Luton v Brighton
Luton got a good win over Everton in the FA Cup at the weekend and, in the Premier League, they are in a position that I didn’t think was possible for them at the start of the season – which is past the halfway stage with a real chance of staying up.
Even so, I am going to go with Brighton here. They did not score in either of their previous two league games but have hit nine in their past two FA Cup ties, and I don’t see Luton keeping them out.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Vaughn’s prediction: 0-2
Crystal Palace v Sheff Utd
This is a massive game for Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder because of how badly his side need a result, but it is also huge for Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson.
I just wonder what the atmosphere will be like at Selhurst Park and whether the Eagles fans will really get behind Hodgson after their protests against Arsenal in their last league game.
They need to, whatever they think about the overall direction of the club, because Palace are in danger of getting dragged into the relegation mire.
On the pitch, the return of Michael Olise from injury would be a massive boost for Hodgson and, if he is fit enough to start, then along with Eberechi Eze he will probably be the difference-maker in this one.
Sheffield United won’t lack commitment, we know that, but again it is a lack of quality that lets them down. I’ve spoken about Forest and Everton becoming desperate, but the Blades are bottom of the table and are already at that stage.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
Vaughn’s prediction: Both of these teams are struggling so I am going to go for a draw. 0-0
www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies
Aston Villa v Newcastle
I remember this game well from the start of the season, when Newcastle won 5-1 at St James’ Park.
Aston Villa had a horrible day in the north-east, with Tyrone Mings picking up a serious injury on top of their heavy defeat, but I am expecting them to get their revenge here.
Newcastle got a good win against Fulham in the FA Cup on Saturday but they have lost four in a row in the league and have a dreadful away record – Sheffield United are the only top-flight team to pick up fewer points on the road this season.
Villa Park is not the place you go to turn that kind of run around, and it feels like Newcastle’s season is unravelling a bit because they cannot sign any more players in this window.
Instead, they just seem to be trying to hang on to a few, with lots of rumours about who could still be leaving.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Vaughn’s prediction: What a team Aston Villa are at the moment. I have to go with them here because Newcastle are a lion who came out roaring… but then their teeth fell out. 2-1
Man City v Burnley
Former City defender Vincent Kompany will get a great reception when he brings his Burnley side back to Etihad Stadium, but I don’t fancy his chances of getting anything else.
It’s a big night at the top of the table, with Liverpool playing Chelsea later on Wednesday, and I am not expecting City to drop any points. I like the way Burnley play football but they can be a little naive as well.
It won’t be a pummelling but City should win comfortably, and the hardest thing for their title rivals to consider is that Kevin de Bruyne is getting fitter and Erling Haaland will be back in action soon.
City have got such strength in depth and we have reached the stage of the season where they usually put their foot down. It would be a major shock if they slipped up at home to the Clarets.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-0
Vaughn’s prediction: City have got something to prove and we could see a big scoreline – I think they are just going to go for it. 4-0
Tottenham v Brentford
Brentford have found it tough this season but having Ivan Toney back has already been a huge boost. He came back with something special against Nottingham Forest, and it looked like he had never been away.
These two sides drew 2-2 at the start of the campaign and I don’t think there will be much between them this time either, even if Tottenham are missing Son Heung-min.
Spurs still have an outside chance of winning the title, even if I don’t think anyone necessarily believes they will, and if they want to stay in that race then they need to win games like this one.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Vaughn’s prediction: Toney delivered, didn’t he? He said he was going to come back with a bang, and he certainly did that. I so admire Brentford as a team too, but I obviously loathe Tottenham! 1-1
www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies
Liverpool v Chelsea
I am at Anfield for 5 Live for this one and it is a massive game for Liverpool.
This is a dress rehearsal for the Carabao Cup final and it is a dangerous game for Liverpool after Klopp’s announcement that he is leaving at the end of the season.
Chelsea have won their past three Premier League games, so they are slowly getting there and finding some consistency.
There have been some great games between these two teams down the years and I am not totally sure who will come out on top in this one.
Given Chelsea’s position in the table, they don’t have as much riding on this and, if you ask their fans, they would probably rather win the cup final than this game.
You still don’t know what you are going to get from Pochettino’s team, good or bad, and if it clicks they can cause Liverpool a few problems – but I am still going to go with a Liverpool win, although it will be very close.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Vaughn’s prediction: This is two days before Argylle opens. I worked with Gary Barlow on one of the songs in the film – he is a Liverpool fan and he and I have had a lot of fun over the past 10 years, depending on whose team is up or down. They are doing better than us right now but we have had our moments at Anfield and I just can’t go against Chelsea here, although my first thought is that it will be a draw. 1-2
www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies
West Ham v Bournemouth
This is not an easy one to call. West Ham have been stretched by injuries and, other than that heavy defeat by Liverpool, Bournemouth have been in really good form.
They drew 1-1 when they met on the opening day of the season and I can see this game being just as close.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Vaughn’s prediction: 1-0
www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies
Wolves v Man Utd
I feel sorry for Erik ten Hag. Even when his Manchester United side win, there always seems to be something going on.
This time it is about what is happening with Marcus Rashford or Bruno Fernandes basically saying some of their players are too greedy in front of goal.
This is a tough game for United and Wolves will still feel hard done by after creating so many chances at Old Trafford in August, when they were the better team and still losing the game.
United are getting their injured players back, like Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, but I am still not convinced by them as a team.
They are good on the counter, but Wolves are well balanced and I don’t think they will get caught out too often there.
Gary O’Neil’s side are hard to beat, so I am going to go with a draw.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Vaughn’s prediction: United are a very weird team. We know Chelsea are unpredictable and I kind of know why, because our problems are obvious, but I really don’t know what is happening with United. With the players and coach they have, I don’t understand why they are not doing much better than they are. Wolves are a hard team to beat and I can see them sneaking a goal and then shutting up shop. 1-0
www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies
