21-22 Premier League Preview Week 27
After a host of midweek matches and teams playing in European competitions, a near-full Premier League fixture list is on this weekend.
The biggest shock last weekend came at the Etihad Stadium, where Spurs snatched a last-minute winner against Man City. As a result, Liverpool were able to beat Norwich and close the gap at the top of the Premier League to six points. The race for the top four is also heating up. West Ham dropped points at home against Newcastle, allowing Man United to create a four-point gap as they beat Leeds. In the relegation battle, Everton were dragged further into trouble, losing at Southampton. Norwich also slipped up again with a loss at Liverpool.
This weekend, City will have a chance to strengthen their lead with Liverpool and Chelsea competing in the EFL Cup final. The Citizens travel to Everton hoping to bounce back. Tottenham will want to keep their momentum going at out of form Leeds. United take on Watford as the Red Devils look for revenge for a thrashing at Vicarage Road earlier in the season.
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Leeds vs Tottenham
Leeds lost their third consecutive Premier League match in midweek after a 6-0 loss against Liverpool at Anfield. The result followed a 4-2 loss against Man United and a 3-0 away defeat at Everton. The Whites have also won just twice in their last 11 Premier League matches, losing seven. Following the poor form, Leeds are now only three points off the relegation places.
Tottenham were unable to build on their shock 3-2 win at Man City on Saturday and they fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss at Burnley on Wednesday. Despite the dip in form, Spurs have won three of their last five on the road. The win at Man City followed a 2-0 loss at Chelsea and wins over Watford and Leicester. Dropped points now leave the North London club seven points off the top four.
Robin Kock is doubtful for Leeds. The Whites will also be without Liam Cooper (thigh), Kalvin Phillips (thigh), Patrick Bamford (ankle), Sam Greenwood (knee) and Leo Fuhr Hjelde (knee). Spurs trio Sergio Reguilon (coronavirus) Japhet Tanganga (knee) and Oliver Skipp (groin) are doubtful.
Leeds are shipping goals and Spurs’ confidence looks low after their loss at Burnley. Both sides will desperately want a win on Saturday, which could lead to a score draw.
Man United vs Watford
Man United extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to five after Anthony Elanga’s late strike earned the Red Devils a 1-1 comeback draw at Atletico Madrid. The Champions League result followed consecutive Premier League wins. Ralf Rangnick’s side beat Brighton 2-0 at home before a 4-2 away win at Leeds. United are have been tough to beat at home in recent matches. They have won five of their last seven Premier League games at Old Trafford.
Watford couldn’t build momentum after their 1-0 away win at Aston Villa on Saturday. The Hornets returned to Vicarage Road in midweek only to lose 4-1 against Crystal Palace. Ten losses in 13 leave Roy Hodgson’s side four points from safety in 19th position. But, the Watford have fared better away recently, drawing two and winning one of their last four on the road.
Edinson Cavani is United’s only absentee with a groin injury. Watford pair Joao Pedro and Juraj Kucka will face late fitness tests. Peter Etebo is doubtful due to a lack of fitness and Nicolas Nkoulou is out with a thigh injury.
United are too strong at home and they should record a comfortable victory over a Watford side that is really struggling in the Premier League.
Brentford vs Newcastle
Despite ending their six-match losing streak with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace two weeks ago, the Bees then lost their next match 2-1 at Arsenal. Six defeats in seven leave Thomas Frank’s side as the most out of form side in the Premier League, with one point from their last 21 available. Home form has given Brentford some breathing space this season. Four of their six top-flight victories have come in West London.
Newcastle’s revival continued on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at West Ham. The Magpies were resilient, holding the Hammers despite several first-team players out with injuries. The Magpies are now unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches and they had won their previous three before the tie in East London.
Christian Eriksen, Ivan Toney and Mathias Jorgensen could be in contention for Brentford. Julian Jeanvier (knee), Tarique Fosu (thigh) and Mathias Jensen (knee) are out. For Newcastle, Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin could return to the squad. But, Matt Ritchie (knee), Javier Manquillo (ankle), Isaac Hayden (knee), Kieran Trippier (ankle), Callum Wilson (calf) and Jamal Lewis (groin) are ruled out.
With Brentford in a downward spiral and Newcastle gaining momentum with each result, an away win could take place in West London.
Everton vs Man City
Frank Lampard has been unable to generate a new manager bounce at Goodison Park. Everton fell to a 2-0 defeat at Southampton for their fifth Premier League defeat in six matches. But, the Toffees have been in better form at home recently. The Merseyside club has won their last two against Brentford (4-1) and Leeds (3-0).
Man City’s 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions was ended by a 3-2 home loss against Spurs last time out. With Liverpool winning their last two matches, City’s lead at the top of the Premier League has been cut from nine to three in recent weeks. However, Pep Guardiola’s side remain in good shape, winning 14 of their last 16 Premier League matches. The Citizens have also won eight of their last nine on the road.
Everton duo Demarai Gray and Abdoulaye Doucoure could return from recent injuries. Tom Davies, Yerry Mina, Fabian Delph and Ben Godfrey are out with groin injuries. Gabriel Jesus and Zack Steffen may be in contention for City, but Jack Grealish (calf) is out.
Everton are in unconvincing form and the Toffees will have to expect the inevitable City response after their defeat. A City away win could be on the cards at Goodison.
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