Football-soccer

FA Cup

Wolves beat rivals West Brom in the Black Country Derby 2-0, the game was stopped for 20 minutes due to crowd violence inside the stadium

More round of 16 action from AFCON …

Mohamed Bayo headed a 98th-minute winner as Guinea reached the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over neighbours Equatorial Guinea, who had missed a penalty midway through the second half. With the game looking to be heading to extra time, Bayo’s goal came in the final minute of added time. Clocked at 97 minutes and 38 seconds, it was the latest winning goal in a knockout match in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Awaiting them in the quarter-finals is Democratic Republic of Congo, thanks in large part to goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi who scored the 18th penalty of a nerve-shredding shoot-out against Egypt following a 1-1 draw after extra time. DRC had taken the lead in the first half before Egypt equalised on the stroke of halftime. After that it was a stalemate until the penalty shootout. With the score at 7-7 it was down to the two goalkeepers. Egypt’s goalie Mohammed Gabal went first and hit the crossbar, meaning DRC would win if Mpasi scored his, which he did. Egypt, who will feel hard done by, having also lost the 2021 AFCON final on penalties, go home, while DRC move on to the quarter-finals.

Maidstone are the first club from outside the top five tiers of English football to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup since 1978. One of their goalscorers, Lamar Reynolds, actually works as a support worker for young adults with autism

At AFCON …

The holders, Senegal, met the hosts, Ivory Coast, in a dramatic round of 16 clash last night … with Ivory Coast sneaking through on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Not bad for a side who had actually sacked their manager last week when they’d mistakenly believed they’d been eliminated from the tournament! Senegal made a dream start when former Liverpool striker Sadio Mane crossed for Habib Diallo to score in only the fourth minute. It remained 1-0 right up until the 86th minute when Ivory Coast were awarded a penalty, converted by Franck Kessie … and it was Kessie who stepped up again to score the winning penalty in the shootout to seal an extraordinary victory for the hosts, who redeemed themselves after a humiliating group-stage display which had included a record 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. The Elephants' quarter-final will pit them against Mali or Burkina Faso.

In last night’s other game Cape Verde scored an 88th minute penalty to break the stalemate against Mauritania. Their quarter-final opponents will be either Morocco or South Africa.

Another shock at AFCON … and another early exit for one of the pre-tournament favourites. This time it was Morocco, the top-ranked African team in the FIFA rankings who just over 12 months ago reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, but last night lost 2-0 to South Africa.

VAR judged Evidence Makgopa to be onside as he produced a neat finish to score the opener for ‘Bafana Bafana’ in the 57th minute. Morocco had a golden opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute but Achraf Hakimi struck the crossbar. Morocco’s Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was sent off in extra time before Teboho Mokoena curled in a classy free-kick to confirm the upset.

South Africa now play Cape Verde in the quarter-finals.

Mali booked their quarter-final meeting with hosts Ivory Coast by holding on to beat Burkina Faso 2-1. They were gifted an early lead by an own goal, doubled their advantage early in the second half, but only survived when a last minute Burkina Faso equaliser was ruled out for offside.

Tuesdays Premier League review

Arsenal went second in the table with a 2-1 win away against Nottingham Forest. Arsenal had to wait until the second half to take the lead with a goal from Gabriel Jesus in the 65th minute, bukayp Saka added the second seven minutes later, Forster got a goal back in the 89th minute through Taiwo Awoniyi.

Everton dropped into the relegation zone with a 0-0 draw away to to Fulham, Fulham moved up to 12th.

Luton moved out of the relegation zone and into 17th with a outstanding 4-0 at home to Brighton, Luton were 2-0 after just three minutes, Elijah Adebayo with the goal after just 18 seconds, Chiedozie Ogbene added their second two minutes later. Adebayo got his second and Luton’s third of the night three minutes before half time to send Luton in 3-0 at the break. Adebayo got this third of the match in the 56 minutes to make it 4-0. The defeat drops Brighton down to 8th place.

Crystal place got the better of Sheffield United winning 3-2 at Selhurst Park. Ben Brereton Diaz put the away side 1-0 after just 20 seconds, Ebetechi Eze made it 1-1 in the 17th minute, James McAtee put the visitors back in the lead three minutes later. Eze scored his second of the night ten minutes later to make it 2-2. The winning goal came in the 67th minute through Michael Olise, Crystal Palace move up to 14th while Sheffield United remain bottom on 10 points from 22 games.

