21-22 Premier League Preview Week 14
It has been a frantic week in the Premier League with two consecutive matches played over the last seven days for all 20 teams. There has been little change at the top of the table, with Chelsea holding the top spot, while Man City and Liverpool trail by one and two points respectively.
Towards the foot of the table, Newcastle remain winless after 14 matches after they dropped vital points against Norwich in midweek. Norwich and Burnley are also struggling at the bottom, with both sides three points from safety. There’s plenty more action to come this weekend as all teams are back in action. A top four, London derby takes place between West Ham and Chelsea, while Liverpool and Man City face respective away trips to Wolves and Watford in their bid to keep chase at the top. There’s also a six-pointer between Newcastle and Burnley with points to be won and lost at St James’.
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West Ham vs Chelsea
West Ham were held to a 1-1 home draw against Brighton on Wednesday, extending their winless run in the Premier League to three. Thomas Soucek scored early for the Hammers and they were heading for victory before conceding a late equaliser. David Moyes’ side previously lost back-to-back top-flight matches against Wolves and Man City. However, but defeats came away and the East London side remain unbeaten in three at home, after wins against Tottenham (1-0) and Liverpool (3-2).
Chelsea extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 in mid-week with a 2-1 away win at Watford. There was a scare for the Blues after Emmanuel Dennis cancelled out Mason Mount’s opener, but Hakim Ziyech sealed the points in the second half. The Premier League leaders have won six of their last eight top-flight matches and their away form has been particularly impressive. Thomas Tuchel’s side have won their last five on the road and conceded just two goals in their seven away fixtures.
Aaron Creswell could return for West Ham, but Angelo Ogbonna (knee) is ruled out. For Chelsea, Reece James should be available after a recent knock. N’Golo Kante remains doubtful with a knee injury and Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), Mateo Kovacic (thigh) and Ben Chilwell (knee) are unavailable.
West Ham are not at their best currently and Chelsea have plenty of winning momentum behind them. A comfortable Blues victory over their London rivals is likely.
Wolves vs Liverpool
Wolves were held to a second consecutive 0-0 draw following stalemates with Norwich away and Burnley at home. Despite the dropped points, Bruno Lage’s side remain in good shape and they are unbeaten in eight of their last nine matches in the Premier League and they occupy sixth place. Home form has been a highlight for the Midlands side as they have won three of their last four following wins against Everton and Newcastle (2-1) and West Ham (1-0).
Liverpool won their fourth straight match in all competitions with a ruthless 4-1 win against their city rivals, Everton in mid-week. Jordan Henderson, Mo Salah and Diogo Jota all scored for the Reds. Since losing 3-2 to West Ham before the international break, Liverpool’s only defeat of the season, Jurgen Klopp’s side have scored four goals in their following three matches and only conceded one. The Reds have also won three of their last four away, including two 5-0 wins against Watford and Man United.
Daniel Podence and Reuben Neves could return for Wolves. Fernando Marcal (knock), Jonny Otto (knee), Pedro Neto (knee), Yerson Mosquera (thigh), Hugo Bueno (thigh) and Wily Boly (knock) are ruled out. Liverpool will be without Harvey Elliott (leg), Curtis Jones (face injury), Joe Gomes (calf), Naby Keita (thigh) and Roberto Firmino (thigh).
Despite Wolves’ decent home form, there appears to be no stopping Liverpool on current form. The Reds should keep chase with Chelsea with another away win.
Newcastle vs Burnley
Newcastle were heading towards their first win of the season against relegation rivals Norwich when they led 1-0 with 30 minutes to go through Callum Wilson’s penalty. However, Teemu Pukki fired in the equaliser in the closing stages to extend the Magpies’ winless run to 15 in all competitions. Only a run of draws has kept Newcastle from being completely adrift at the bottom of the Premier League. The Tyneside club has drawn three of their last four and their last two at St James’ Park.
Burnley have struggled to garner any real momentum following their first win of the season against Brentford (3-1) before the international break. Three consecutive draws have followed against Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Wolves, a run which leaves the Clarets three points from safety. Sean Dyce’s side remain winless away in the league this season and they have drawn four of their last five on the road.
Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie return from suspension for Newcastle. But Ciaran Clark is suspended and Paul Dummett (calf) is unavailable. For Burnley, Ashley Westwood and James Tarkowski are back from recent suspensions. Ashley Barnes remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
Both sides have shown some improvement in recent weeks, but they can’t shake off their draw-happy results. Another stalemate is expected in this crucial relegation clash.
Aston Villa vs Leicester
Aston Villa’s mini-resurgence under new boss Steven Gerrard was ended by a 2-1 home defeat against Man City. The Villans conceded two first-half goals and Ollie Watkins gave the Midland’s side hope with a second-half consolation goal. Villa previously defeated Brighton at home (2-0) before beating Crystal Palace away (2-1). The results ended Villa’s five-match losing streak in the Premier League, including losses to Wolves (3-2) and West Ham (4-1).
Leicester’s patchy form continued with a 2-2 away draw against Southampton on Wednesday. After a four-match winless run in all competitions, the Foxes have shown signs of solidity in recent weeks by winning two consecutive matches against Legia Warsaw (3-1) and Watford (4-2). The stalemate against Southampton also extended Leicester’s unbeaten run away to five in all competitions, including wins at Brentford (2-1) and Spartak Moscow (4-3).
Trezeguet, Matt Targett, and Danny Ings could be in contention for Villa. Although, Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore are ruled out with hamstring injuries. Youri Tielemans could return for Leicester this weekend, but Ricardo Pereira (thigh), James Justin (knee) and Wesley Fofana (ankle) are side-lined.
Villa are a team on the up, but Leicester don’t know when they’re beaten. Goals are expected in a score draw at Villa Park.
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