Real Valladolid vs Atletico Madrid

Real Valladolid and Atletico Madrid are set to square off at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla in a lopsided La Liga contest.

Real Valladolid’s margin to the relegation zone has decreased from five to four points after a crucial 2-1 defeat against fellow contenders Valencia, leading to the end of their joint-longest unbeaten run in this La Liga (LL) season, which had lasted for three games (W2, D1). The newly appointed coach, Paulo Pezzolano, expressed disappointment and frustration as Valencia’s Javi Guerra scored a 90th-minute goal, denying them a valuable point that could have altered their position. Back to the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, where they’ve lost just one of their last six La Liga matches (W3, D2), Valladolid will be seeking amends for a midweek heartbreak. But considering they’ve suffered defeats in five of their six most recent top-flight home meetings with Atletico (D1), redemption looks highly unlikely.

In the meantime, Atletico Madrid fought back from a goal down to beat Mallorca 2-1 in midweek La Liga action, bouncing back from a frustrating 1-0 loss at Barcelona last weekend. Since that remains their only lost in 15 top-flight matches since mid-January (W11, D3), it’s no wonder ‘Los Colchoneros’ start this round 13 points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal, with an 11th straight top-four finish looking like a near-certainty. If if they drop points as they’ve done only twice on their last six La Liga travels (W4, D1, L1), the visitors should remain in cruising control of their Champions League ambitions. However, Diego Simeone’s men have reigned supreme against Valladolid of late, racking up an eye-catching 12 wins in their last 13 top-flight H2Hs (D1).

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Inter Milan vs Lazio

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza is the venue as Inter Milan and Lazio lock horns in a high-stakes Serie A top-four six-pointer.

Despite cruising to a 3-0 victory at Empoli last weekend, Inter’s top-four hopes are still up in the air as they come into this matchday trailing fourth-placed AC Milan by two points. Simone Inzaghi’s men are responsible for suffering three consecutive top-flight home games ‘to nil’ for the first time in the club’s history, so they’ll be keen to make amends this weekend. Another defeat, though, would see them lose four times in a row at Meazza for the first time this century. However, ‘I Nerazzurri’ have overcome Lazio in their last three Serie A home clashes, which forms part of their supreme overall H2H record as hosts (W46, D29, L11). Confidence has been restored following a 2-1 aggregate win over Juventus in their blockbuster Coppa Italia semi-final, meaning Inter will be out to make things right.

However, Lazio emerged 3-1 winners in the reverse fixture and will be gunning for their first Serie A double over last season’s runners-up since 2012/13. Despite being knocked down from an eight-match unbeaten league streak by a 1-0 home defeat to mid-table Torino in the previous round (W7, D1), ‘I Biancocelesti’ are still relatively safe in a top-four race, boasting a five-point lead on fifth-placed Roma. Desperate to secure Champions League football for only the second time since 2007/08, Maurizio Sarri’s men can draw inspiration from going five consecutive Serie A away matches without conceding (W3, D2), a feat only achieved by two more clubs in the competition’s long history. Indeed, Lazio’s defensive solidity has been off the charts this season, with only Barcelona matching their stunning haul of 21 conceded goals in Europe’s top-five leagues.

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Wolfsburg vs Mainz

A closely-contested race for European placings is heating up in the Bundesliga as Wolfsburg and Mainz go head-to-head at the Volkswagen Arena.

Wolfsburg boss Niko Kovac heaped praise on his side following a 5-1 demolition of Bochum last weekend after his team netted at least five times in three separate Bundesliga fixtures for the first time since their 2008/09 title-winning season. Having lost just once in their last eight league outings (W3, D4), ‘Die Wolfe’ may miss out on another title celebration, yet European qualification remains on the cards. But the hosts must rediscover their winning touch at home to bolster their top-six hopes after going winless in their last six top-flight home matches (D4, L2) since humbling Freiburg 6-0 in January. Given that Wolfsburg emerged victorious 5-0 in their previous encounter here, and considering that none of the last four head-to-head matches held at this venue have witnessed less than 2.5 goals, it is likely that this fixture will provide some entertainment.