Newcastle United ended a run of four defeats in a row by beating Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park. Fabian Schär scored two goals in four minutes the first coming in the 32nd minute to send the away side in 2-0 at half time. Alex Moreno scored an own goal to make it 3-0 to the Magpies, Ollie Watkins pulled one back in the 71st minute for the home side but the game would finish 3-1, Newcastle up to 7th while Villa remain in 4th.

Premier League Review Wednesday games

Erling Haarland made his first appearance since been injured on December 6th but wasn’t on the score sheet as Manchester City beat Burnley 3-1 at the Etihad. Julian Álvarez with Two goals helping City to all three points, Álvarez scored his first goal after 16 minutes and got his second after 22 minutes, Rodri added a third in the 46th minute, Burnley got a consolation goal in the 93rd minute from Ameen Al Dakhil, Man City up to 2nd while Burnley remain 19th on 12 points.

Goals from Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson and Richarlison help Tottenham to a 3-2 win over Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Brentford went on at half time 1-0up with a goal
From Neal Maupay in the 15th minute. Tottenham were level three minutes after the half time break when Udogie put the ball I the back of the net and spurs were 2-1 a minute later when Johnson scored. Richarlison made it 3-1 in the 56th minute, Ivan Toney pulled one back for Brentford in the 67th minute to make it 3-2, but that’s how the game ended. Tottenham up to 4th, Brentford remain in 15th.

Chelsea had a night to forget as they lost 4-1 away to Liverpool, Diogo Jota with the opening goal after 23 minutes, Conor Bradley added a second in the 39th minute to send Liverpool in 2-0 at half time. Dominic Szobszlai added a third for the Reds. Chelsea got a goal back in the 71st minute Christopher Nkunku with the goal. Liverpool scored their 4th to make it 4-1 the goal coming from Luis Diaz. Liverpool remain top of the league, Chelsea stay in 10th.

Conor Bradley was amazing last night

Thursdays Premier League Review

West Ham United and Bournemouth shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium, the away side scored first inside the first three minutes when Dominic Solanke put the ball in the back off the net after a miss placed back pass from Kalvin Phillips who was making is debut for West Ham after signing on loan from Manchester City. West Ham got a goal back in the second half when James Ward-Prowse scored from the spot on in the 61st minute,the draw leaves West Ham in 6th while Bournemouth move up to 12th.

Manchester United scored a 97th minute winner to beat Wolverhampton away. United were winning 2-0 at half time thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford after 5 minutes and Rasmus Højlund in the 22nd minute. Pablo Sarabia pulled a goal back for wolves from the spot in the 71st minuet, Scott McTominay made it 3-1 to United four minutes later, Max Kilman pulled another goal back for wolves in the 85th minute to make it 3-2, Pedro Neto made it 3-3 in the 95th minute and wolves thought they had rescued a point but United found the winner in the 97th minute through 18 year old Kobbie Mainoo. Wolves remain 11th, Man Utd up to 7th.

Quarter final stage at AFCON …

A first-half goal from former England under-21 international Ademola Lookman was enough to help Nigeria overcome Angola and reach the semi-finals. The 1-0 scoreline flattered Angola, who were second best for long periods of the game, and were fortunate not to lose by more when Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen had a 75th-minute header ruled out for offside by VAR. Nigeria will now face the winner of Saturday's quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa in the last four next Wednesday.

DR Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1 and book their semi-final spot. Guinea took the lead from a 20th minute penalty but DR Congo were level within seven minutes and claimed the win with two goals in the second half. It was their first ‘real time’ win in the tournament, having beaten Egypt on penalties in the previous round. They will now face either Mali or hosts Ivory Coast.

Saturday Premier League Preview

Jarrad Branthwaite scored deep into stoppage time to rescue a point for Everton against Tottenham at Goodison Park, Richarlison opened the scoring for Spurs after 4 minutes, Everton found them self’s level on the half hour mark jack Harrison scoring. Tottenham went in 2-1 at half time as Richarlison got his second goal in the 41st minute. It looked like Tottenham were going to take all three points but Branthwaites goal meant that the points were shared. Everton remain in 18th Tottenham down to 6th.

The Seagulls beat the Eagles as Brighton beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at the Amex Lewis Dunk with the opener after 3 minutes. Brighton found themselves 2-0 when Jack Hinshelwood headed in, in the 33rd minute a minute later it was 3-0 Fucundo Buonanotte with the goal. Palace got a goal back in the 71st minute Jean-Philippe Mateta heading in the goal. Brighton made it 4-1 in the 85h minute João Pedro with the goal. Brighton up to 7th, Palace remain in 14th.

