Premier League predictions: Gameweek 22

Whether toasting your team’s progression in the FA Cup or mourning a manager’s announced departure, there was plenty to get your teeth stuck into over the past weekend.

Maidstone United etched another chapter into their memorable cup run with victory at Ipswich Town while Jurgen Klopp announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, but there’s little time to reflect on such events as the Premier League returns in midweek.

The Reds will want to retain their five-point lead at the top of the table in Wednesday’s clash with Chelsea, while Arsenal kick-start the gameweek with a trip to Nottingham Forest.

With some other crackers in store, here’s how 90min sees Gameweek 22 panning out.

Tuesday 30 January

Mikel Arteta might be upset over chat linking him with the soon-to-be vacant Barcelona job, but he’ll be even more displeased if his current Arsenal team slip up away at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night. The Gunners got back to winning ways emphatically by smashing Crystal Palace 5-0 and know victory will take them above Manchester City into second.

Fulham have won their last three clashes with Everton – including a Carabao Cup victory on penalties in December – but there could be nothing to choose between them come full-time at Craven Cottage. Brighton earned a thumping win in the FA Cup but face a tougher assignment against Luton Town, who have lost just one of their seven matches.

Sheffield United were the team who felt the Seagulls’ sharp sting at the weekend but Chris Wilder may fancy his chances against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace, who haven’t scored a goal in their last three fixtures.

Tuesday’s latest kick-off sees Aston Villa take on the depleted Newcastle United. The Villans have a dominant home record this season and should extend that against a Magpies side that has seriously struggled on the road.

Wednesday 31 January

Tottenham‘s hopes of silverware are all but over after their FA Cup elimination at the hands of Manchester City, leaving their calendar empty spare for Premier League matches until the end of the season. Ange Postecoglou’s side host Brentford, who will be fresh having not played for 11 days since Ivan Toney marked his return from suspension with a goal.

Friday night’s victors in north London, Manchester City are expected to breeze to a straightforward three points when Burnley visit the Etihad. Vincent Kompany has seen his team concede nine goals in the two games he has squared off with Pep Guardiola previously and the Belgian will be desperate to improve that poor record at his old stomping ground.

Wednesday evening also provides Jurgen Klopp with another chance to soak up the Anfield atmosphere when Liverpool take on Chelsea. The Reds were entertaining in the FA Cup thrashing of Norwich on Sunday but will need to be wary of Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues, who have often raised their game against the Premier League’s stronger sides.

Thursday 1 February

West Ham and Bournemouth get Thursday’s action underway in an interesting clash of styles between David Moyes and Andoni Iraola. There are a fair few absentees for both sides, so expect goals and entertainment at London Stadium.

Manchester United have shown professionalism in their last two FA Cup games to reach the fifth round, but their position in England’s top flight still needs a lot of work. Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils are eighth, 11 points behind the top four, and would drop below opponents Wolves if they suffer defeat at Molineux.

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