In the meantime, visiting Mainz came frm behind to beat perennial champions Bayern Munich 3-1 at home last time out, maintaining a two-point distance from seventh-placed Bayer Leverkusen. Inspired by a mind-blowing ten-match unbeaten run in the top-flight (W6, D4), Bo Svensson’s men come into proceedings, seeking only their second league win at Wolfsburg in their last nine visits (W1, D3, L5). Consistency hasn’t been Mainz’s strong suit on the road in 2023 by any stretch of the imagination, as their six away league matches this calendar year have fluctuated between different outcomes (W2, D3, L1). With just one clean sheet across those six travels, the visitors may have to rely on their scoring prowess to get the job done.

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Fulham vs Manchester City

Manchester City’s bid to defend the Premier League title for the second season in a row takes them to Craven Cottage to meet mid-table Fulham this weekend.

Not long ago, it looked like Fulham could win European promotion against the odds. However, the wheels fell off, with Marco Silva’s side suffering five defeats in their last seven league outings (W2), including a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa in midweek Premier League action. Back to Elland Road, where they ousted Leeds United 2-1 in their most recent match-up to snap a three-match winless league streak on home turf (D1, L2), the ‘Cottagers’ face a traditionally formidable opponent. Indeed, they’ve gone winless in their last 15 top-flight encounters against Man City (D3, L12), going down 3-0 in this corresponding fixture in 2021/22. Another disappointment is on the cards after Fulham failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight league games, conceding an average of 1.62 goals per match.

In the meantime, Manchester City wrestled back control of the Premier League title race with an overwhelming 4-1 home victory over Arsenal in midweek, making it 17 straight competitive fixtures without losing (W14, D3). In the Premier League alone, Pep Guardiola’s high-flyers have won their last seven matches by an aggregate score of 22-4, reducing the gap on Arsenal to only two points with two games in hand. Having qualified for the Champions League semi-finals and the FA Cup grand final, the ‘Citizens’ are in contention to equal Manchester United’s historic treble from 1998/99 and become only the second English side to achieve that feat. Confidence is oozing out of every pore as Guardiola’s men take this trip having recorded a pair of 4-1 victories on their last three league travels.

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Real Madrid vs Almeria

Estadio Santiago Bernabeu plays host to a lopsided La Liga encounter between second-placed Real Madrid and relegation-battling Almeria.

Real Madrid’s faint hopes of defending the league crown suffered a knockout blow in midweek La Liga action as newly-promoted Girona humbled Carlo Ancelotti’s side 4-2, leaving them 11 points adrift of Barcelona with only seven games left. The impending home return should help ‘Los Blancos’ recover ahead of their Champions League semi-final tie against Manchester City, considering they’ve only lost one of their 15 top-flight outings at the Bernabeu this season (W10, D4). Irrespective of their recent form woes, Ancelotti’s men have been too hot to handle in the front third, netting 2+ goals in their last four home league matches. That should solidify Madrid’s bid to maintain a 100% win ratio in top-flight home meetings with Almeria (6/6), with this marking their first H2H in the capital since 2015.

In the meantime, visiting Almeria scored on either side of halftime to topple Getafe 2-1 on the road last time out and arrest a two-game losing league run, steering two points away from the relegation zone. Yet that exact scoreline condemned them to defeat in the reverse H2H, extending their losing league run against Madrid to six games. Interestingly, that triumph at Getafe marked their first La Liga triumph on hostile turf this season, following a woeful run of 14 winless travels (D4, L10). Moreover, that was their first top-flight away victory over sides Comunidad de Madrid after going winless in their first 22 such match-ups (D5, L17). High scoring has been a common theme on Almeria’s recent domestic trips, as their last five away league matches saw over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring.