A late goal at Turf Moor earned a point for Burnley as they drew 2-2 with Fulham. The away side had been 2-0 up and looked to be taking all three points but two goals from David Dayton Fofana rescued a point for the home side. Fulham took the lead when João Palhinha scored in the 17th minute, Rodrigo Muniz Carvalho scored Fulham’s second in the 21st minute. Burnley didn’t score until the 71st minute Fofana getting his first of the day and then scored his second in the 91st. Burnley remain in 19th Fulham up to 12th.

Newcastle rescued a point as they drew 4-4 with Luton at St James Park, Sean Longstaff opened the scoring for the home side after 7 minutes. Gabriel Oslo got Luton’s equaliser in the 21st minute, Newcastle were back in the lead two minutes later Longstaff with his second goal of the game. Ross Barkley scored Luton’s second in the 40th minute to send the teams in level at the break. Luton took the lead from the spot in the 59th minute Carlton Morris converting from the spot, Luton then went 4-2 up three minutes later through Elijah Adebayo. Newcastle pulled one back five minutes later to make it 4-3 Kieron Trippier with the goal, Harvey Barnes made it 4-4 in the 73rd minute. The draw means Newcastle drop to 9th while Luton move up to 16th.

Sheffield United had a night to forget as they lost 5-0 at hime to Aston Villa. Villa raced into a 4-0 lead inside just 30 minutes. John McGinn opened the scoring in the 12th minute, Ollie Watkins added a second in the 16th, Leon Bailey made it 3-0 in the 20th minute and Youri Tielemans made in 4-0 in the 30th. Alex Moreno made it 5-0 in the 47th minute and it looked like it could have been another record defeat but the game would end 5-0. Sheffield United remain bottom with 10 points and a -40 goal difference, Villa up to 4th.

Saturday saw the two remaining quarter-finals played …

Host nation Ivory Coast, who has sacked their manager earlier in the tournament, produced another amazing escape act as Oumar Diakite's 122nd-minute winner sent them through to the semi-finals at heartbroken Mali's expense. Mali had taken the lead in the first half and Ivory Coast had played most of the game with ten men, but it was a night of last minute goals as first the Elephants equalised right on 90 minutes through Simon Adingra's opportunistic finish - and then won it with virtually the last kick of extra time when Diakite diverted home Seko Fofana's shot. Unsavoury scenes followed the final whistle as several Mali players surrounded the referee, and Hamari Traore was shown a red card for taking his protests too far.

The hero for South Africa was goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams who produced the save of the tournament to tip Gilson Benchimol's first-time strike against the woodwork in the final moments of normal time and then saved four penalties in the shootout that followed extra-time to help South Africa reach the semi-finals following a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

The semi-finals, to be played on Wednesday are Nigeria v South Africa, and Ivory Coast v DR Congo.

Ronwen Williams was indeed the hero in the penalty shootout against Cape Verde saving four.

Premier League Sunday Review

Bournemouth and Nottingham Forrest shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Bournemouth took an early lead thanks to a goal in the 5th minute from Justin Kluivert, Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the equaliser in the stoke of half time. Bournemouth up to 12, Nottingham Forest up to 16th.

Wolverhampton took all three points when they traveled to Chelsea. Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 19th minute but wolves were level three minutes later through Matheus Cunha, Axel Disasi own goal put wolves 2-1 up in the 43rd minute. Cunha got his second goal in the 63rd minute to make it 3-1 Cunha got his third from the spot in the 82nd minute to make it 4-1, Chelsea got a goal back through Thiago Silva in the 86th minute but it was too late for a come back. Chelsea down to 11th Wolves up to 10th.

Alejandro Garnacho scored twice as Manchester United beat West Ham United 3-0. Rasmus Højlund opened the scoring in the 21st minute, Garnacho got his first goal in the 49th minute then got his second in the 84th minute. Man Utd up to 6th West Ham down to 7th.

Arsenal got the better of Liverpool in a 3-1 win at the Emirates, Bukayo Saka with the first goal in the 14th minute a Gabriel own goal pulled Liverpool level in first half stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli out the Gunners back in front in the 67th minute. Liverpool had Ibrihima Konaté sent off for a second bookable offence in the 88th minute Leandro Trossard made it 3-1 in the 92nd minute. Arsenal up to 2nd Liverpool remain 1st.

Wednesday was semi-final night at AFCON …

The first semi-final between Nigeria and South Africa finished 1-1 following a remarkable end to normal time which involved the referee disallowing a Victor Osimhen strike which would have put Nigeria 2-0 up - and instead going back to award a penalty to South Africa. Teboho Mokoena converted the 90th minute penalty to send the game into extra time … which ended goalless. In a cruel twist Mokoena was one of two South African players to see their shootout spot-kicks saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali before Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty to ensure the Super Eagles reached Sunday's final …

… where they will meet hosts Ivory Coast (yes, the same Ivory Coast who had sacked their manager when they mistakenly believed they had failed to qualify from the group stage!) who reached the final after a cagey 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. The winning goal came in the 65th minute when Sebastian Haller's volley bounced down into the ground and up over DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

So the final on Sunday night is Ivory Coast v Nigeria.

Saturday Premier league preview

Manchester City take on Everton in the lunch time kickoff. Manchester City are unbeaten in 13 Ptemier League meetings against Everton winning 11 and drawing 2. Manchester City haven’t lost to home in 21 games winning 17 and drawing 4, their last defeat was in November 2022.

Fulham play Bournemouth, Fulham's only victory in the past 13 league meetings was by 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium in April 2019. Bournemouth are unbeaten in eight league matches away to the Cottagers (W4, D4) since losing 2-0 in the third tier in April 1992, when Gary Brazil and Sean Farrell both scored.

Liverpool play Burnley, Liverpool have won eight of the past 10 Premier League meetings, including each of the last four without conceding. Burnley's 1-0 victory at Anfield in January 2021 was their first at the stadium since 1973 and also ended Liverpool's 68-game unbeaten home league run. The Clarets have scored the opening goal in four of their six most recent visits to Anfield.

Luton play Sheffield united, Luton are unbeaten in their past four home league games against Sheffield United (W1, D3). The Hatters won 2-1 the last time they hosted the Blades in a top-flight fixture 32 years ago. Sheffield United could lose both league meetings against Luton in a season for the first time since 1976-77.

Tottenham play Brighton, Tottenham have won six of their past seven home league games against Brighton, the exception being a 1-0 defeat in April 2022. The Seagulls are looking to win back-to-back league matches against Spurs for the first time. Roberto De Zerbi's side won 4-2 at the Amex Stadium in December - the first time they had scored four or more goals against Tottenham in any competition.

Wolves play Brentford, Wolves and Brentford meet for the fourth time in the space of 45 days. Wolves won 4-1 in the reverse Premier League fixture on 27 December and by 3-2 after extra time in an FA Cup replay at Molineux following a 1-1 draw. Brentford's solitary victory in the past 11 meetings in all competitions was by 2-0 away in the Premier League in September 2021 (D3, L7).

Nottingham Forest play Newcastle United at Tea Time. Nottingham Forest earned their first Premier League win against Newcastle at the 11th attempt in Boxing Day's reverse fixture. Following that 3-1 victory, Forest can do the league double over Newcastle for the first time since their 1977-78 title-winning season. Newcastle are unbeaten in seven top-flight visits to the City Ground since a 2-1 defeat there in May 1987.

Fixtures kickoffs GMT

Man City v Everton 12:30
Fulham v Bournemouth 15:00
Liverpool v Burnley 15:00
Luton v Sheff Utd 15:00
Tottenham v Brighton 15:00
Wolves v Brentford 15:00
Nottm Forest v Newcastle 17:30


How it stands

Sebastien Haller was the hero again as Ivory Coast came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 and win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil. The striker, who had also netted the semi-final winner just 18 months after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, flicked in Simon Adingra’s cross with just nine minutes remaining to complete a second-half comeback and spark wild celebrations in Abidjan.

Defender William Troost-Ekong had put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before the end of a cagey first half when he rose highest to powerfully head in from nine yards out following a corner. But instead of pushing on, Nigeria settled into retreat and defend mode, enabling Ivory Coast to wrestle back the initiative. Franck Kessie nodded in the equaliser in the 62nd minute before Haller scored the decisive goal.

Victory meant that after a remarkable run to the final, which included the sacking of coach Jean-Louis Gasset after two defeats in the group stage, the Ivorians clinched a third continental title, becoming the first tournament hosts to triumph since Egypt lifted the trophy in 2006.

Premier League Review

Erling Haaland scored his first goals since November scoring two as Manchester City beat Everton 2-0 at the Ethihad. Everton managed to hold out till the 71st minute then got his second in the 85th minute. Man City stay 2nd and Everton remain 18th.

