This week, we shift our attention to all six Premier League matchups taking place this Wednesday, offering insights and betting suggestions for each game.
Before diving in, let’s review the current outright market odds for the Premier League title race. As of now, Liverpool are the bookies’ favourites to claim the league at 4/7, with Arsenal trailing at 28/10. Manchester City’s recent dip in form has seen their odds rise to 8/1, while Chelsea are priced at 16/1. The remaining teams are all listed at odds of 100/1 or greater.
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MANCHESTER CITY v NOTTINGHAM FOREST – Click here to bet
Manchester City will look to halt their winless streak as they host Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium in Wednesday’s Premier League clash. The reigning champions are enduring a rough patch, having gone seven games without a victory across all competitions. Their latest setback came in the form of a 2-0 defeat away to Liverpool over the weekend, a result that leaves them 5th in the table, 11 points behind the league leaders as we approach closer to the halfway stage of the season. Pep Guardiola’s side, known for their dominance, will be desperate to rediscover their form against a Nottingham Forest team performing beyond expectations this campaign.
Home Form: W4 D1 L1
Despite their recent struggles, City have maintained a respectable home record in the league this season, with four wins, one draw and one defeat in the league. However, their lethal attack has stuttered in recent weeks, managing just three goals in their last five EPL overall, while scoring just once in their last two league appearances at home. Guardiola will be hoping the familiar surroundings of the Etihad can spark a much-needed turnaround.
Nottingham Forest returned to winning ways with a 1-0 triumph over Ipswich Town at the weekend. The result was a welcome boost after back-to-back defeats to Newcastle and Arsenal. Espirito Santo’s side has been one of the surprise packages of the season, sitting just behind Manchester City in 6th place with 22 points. Forest have shown resilience on the road, but they will need to be at their very best if they are to trouble the reigning champions.
Away Form: W3 D2 L1
Forest have performed remarkably well on their travels, collecting 11 points from a possible 18 with three wins, two draws, and one defeat. While they have demonstrated the ability to grind out results, their defensive frailties have been exposed against top opposition recently, conceding six goals overall against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Brighton away from home.
Last season, Manchester City completed a double over Forest, winning 2-0 at the Etihad before replicating the same 2-0 result in the reverse fixture at City Ground.
This game presents an opportunity for Manchester City to steady the ship and cut into the deficit at the top of the table. Nottingham Forest, while impressive this season, may struggle to withstand the reigning champions’ firepower, particularly if City rediscover their cutting edge.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Manchester City -1.5 at 19/20
SOUTHAMPTON v CHELSEA – Click here to bet
Southampton will look to halt their slide when they host Chelsea at St. Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Saints have endured a dismal campaign and currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with just five points from 13 matches. Their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw against Brighton, provided a brief reprieve, but the lack of victories highlights their ongoing struggles.
Home Form: W1 D1 L4
St. Mary’s has been far from a fortress for Southampton this season, with just one win from six home games. The Saints have struggled at both ends of the pitch, scoring only six goals while conceding 11. Russell Martin’s side faces an uphill battle if they are to improve these numbers against one of the league’s in-form teams.
Chelsea, by contrast, come into this game riding high after a dominant 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. The win marked their third consecutive triumph in all competitions, a run that has propelled them to third place in the league with 25 points.
Away Form: W4 D1 L1
The Blues have been impressive on their travels, losing just once in six away games. Chelsea have scored 14 goals and conceded six during this period, demonstrating a balanced approach on the road. With their attack firing and a defence in solid form, Enzo Maresca’s side will certainly be looking to extend their winning streak this week.
Southampton completed a league double over Chelsea in the 2022/23 season, winning 2-1 at St Mary’s, followed by a 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Southampton’s struggles at both ends of the pitch leave them ill-equipped to cope with Chelsea’s dynamic attack. The Blues’ recent form, coupled with their strong away performances, suggests a straightforward victory for Enzo Maresca’s side. Expect Chelsea to dominate possession and create numerous chances against a Saints side low on confidence.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Chelsea -1/5 at 1/1
EVERTON v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS – Click here to bet
Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers meet at Goodison Park on Wednesday in a crucial clash as both teams aim to recover from heavy defeats over the weekend. The Toffees fell to a resounding 4-0 loss away to Manchester United, bringing an end to their two-match unbeaten league run that included consecutive draws. Sean Dyche’s men are 15th in the table with 11 points, just two clear of the relegation zone.
Home Form: W1 D3 L2
Everton have yet to impose themselves at Goodison Park this season, managing just one win in six home games. Their struggles in front of goal have been particularly evident, with the Toffees scoring only five times while conceding eight. Sean Dyche will need his side to rediscover their defensive solidity if they are to secure all three points this week.
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers endured a 4-2 defeat at home to Bournemouth, halting their brief resurgence of back-to-back league wins. With just nine points, Wolves occupy 18th place and desperately need a result to climb out of the relegation zone.
Away Form: W1 D2 L3
Wolves have had a tough time on the road, picking up just five points from 18 in six away games. They’ve struggled defensively, conceding 14 goals on their travels, while scoring 11. Gary O’Neil will hope his side can find the right balance to secure a positive result at Goodison Park.
Recent meetings between the two sides have been rather one-sided. Last season, Wolves completed a league double over Everton with a 1-0 win at Goodison Park, followed by a more comprehensive 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Molineux. Wolves are unbeaten in their last six encounters with Everton (W5 D1).
