Premier League GW26 Predictions

Another stacked weekend of Premier League action is upon us, which could have major ramifications for both ends of the table.

The North West Derby between Liverpool and Manchester United is sure to grab most of the attention, but arguably the most intriguing fixtures are near the bottom of the table. Southampton vs Leicester City on Saturday and Nottingham Forest vs Everton on Sunday could see yet more twists in this fascinating relegation battle.

There is also a fiercely contested rivalry between Chelsea and Leeds United to look forward to as well as a top-four clash between Manchester City and defeated Carabao Cup finalists Newcastle United on Saturday. Predicting the Premier League is often a pointless endeavour, but let’s do our best.

Manchester City vs Newcastle

It is tough to get a gauge on where Pep Guardiola’s City team are at right now. While they have comfortably beaten league leaders Arsenal twice in recent weeks, they have also lost to Tottenham and drew with RB Leipzig and Nottingham Forest.

As for The Magpies, they are currently enduring their worst run of the season having failed to win their last four league games. This has included draws with relegation-threatened West Ham and Bournemouth. It is also unclear how losing the Carabao Cup final will affect them.

This should make for an intriguing fixture, but Man City should just shade it.

Prediction: MCI 1-0 NEW

Chelsea vs Leeds United

To say that Chelsea are in a rut is an understatement. They are in a truly dismal run of form and have scored fewer goals against Premier League opposition since 15 January than League Two side Grimsby Town.

Leeds on the other hand are scrapping relegation but are showing plenty of fight. They have rarely been outplayed this season, even under Jesse Marsch, and are coming off a massive win over Southampton in their last league win.

Even with the Stamford Bridge crowd behind them, it is difficult to see where Chelsea can pick up a win from right now.

Prediction: CHE 0-1 LEE

Arsenal vs Bournemouth

This fixture seems pretty cut-and-dry. Arsenal have recovered from their brief wobble with big wins over Aston Villa, Leicester and Everton in their last three games. Meanwhile, Bournemouth seem destined for the Championship if something does not change soon.

Prediction: ARS 4-1 BOU

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

Villa have improved massively under Unai Emery, but their home record still is not spectacular. They have lost both of their last two home games by 4-2 scorelines and have only won one home game in all competitions in 2023.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are winless in 2023 and have drawn five of their last six matches. Do not be expecting a thriller in this game.

Prediction: AVL 1-1 CRY

Brighton & Hove Albion vs West Ham United

This would have been an easy win for Brighton just a week ago. However, West Ham exploded into life with a 4-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest last week and were desperately unlucky to lose to Manchester United in the FA Cup.

Danny Ings has already scored twice against Brighton this season when he was at Aston Villa, so do not be surprised if it happens again.

Prediction: BHA 1-2 WHU

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur

Like with so many teams at the bottom of the league, it is so difficult to judge Wolves. On paper they have a rock-solid squad with a very decent manager, yet they still find themselves mired in a relegation battle.

It is equally difficult to judge Spurs as they are having such a topsy-turvy 2023. While they have beaten Manchester City and West Ham, they have also lost to Sheffield United and been thumped by Leicester. Keep an eye on this game for sure.

Prediction: WOL 1-2 TOT

Southampton vs Leicester City

Of all the teams in the relegation mix, Southampton seem the most likely to be dead and buried already. They are on their third manager of the season and have looked pretty dismal all campaign. However, they were able to grab a surprise win against Chelsea recently, so who knows.

Leicester are coming off the back of being dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers and this seems like the perfect opportunity for Brendan Rodgers to get a response.

Prediction: SOU 0-2 LEI

Nottingham Forest vs Everton

There are a few alarm bells ringing around the City Ground right now as they have been dragged back into the relegation battle in recent weeks. They are only four points off the drop and got thumped by West Ham in their last game.

Everton have responded well since Sean Dyche took over, with The Toffees beating relegation rivals Leeds and grabbing a shock win against Arsenal in his first game. However, Mikel Arteta’s men demolished them in the reverse fixture so Dyche will be seeking a response.

Prediction: NOT 1-1 EVE

Liverpool vs Manchester United

Despite a frankly awful start to the season and an embarrassing defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, Liverpool are slowly recovering. They have managed to sneak back into the top six and have won three of their last four league matches.

However, this has been the best season in half a decade for Manchester United. Erik Ten Hag has got them looking like a genuine force again and they picked up their first trophy in six years last week. The Red Devils seem to relish the big occasions again, rather than shying away from them.

Of course, it will be a very difficult game, but the visitors should just edge it.

Prediction: LIV 1-2 MUN

Brentford vs Fulham

Both of these teams are enjoying amazing seasons, with Fulham being the surprise package of the season. They have recruited well, played some amazing football and find themselves outside of the top six only on goal difference.

Brentford meanwhile have also been great, but have flown a bit more under the radar. They are undefeated in the league since October and are looking like a very solid midtable team. This will be a very close London Derby.

Prediction BRE 1-1 FUL