Fulham beat Bournemouth 3-1, Bobby De Cordova-Reid with the opener in the 6th minute. Rodrigo Muniz Carvalho made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute. Marcos Senesi pulled a goal back for Bournemouth in the 50th minute but Fulham restored their two goal cushion two minutes later Carvalho with his second. Fulham up to 12th, Bournemouth down to 13th.

Liverpool beat Burnley 3-1 at Anfield, Diogo Jota with the opener after 31 minutes. Burnley were level before half time Dara O’Shea with a goal in the 45th minute. Luis Díaz restored Liverpools lead in the 52nd minute, Darwin Núñez made it 3-1in the 79th minute. Liverpool stay top Burnley 19th.

Sheffield United got a vital win away against relegation rivals Luton beating them 3-1. Sheffield United took a two goal lead with goals from Cameron Archer and a James McAtee penalty in the 30th and 36th minute. Carlton Morris pulled a goal back for Luton from the spot in the 52nd minute. Vini de Souza Costa pull Sheffield United 3-1 up in the 72nd minute for the vital three points. Luton remain 17th Sheffield United 20th.

Tottenham score a 96th minute winner the win 2-1 against Brighton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Pascal Groß opened the scoring for Brighton in the 17th minute. Pape Matar Sarr got the equaliser for Tottenham in the 61st minute, Tottenham were pressing for the winner and got that in the 96th through Brennan Johnson in the 96th minute. Tottenham up to 4th Brighton down to 9th.

Brentford got a good 2-0 win way against Wolves. Christian Nørgaard with the opening goal for Brentford in the 35th minute. Ivan Toney made it 2-0 in the 77th minute to secure the three points for Brentford and deny Wolves manager Gary O’Neil a win against his old side. Wolves remain 10th Brentford up to 14th.

Newcastle won a five goal thriller away at Nottingham Forest winning 3-2. Bruno Guimarães opened the scoring after 10 minutes. Anthony Elanga got a goal back for Forest in the 26th minute, Fabian Schär put the Magpies back the the lead in the 43rd minute, Callum Hudson-Odoi made it 2-2 in the 6th minute of first half stoppage time to send the teams in 2-2 at the break. Guimarães got his is second to put the Magpies back in the lead and make it 3-2 after 66 minutes. Newcastle up to 7th Nottingham Forest remain 16th.

Arsenal thumped West Ham 6-0 which is their biggest Premier League away win. It was 0-0 up until the 32nd minute William Saliba with the first goal. Then three goals in four minutes made it 4-0, the goals been scored in the 41st, 44th and 45th minute, Bukayo Saka from the spot, Gabriel and Leandro Trossard the scorers. That’s was enough for the West Ham fans as most of the fans headed for the exits. Saka scored his 2nd and Arsenals 5th to make it 5-0 in the 63rd minute, Declan Rice scored against his old club 2 minutes later to make a 6-0 to make it an afternoon to forget for the Hammers. Arsenal stay 3rd West Ham 8th.

An 86th minute winner from Scott McTominay gave Manchester United the win away to Aston Villa. United went ahead in the 17th minute when Rasmus Højlund put the ball in the back off the net. Douglas Luiz pulled Villa back level in the 67th minute. United got the winner when McTominay rose to put away the cross from Diogo Dalot. Villa stay 5th and Man United stay 6th.

Chelsea scored 2 stoppage time goals to come from behind to win 3-1 away at Crystal Palace. Jefferson Lerma had put the home side 1-0 up after 30 minutes, Conor Gallagher put the away side level just after half time in the 47th minute. Gallagher got his second in the 91st minute to make it 2-1 three minutes later it was 3-1 Enzo Fernández scoring in the 94th to seal the comeback win. Chelsea up to 10th Palace remain 15th.

Premier League Preview

The lunch time game sees Brentford play Liverpool, Liverpool are aiming for a third consecutive win against Brentford. Last season the Bees won this fixture 3-1. Brentford have lost seven of their past nine matches but won against Wolves in their last match. Brentford have also dropped a league height 26points from winning positions. Liverpool have won five of the last six matches in the Premier League.

Burnley play Arsenal, out of 17 matches against Arsenal Burnley have only one win that was a 1-0 win at the Emirates in December 2020, they have lost 12 and drawn 4. Burnley have only scored 9 times in those 17 and have only scored one goal in those matches when they have scored. The Clarets haven’t won in 10 league fixtures against Arsenal the last victory was 2-1 in December 1973.

