England Round 18

[spkutano]

 

[spkutano]

Brentford vs. Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Brentford:
Raya; Zanka, Mee, Pinnock; Roerslev, Dasilva, Jensen, Norgaard, Henry; Mbeumo, Wissa

Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Thiago, Fabinho, Keita; Salah, Nunez, Carvalho

Brentford welcome Liverpool to the Gtech Community Stadium on Monday evening, as the festive period in England continues. Thomas Frank's men sit in the middle of the table with 23 points. They are 10 points away from the relegation zone and I believe the fans are satisfied. At the same time Brentford are just five points from the sixth-placed Liverpool. The current form is very good, two wins and one draw on the last three matches in the Premier League. The opponents were not easy at all, but on contrary. The Bees have claimed victories over Manchester City and West Ham in their final game of 2022, while shared the points with Tottenham. The hero was Ivan Toney who scored on each of these three games. But he is rated as doubtful for this match. Toney was taken off on a stretcher in the dying embers at the London Stadium. According to some sources from the medical team, the knee injury is serious, but coach Frank is still optimistic that the striker has only suffered a minor problem. However, Toney is definitely rated as doubtful for the match with Liverpool. Three other players are sidelined - Kristoffer Ajer, Shandon Baptiste and Aaron Hickey. Striker Yoane Wissa is expected to replace Toney if necessary.

Liverpool are outside Top 4 and the fans are not satisfied. They were expecting to see their team involved in the champions battle, but the reality is quite different. At the moment, the Reds are huge 15 points behind the leaders Arsenal. The injuries of several important players could be the reason for slow start. As You probably know, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota suffered severe injuries and they are still out. Nevertheless, the actual form is good, they are in series of four victories in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp's men have beat Tottenham and Southampton before the World Cup break, as well as Aston Villa and Leicester City in December. The victory against the Foxes was very specific as all three goals were scored by Leicester players. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall put the Brendon Rodgers' side ahead after just four minutes, but Wout Faes scored two own-goals before the half-time whistle. Regarding the injury situation, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota remain out, as well as Arthur and Curtis Jones. On the positive note, James Milner and Roberto Firmino could both recover in time for this match. Fabinho missed Friday's game for the birth of his child but could now return. The club officials are active on the transfer market and signed Codi Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven. He is eligible to play here, but Klopp isn't optimistic about the club's chances of completing the paperwork in time.

Brentford vs. Liverpool Prediction:

I expect Brentford to remain unbeaten against Liverpool. The Bees already showed they have no problem to upset big names. Frank's men managed to beat Manchester City and Manchester United, while shared the points with Chelsea and Tottenham. Liverpool are in series of four victories in the Premier League, but they are far from last season's form. The Reds were lucky to beat Leicester thanks to own-goals by Faes. I don't think they are able to win this match.

Brentford vs. Liverpool Pick: Brentford +0.5 AH @ 2.58 with Pinnacle

 

[ALEXXXXXXX]

Brentford vs Liverpool

Liverpool have better stats than Brentford, with more scoring goal but less conceding goal. Besides, Liverpool got an unbeaten record from Brentford in their past head to head games, giving them the psychological advantage. Thus Liverpool are going to win.

Pick: 2

O/U Pick: Over 3

 

[spkutano]

Arsenal vs. Newcastle United Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Arsenal:
Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah

Newcastle United:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin

Arsenal welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium in a most interesting game on Tuesday. The Gunners are leaders on the table with 43 points, while the Magpies are third with 34. Arsenal ended 2022 with a 4:2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Bukayo Saka opened the result after just 66 seconds. It was Arsenal's fastest goal in the Premier League since May 2013 when Theo Walcott scored after 20 seconds versus QPR. Arteta's men had 2:0 at the half-time thanks to Martin Odegaard, while Eddie Nketiah made it 3:0 in the 47th minute. Brighton refused to give up and Kaoru Mitoma pulled one back, but Gabriel Martinelli decided the winners with Arsenal's fourth before Evan Ferguson added Brighton's second with his first league goal. At the end, it was a deserved victory for Arsenal who moved seven points clear at the top of the table as Manchester City failed to beat Everton. Arteta has some injury worries ahead of this match. The absence of striker Gabriel Jesus through a knee injury collected while on World Cup duty is a huge handicap, but seven goals scored on two matches are definitely a good sign. Reiss Nelson is also sidelined, while Emile Smith Rowe is rated as doubtful. He is recovering from a groin injury and has taken part in a few training sessions, but it seems this match come too soon for him.

