Premier League Weekend Preview
The international break brought us some intriguing matches, but everybody agrees that we are ready to take on the Premier League yet again! Here`s what we`ve picked out for this weekend.
Newcastle United return to Premier League action facing a daunting climb as they sit in 10th place. The pressure is mounting on the Magpies as the fight for European football is now highly competitive and every game will be a test for them. They go into the game having exited the FA Cup in a 2-0 loss to Manchester City, while in the Premier League, their last outing ended in a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea. Returning to St. James` Park gives the Magpies some confidence as they`ve been decent on home soil in the Premier League this season – having lost just 3 of their 14 home games, and defeating the likes of Aston Villa, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. However, Newcastle have beaten West Ham in just 1 of their last 5 meetings at St. James` Park and considering their current form they might face some difficulties this time.
Although West Ham are above Newcastle in 7th, their form has been questionable going to St James` Park. The Hammers have won just 2 of their last 5 games in all competitions, drew 2, won 2 and lost 1. They go into the game after a 2-2 draw against Burnley, a 5-0 win against Freiburg, and the most recent 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. The 2 sides settled for a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at the London Stadium, but as mentioned the Hammers seem to deliver in their recent visits to St. James` Park. Their latest clash in Newcastle ended in a 1-1 draw, whilst the match before that ended in a 4-2 victory to West Ham. Although neither of the sides at the moment looks like a definite winner, one thing for certain is we are to see an exciting bout between 2 sides that can score, but also have a leaking defence. Therefore, we anticipate over 2.5 goals, and both teams to score.
Brentford vs Manchester United
Brentford return to Premier League action with the relegation zone now close – just 5 points away. The return of Ivan Toney proved to under-deliver, as the Bees are still struggling to put together a run of wins, having won just 2 of their 12 games in 2024, losing 8 of the 12. They also go into the game having failed to win a single game in their last 6 games and losing 5 on those. The GTech Stadium has also not been a safe place for Brentford, as they`ve won just 4 of their 14 home fixtures in the Premier League this season and are currently 3-games winless on home soil. However, they managed to hold Chelsea to a 2-2 draw in their last home game and will be full of confidence when looking back at their 2022 meetings with United at the GTech Stadium, where they thrashed United in a 4-0 victory.
Manchester United set off for the international break full of confidence, having knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup in an unforgettable 4-3 victory in front of the Old Trafford fans. The victory was also a follow-up to a 2-0 Premier League victory against Everton. The Red Devils have an okay run of form on the road, as they`ve won 3 consecutive games on the road, before the 3-1 Derby defeat at the Etihad. They`ll have enough confidence to return to winning ways on the road considering they beat Brentford 2-1 in the reverse fixture this season and have also beaten Brentford 1-0 in the preceding meeting. Although the elimination factor might-`ve pushed the Manchester side, they looked dangerous in attack against Liverpool and are likely to cause many problems for Brentford. Overall, the Red Devils are the fair favourites in this fixture considering Brentford`s abysmal run of form, so we anticipate Manchester United to win, and over 2.5 goals.