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Roma vs AC Milan

Stadio Olimpico forms the backdrop for a top-four Serie A six-pointer between arch-rivals Roma and AC Milan.

After three straight league wins by an aggregate score of 7-0, Roma slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Atalanta earlier this week, surrendering a coveted fourth place to non-other than Milan. But with nothing but goal difference separating the sides ahead of the kick-off, extending a two-game winning home league streak would see ‘I Giallorossi’ regain control of the final Champions League qualification spot. Jose Mourinho’s men have been nothing short of impressive at the Olimpico in 2023, winning seven of their eight top-flight home outings ‘to nil’ (L1), with no side from Europe’s top-five leagues coming close to matching their unparalleled defensive solidity. They must showcase that resilience to arrest an underwhelming six-match winless H2H run against Milan in Serie A (D2, L4).

In the meantime, Milan took advantage of Roma’s slip-up in Bergamo to return to the top four with a routine 2-0 home triumph over bottom-half Lecce, making it six competitive games without losing (W3, D3). Stefano Pioli’s men cannot rest on their laurels and should rather address their growing form woes on the road after managing just one win in their last six away games across all competitions (D3, L2). What’s even more concerning for ‘I Rossoneri’ is that they have netted under 1.5 goals on eight of their last nine competitive travels. But having won back-to-back Serie A visits to the Olimpico, Milan could register a third consecutive top-flight win away to Roma for the first time since 1990.

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Crystal Palace vs West Ham United

Selhurst Park forms the backdrop for an all-London Premier League match-up between Crystal Palace and West Ham United.

Complacency seems to be catching up with Crystal Palace as they’ve gone from winning three straight league matches at the start of Roy Hodgson’s second managerial stint to drawing a blank in their last two outings (D1, L1). However, Hodgson may have already done enough to put Palace’s relegation fears to rest, moving the ‘Eagles’ eight points clear of the red zone. The hosts won’t let that distract them from pursuing only a third Premier League double over West Ham following a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture at the London Stadium. That could be easier said than done, though, with Palace managing just one win in their last seven league meetings with the ‘Hammers’ on home turf (D2, L5), including a pair of 3-2 defeats in their two most recent H2Hs at Selhurst Park.

On the other hand, West Ham’s promising run of three unbeaten Premier League games (W2, D1) ended abruptly at the hands of Liverpool in midweek league action (1-2), leaving the visitors only five points clear of 18th-placed Leicester City at the start of this round. But David Moyes’ men seem to have discovered a winning formula on the road, winning their last two top-flight away matches – as many victories as on their previous 21 Premier League travels (D4, L15). With both those triumphs coming ‘to nil,’ the ‘Irons’ are now looking to win three consecutive away league fixtures without conceding for the first time since 2007. But since they’ve capitulated at least twice in four of their last five league visits to Palace, that feat could prove hard to achieve.

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Bochum vs Borussia Dortmund

Vonovia Ruhrstadion plays host to a lopsided Bundesliga encounter between Bochum and Borussia Dortmund.

Out-of-sorts Bochum are in a tough spot, having gone four Bundesliga matches without a win (D2, L2). They sit just two points above the relegation zone at the start of this round and are reeling from a devastating 5-1 loss at home to Wolfsburg, which marked the fourth time this season that they have lost by at least a four-goal margin. Bochum had been in good form at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, securing three consecutive home wins at the end of the first half of the season and two more to kick off the second half. However, they have since lost four of their last five Bundesliga home outings (W1), including three multi-goal margin defeats. On that basis, ‘Die Unabsteigbaren’ may have to wait a while longer to post their first H2H home win since 2007 (D2, L3 since).

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund capitalized on Bayern Munich’s 3-1 defeat at Mainz last weekend to move top of the Bundesliga table after a 4-0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt at home. But while that triumph extended Dortmund’s impressive home form to eight league wins, the visitors have been up the creek without a paddle on the road, going winless in their last five competitive away games (D2, L3), all of which saw them concede 2+ goals, including a gut-wrenching 3-3 draw at Stuttgart on their most recent league travel. Edin Terzic’s defense appears to be a weak link, yet his attack knows no limits, with Dortmund netting at least two goals in six of their seven Bundesliga away games in 2023.

