We head into matchday 23 of the English Premier League, as leaders Arsenal prepare for a mega clash against Manchester United looking to maintain their respectable lead.
Mikel Arteta’s side maintain a healthy seven-point lead at the top of the table, ahead of closest challengers Manchester City.
They will welcome United to the Emirates on Sunday, seeking to complete a league double over their rivals. Arsenal beat United 1-0 in the reverse fixture last August.
City will be hoping Arsenal drop points so they can reduce the gap with a win against Wolves at home on Saturday afternoon. Wolves are rooted to the bottom of the table with eight points.
The other relegation threatened teams West Ham and Burnley both have home matches this weekend. The Hammers host Sunderland but will remain in the drop zone even if they win.
Newcomers Burnley welcome an inconsistent Tottenham to Turf Moor, hoping they can avoid defeat in a fourth consecutive league game.
With all teams in action over the weekend, we highlight the top matches and offer our predicted outcomes.
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Manchester City vs Wolves – Saturday, 6PM
Pep Guardiola’s side come into the game on the back of consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Bodo Glimt in the Champions League.
The 3-1 midweek defeat was one of the biggest shocks of the competition in recent history. City must beat Wolves to keep their second-place spot on the log.
Wolves on the other hand seem to have found good enough form to turn their dismal campaign around. They are unbeaten in five games across all competitions, their best run all season.
Their run of form includes league draws against United, Everton and Newcastle. Prior to this, Wolves were on a horrid 12-game losing run.
City have been superior in recent seasons against Wolves, winning four of the last five encounters. The visitors have not beaten City since a 2-1 home win in 2023.
Despite Wolves seeming to be in good form, City are expected to snap their back-to-back defeats and find a win here. Erling Haaland has not scored in open play since December 20 and is tipped to break his duck here.
Prediction – Manchester City to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea – Sunday, 5PM
A 2-1 defeat to Sunderland last weekend marked a seventh successive league game without a win for Crystal Palace. The poor form dropped them into 13th with 28 points.
The Eagles were dealt another major blow as their captain Marc Guehi completed a transfer to title contenders City. There are also rumors of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta possibly leaving the club.
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Oliver Glasner can feel the pressure mounting on him to deliver a result and they welcome a Chelsea side, whose new manager seems to be settling in well.
Liam Rosenior has won three of his first four games in charge of Chelsea, despite a rather unconvincing 1-0 home win against Pafos in the Champions League. He could become the first English manager to win his first two league games since Steven Gerrard in 2021.
Victory for Chelsea could see them finish the weekend in the top four, leapfrogging United and Liverpool. The last three league games with these two teams involved have resulted in draws.
Prediction – Both teams to score – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa – Sunday, 5PM
Both teams turn their focus back to the league after commendable European wins in midweek. Newcastle swept past Dutch champions PSV 3-0 at home.
Villa on the other hand battled to a hard fought 1-0 away win at Fenerbahce, courtesy of a first half Jadon Sancho goal.
Domestically, Newcastle were held to a frustrating barren draw by Wolves last time out, leaving them in eighth place with 33 points. Villa were stunned 1-0 by Everton at home and are desperate to bounce back,
Unai Emery’s side remain in third place despite the defeat, level on points with second place City. Their fans will definitely be dreaming of a title challenge by Villa.
Newcastle have won three of the last five matches against Villa, with the latter managing just one victory. The hosts are expected to avoid defeat, having lost one of their last 15 home games.
Prediction – Newcastle United to win or draw – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME
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Arsenal vs Manchester United – Sunday, 7:30PM
The Gunners are currently on a 12-match unbeaten streak, with a seven-point lead atop the standings. They are also fresh off a commanding 3-1 away victory against Inter Milan.
Their record at the Emirates is even more intimidating, unbeaten in their last 17 matches in front of their home fans. They are closer to a first title in 22 years than they have been in a while.
Ricardo Calafiori scored the only goal as Arsenal beat United at Old Trafford on the first day of the season.
United looked a different side under the tutelage of Michael Carrick as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Man City. Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu both scored and will both start this weekend.
The victory saw them leapfrog Chelsea into fifth place with 35 points. Though unbeaten in their last five games, United have only managed one win in that run.
Man United have not beaten Arsenal in the league since 2022 and are not likely to get all three points here. The home team are favorites to win and further cement their intent to win the title.
Prediction – Arsenal to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME
