Premier League Preview and Tips

Aston Villa v Arsenal, Saturday February 18, 2023, 12:30

Tip: Arsenal to win and both teams to score: 13/5: Betfred

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery goes up against his old club in the Saturday lunchtime kick off. Both sides come into this one after 3-1 defeats to Manchester City.

Having played one game fewer than City, who overtook them at the top of the league on Wednesday evening, their destiny is still in their hands. However, Arsenal are without a win in four games in all competitions and Mikel Arteta will be keen for his young side to get back to winning ways. The Gunners travel to Villa park boasting the Premier League’s best away record.

Emery has had a positive impact on Villa so far, however they are conceding more goals than the Spaniard would like, seven in their last two matches.

Villa will soon have Diego Carlos and Jed Steer back in contention, though Saturday will probably come too soon. Arsenal could welcome Thomas Partey back. Long term injury victims Mohamed Elneny and Gabriel Jesus are definitely out.

Nottingham Forest v Manchester City, Saturday February 18, 2023, 15:00

Tip: Riyad Mahrez to score, Manchester City to win: 15/8 Betfred

Manchester City travel to Nottingham Forest looking to build upon the momentum gained from their midweek victory over title rivals Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s side returned to the top of the table for the first time since November.

Some positive results of late have seen Forest climb away from the relegation zone. Steve Cooper’s side are unbeaten in seven league games at the City Ground and will be hoping for some sort of result as they look to pull away from danger.

Cheikhou Kouyate will be unavailable for Forest due to a thigh injury and his return date is unknown. Jesse Lingard is also sidelined, with a knee injury. Omar Richards is out and Wily Boly is struggling with a thigh injury. Ryan Yates could return after illness.

City have a clean bill of health, other than John Stones. The England defender is still sidelined with a thigh injury.

Newcastle United v Liverpool, Saturday February 18, 2023, 17:30

Tip: 0-0 draw: 11/1 Coral

Newcastle United go into the fixture unbeaten in 17 league games. Their opponents, Liverpool, are the only team to have beaten Eddie Howe’s side in the league this season.

While the Magpies are enjoying a fantastic season, currently fourth in the table and in the EFL Cup final, there has been some concern over recent performances. They have struggled to turn draws into wins and will hope to turn this around on Saturday.

Liverpool, who have underachieved this season, will have been buoyed by their victory in the Merseyside derby. It was also an improved performance and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his team can start stringing some wins together. Tuesday sees the Reds face Real Madrid in the Champions League so this may have a bearing on team selection for the trip to St James’ Park.

Joe Willock, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron were all substituted due to injuries during last Saturday’s draw at Bournemouth. Willock is the most likely to miss out with a hamstring concern. Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles could be available while Bruno Guimaraes completes the final game of his three match ban. Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett are all definitely out. Anthony Gordon could get his first start.

For Liverpool Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino all returned to the matchday squad against Everton, and Arthur could potentially be the next to join them this weekend after returning to full training from thigh surgery. Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz and Thiago Alcantara are all still unavailable.

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United, Sunday February 19, 2023, 16:30

Tip: Draw, both teams to score: 17/5 Ladbrokes

Tottenham Hotspur host to West Ham United in Sunday’s London derby. Spurs’ start the weekend in fifth place, two points behind Newcastle United in the race for Champions League qualification.

David Moyes’ and West Ham have started picking up points again after a disastrous end to 2022. However, the Hammers remain just two points above the relegation zone and have not won away in the league for nine matches.

Premier League Winners Odds

Odds correct as of 16.02.23 at 14.06. Odds subject to change.