Okay, so the Liverpool v Manchester United showdown at Anfield turned out to be anything but a classic, but there is reason to be optimistic Premier League fans!
The title race is wide open, the teams know how to defend themselves after all and we are only halfway through the 2020/21 season. But if that’s not enough to get the juices flowing, perhaps six more clashes in “Game Week 19” before an FA Cup fourth round weekend will come to the rescue.
For those of you who love fantasy football, you’ll be especially interested and if you’re not, well, you’re probably interested anyway if you’re reading this. So let’s not waste any more precious time, let’s dive into 90 minutes overviews and forecasts.
West Ham vs. West Brom
What time is the kick-off? 6:00 p.m. (GMT)
Where is it played? London stadium
TV channel? BT Sport (UK), fuboTV (US)
For starters, there’s a good old-fashioned reunion (sort of) in east London, as Sam Allardyce takes West Brom to the old club West Ham.
The Albion boss has been in charge of the Hammers for four years, bringing them back to the Premier League after a goal from Ricardo Vaz Te at Wembley, helping to re-establish them as a top-flight team.
What is the quality of Tomas Soucek?
It’s a question that has crept in more and more in recent months, as the Czech international becomes a seemingly more integral part of the West Ham squad every week.
In short, he’s very good in the air – winning more Premier League air battles than anyone to date – and has excellent stamina for a box-to-box midfielder.
He also scores goals, much to the delight of fantasy football managers around the world.
He’s now tasked with saving West Brom’s skin after a miserable start to life after promotion, and the weekend’s victory at Wolves will have done wonders for confidence. But confidence is high at West Ham under David Moyes, especially now that Michail Antonio is in good shape and leading the line. He was on the scoresheet against Burnley this weekend, and has a great chance for more joy here.
Prediction: West Ham 3-1 West Brom
Leicester v Chelsea
What time is the kick-off? 8:15 p.m. (GMT)
Where is it played? King Power Stadium
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)
Leicester’s rise among the Champions League contenders last season surprised some, but there is no doubt about Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes credentials after their superb first half of the season.
Third in the table and just two points from the top, that’s where Leicester ends up; a position that Frank Lampard and Chelsea might think they should be in, given the amount of money they’ve spent on signings this summer.
Admittedly, it takes time to alert players, but Lampard is under the pump at Stamford Bridge and must quickly freeze his side if they are to have any hope of pushing for a top-four finish. Leicester’s indifferent home form should give them cause for optimism, but the forms guide suggests Jamie Vardy and his colleagues. could be set for another Tuesday night party.
Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Chelsea
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Manchester City v Aston Villa
What time is the kick-off? 6:00 p.m. (GMT)
Where is it played? Etihad Stadium
TV channel? BT Sport (UK), fuboTV (US)
If you haven’t already noticed, Manchester City are back in goal and very well reshaped under Pep Guardiola.
Now just two points behind neighborhood rivals United, City could lead the league – albeit for a few hours – if they are able to sideline an Aston Villa side that have been riddled with issues related to the COVID-19 over the past couple of weeks.
Will Phil Foden play?
You never really know what Guardiola will do with his squad selection, but the Spaniard is a big fan of the rotation in January. Many thought Foden was unbeatable after scoring four goals in his previous six games, but he was left on the bench against Crystal Palace to ensure he could be fresh in what is potentially a more difficult test.
Expect him to start against Villa, yes.
The Villans have had to close their training ground, postpone a number of games – it will be 19 days since their last Premier League game – and have not been to the pitch since their nursery was chosen by an unnecessarily strong Liverpool in FA Cup third round. All of these indicators point to yet another home win.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Aston Villa
Fulham v Manchester United
What time is the kick-off? 8:15 p.m. (GMT)
Where is it played? Cottage Craven
TV channel? BT Sport (UK), fuboTV (US)
If City emerge victorious at the Etihad Stadium, then the pressure will be on Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to reclaim the top spot with a win over Fulham’s improvement.
The Red Devils have been exceptionally good on the road, so on paper you’d think he was a three-point banker against a team neck in a relegation battle. But Scott Parker’s chalets show they are made of harsh materials and weren’t fortunate enough not to keep Chelsea at bay this weekend after Antonee Robinson’s red card.
A point was also picked up recently against Spurs, but it may be a step too far against a team that will have the top-of-the-table carrot hanging in front of them at kick-off.
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Manchester United
Liverpool v Burnley
What time is the kick-off? 8:00 p.m. (GMT)
Where is it played? Anfield
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)
Few would have ever imagined that Liverpool – with this in front of three – would struggle in front of goal; but the reality is that Jurgen Klopp’s side have now gone three Premier League games without a goal and no longer appear to be the dominant force last season.
Yes, yes, yes, injuries played a big part in the Reds’ downfall, and there is no question that the presence of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in central defense rather than central midfield had a detrimental impact. But here all eyes will be on Messrs Salah, Firmino and Mane for Liverpool to shoot against a Burnley side doing, well, what they usually do.
Sean Dyche’s will is (probably) hopeful that courage, determination and being a total pain can save a point, but Liverpool – and Klopp – will be pumped and ready to crack their duck.
Prediction: Liverpool 4-0 Burnley
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle
What time is the kick-off? 8:00 p.m. (GMT)
Where is it played? Villa Park
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK)
Predicting and previewing Aston Villa’s second game of the week when they haven’t played their first is a little different, but we’re all used to things being a little weird now, huh?
By our calculations, Villa will have been toppled this week by an invigorated Manchester City side with their eyes riveted on the title, meaning they will be looking to get back on track against Steve Bruce’s turgid Newcastle.
The Magpies boss has been going through a rough time late, lamenting some of the personal criticism he has received from club supporters, as well as criticizing his players for being “absolutely crap” against Sheffield United.
Add to that the fact that they will arrive in the Midlands five days after playing Arsenal in the Emirates (outcome unknown at the time of writing) and things could get even darker. We know what that probably means …
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle
