potter has left Anfield with positive results on each of his last two visits with Brighton and could make it a hat-trick with his improving Chelsea side.

The Blues were the better team at Fulham before the Joao Felix red card put them on the back foot and there was a solid look to them in last Sunday’s 1-0 win at home to Crystal Palace.

The same cannot be said for Liverpool, who have lost their opening two league games of the calendar year at Brentford (3-0) and Brighton (3-1).

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are without a Premier League clean sheet in eight and with Chelsea injecting more quality in midfield and cleverness in attack, they can avoid defeat.

Blues to win or tie is available to back at Evens with LiveScore Bet.

Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 3pm)

Despite Forest’s solid home form, Steve Cooper’s team have struggled on their travels, particularly when it comes to scoring goals.

No team has registered fewer away goals than the Tricky Trees, who have netted just twice and conceded 22 times in nine away league trips. 

That lack of firepower will not be helped by the absence of Taiwo Awoniyi.

That makes this a huge chance for Bournemouth, who have beaten Forest on each of the last two occasions they have hosted them at the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth are 7/4 to win with LiveScore Bet.

Leicester vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)

Buoyed by last weekend’s 3-0 win at home to Liverpool, Brighton can follow up by winning against Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

The slick Seagulls have won three away league games in a row at Wolves, Southampton and Everton and should have little to fear on their trip to Leicester, who have suffered four league defeats on the spin.

Brighton are 13 points above the Foxes in the Premier League standings and should showcase their qualities in the East Midlands.

Brighton are available to back at 11/10 with LiveScore Bet.

Southampton vs Aston Villa (3pm, Saturday)

Southampton’s recent resurgence has been impressive but three of their last six strikes have come from outside the penalty area and another directly of which resulted from a goalkeeping blunder.

That suggests their luck may run out at Aston Villa, who have become a solid unit under Unai Emery, having taken seven points from their last three league matches.

Villa can be backed to stop Southampton’s hot streak and potentially pick up all three points. 

Back Aston Villa Draw No Bet at 8/11 with LiveScore Bet.

West Ham vs Everton (3pm, Saturday)

This is a massive game in the scrap for Premier League survival while defeat for either David Moyes or Frank Lampard could be costly to their job prospects.

Danny Ings’ addition at West Ham could prove to be one of the shrewdest moves in the January transfer window and his arrival ought to give the Londoners a much-needed lift.

Everton have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last eight games in all competitions and their treacherous road record makes them easy to oppose.

The Toffees have won only once in nine attempts on their travels, with them failing to score in four of their last five away games. 

The hosts, available to back at 11/8 with LiveScore Bet for another victory with over 1.5 goals, can pile the misery on the Merseyside men.

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle (5.30pm, Saturday)

Both of this season’s prior meetings between Palace and Newcastle, one in the Premier League and one in the League Cup, finished 0-0 after 90 minutes.

And Palace, on the back of Thursday’s 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United, may be able to frustrate the Magpies once again.

Eddie Howe’s visitors are flying high in fourth in the Premier League but, with star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes sidelined, they may struggle to come away from Selhurst Park with all three points.

A draw is available to back at 5/2 with LiveScore Bet.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident Leandro Trossard can make an “immediate impact” as he prepares to give the Belgian his debut against Manchester United on Sunday.

Trossard signed a long-term deal, which is thought to run until 2027, at Emirates Stadium on Friday after completing a reported £27million move from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 28-year-old Belgium international had been keen to leave Brighton following a falling-out with coach Roberto De Zerbi, who criticised the winger’s attitude earlier this month after taking him out of the team.

Arsenal acted swiftly to bring Trossard to the club after missing out on primary target Mykhaylo Mudryk last week, with the Ukraine winger joining Chelsea instead.

While Gunners fans had been eager for Mudryk to join, there is a perception Trossard represents less risky business given his Premier League experience and that he cost roughly a third of what Chelsea paid to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Arteta expects Trossard to adapt quickly, and confirmed he is in line to face Manchester United on Sunday, with the north Londoners hoping to open an 11-point gap between themselves and Erik ten Hag’s men in third.

“Well, he trained today [Friday], so hopefully he will be [available on Sunday]. Yes. I think [all the paperwork is done], I think he’s good to go,” Arteta told reporters.

“He’s a player we followed for a while now. The opportunity came, we have the necessity, obviously, to have a player in the frontline that is versatile enough to play in different positions.

“He knows the league, has enough experience here, and I think he can have an immediate impact in the team.

“In the summer we were looking for a player in that position and we were unable to do it. It’s something this squad needed, obviously with the injuries of Gabby [Gabriel Jesus] and Reiss [Nelson].

“We are really short in the front line and we needed reinforcements, and we found in Leandro a player who fits everything we want.”