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Fiorentina vs Cremonese

Fiorentina and Cremonese are set to trade tackles in the return leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Out-of-form Fiorentina hold a 2-0 aggregate lead as they approach the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final. However, some knowledgeable fans may recall that the team that won the first leg has failed to advance in two of their club’s last four semi-final appearances in this competition. Unless Fiorentina suffer a catastrophic collapse against Cremonese, who are facing relegation in Serie A, they should face either Inter Milan or Juventus in the title decider. However, since Spezia knocked them down from a formidable nine-match winning streak earlier in April (1-1), Vincenzo Italiano’s men have managed just one win in their last four competitive outings (D1, L2), including a pair of 3-2 defeats to Monza and Lech Poznan in Serie A and Europa League, respectively.

In the meantime, a woeful 3-0 defeat at Udinese last weekend snapped Cremonese’s two-game winning league run and likely condemned them to relegation from Serie A. Adding to the skepticism about the possibility of a major upset, it’s worth noting that the visitors haven’t won by a three-goal margin since their 4-1 victory against Ascoli during their promotion campaign last season. And while four of Cremonese’s seven wins across the entirety of 2022/23 came in the Coppa Italia after they opened the scoring, Davide Ballardini’s lads have let Fiorentina draw first blood in all three meetings this season (L3). Having won just one of their last six competitive away games (D2, L3), they’re unlikely to progress into their first-ever Coppa Italia grand final from only their second semi-final appearance.

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Villarreal vs Espanyol

A high-stakes midweek La Liga encounter pits European hopefuls Villarreal and relegation-threatened Espanyol against each other at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Sevilla and Valladolid, in which they trailed ‘to nil’ at halftime, have probably landed a knockout blow on Villarreal’s outside chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, leaving them eight points below fourth-placed Real Sociedad. There’s a more pressing issue as with only one point separating them from seventh-placed Athletic Bilbao, Quique Setien’s men risk falling out of the European placings. Despite starting this round 13 places above visiting Espanyol, ‘El Submarino Amarillo’ have emerged victorious in just one of their last four top-flight H2Hs at La Ceramica (D2, L1). However, a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture in November made it two H2Hs triumphs in a row for Villarreal, as many successes as they had in their previous ten meetings with Espanyol in La Liga (W2, D2, L6).

On the other hand, a goalless home draw against perennial relegation candidates Cadiz last time out curtailed Espanyol’s dreadful six-game losing run in La Liga, yet their survival hopes are still in the balance. But even though they head into proceedings second from the bottom, it’s not all lost for ‘Los Periquitos’ as they sit only two points adrift of safety. New boss Luis Garcia has gone winless in his first three games in charge (D1, L2, but if it’s any consolation, he masterminded Espanyol’s first clean sheet since mid-February. But his primary assignment is to get his side back to winning ways for the first time since a 2-1 home triumph over Mallorca two months ago. Since a 1-0 victory at dead-last Elche in February, the visitors have lost four away league games ‘to one’ on the trot.

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West Ham United vs Liverpool

London Stadium is the venue as West Ham United and Liverpool go head-to-head in an exciting Premier League midweek contest.

Inspired by an overwhelming 4-1 home win over Gent that propelled them into the Europa Conference League semi-finals, West Ham United thumped fellow Premier League relegation rivals Bournemouth 4-0 at the weekend to move six points clear of the drop zone. Back to home soil, where they’ve lost only one of their last nine competitive matches (W5, D3), David Moyes’ men are looking to beat Liverpool in consecutive home league meetings for the first time since 2016 following a 3-2 victory in this corresponding fixture in 2021/22. Worryingly, though, the ‘Hammers’ have recorded just two wins in their last 20 Premier League encounters against sides starting the round in the top half of the table (D5, L13), beating Fulham on both occasions.

On the other hand, Liverpool followed a 6-1 rout of Leeds United with a dramatic 3-2 home triumph over Nottingham Forest last weekend and could win three successive Premier League games for the first time in 2023. Despite the team’s recent upturn in form, Champions League qualification remains a pipe dream as the ‘Reds’ start this round nine points below fourth-placed Manchester United. Liverpool’s underwhelming away form that’s seen them win just once in their last five league outings on the road (D2, L2) carries much blame. Interestingly, Jurgen Klopp’s side scored more goals in their 6-1 thrashing of Leeds than on their previous eight Premier League travels combined (4). That could inspire the visitors’ bid to post only their second top-flight triumph on their seventh visit to London this season (D3, L2).

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Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Crystal Palace

Midweek Premier League action gets underway at Molineux Stadium as Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace lock horns in a bottom-half showdown.

Wolverhampton wasted a 1-0 lead at Leicester City at the weekend, going down 2-1 at the King Power Stadium to end a three-match unbeaten run in the Premier League (W2, D1), throwing their survival hopes back into doubt. Julen Lopetegui’s men sit six points clear of the drop zone ahead of their impending return to Molineux, where they’ve racked up three victories in their last four league outings (L1). After dispatching Brentford and Chelsea ‘to nil,’ the ‘Wanderers’ could win three straight home matches in the Premier League for the first time since November 2021. But Molineux hasn’t been a safe shelter for Wolves against Palace, considering they’ve suffered four defeats in their seven Premier League H2Hs at home (W3).

On the other hand, visiting Crystal Palace could only manage a 0-0 home draw against 10-man Everton last weekend as Roy Hodgson’s flawless three-game Premier League record at the helm ended in a disappointing fashion. However, Hodgson has done enough to rescue the ‘Eagles’ from a dreaded relegation scrap since replacing Patrick Vieira earlier this month, steering them nine points away from the red zone. The visitors have won both away league games at the start of Hodgson’s second tenure, equaling their wins tally from their previous 16 Premier League travels (D5, L9). More importantly, they netted seven goals across those two victories after scoring just ten in their first 14 away league matches this season.

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Bournemouth vs West Ham United

Bournemouth and West Ham United are set to trade tackles at the Vitality Stadium in a game that could have a substantial ride on the Premier League survival battle.

Bournemouth stunned Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 on the road in the previous round, making it three wins in their last four Premier League matches (L1), including two in a row, to move six points clear of the relegation zone. Indeed, only Aston Villa (12) have amassed more Premier League points in April than Bournemouth (9). However, the ‘Cherries’ cannot afford to rest on their laurels if they’re to beat the drop, especially considering their four-game home league form (W2, L2) suggests this ‘relegation six-pointer’ could go either way. Gary O’Neil’s men feel optimistic about their prospects in this clash. Since losing their first-ever Premier League home meeting with West Ham, they’ve gone unbeaten in their last four top-flight H2Hs at the Vitality Stadium (W2, D2).

Meanwhile, West Ham United pulled off a come-from-behind 4-1 home win over Gent in midweek Europa Conference League action to reach the semi-finals. Though lifting the trophy in Europe’s second-tier competition remains the only way to qualify the ‘Hammers’ for next season’s European football, they must deal with a more pressing issue. Only four points clear of 18th-placed Nottingham Forest at the beginning of this round, David Moyes’ men are not out of the woods yet. West Ham can draw confidence from snapping a dreadful 11-game winless away run in the Premier League with a narrow 1-0 triumph at Fulham on their last league travel. But it’s been over a year since they last won back-to-back away matches in the Premier League.

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Borussia Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt are set to trade tackles at Signal Iduna Park in a mouth-watering Bundesliga fixture.

Title-bidding Borussia Dortmund wasted a golden opportunity to return to the Bundesliga summit last weekend as relegation-fighting Stuttgart fought back twice to hold them to a goal-glutted 3-3 draw, maintaining Dortmund’s form wobble (W1, D1, L2). But the home side’s hopes of ending Bayern Munich’s decade-long reign of the Bundesliga are still alive and kicking, with only two points separating the sides coming into this round. Despite blowing hot and cold of late, Edin Terzic’s men must be confident about posting a much-needed win here after beating Frankfurt in ten of their last 11 top-flight H2Hs on home turf (L1). On top of that, ‘Die Borussen’ are on an impressive eight-match winning league streak at home, bookended by a 2-1 triumph over Union Berlin last time out.

On the other hand, visiting Eintracht Frankfurt could only manage a 1-1 home draw against Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend, extending their disappointing winless league run to seven matches (D4, L3). Considering no side has picked up fewer points during that stretch than Oliver Glasner’s side (4), the visitors should consider themselves lucky for starting this round only two points adrift of European placings. But to prevent a further downfall, ‘Die Adler’ must arrest their worst winless run in away Bundesliga matches since 2017, having gone their last eight Bundesliga travels without winning (D4, L4). Frankfurt’s growing defensive woes have seen them concede 2+ goals in all five away league outings since the beginning of February.

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Mainz vs Bayern Munich

Underperforming Bundesliga pacesetters Bayern Munich travel to the Mewa Arena to meet high-flying Mainz 05 in a ‘make or break’ league contest.

Since falling to a 2-1 loss at top-four-bidding Union Berlin at the start of February, Mainz have hit the ground running in the Bundesliga, stitching together nine straight matches without a defeat (W5, D4) to enter contention for a European finish. With only two points separating them from six-placed Bayer Leverkusen at the beginning of this round, ‘Die Nullfünfer’ are looking to maintain their 100% win ratio in home Bundesliga meetings with Bayern under current boss Bo Svensson (W2). Given the visitors’ off-field turmoil, it’s hard to put it past Mainz to become the first side in the Bundesliga to beat Bayern in three straight home league H2Hs since Schalke 04 between 2000-05 (5). Adding to this sentiment, Svensson’s men have picked up a league third-high 22 points in the second half of the season.

In the meantime, Bayern Munich waved goodbye to the Champions League in midweek despite holding Manchester City to a 1-1 home draw in the return leg of their blockbuster quarter-final tie. That result has left new manager Thomas Tuchel at only two wins in his first six matches in charge of the ‘Bavarians’ (D2, L2) but could still benefit Bayern’s bid to claim an 11th straight Bundesliga title. Without the distraction of European football, the record-time German champions can focus on improving an underwhelming four-game league form (W2, D1, L1). With second-placed Borussia Dortmund lagging only two points behind, the visitors head to Mainz aiming to defy their topsy-turvy away form that’s seen their last five Bundesliga fixtures on hostile turf fluctuate between wins (3) and losses (2).

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Arsenal vs Southampton

Arsenal’s stuttering pursuit of a first Premier League title in two decades continues at the Emirates Stadium as basement boys Southampton touch down in London.

For the second time in as many matchdays, Arsenal squandered a 2-0 lead as West Ham United came from behind to hold Mikel Arteta’s side to a second successive 2-2 draw, allowing second-placed Manchester City to whittle down the gap to four points. With the ‘Citizens’ also having a game in hand, the ‘Gunners’ must return to winning ways against a Southampton side they’ve never lost to at home in the Premier League era (W16, D7). Stretching beyond the Premier League borders, they’re undefeated in their last 27 league matches against Southampton on home turf (W19, D8), suggesting the continuation of their four-game winning top-flight run at the Emirates is on the cards. Connoisseurs of action-packed football will be looking forward to this fixture, considering each of Arsenal’s last four home league triumphs has seen them score 3+ goals.

