Not much Premier League action this weekend, but fear not, as The Big Kick Off is still bringing you match predictions for Matchweek 30 on the matches that are taking place.
With the FA Cup taking centre stage this weekend, there are only four Premier League matches. We then have to endure another international break, meaning the Premier League won’t be back until 2nd April.
A lot has happened again in the league over the past few days. After previously looking unbeatable, Aaron Ramsdale threw his weight behind Liverpool’s title challenge last Wednesday, and with just 1 point now separating Man City and Klopp’s Reds, it looks set to be an exciting title run-in.
When you think back to a couple of months ago, City had a mammoth lead at the time. So just having a title race now is great news for us neutral fans.
Onto this week, and none of the top 3 are in action, but there are a couple of big matches with regards to a top 4 finish. Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from Wednesday’s defeat, while Spurs need to beat West Ham to keep their challenge alive.
At the bottom of the table, Leeds and Brentford are in action, looking to build on recent wins and pull away from the bottom three. Leeds get the action started tonight, when they visit Molineux to take on Bruno Lage’s side. And that’s where we start with our predictions.
Wolves v Leeds – Friday 8pm
Can Leeds build on the win over Norwich last Sunday? This is the big question, and if they can, they will be fine. If they can’t, they could be down.
The result at Elland Road last Sunday must surely tie up Norwich’s relegation spot, meaning there are only two left to play for. Last night’s win for Everton won’t have helped Leeds’ cause, so they have to start taking matters into their own hands.
Leeds had Patrick Bamford back last weekend, and keeping him fit will be essential to their survival chances.
As for Wolves, they did a typical number on Everton last Sunday. Nothing spectacular, they got their goal, and just stifled Everton, to complete a routine 1-0 win.
Bruno Lage’s team is solid. The players know their roles, and they do them well. I’m expecting an improved Leeds again tonight, but I think Wolves will be too disciplined, and too well organised.
- Verdict – WOLVES WIN
Aston Villa v Arsenal – Saturday 12.30pm
Unfortunately for Aston Villa, they haven’t really got much to play for this season. Unfortunately for Arsenal, I don’t see Steven Gerrard allowing Villa to just coast through the remainder of the season.
On form, which both teams are, I don’t think there is a great deal between the two teams. So I wouldn’t read too much into league positions here.
I really think all three results are possible here, and in these situations I often go with the draw.
- Verdict – DRAW
Leicester v Brentford – Sunday 2pm
Brentford have been my achilles heel this season. I don’t know how many times I’ve backed against them to my cost, only for them to pull a result out of the bag. And then on the flip side, on the rare occasion I’ve taken them to win, they’ve gone and lost.
They have had two massive wins recently though. To beat Norwich and then Burnley last weekend has really given them some breathing space, and means they can perhaps play in a more relaxed style again now.
Leicester’s two match winning run came to an end against Arsenal last Sunday, and now they leave me wondering if they will bounce back, or go back-to-back defeats?
It may be an unscientific way to select a match outcome, but sides like Brentford rarely win three matches running in the Premier League. I’m opposing the Bees again!
- Verdict – LEICESTER WIN
Spurs v West Ham – Sunday 4.30pm
Spurs haven’t done that badly lately, and Kane and Son finally look back to their old selves. As for the Hammers, what a night they had on Thursday when they knocked Sevilla out of the Europa League at the London Stadium.
We’ve seen it all before though. A side has an unbelievable result and then looks incredibly flat in their next outing.
Add those two opinions together, and you come up with a home win here.
- Verdict – SPURS WIN
Our Matchweek 30 Premier League Match Predictions article is written by Dean Etheridge. You contact him on LinkedIn, or see more of his work on his football betting website.