Premier League Matchday 21 Tips
A full set of midweek fixtures in the Premier League means England’s elite sides have little time to recover from their exertions in the FA Cup third round, which saw 17 of the 20 top-flight clubs progress to the last 32.
Wednesday’s north London derby between Arsenal - one of the three sides to exit - and Tottenham is the standout fixture, but there are numerous other top clashes to enjoy, including Liverpool’s trip to surprise package Nottingham Forest.
We have previewed four of the top-flight fixtures and provided a tip for each.
West Ham vs Fulham (Tuesday, 7.30pm) - Fulham to win @ 7/5
Graham Potter got off to a flying start as West Ham boss when Lucas Paqueta gave his new club the lead against Aston Villa on Friday night, only for the Villans to stage a second-half comeback and knock the Hammers out of the FA Cup.
West Ham fans will be hoping Potter’s first home match can yield a better result but a visit from a Fulham side on a nine-game unbeaten run may mean that fails to materialise.
Niclas Fullkrug has joined fellow Hammers forwards Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio on the sidelines while at the back Jean-Clair Todibo is out, and Konstantinos Mavropanos is a doubt, leaving a depleted Irons outfit vulnerable to Marco Silva’s in-form Cottagers.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool (Tuesday, 8pm) - Nottingham Forest or draw double chance @ 13/10
Taking on Premier League leaders Liverpool isn't done lightly but it is testament to just how impressive Nottingham Forest have been this season.
The Tricky Trees started the season in a hurry and, against most pundits' predictions, they have maintained their stellar form, winning their last seven games in all competitions and their last five without conceding.
Liverpool have excelled under Arne Slot's guidance, but there are grounds for taking them on at the City Ground, where Forest beat Tottenham in their last home outings.
The league leaders were beaten 1-0 by Spurs in the League Cup last Wednesday and held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester United in their last top-flight outing, suggesting Forest, who are still the only side to have beaten Liverpool in the Premier League this season, could bank at least a point on Tuesday.
Arsenal vs Tottenham (Wednesday, 8pm) - Dejan Kulusevski over 0.5 shots on target @ 8/25
Arsenal’s poor run continued on Sunday as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United, leaving the Gunners staring down the barrel of another trophyless campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side had drawn their last league game with Brighton and lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final prior to their FA Cup exit, and a miserable 10 days could be compounded by their biggest rivals.
Tottenham can be wildly inconsistent, however, and Spurs will need their star men to step up if they are to have any joy in Wednesday's north London derby.
Luckily for the visitors, Dejan Kulusevski has been in fine form all season.
The Swede has six goals and five assists and is not afraid to try his luck whenever the opportunity arises. He has registered 23 shots in his last 14 games, eleven of which tested the goalkeeper, and he is fancied to steer at least one effort on target at the Emirates.
Manchester United vs Southampton (Thursday, 8pm) - Tyler Dibling anytime goalscorer @ 15/2
Manchester United have drawn with Liverpool and beaten Arsenal on penalties in their last two matches, suggesting they should dominate a Southampton side who have lost three Premier League games on the spin on Thursday.
However, United have gone 10 games without a clean sheet and the Saints, who are in desperate need of points if they are to have any chance of survival, may look to take the game to their hosts.
Tyler Dibling has been a rare bright spot in a disappointing campaign for Southampton, and fresh from scoring twice against Swansea in the the FA Cup on Sunday, the Saints youngster could make his mark at Old Trafford.
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