Premier League Preview

The International Break over with England bossing it, Scotland struggling against Kazakhstan and San Marino, the Premier League is a welcome return for all us supporters, so here is the preview to the first week after the International Week.

This Weekend’s Fixtures: (all 3pm unless stated)

Fulham v Manchester City (12.30)

Brighton v Southampton

Burnley v Wolves

Crystal Palace v Huddersfield

Leicester v Bournemouth

Manchester United v Watford

West Ham v Everton (17.30)

Cardiff v Chelsea (Sun 14.05)

Liverpool v Tottenham (Sun 16.30)

Arsenal v Newcastle (Mon 20.00)

Fulham v Manchester City

Fulham welcome Manchester City to Craven Cottage. Fulham pretty much guaranteed relegation going in without a point there last 5. Man City completely contrasting with 5 wins from 5. Man City will hopefully see key players like Kevin De Bruyne, John Stone and David Silva all training this week with the city team as well as star like Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker return from International Duty. For Fulham, Alfie Mawson and Marcus Bettinelli both won't be back and Andre Schurrle doubtful after having a virus. Scott Parker's side faces a tough test against a City side I doubt they'd get anything out of it

Melton's Prediction: 1-3

Brighton v Southampton

Down to Sussex for this South Coast clash these fellow strugglers, both teams generally in okay form, both with 2 wins in their last 5 games. Brighton with no players certain of missing the game but Andone, Gross, Kayal and Propper all doubtful through injury. Southampton will definitely without Obafemi through injury and may also probably have both Ings, Long and Lemina missing as well. Generally likely to lack any kind of excitement but knowing me saying that will probably be the best game this weekend.

Melton's Prediction: 0-0

Burnley v Wolves

Burnley, two points of the drop zone, play Wolves currently 7th. Wolves form is slightly lacking with 6 points from their last 5 games. Burnley, however are on a 4 game losing streak. Burnley have both Lennon and Defour missing due to injury but other than that, no major selection issues. Wolves just have Ryan Bennett suspended and no injury problems so no selection problem either. Wolves in better form and are pushing for Europa League spot but this could be a game Burnley buck up their ideas and try to force themselves away from the drop zone, will be tight but Wolves should nick it.

Melton's Prediction: 0-1

Crystal Palace v Huddersfield

14th place Palace play bottom of the League Huddersfield. Palace have 7 points in the last 5 game however should be firm favourites against struggling Huddersfield who were unlucky in their last game against West Ham losing 4-3. However there last win was 4 games ago. Palace should be without Souare, Sakho and Sako due to injury with Wan-Bissaka doubtful for the clash. Puncheon ineligible for the game against his parent club. Along with key players like Schindler, Depoitre and Rowe doubtful due to injury. Generally tough to predict and can see both teams getting 3 points but I think the points will be shared.

Melton’s Prediction: 1-1

Leicester City v AFC Bournemouth

The Cherries travel to the East Midlands in this mid-table game. Leicester go in with the better form but both have lost 2 in there 5. Leicester will be without Amartey and Albrighton due to injury and will also miss Harry Maguire due to suspension. Bournemouth will be without both Lewis and Steve Cook, Andrew Surman and Simon Francis with Junior Stanislas, Ryan Gosling doubtful. A game that lacks really any meaning but a game with both teams should be up for. Generally think Bournemouth can nick this.

Melton’s Prediction: 1-2

Manchester United v Watford

Old Trafford plays host to this interesting fixture. Man United push for a top 4 spot are in good form despite losing their most game. A bonus may also be the confirmation of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting the job permanently. Watford, who are also battling for Europa League football have 3 wins and 2 losses in their last 5 games. United will defenetly be without Alexis Sanchez due to injury and are likely to be without Rashford, Lukaku, Martial and Matic due to injury. Watford have no major injury problem but may be without Holebas due to injury. Easy game to call in my opinion which is a shame but I think Man United will have more than enough to brush Watford aside.

Melton’s Prediction: 3-0

West Ham United v Everton

Another mid-table game as Everton visits the London Stadium. Both teams are in similar form before this clash. The Hammers are certain to without Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll because of injury. Everton are likely to be without Mina, Jagielka, Andre Gomes and Digne. Likely to be a low key affair and probably will be a draw

Melton’s Prediction: 1-1

Cardiff City v Chelsea

Super Sunday kicks off in South Wales as Cardiff host Chelsea. Chelsea, currently in 6th have ok form picking up 4 points in their last 3 games, in contrast, Cardiff have just 3 points in their last 4 games but did win the last game before the International Break. Cardiff will be without Sol Bamba through injury as well as Harry Arter again through injury. Nothing major for the Chelsea team with no selection issues. Chelsea should be disappointed with anything less than a win, especially put 4 past Cardiff in the reverse fixture. Chelsea should have too much for Cardiff.

Melton’s Prediction: 1-4

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspurs

The final game of March will be 1st v 3rd as Liverpool play hosts to Spurs. Liverpool are in good form unbeaten in their last 5 though there is 2 draws in there. Tottenham, despite a good start have dropped off the pace. Both teams have important Champions League fixtures coming up also. For Liverpool, Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both missing due to injury and may also see Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri unlikely to feature as well. For Spurs, Eric Dier, Vincent Janssen and Serge Aurier would play as are all injuried. Liverpool are very strong at home and are probably Spurs at the best time due to their poor form. Can see it ending up a easy victory for Spurs.

Melton’s Prediction: 2-0

Arsenal v Newcastle United

Final game of the weekend is on Monday night as the Emirates. Arsenal in good form picking up 13 points from their last 5 games will look forward to host Newcastle who have 10 points in their last 5 games. Arsenal have a few players injured including Welbeck, Bellerin and Monreal as well as Lucas Torreira being suspended. Newcastle hasn’t got many injury worries but may see Lascelles not feature. Arsenal will have one eye on what United do Saturday. Newcastle are picking up form but I think Arsenal should have too much them at home.

Melton’s Prediction: 2-1

Review

Fulham v Man City: 1-3

Brighton v Southampton: 0-0

Burnley v Wolves: 0-1

Palace v Huddersfield: 1-1

Leicester v Bournemouth: 1-2

Man Utd v Watford: 3-0

West Ham v Everton: 1-1

Cardiff v Chelsea: 1-4

Liverpool v Spurs: 2-0

Arsenal v Newcastle: 2-1

Other Notable Fixture

Celtic v Rangers (Sun 12.00) Scottish Premier League

Portsmouth v Sunderland (Sun 14.30) EFL Trophy @ Wembley