Newcastle dropped two points against Leeds United. The Magpies dominated the match, created several good opportunities, had 16 shots on goal, but failed to score. Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier was also brilliant, he had many excellent saves. However, Newcastle are still third with 34 points from the opening 17 rounds. The loyal fans are dreaming about the title, so this match is very important - a defeat here will mean they are out of the battle. Even a Champions League spot will be questionable as teams like Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea are outside top four at the moment. The Magpies are in solid form and they are unbeaten in all competitions since a late defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in August. Newcastle will probably sign some new players during January transfer window as money are not a problem for new Saudi owners. Manager Edie Howe is doing a good job and the fans are satisfy, as well as the club officials. Howe has some injury issues ahead of this match as key striker Alexander Isak is still not ready to return. Four additional players are also sidelined - Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Targett, Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett. Howe could be tempted into some changes. Ex-Arsenal player Joe Willock will hope to impress against his former empoyees, but he could be sacrificed for the returning Allan Saint-Maximin, who caused Tomiyasu huge problems in the last mutual game played in May 2022.

Arsenal vs. Newcastle United Preview:

Arsenal have won each of their last 11 home matches against the Magpies across all competitions. I am sure they will attack from the very first minute. But Newcastle are different team now. The arrival of the new Saudi owners change everything. As a result, Newcastle are third on the table and they are still fighting for a trophy. They are not afraid to accept an open play. I expect an efficient match at the Emirates.

Arsenal vs. Newcastle United Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.88 with Pinnacle

 

[rateandbet]

England - Rate and Bet

Free soccer and football predictions, statistics. Compare results.

rateandbet.com

 

[spkutano]

Manchester United vs. Bournemouth Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester United:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Eriksen, Casemiro; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

Bournemouth:
Travers; Anthony, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma, Dembele; Solanke, Moore

Manchester United will try to secure another victory when they welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford on Tuesday night. The Red Devils are in series of four wins across all competitions. Three of them were obtained in the Premier League. They beat Fulham in the last match before the World Cup break. They also registered victories against Nottingham and Wolverhampton. United were successful in the EFL Cup, too. The Red Devils recorded a 2:0 win over Championship Division leaders Burnley and progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition. Their next opponents will be Charlton Athletic, so a spot in the semi-finals of the competition is widely open. About the upcoming fixtures, Manchester United will next four games play at Old Trafford, against Everton in the FA Cup, Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup and then Manchester City in the league after the clash with Bournemouth. I believe manager Erik Ten Hag is satisfy with this, although he is still concerned by the injury situation.
Axel Tuanzebe is definitely out with a long-term issue, while Jadon Sancho (fitness) and Scott McTominay (illness) remain doubts. Diogo Dalot is also rated as doubtful due to a hamstring issue that he suffered at the World Cup. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were both on the bench against Wolves after recovering from illness. At least one of them should replace Shaw in the heart of the defense. Marcus Rashford was dropped from the starting eleven against Wolverhampton after being late for a team meeting, but the striker should be back in the team after impressing on the same match. Lisandro Martinez is ready to start following his return from the World Cup.

Bournemouth have collect 16 points and sit outside the relegation zone. But they are just two points away from 18th-placed Nottingham and are at risk of dropping below the "red" line. The Cherries have lost six of their previous seven league games and the players confidence is low. Playing away from home seems a big problem and they managed to collect just five points so far. Only two sides are worse, West Ham (4 points) and Nottingham (2 points). It is clear what's the biggest problem for the manager Gary O'Neil - poor defense. Bournemouth have the worst defensive record in the Premier League this season, having conceded 36 times. O'Neil, who started as interim coach, but now signed a permanent deal, is under big pressure. In addition, he also has some injury issues. Philip Billing withdrew in the first half of the defeat to Crystal Palace due to a hip problem and he is rated as highly doubtful. Siriki Dembele is likely to take his spot in the midfield if necessary. David Brooks and Neto remain sidelined, while the match is likely to come too soon for Ryan Fredericks, Junior Stanislas and Marcus Tavernier. The former Liverpool player Dominic Solanke should lead the line.

Manchester United vs. Bournemouth Prediction:

Manchester United are in series of three victories in the Premier League. The players confidence is higher and this is very important. Ten Hag is a good coach and he managed to establish his authority. I think the results will come in the next period. Bournemouth are in awful form, they lost six of the last seven league matches, including the two played after the World Cup break. The Red and Blacks suffered a high 5:2 defeat when they last visited to Old Trafford in July 2020. I expect something similar again.

Manchester United vs. Bournemouth Pick: Manchester United -1.5 AH @ 1.76 with Pinnacle

 

[spkutano]

Brentford vs. Liverpool Pick: Brentford +0.5 AH @ 2.58 with Pinnacle

3-1

 

[spkutano]

Aston Villa vs. Wolverhampton Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Aston Villa:
Martinez; Young, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Chambers; Buendia, Watkins, Bailey

Wolverhampton Wanderers:
Sa; Semedo, Kilman, Collins, Bueno; Nunes, Neves, Moutinho; Traore, Jimenez, Podence