Fulham play Aston Villa, Fulham have won six of the last seven at home to Villa, but Villa have won four of the five most recent meetings. Fulham are unbeaten in three games winning one and drawing two. The Cottagers have won five out of the past seven home games scoring 18 goals. Aston Villa have lost three of the last four games, but are unbeaten in four away matches.

Newcastle play Bournemouth, the Magpies have taken seven points from the past three league games against Bournemouth. Bournemouth could complete a league double over Newcastle for the first time. After losing four league games in a row, Newcastle have won two of the past three.
Bournemouth haven’t won in five games drawing two and losing three.

Nottingham Forest play West Ham, West Ham can do the double over Forest in the top flight for the first time since 1968/69, West Ham won this fixture 3-2 in November. The Hammers only victory in the Premier League at the City Ground was in September 1996.

Tottenham play Wolves, Wolves have won three of the past four top-flight meetings, although two of those victories have come at Molineux. They are seeking to complete a league double over Spurs for the third time, after doing so in 1953-54 and 2009-10. Tottenhams total of nine Premier League home victories this season is bettered only by Liverpool's 10. Wolves are unbeaten in five away games in all competitions, winning three and drawing two.

The Tea time game is Manchester City v Chelsea, Chelsea haven’t beaten Man City in seven league and cup games since they beat them in the Champions League in 2021. November's 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge ended a run of six consecutive City victories in all competitions in this fixture. City are vying for a 12th consecutive win in all competitions and a seventh successive league victory. Pep Guardiola's team are unbeaten in 22 home league fixtures (W18, D4), with the 2-1 defeat by Brentford in November 2022 the only loss in their past 36 top-flight matches at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea have won six and lost six of their 12 top-flight matches since drawing 4-4 with Manchester City on 12 November. November's 4-1 win at Tottenham is their only away league victory this season against a side currently above them in the table.

Fixtures

Brentford v Liverpool 12:30
Burnley v Arsenal 15:00
Fulham v Aston Villa 15:00
Newcastle v Bournemouth 15:00
Nottm Forest v West Ham 15:00
Tottenham v Wolves 15:00
Man City v Chelsea 17:30

Premier League Preview

Aston Villa play Nottingham Forest, Nottingham Forest won the reverse fixture 2-0 in November and can beat Aston Villa home and away in the same season for the first time since 1984-85. Villa are unbeaten in seven home league games against Forest, with their only defeat in the past 14 encounters at Villa Park coming in October 1994.

Brighton take on Everton, Brighton are winless in three Premier League home games versus Everton since a 3-2 victory in October 2019. Everton could win three successive away matches against the same opponent for the first time since defeating West Bromwich Albion three times in a row between 2014 and 2016. The home team is winless in the past six Premier League meetings in this fixture - with two draws and four away victories, directly following a run of six consecutive home wins.

Crystal Palace play Burnley, There have been 15 Premier League matches between Crystal Palace and Burnley, with each team winning six. The Eagles have outscored the Clarets 19-18. Burnley's total of six Premier League wins versus Palace is their highest tally against any side other than Everton (7). The Clarets have won five of their nine top-flight away meetings against the Eagles and were unbeaten on their past three visits to Selhurst Park.

Man United play Fulham, Manchester United are unbeaten in 16 Premier League games against Fulham since a 3-0 away defeat in 2009. Fulham's solitary victory in their past 16 league visits to Old Trafford was by 3-1 in 2003. The Cottagers took the lead in their league and FA Cup fixtures away to United last season but lost both.

Bournemouth play Man City, Bournemouth haven't beaten Manchester City in any of their 19 league meetings (D2, L17), an English Football League record. City have won all 13 of their Premier League games against the Cherries - the best 100% record by one team against another in top-flight history.

Arsenal play Newcastle United, Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 Premier League home games against Newcastle - their goalless draw last season ended a run of 10 straight victories. The Magpies have failed to score in their past eight league visits to the Emirates Stadium. However, the Gunners have also failed to score in three of their last four league matches home and away against Newcastle - as many as in their previous 27. Eddie Howe's side won the reverse fixture 1-0 and are aiming to beat Arsenal home and away in a league season for the first time since 1994-95.

Fixtures

Aston Villa v Nottm Forest 15:00
Brighton v Everton 15:00
Crystal Palace v Burnley 15:00
Man Utd v Fulham 15:00
Bournemouth v Man City 17:30
Arsenal v Newcastle 20:00