Premier League Game Week 27 Preview
The Premier League is bringing us some eye-catching clashes this weekend and we`ve got our eyes set on Brentford vs Chelsea and Manchester City vs Manchester United!
The pressure continues to mount on Brentford, and they go into the Chelsea clash with 12 defeats in their last 15 Premier League fixtures. Sitting 16th on the Premier League table, the Bees are just 5 points away from relegation and have suffered 3 consecutive defeats going into this fixture – 4-1 defeat against Liverpool, 1-0 against Man City, and a latest 4-2 defeat at West Ham. Although things are looking gloomy for the London outfit, they might see a glimpse of hope against Chelsea – a London neighbour they love to play against. The Bees have not lost to Chelsea in their last 4 Premier League meetings, with their last 2 both ending in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea. Frank`s side already defeated the Blues in a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture and although have lost 5 of their last 6 home fixtures in all competitions since mid-December, they have what`s required to cause damage to Chelsea.
Chelsea responded well to their Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool and went on to beat Leeds 3-2 and secure their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals. However, they must return to a grim reality as they sit 11th in the Premier League and are still far away from any hopes of European football next season. They`ve seemed to have pulled their socks up in the league in their recent games, having beaten Crystal Palace 3-1 and even holding Man City to a 1-1 draw – both games being away from home. However, travelling to the GTech Community Stadium, they`ve only won 1 of their last 5 meetings with Brentford in the Premier League and have not exactly shown that they can turn it around this time.
Looking at both sides, it would be unfair to pick a clear winner. Although Brentford are playing in miserable form, they do enjoy a London Derby against Chelsea, and although they`ve lost many recent games, they`ve managed to score in 6 of their last 7 games. Although Chelsea seems to be on an upward trajectory, they have yet to prove to be a solid outfit under pressure. With both sides scoring and conceding in recent games, we expect both teams to score, but on a riskier side, we back Brentford to win.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
A Manchester Derby is a fixture that always has the attention of the football world. Manchester City go into the game in impeccable form, having gone unbeaten in their last 18 games in all competitions, and winning 16 of those. Their recent result was a dominant 6-2 victory over Luton Town, a stadium where many top teams struggled this season, with Erling Haaland netting a whooping 5 goals against the Hatters. Returning to the Premier League, the Citizens are just 1 point away from Liverpool in 1st and have not lost in the Premier League since the Villa defeat on the 6th of December. Pep`s side are also yet to taste a Premier League defeat at the Etihad this season and have already thrashed Manchester United in a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture. Furthermore, the Citizens have not lost to Manchester United at the Etihad since the 2-0 defeat back in 2021.
Manchester United`s entry into the Top 5 was abruptly stopped in their 2-1 defeat against Fulham – ending their 7-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. They did bounce back from the defeat with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham in the FA Cup, although it is impossible to say that their performance was inspiring going into the Manchester Derby. With key players injured and out of action, it is hard for Ten Hag to implement a style of play as the side now looks rather shaky with players being forced to fill unnatural positions. Their last 2 meetings with the Citizens ended in defeats, although they did take a 2-1 victory last year. However, looking at the bigger picture, the Devils have won just 3 of their last 10 meetings against the neighbours in all competitions, and have not shown in their recent fixture that they can be a real threat to a well-organized Man City side.
A Manchester Derby is a match that can throw all form indications aside with so much pride on the line. However, it is impossible to ignore the gulf in quality between the 2 sides, with one steamrolling through their opponents, while the other having to force results. Considering Man City has their full 11 available, it is hard to see them drop points here. We do expect an entertaining derby and both teams to score, but ultimately Manchester City to win.