Aston Villa welcome local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers to Birmingham on Wednesday night. Unai Emery's men were impressive in the previous round when secured a 2:0 away win. That's the most important triumph for the new manager Unai Emeri who replaced Steven Gerrard. The Spaniard started with two victories in the Premier League, beating Manchester United and Brighton. In the meantime the Villans lost to Liverpool, but didn't disappoint. Collecting nine points and scoring eight goals from their first four Premier League games in charge under Emery have pleased the fans. Emery will try to earn the fourth win, but it won't be easy. World Cup hero Emiliano Martinez is available, but he was only a reserve against Tottenham. The Argentinian goalkeeper remains at the center of controversy due to his behavior during the Albiceleste celebrations. Emery has two big problems as midfield duo McGinn and Luiz both had to be withdrawn in the match against Tottenham after sustaining thigh and ankle injuries. They are rated as doubtful, but Jacob Ramsey and Diego Carlos are definitely sidelined. The former Wolves player Leander Dendoncker is also an injury doubt. Calum Chambers, Morgan Sanson or Philippe Coutinho could be named in the starting eleven if necessary.

Wolverhampton are in poor form. The Wanderers have lost three of their last four matches. The players confidence is lower and that's a huge problem. Looking only to the matches played after the World Cup break, one win and one defeat don't look bad. The Wolves managed to beat Everton, but narrowly lost to Manchester United during the weekend. Manager Julen Lopetegui could be satisfy with his players performance, but that's not enough. Wolverhampton are desperate for points as they are in the drop zone, deeply involved in the relegation battle. Lopetegui has no fresh injury or suspension worries, but the attacking trio of Sasa Kalajdzic, Pedro Neto and Chiquinho remain sidelined. Adama Traore, who impressed on the last match, could displace Hwang Hee-chan here. Veteran striker Diego Costa, who has gone eight Premier League games without netting for Wolves, could see his starting place under threat, particularly because Matheus Cunha has now completed his loan-move from Atletico Madrid. Nevertheless, the most probable scenario is the Brazilian to come as a substitute in the second half.

Aston Villa vs. Wolverhampton Prediction:

According to some "conspiracy theories" Aston Villa have a problem when play against teams on letter "W". Indeed, the Villans have remarkably suffered seven consecutive Premier League defeats to teams beginning with the letter W in Watford, Wolverhampton and West Ham. However, I don't believe in such things and I expect Aston Villa to win this match. They played much better under Emery and won three of the four games under his guidance. The Wolves are in the drop zone and the players feel big pressure. I believe Aston Villa will collect the points.

Aston Villa vs. Wolverhampton Pick: Aston Villa to win @ 1.98 with Pinnacle

 

[spkutano]

Arsenal vs. Newcastle United Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.88 with Pinnacle

0-0

 

[spkutano]

Manchester United vs. Bournemouth Pick: Manchester United -1.5 AH @ 1.76 with Pinnacle

3-0

 

[spkutano]

Chelsea vs. Manchester City Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Chelsea:
Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Kovacic, Zakaria; Sterling, Mount, Pulisic; Aubameyang

Manchester City:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Cancelo; Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Silva, Haaland, Foden

Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge for Thursday's Premier League battle. The Blues are out of form, they have just one win on the last seven league fixtures, which have left them in 10th place in the table. Three defeats in November increased the pressure on manager Graham Potter. It seems the World Cup break came in the right moment. Chelsea registered a 2:0 home win against Bournemouth in the last match in 2022, but dropped two points against Nottingham in the first match of 2023. The atmosphere in the squad is far from desired, while the players confidence is questionable. Huge 10 points separate Chelsea from a place in the top four and the fans are frustrated. In addition, Potter has some injury worries ahead of this match. N'Golo Kante remain out after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury. Armando Broja and Reece James are also sidelined through injuries. Wesley Fofana is unlikely to make the cut here either, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ben Chilwell are rated as doubtful. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is also doubtful with a shoulder injury, but that's not a big problem as Kepa is first option at the moment.

Manchester City are on the second place with 36 points. The Citizens are eight points behind the leaders Arsenal, but have a chance to cut the difference to five as the Gunners played a goalless draw with Newcastle on Tuesday. That is why this match is very important. In the last round City dropped two points against poor Everton. It was a battle between "cat and mouse" and City recorded 76 percent possession. They also had 16 shots, while the Toffees only two. Just one of these two was on target and Demarai Gray's effort resulted with goal that costed the reigning champions two points. The home fans left the Etihad frustrated. Guardiola has most of his players available, only two are injured - Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias. Argentinian international Julian Alvarez returned off the bench against Everton and could start here. Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo, Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan are also pushing for a starting spot. Pep gave two opposite comments about Kalvin Phillips. First he said the player returned from the World Cup overweight, but then hailed the midfielder "perfect body."

Chelsea vs. Manchester City Prediction:

I expect Manchester City to win the derby. Chelsea looked very bad against Nottingham in the last match. Even Potter admitted that he was left "concerned" by the manner of his side's performance at the City Ground. Plus, Manchester City have a player able to make a difference - Erling Braut Haaland.

Chelsea vs. Manchester City Pick: Manchester City to win @ 1.65 with Pinnacle