Paddy’s Picks: Saturday 21st January 2023
My preview for Saturday’s Premier League games. Six games are down for decision on Saturday 21st of January 2023. It’s getting to the stage of the season were every game matters at both the top and bottom of the table. West Ham vs Everton is a massive game as both managers Frank Lampard and David Moyes are under severe pressure to keep their job.
The early game on Saturday is at Anfield as Liverpool take on Chelsea. This game used to define the winning of the title in the past but not this season as Liverpool are in ninth and Chelsea are in 10th position. It’s been easy to play against Liverpool this season as they have conceded six goals in their last two Premier League games against both Brighton and Brentford. Jurgen Klopp has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup while been manager of Liverpool but is under pressure due to been in ninth place. Chelsea new signing Mykhailo Mudryk is in the squad to make his Premier League debut at Anfield. Chelsea stopped the losing streak with a one nil win against Crystal Palace but are having a terrible season as they are currently ten points behind fourth place Newcastle. It doesn’t get any easier for Graham Potter as Chelsea could end the day in 11th place if they lose and Aston Villa win. Score prediction 1-1
Struggling AFC Bournemouth welcome Nottingham Forest to the Vitality Stadium. Gary O’ Neill is under severe pressure as Bournemouth have conceded nine goals in their last four Premier League games. Forest are coming into this game in good form as they have won their last two Premier League games against both Southampton and Leicester. Morgan Gibbs-White was outstanding against Leicester in getting two assists and his creativity will be crucial as Forest look for three wins in a row. Forest will go eight points clear of the relegation zone if they win at the Vitality Stadium. Score prediction 0-2
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is another manager that is currently under pressure to keep his job. Leicester are only two points above the relegation zone and could end the day in the bottom three if results go against them. Brighton have been outstanding this season and they have improved since Graham Potter left for Stamford Bridge. Leandro Trossard contract situation hasn’t affected Brighton’s performances as they have scored seven goals in their last two Premier League games against both Everton and Liverpool. 18 year old and Irish International Evan Ferguson has been outstanding in Brighton’s wins against both Everton and Liverpool. Score prediction 0-2
Southampton take on Unai Emery’s Aston Villa at St Mary’s. Southampton had their best week of the season as they beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, reached the EFL Cup semi-final after beating Manchester City two nil and then went to Goodison last weekend and beat Everton 2-1. James Ward-Prowse scored a remarkable free-kick in their win against Everton and they will rely on his quality at St Mary’s this weekend. Aston Villa were very fortunate to win against Leeds at Villa Park as the away side missed multiple opportunities in front of goal. AS mentioned above, Aston Villa could go into the top half if they achieve three points from this game. Score prediction 2-1
Everton travel to the London Stadium for a six pointer this weekend. Both teams are in the bottom three and both managers are on the brink of getting sacked. Both teams are struggling to score goals and it wouldn’t be a surprise if this match ended in a goalless draw. Everton ‘s next three Premier League games after this weekend are against Arsenal at home, Liverpool away and Leeds at home. This weekend could be the final game for Frank Lampard as they won’t get any wins from those three games. Declan Rice will leave West Ham in the Summer especially if The Hammers get relegated. Score prediction 0-0
The final game on Saturday is Crystal Palace versus Newcastle at Selhurst Park. Palace are struggling to score goals and needed a wonder strike from Michael Olise to get a late draw against Manchester United. Palace are currently in 12th position in the table but could still be dragged into a relegation scrap as their next three Premier League games are against Newcastle, Man United and Brighton. Newcastle’s performances have been outstanding this season but have only scored one goal in their last three Premier League games. Newcastle were lucky to win against Fulham as Aleksandar Mitrovic’s penalty was disallowed due to touching the ball twice. A good opportunity for Newcastle to put pressure on the top three with Arsenal, Man United and Man City not playing until Sunday. Score prediction 0-2
Hope you enjoy the action on Saturday.