21-22 Premier League Preview Week 13
It was goals galore in the Premier League last weekend, with 36 goals across the ten top-flight fixtures. Business as usual resumed at the top of the table as Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool recorded big wins. The managerial changes also seemed to pay off as Steven Gerrard and Dean Smith won at Aston Villa and Norwich, while Eddie Howe avoided defeat in his first game in charge at Newcastle.
This weekend, some of the leading Premier League sides face-off as second-place Man City host over-achievers West Ham and table-toppers Chelsea take on Man United, who sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjær last weekend. At the foot of the table, Leeds will hope to pull away from the bottom three with a positive result at Brighton. Newcastle are still searching for their first league win, but face a tough trip to the Emirates to take on Arsenal.
All odds are from bet365 and subject to change.
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org
Arsenal vs Newcastle
Arsenal’s ten-match unbeaten run came to a crashing halt as the Gunners fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat away at Liverpool on Saturday. The North London side were completely outplayed as they had just 37% possession and five shots. It was the first time Arsenal failed to score in five consecutive matches. Despite the setback, the Gunners remain in good home form, winning six of their last seven in all competitions. They have also won their last three on the spin, including league wins against Watford (1-0) and Aston Villa (3-1).
Newcastle were denied their first Premier League win of the season after they played out an emphatic 3-3 home draw with Brentford. Eddie Howe’s side played with a new found belief and energy and came from behind twice to salvage a point at St James’ Park. Although the Magpies are still waiting for that elusive first win of the season, they have picked up plenty of draws recently. 1-1 away draws against Watford, Crystal Palace and Brighton have kept the North East side just within touching distance of safety.
Arsenal midfielders Granit Xhaka (knee) and Sead Kolasinac (ankle) are ruled out. Folarin Balogun is likely to return after illness. Newcastle defenders Paul Dummett (calf) and Fabian Schar (hamstring) are doubtful.
Arsenal will want to bounce back from their heavy defeat and keep their unbeaten home run going. They will have to be wary of a new-look Newcastle, but the Gunners should have enough to edge the Magpies.
Brighton vs Leeds
Brighton’s winless run extended to eight in all competitions following a 2-0 away defeat against Aston Villa. Despite 63% possession, the Seagulls rarely threatened with six shots and they conceded two goals late on. The result ended a two-match drawing streak following an impressive 2-2 at Anfield and a 1-1 at home against Newcastle. Graham Potter’s side have struggled for consistency at home, winning just two of their six league matches at the Amex this season.
Leeds couldn’t build on their three-match unbeaten run before the international break and they gave up a 1-0 goal lead to lose 2-1 at Tottenham on Sunday. Daniel James opened the scoring just before half time, but Marcelo Bielsa’s side were second best after the break and invited pressure. The Yorkshire side have been poor away this season, with just one win coming away at Norwich. The Whites have also struggled to keep clean sheets and they have conceded in all six of their Premier League away matches this term.
Steven Alzate (ankle) and Danny Welbeck (thigh) are sidelined for Brighton, but Robert Sanchez and Enock Mwepu should return. Leeds forwards Raphinha and Rodrigo are likely to return. Jamie Shackleton (fitness), Patrick Bamford (ankle), Robin Koch (groin), and Luke Ayling (knee) are ruled out.
Despite positive performances, Brighton struggle to see off their Premier League rivals. Leeds have dug in in recent weeks to notch some positive results and a draw is likely on the south coast.
Man City vs West Ham
Man City recorded a second consecutive win in the Premier League as they comfortably beat Everton 3-0 at the Etihad last time out. Raheem Sterling, Rodri, and Bernando Silva put Everton to the sword in a dominant performance. The result followed a 2-0 derby win against Man United and the Citizens have won four of their last five league matches. Pep Guardiola’s side have also been hard to breach at the Etihad, keeping a clean sheet in five of their six home matches in the Premier League.
West Ham’s four-match winning run in the Premier League was ended by a narrow 1-0 away loss at Wolves. David Moyes’ side struggled to re-find the blistering form that saw them score seven in their previous two as they had just eight shots. It was also the first match in eight where the Hammers failed to score in the Premier League. Despite the defeat, West Ham remain in solid away form, winning four and losing one of their last six.
City duo Kevin De Bruyne (coronavirus) and Fernan Torres (ankle) are doubtful. West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna is unlikely to feature due to a knee injury.
Man City look tough to beat on home soil and they will want to keep chase with Chelsea. West Ham showed their frailties against Wolves and the Citizens are likely to notch another home win.
Chelsea vs Man United
Chelsea are on a ten-match unbeaten run after they defeated Juventus 4-0 at home in the Champions League. Trevor Chalobah, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tim Werner all scored in a one-sided display. The result followed a comfortable 3-0 win against Leicester on Saturday, a victory that maintained the Blues’ three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Michael Carrick got off to a winning start as interim Man United boss on Tuesday as his side beat Villarreal 2-0 in the Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock with ten minutes remaining and Jadon Sancho sealed the tie with a second late on. The result ended a two-match losing streak after a shock 4-1 loss at Watford and a 2-0 home defeat to Man City.
Kai Havertz should be in contention for Chelsea. Ben Chilwell (knee), N’Golo Kante (knee), and Mateo Kovacic (thigh) are unlikely to make the squad.
Chelsea’s win against Juventus showcased their quality and confidence. They are in top form and should defeat a United side struggling on all fronts.
Relevant news
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 38
The stage is set for an enthralling finale to the 2021/22 Premier League season. Lead…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 37
Man City are on course to secure another Premier League title this season. The Citizens…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 35
The 2021/22 Premier League season is coming to a head. With just five matches left,…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 33
Fresh off the back of a breath-taking weekend of Premier League action last weekend, more…
2022 FA Cup Quarter Finals
The 2021/22 FA Cup has reached the quarter-finals with just eight teams left fighting for…
21-22 Premier League Preview Week 29
The Premier League fixtures have been coming thick and fast recently. There was a full…