With both teams reeling from heavy defeats, this matchup promises to be a gritty and hard-fought affair. Wolves may have had the upper hand over Everton in recent years, but I’m not convinced we will see a similar trend this Wednesday. Defensively, both teams have been questionable at times, and for that reason, I will opt for both teams to find the back of the net instead.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score, Yes at 15/20
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ASTON VILLA v BRENTFORD – Click here to bet
Aston Villa’s form has taken a dramatic downturn in recent weeks, with Unai Emery’s side winless in their last eight games across all competitions. Their most recent setback was a 3-0 defeat away to Chelsea, extending their poor run of form in the league, where they’ve accumulated just two points from a possible 15. Villa are currently 12th in the table with 19 points, having won five, drawn four, and lost four.
Home Form: W2 D3 L1
Villa Park has not been particularly kind to the hosts, with Aston Villa managing only two victories on home turf this season. Despite their attacking quality, scoring nine at home this season, the Villains have struggled defensively, conceding eight goals in their six matches. With pressure mounting on Emery to halt their slide, Villa will be eager to pick up a win against a Brentford side that has looked particularly vulnerable on the road this season.
That said, Brentford are in far better shape by comparison, coming into this game on the back of a dominant 4-1 win over Leicester City. Their unbeaten run in the league stretches to three games, with two wins and a draw, bringing them up to 8th in the table with 20 points. However, despite their strong form at home, Brentford’s away record has been a major concern. They have only picked up one point on the road all season, a 0-0 draw at Everton, and will need to improve on the road if they are to continue to maintain a top-half finish.
Away Form: W0 D1 L5
Away from home, the Bees are winless in the league. Brentford’s struggles have been clear, with only one point from their travels this season. Despite showing promise, Thomas Frank’s side has been unable to get over the line in any of their away fixtures, conceding 11 goals and scoring only four.
Last season, Aston Villa went unbeaten against Brentford, winning 2-1 away to Brentford, followed by a 3-3 draw at Villa Park.
Aston Villa’s poor run of form and defensive issues could hand Brentford the opportunity to claim a valuable point or even all three. However, Villa will be desperate to return to winning ways at home, and with Brentford’s struggles on the road, the Villains could be the way to go despite current form proving otherwise.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Aston Villa at 8/10
NEWCASTLE UNITED v LIVERPOOL – Click here to bet
Newcastle United face a rather daunting challenge as they welcome table-topping Liverpool to St James’ Park for Wednesday’s Premier League showdown. Eddie Howe’s side has been steady, if unspectacular, this season, sitting 11th in the standings with 19 points from their 13 games. Their most recent outing resulted in a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Crystal Palace, where they struggled to impose themselves for much of the game. With five victories, four draws, and four losses this season, the Magpies have shown flashes of quality but have lacked the necessary consistency to push higher up the table at present.
Home Form: W3 D1 L2
The Magpies have been relatively solid at St James’ Park, with three wins from six home games this season. However, recent home form has shown a few cracks, highlighted by a 2-0 defeat to West Ham earlier last month. Eddie Howe will be keen to rally his side for a spirited performance against the league leaders, but there will be concerns that the Black and Whites have looked slightly off-colour upon recent showing.
Liverpool have been imperious under Arne Slot, taking the league by storm and opening up a commanding 9-point lead at the top of the standings. A clinical 2-0 victory over defending champions Manchester City on Sunday showcased their dominance, with the Reds boasting 11 wins, one draw, and just one defeat from their 13 league matches.
Away Form: W5 D1 L0
Liverpool have been formidable on the road this season, collecting 16 points from a possible 18. Their high-intensity pressing game has often overwhelmed opponents, and with 13 goals scored in six away matches, they remain one of the league’s most potent attacking forces.
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning all of their last six previous league meetings with Newcastle. Last season, Liverpool secured a 2-1 win at St James’ Park, followed by a 4-2 victory in the reverse fixture at Anfield.
Newcastle will need to be at their very best if they are to improve their record against a red-hot Liverpool side at present. While the Magpies’ home advantage offers some hope, the table-toppers have been relentless this season and should have enough quality to secure their seventh consecutive victory over Newcastle this week.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Liverpool at 8/10
ARSENAL v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
Arsenal will look to maintain their scintillating form as they host Manchester United at the Emirates on Wednesday in a Premier League clash that promises plenty of action. The Gunners have been a free-scoring machine lately, with 13 goals in their last three matches in all competitions. Their attacking prowess was on full display in a thrilling 5-2 victory at West Ham over the weekend. Arsenal are second in the league at present, 9 points behind leaders Liverpool, with 25 points from 13 matches (seven wins, four draws, and two losses). With all eyes firmly set on closing the gap at the top, Mikel Arteta will be eager for his side to continue their momentum, particularly at home, where they have been nearly flawless.
Home Form: W4 D2 L0
The Gunners have been formidable at the Emirates this season, maintaining an unbeaten record at home with four wins and two draws. Arteta’s side have scored 15 goals at an average of 2.5 goals per game while conceding 6 from six matches.
Manchester United come into this game off the back of a dominant 4-0 win over Everton. Newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim seems to be having an immediate impact, as the Red Devils have secured back-to-back victories in all competitions. United currently sit 9th in the standings with 19 points from 13 games, having won five, drawn four, and lost four. Despite their recent improvement, United will be well aware of Arsenal’s current run of form and will need to up their game if they are to take something from this trip to North London.
Away Form: W1 D3 L2
United’s away form has been inconsistent and will certainly need to improve if they are to challenge one of the league’s most potent attacking sides. Ruben Amorim’s men have yet to find their stride on the road, scoring just 6 goals while conceding 5.
Arsenal have won four of the last five league meetings with Manchester United, including a 3-1 victory at the Emirates last season, followed by a 1-0 win away in the reverse fixture.
Despite United’s rather timid goal-scoring record away from home, one does get the impression that this is about to change under Amorim. United look far more positive going forward since his appointment, and while Arsenal certainly remain the team to beat, they have failed to keep clean sheets in four of their six home league games this season.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score, Yes at 5/6
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
