By Chris Sampson
- Leaders Arsenal face third placed Newcastle
- Saints host Forest in relegation six-pointer
- Manchester City travel to Chelsea
UK -The relentless Premier League schedule continues with matches of huge importance at both ends of the table.
 |
Arsenal v Newcastle United, Tuesday January 3, 19.45
Tuesday night sees leaders Arsenal take on third placed Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium. Both clubs are exceeding pre-season aspirations this campaign. Arsenal were looking to re-establish themselves as Champions League qualifiers, yet they sit seven points clear at the top. Newcastle, meanwhile, possibly harboured ambitions to return to Europe via the Europa League. However, Eddie Howe’s side sit third in the table, and they must feel that Champions League qualification is a possibility.
The Gunners ended 2022 with a pulsating 4-2 success over Brighton & Hove Albion, while Howe’s side lost a bit of ground on the top two after being held to a goalless draw by Leeds United.
Mikel Arteta’s side are the only Premier League team with a 100% home record. Despite this, Nottingham Forest are the only visiting team not to score at the Emirates, so shutting out Newcastle is far from guaranteed. Especially if Callum Wilson is fit enough to start after illness. The Magpies boast the meanest defence in the league, however, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard will provide a stern test. Newcastle have only lost once all season and are unbeaten since August. Something has to give and, while Arsenal start as favourites, a score draw could be on the cards.
Prediction: Arsenal 2 Newcastle United 2.
Southampton V Nottingham Forest, Wednesday January 4, 19.30
Southampton take on Nottingham Forest at St Mary’s in a relegation six-pointer. The Saints are bottom of the table, having lost their last five Premier League matches. New boss Nathan Jones oversaw a league cup victory against Lincoln City but has yet to taste victory in the league.
Forest are only two points better off, but Steve Cooper’s side will be encouraged by coming from behind to draw with Chelsea on New Years Day. Their last six league games have seen two wins, two draws and two defeats.
Given the league positions of the teams, it is likely to be a nervy encounter, with a low scoring draw the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Southampton 1 Nottingham Forest 1
Chelsea v Manchester City, Thursday January 5, 20.00
Chelsea go into their home clash with Manchester City on the back of a disappointing second-half performance at Nottingham Forest. Graham Potter’s side led at the break but couldn’t see the game out. The Blues have lacked consistency this season. They lie eighth in the table, with three defeats in their last six league matches. They are currently seven points off a Champions League spot.
Defending Champions Manchester City also dropped points in their last outing, a one-one draw with Everton at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side have four wins from the last six, suffering a home defeat to Brentford before the World Cup. This run of results has been disappointing by their standards. And it has seen them fall seven points behind Arsenal in the title race.
Chelsea will be looking for a big performance to get their season back on track. The calibre of opposition may well bring the best out of them. Raheem Sterling may also have a point to prove against his old club. However, City will be desperate not to lose more ground to Arsenal. And with Erling Haaland in almost unstoppable form, they will probably have too much for Chelsea.
Prediction: Chelsea 1 Manchester City 2.
Matchweek 19 will be played between Monday January 2 and Thursday January 5.
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |