21-22 Premier League Preview Week 22
Premier League action returns this weekend after a brief pause for the FA Cup third round. As the second half of the season kicks off, there is plenty to play for on all fronts. City has a commanding ten-point lead at the top of the table. But, second-place Chelsea will hope to close the gap as they travel to the Etihad in a crucial clash in the title race. Third-placed Liverpool will also want to keep chase as they host Brentford on Sunday.
In the race for the Champions League places, a huge fixture takes place as North London rivals Arsenal and Spurs meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. At the foot of the table, Newcastle could move out of the bottom three as they take on Watford at home, in a match that could define the Magpies’ season. Across there board, there are a host of enticing fixtures as top-flight action ramps up in 2022.
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Brighton vs Crystal Palace
Brighton came back from a goal down to beat West Brom 2-1 after extra time in the FA Cup. The result extended the Seagulls’ unbeaten run to four in all competitions after league wins against Everton (3-2), Brentford (2-0), and a 1-1 draw at Chelsea. Despite improving recent form, Brighton remains patchy at home. Graham Potter’s side have won just one of their last six Premier League matches at the Amex, drawing three and losing two,
Crystal Palace also produced a comeback win in the FA Cup third round and defeated South London rivals 2-1. The result ended a run of three straight defeats for the Eagles. Patrick Vieira’s side previously lost to Tottenham (3-0), Man United and Leeds (1-0). Only decent home form has kept the Eagles in a mid-table position. All seven points from their last five Premier League matches have come at Selhurst Park.
Lewis Dunk (knee), Yves Bissouma (thigh) and Jeremy Sarmiento (AFCON) are ruled out for Brighton. Enock Mwepu is also unlikely to feature due to a hamstring injury. Palace trio Wilfried Zaha, Jordan Ayew and Cheikhou Kouyate are on AFCON duty and unavailable. James McArthur could be available after a thigh injury.
Brighton are in better form, but they will have to be wary against a Palace side on a high from their recent rivalry win against Millwall. A low scoring draw could be on the cards.
Man City vs Chelsea
Man City extended their winning streak to seven in all competitions with a 4-1 win at Swindon on Friday. The Citizens are ten points clear at the top of the Premier League following an 11-match winning run between November and early January. Five of the wins have also come at the Etihad. During the run, City has recorded big wins against Leicester (6-3), Leeds (7-0) and Everton (3-0).
Chelsea beat Tottenham 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the EFL Cup final after a 3-0 aggregate win. The result extended the Blues’ winning streak to three following a 5-1 FA Cup win against Chesterfield and a 2-0 win over Tottenham in the EFL Cup. Premier League form has been less consistent for Thomas Tuchel’s side. The West Londoners have drawn four of their last five and their only recent win was a 3-1 victory away at Aston Villa.
City defender John Stones may return to the squad following a recent knock. But Phil Foden and Oleksandr Zinchenko are doubtful due to COVID and Riyad Mahrez is on AFCON duty. For Chelsea, Reece James (hamstring), Ben Chilwell (knee) and Trevor Chalobah (hamstring) are ruled out. Edouard Mendy is also doubtful due to COVID.
City will be well aware that a win will extend their lead atop the Premier League table. The Citizens are in top form and they may edge past their title rivals.
Newcastle vs Watford
Newcastle suffered a shock 1-0 home loss against League One side Cambridge in the FA Cup third round. The result leaves the Magpies winless in their last five matches, including four draws. The only recent point for Eddie Howe’s side came after a 1-1 home draw against Man United. But, Newcastle has only lost once in their last five at St James’ Park in the Premier League. The North-East club’s only win of the season came during this run, a 1-0 victory against Burnley.
Watford suffered their seventh straight defeat in all competitions after a disappointing 3-1 loss at Leicester in the FA Cup. The result also capped a fourth consecutive away defeat following losses at Brentford (2-1), Leicester (4-2) and Arsenal (1-0). With no point from their last six matches, Watford currently has the worst recent form of any other Premier League team in the division.
Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark and goalkeeper Karl Darlow are doubtful with knocks and Javier Manquillo is suspended. Jamal Lewis (thigh), Federico Fernandez (thigh), Callum Wilson (calf) and Isaac Hayden (knee) are ruled out. Watford duo Kiko Femenia and Emmanuel Dennis should return to the squad. William Troost-Ekong, Adam Masina and Imran Louza are all at the AFCON and unavailable. Kwadwo Baah (ankle), Ben Foster (groin), Christian Kabasele (calf), Ismaila Sarr (knee), Peter Etebo (thigh) and Nicolas Nkoulou (thigh) are also out.
Newcastle has several players returning to the squad this weekend, while Watford’s side is severely lacking key players. The Magpies could edge this one for a vital win in the relegation battle.
Tottenham vs Arsenal
Tottenham were eliminated from the EFL Cup in midweek following a 3-0 aggregate loss to Chelsea. The defeats came either side of a 3-1 comeback win against Morecambe in the FA Cup on Sunday. Despite patchy form in the cup competitions, Spurs are progressing well in the Premier League under Antonio Conte. The North London side are unbeaten in eight and they have won five of their last seven.
Arsenal fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest on Sunday as they were eliminated from the FA Cup. The result followed a 2-1 home defeat against Man City as the Citizens struck the winner in the last minute. The defeat to City ended a run of four straight wins for Mikel Arteta’s side, including big wins against Leeds (5-1) and Norwich (4-0), both away. Before the consecutive away victories, Arsenal had lost their last three at Everton, Liverpool, and Man United.
Tottenham pair Eric Dier and Steven Bergwijn should return to the squad. Cristian Romero (thigh) and Son Heung-Min (knock) are doubtful. Arsenal trio Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, and Nicolas Pepe are at the AFCON. Folarin Balogun, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Granit Xhaka are ruled out with illness.
Tottenham are strong in the Premier League, particularly at home. Conte will want an improved performance that could work against an Arsenal side reeling from a poor loss in the FA Cup.
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