Our Predictions Ahead Of Premier League GW27

With just over ten games to go before the season ends, things are starting to take shape at both ends of the table. Here are our predictions ahead of another crucial round of Premier League fixtures:

Brentford vs Chelsea 

Brentford host an inconsistent Chelsea side this afternoon, a highly competitive fixture in the past and one that never tends to disappoint.

 Although Brentford have struggled in their past few fixtures, I see the Bees picking up all three points here at home. Taking on a largely inconsistent Chelsea side just off the back of a cup final defeat, I can see Brentford causing some damage in this game. The link up between Neal Maupay and Ivan Toney this season since the latter has returned from his ban has been brimming with chemistry – a partnership I can see being consequential for a defence as unstable as Chelsea’s. That’s not to say that Chelsea can’t be a threat either, with their current star man Cole Palmer being the key to their attacking threats.

However, I have a strong suspicion that Brentford will pick up all three points here, and I’m predicting a close win for Thomas Frank’s side. 

Score Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Chelsea

Harvey Marwood

Everton vs West Ham

David Moyes returns to Goodison Park following a much needed win and an improved performance against Brentford on monday night. The return of Lucas Paqueta to West Ham’s 11, as well as both Kudus and Bowen firing on all cylinders mean that the Hammers have an offensive threat that has been missing for the majority of 2024.

The atmosphere around Everton however will be considerably better after their points deduction got reduced, making the club less likely to be relegated. A solid point against Brighton last time out is demonstrative of their resilience, as Sean Dyche has built a defensively resolute team who are a threat from set plays. I don’t think there will be too much in this one and I can see the Toffees securing a repeat result from last week.

Score Prediction: Everton 1-1 West Ham

Joe Simpson

Fulham vs Brighton

Marco Silva’s team stunned Old Trafford last weekend with a sensational performance capped off by an injury time winner. The Portuguese manager perhaps does not get the credit he truly deserves, having seemingly guided Fulham to safety with relative ease after many would have feared the drop at the start of the season.

Brighton on the other hand have somewhat stagnated this season, lacking consistency as their squad has been stretched thin by European football. On their day however, Roberto De Zerbi’s men can still play some of the best football in the league, making them a threat to any side thanks to the attacking prowess of Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra, and Evan Ferguson. 

This fixture should be a great battle between two sides who play expansive, attacking football. I expect a high scoring affair with the Seagulls just coming out on top.

Score Prediction: Fulham 2-3 Brighton

Joe Simpson

Newcastle vs Wolves 

Despite their proximity in the table Newcastle and Wolves are having very different seasons. Eddie Howe has done a fantastic job and there have been mitigating circumstances (injuries) but I’m not sure how long Newcastle’s new owners extend will him grace. 10th with Champions League football out of the picture and regression across the squad, it feels only a matter of time before the club’s ambitions exceed Howe’s capabilities. 

Wolves on the other hand are back in European contention and after back to back to back victories. Gary O’Neil has restored the feel good factor at Molineux, with his side playing great football and getting results. While Wolves are on the up I do predict a bump in their road this game week, a symptom of midweek FA cup action and just the general peaks and troughs of the season. 

One things for certain, nothing changes the mood like a win and that’s what I’m backing Newcastle to do. 

Score Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Wolves

Jesse Williams

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp will have been overjoyed by the character his side showed last week in the Carabao Cup final. With his squad decimated by injuries, the departing German coach had to call upon inexperienced academy products to get them over the line, and again had to do the same in the FA Cup on wednesday. 

So far, ‘Klopp’s Kids’ have stood up to the occasion and scrutiny they have found themselves in. Nottingham Forest however will test their resolve. Since the arrival of Nuno who replaced Steve Cooper as manager, Forest have looked like a dynamic side who can pose a threat to anyone when they are firing on all cylinders. The pace that the home side possess offensively means that they are a danger on the counter attack, although Liverpool’s defence is the only area where they have a lot of first team options.

Klopp’s fairytale season seems to be playing out in the best possible way for him at the moment, but I do think this could be one of his most difficult games given how stretched his squad is. I can see Liverpool slipping up here and allowing the two teams behind them back into the title race.

Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool

Joe Simpson

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

A disappointing home loss to Wolves a couple of weeks ago means that Tottenham will be champing at the bit to try and rediscover some form. Ange Postecoglou will have eyes on Aston Villa in fourth spot as he aims to get Spurs back into European football next season.

His opponents on Saturday however will not make it easy for them. Oliver Glasner has taken over at the helm of Crystal Palace who are enjoying a classic new manager bounce. Their comfortable win at home to Burnley last time out, as well as the potential return of the talismanic Eberechi Eze means that the Eagles will be confident they can get something out of this one.

In the end, I think Spurs need this result a bit more than their counterparts and I expect them to edge it, but Palace will certainly not go down without a fight.

Score Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Crystal Palace

Joe Simpson

Luton vs Aston Villa

This weekend’s Saturday evening fixture sees Luton Town host Aston Villa, a fixture that is somewhat difficult to call. 

Aston Villa obviously will be entering the game as favourites, with 3 wins in the last 5, as opposed to Luton Town’s 4 losses and one draw. However, the way in which Luton have been playing has not necessarily been reflective of the results in which Rob Edwards’ side have picked up. With the home advantage, it’s unlikely that they will sit back and let Villa take the game to them; I envision this one being a very tight contest with a vast amount of chances. 

Factoring in the home advantage and their performances of late not reflecting an accurate scoreline, I’m predicting Luton to grab at least a point here. If Ross Barkley can pluck some more strings as a talisman in this fixture, I see Luton outgunning the likes of Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey on Emery’s side.

Score Prediction : Luton 1-1 Aston Villa

Harvey Marwood

Burnley vs Bournemouth

These are two teams who are in desperate need of a positive result. Burnley are in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the table as Vincent Kompany’s stubbornness about his style of play may come back to haunt the Clarets. Moreover, James Trafford has not lived up to expectations in the Burnley net and was responsible for losing the game at Crystal Palace last weekend.

Bournemouth on the other hand have been playing some good stuff in recent weeks but have yet to convert this into maximum points in 2024. They pushed Manchester City all the way last week, but a lack of clinical finishing in front of goal has seen them stagnate in the Premier League and crash out of the FA Cup. 

Andoni Iraola will be hoping that Dom Solanke is fit enough to feature on Sunday having not trained this week. If the star striker can play, I think the Cherries will have enough to get over the line at Turf Moor.

Score Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Bournemouth

Joe Simpson

Manchester City vs Manchester United

On paper this should not be much of a contest between these two rivals. Erik Ten Hag will be feeling the pressure of the hot seat after the arrival of Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford at Manchester United. The loss to Fulham last week compounded United’s defensive incapabilities, but they did manage to wrestle back some momentum with an important win over Nottingham Forest in the cup. 

City meanwhile flattered to deceive against Bournemouth last weekend but showed just how deadly they could be against Luton in midweek. Erling Haaland managed to bag five goals, while Kevin De Bruyne displayed an ominous return to form. John Stones has also been showing his quality by stepping into midfield, revolutionising the centre back role under Pep.

As much as the form book goes out the window in derby games, I do believe Manchester City are the far superior team and at home I can’t see them losing this one.

Score Prediction: Manchester City 4-2 Manchester United

Joe Simpson

Sheffield United vs Arsenal 

Arsenal take on Brentford in the last game of this game week in what many will be expecting to be a procession. However there is a unique pressure the Gunners have to face which was their downfall last season. Beating teams you should beat after everyone has already played brings its own set of challenges. Fighting off complacency and nerves is a massive test of title credentials. 

While I’m sure they will give it a go, Sheffield would be happy with taking any points right now. Their form sees them rooted to the bottom of the table and the light out of that pit shines even less when Arsenal come to town. 

This 2024 Arsenal side look to be the real deal. There’s a level of mental fortitude that can only be learned by the lesson of last season and I back them to do the business.

Score Prediction: Sheffield United 0-3 Arsenal

Jesse Williams