The signing of Trossard, given his age, marks a departure from Arsenal’s recent transfer policy of focusing on young players.

However, with Arsenal leading the Premier League and hoping to win their first title since 2004, Arteta emphasised how crucial he felt it was to bring in a player who would be able to give them what they need straight away.

“Very important, we have to think short term but also medium and long term, and I think he gives all that,” Arteta said.

“He’s a very intelligent player. When you look at his career, what he’s done in the last few years, he’s a player who fits our way of playing, for sure, and we are happy to have him.”

Trossard will have found a familiar face in the Arsenal changing room, with Arteta’s assistant Albert Stuivenberg formerly the player’s coach at Genk.

The Dutchman was able to provide a glowing reference of Trossard’s character, even if De Zerbi’s recent criticism of his attitude might have caused concern among fans.

“Albert gave me a really, really good reference, but not for now, for a few years [ago],” Arteta said.

“We talk about everything that is connected, about players we know we want to recruit because character is something crucial, but as well to understand how they are, how they behave, whether they can accept the role they’re going to have at the club with us, and then personal conversations. Obviously they are very important as well.”

Arsenal have completed their capture of Brighton star Leandro Trossard. 

The Gunners switched attention to the Belgian, 28, after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea and believe he will be available to play against Manchester United this weekend.

Boss Mikel Arteta said: “It is good work from everyone at the club to complete the signing of Leandro. 

“He is a versatile player with high technical ability, intelligence and a great deal of experience in the Premier League and at international level.

“Leandro strengthens our squad as we head into the second part of the season and we’re all looking forward to working with him. We welcome Leandro and his family to Arsenal Football Club.”

Trossard has seen his game time limited due to the form of Kaoru Mitoma and a falling out with Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi.

He will be relieved to have sealed an exit shortly after being left out of the side for the superb win over Liverpool.

The clubs agreed a fee believed to be in the region of £27million for the Belgian international.

London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham had both been linked with Trossard but the Blues’ interest ended when they landed Mudryk in a mega-money deal.

Speaking after Brighton confirmed the move, De Zerbi said: “I’m sorry for the last period, but I still would like to wish Leandro good luck for the future.”

Seagulls technical director David Weir added: “Leandro has made a big contribution to the first team’s success in recent times. The move is a good one for all parties involved and we wish him well for the future.”

Arsenal can take a huge step towards the Premier League title on Sunday afternoon — but I think Manchester United may spring a surprise at the Emirates.

We saw in last week’s Manchester derby how devastating Erik ten Hag’s side can be in transition and this is going to be a similar type of contest in North London.

They may not have much of the ball but that won’t worry United. If they can stay in the contest early, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them prevail.

Of course, their job has become significantly harder due to Casemiro’s suspension.

The Brazilian has been immense since arriving at Old Trafford but Ten Hag seems to have faith in all of his squad members and I’m sure he’ll back either Fred or Scott McTominay to carry out that role.

If it was me, I’d probably opt for Fred.

He features more than McTominay and is that little bit more dynamic, plus he’s just done a fantastic job on Kevin De Bruyne last weekend.

United dropped points late against Crystal Palace in midweek and while that will have hurt, they’ve got enough strong characters in their squad to dust themselves down and go again.

Perhaps that will give them a bit of a wake-up call and, while it has stopped everyone shouting about them potentially being in the title race, there’ll still be a belief in that dressing room that they can go all the way.

If Ten Hag’s men are to succeed, they’ll need a plan for stopping Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal’s captain has been fantastic this season and it hasn’t surprised me to see him take his game up a level.

He may only be 24 but this is someone who is used to having the weight of a nation on him. I think we sometimes overlook how big Odegaard is in Norway!

He’s been in the spotlight since he was 15 and is a shining example of a modern-day captain, who leads with his actions on the pitch and discipline rather than barking orders. 

Underachievers collide

The weekend kicks off with Liverpool hosting Chelsea in a contest between two teams who have had far from ideal seasons to date.

Being honest, I don’t expect either of these two sides to end up in the top four, which is a crazy thing to be saying in January given how high expectations were in both camps back in August!

Jurgen Klopp already seems to be trying to blood in new faces and younger talent, though it’s a difficult balance to strike.

If you do play those youngsters and results don’t improve in the short term, how does that impact their confidence? Do people start to question whether they are good enough?

You want to give them the exposure, but this is also a time when you need your experienced heads to be vocal, tweaking little things to help snap the bad run of form.

Chelsea’s approach has been slightly different to the Reds with owner Todd Boehly spending aggressively to back Graham Potter. 

Noni Madueke looks like he’ll soon become the Blues’ sixth signing of the January window and their recent business certainly seems to have more of an eye on the future.

Last summer, the signings appeared to be players that Thomas Tuchel would’ve wanted, whereas the new arrivals are younger and have a bit of a point to prove.

It’s exciting for Potter to have all these talented prospects arrive, although the squad does look rather on the large side now.

You’d imagine a summer clear-out is on the cards but if you’re Potter, you just have to work with the players you currently have at your disposal and concentrate on the here and now.

On that note, time for my Matchday 21 predictions.

Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 21 predictions

Liverpool vs Chelsea (Saturday, 12.30pm, BT Sport)

Both these teams are so unpredictable! I’m not in a place where I presume either of these teams to win any more — you don’t know what you’re going to get.

Initially, I was leaning towards a Chelsea win but I’m actually going to plump for an entertaining draw.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea

Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 3pm)

Bournemouth will have pencilled this down as a must-win but all the momentum and form points to Forest coming out on top.

The Cherries’ recent run of results will make for a nervy atmosphere and I expect the visitors to take advantage.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Leicester vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)

Leicester are having a really tough campaign and I already think the teams in the top half of the table are probably out of reach for the Foxes.

You can’t oppose the Seagulls with the form they are in, so I have to go for another away win.

Prediction: Leicester 1-2 Brighton

Southampton vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 3pm)

It’s been a much-needed improvement in fortunes for Nathan Jones at Southampton and his squad will feel like a corner has been turned.

I have to go for Villa here though. Unai Emery already has his men well drilled and I think they’ll have too much for the hosts going forward.

Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Aston Villa

West Ham vs Everton (Saturday, 3pm)

It goes without saying how important this game is with both managers feeling the heat, though I don’t necessarily expect the loser here to be sacked as a result.

These types of games are usually decided by fine margins and home advantage could get the Hammers over the line.

Prediction: West Ham 1-0 Everton

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)

Patrick Vieira has been quite vocal about his Palace side in recent weeks but I think that shows the strong relationship he has with his players.

The Eagles will be buzzing from that late equaliser in midweek but I have to go for Newcastle, who are going about their business so impressively at the moment.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Newcastle

Manchester City vs Wolves (Sunday, 2pm)

City showed plenty of mettle in that comeback win over Spurs. That second-half showing was them at their brilliant best and that doesn’t bode well for Wolves.

Pep Guardiola’s side can put the pressure on Arsenal by taking three points and I’m expecting them to do so with minimal fuss.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Wolves 

Leeds vs Brentford (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)

Frustration is building at Leeds and I do think Jesse Marsch is a man under pressure currently — with this a nightmare game for the American coach.

Whites fans expect to be beating the likes of Brentford at home but the Bees are flying and you’d have to say they are the likeliest winners here.

Prediction: Leeds 0-2 Brentford

Arsenal vs Manchester United (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)

The Gunners were great at Tottenham but United’s performance at City was a perfect example of how to win on the counter-attack.

Perhaps I’m speaking with my City hat on here but an away win would blow the title race wide open once again — and I could see it happening!

Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United

Fulham vs Tottenham (Monday, 8pm Sky Sports)

This could be the one that tips things over the edge for Antonio Conte at Tottenham. Perhaps a bad result here could see him walk away?

Fulham have been brilliant in recent weeks but I’m kind of expecting the visitors to turn in a big performance and get a much-needed win.

Prediction: Fulham 0-2 Tottenham

Newcastle United striker Chris Wood has joined Nottingham Forest on an initial loan deal, which is set to become permanent at the end of the season.

Wood only signed for Newcastle in January 2022, leaving then-relegation rivals Burnley in a £25million move.

Although Burnley were subsequently relegated, Newcastle stayed up comfortably under Eddie Howe and a year later are well in contention for Champions League qualification.

But having started 15 of his 17 Premier League appearances for the Magpies last term, Wood’s 18 outings in this campaign have included only four starts and account for a meagre 437 minutes.

Wood found himself behind the fit-again Callum Wilson and club-record signing Alexander Isak in the pecking order, with the New Zealand international having scored just four times across 35 appearances.

He will instead spend at least the rest of the season at Forest, who have recruited Wood following news of an injury to Taiwo Awoniyi as they bid to secure their Premier League status for next season.

The agreement contains “a conditional obligation to become a permanent deal”, Forest confirmed, with reports suggesting the achievable criteria of those conditions will lead to a £15m move.

Wood was no longer a starter at St James’ Park, but only Jacob Murphy (36) had made more Premier League appearances for Newcastle since his arrival from Burnley, and Howe wants a replacement for the 31-year-old forward.

Ahead of the transfer on Friday, Howe said: “Hopefully, we’re planning to replace him.

“Certainly, from my side, there was no thought of letting a player go and not replacing [them]. I think that would leave us dangerously short of players.”

Howe acknowledged the club were now in a “difficult situation” in the transfer market but recognised Wood’s departure represented “a very good deal financially”.