On the other hand, visiting Southampton slumped to a disheartening 2-0 home defeat to resurgent Crystal Palace last weekend, making it three Premier League losses in a row while losing precious ground on 17th-placed Everton. Winless in their last six league outings (D2, L4), including four scoreless showings, the ‘Saints’ commence this round four points adrift of safety, highlighting the importance of upsetting the odds in the capital. However, after drawing a blank in three consecutive away league games in the build-up to this trip (D1, L2), Ruben Selles’ men look doomed, though there’s a silver lining. Despite experiencing a thoroughly abysmal season, the visitors are one of only three sides to have avoided defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League this term, courtesy of a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at St Mary’s Stadium in October.

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Sevilla vs Manchester United

Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is the venue as Sevilla and Manchester United go head-to-head in the return leg of their evenly-poised Europa League quarter-final tie after a goal-glutted 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.

A pair of own goals in the final ten minutes of the first-leg encounter last week saw Sevilla cancel out a 2-0 halftime deficit and boost their hopes of landing a record-extending seventh Europa League title. That draw forms part of the club’s four-match unbeaten streak in all competitions under new manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, bookended by a crucial 2-0 La Liga win at Valencia last weekend. Having steered eight points clear of the drop zone, ‘Los Rojiblancos’ are now confident of maintaining their 100% unbeaten H2H ratio against Man Utd in Europe (W2, D2). Adding to their enthusiasm, the Spaniards have been relentless at the Pizjuan during springtime European fixtures this year, thumping PSV Eindhoven and Fenerbahce 3-0 and 2-0, respectively.

Meanwhile, visiting Man Utd recovered from a disappointing night at Old Trafford with a 2-0 win at Premier League minnows Nottingham Forest to consolidate their top-four pursuit in the domestic championship. However, Erik ten Hag’s men have their eyes set on a coveted European prize as they bid to defy a see-saw five-match form away from home (W2, D1, L2). The ‘Red Devils’ have only lost once in their last 12 Europa League knockout matches on hostile turf (W7, D4), going down 2-1 last 12 away UEFA Europa League knockout matches (W7 D4). Furthermore, they are unbeaten in ten consecutive European contests (W8, D2) since losing 1-0 to Sevilla’s fellow La Liga rivals Real Sociedad on the opening matchday, including three straight visits to Spain without losing (W2, D1).

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Chelsea vs Real Madrid

Defending Champions League holders Real Madrid head to Stamford Bridge to encounter out-of-sorts Chelsea in the return leg of their quarter-final tie, looking to protect a comfortable 2-0 aggregate cushion.

Frank Lampard’s interim tenure in West London has been off to a woeful start, with Chelsea losing all three competitive matches by an aggregate score of 4-1. Not only are they winless in six games in the run-up to this fixture (D2, L4), but they’ve also failed to score in four of their last five competitive outings. There’s still a piece of history backing their faint hopes of pulling off a comeback, with the ‘Pensioners’ progressing from five of the last seven Champions League knockout ties after losing the first leg on hostile turf, including their last-16 success against Borussia Dortmund this season. Yet after alternating between draws (2) and defeats (2) in their last four games at the Bridge, they’re unlikely to pull off another upset.

Meanwhile, visiting Real Madrid are seemingly on the verge of a third successive Champions League semi-final qualification, having progressed from 18 out of 19 knockout ties after winning the first leg by a multi-goal margin. Carlo Ancelotti’s team followed the first-leg triumph with a 2-0 La Liga win at Cadiz, making it four wins in their last five competitive outings (L1). Another victory in London would see ‘Los Merengues’ set an unprecedented feat in the club’s history by winning a sixth straight knockout leg in the Champions League. Interestingly, their last five wins in such match-ups have all come against English clubs, including three against Chelsea! After finding the net on their last seven Champions League travels (W4, D1, L2), the Spaniards will be confident of making history this midweek.

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Lille vs Montpellier

Stade Pierre-Mauroy plays host to Lille’s must-win Ligue 1 clash against bottom-half Montpellier.

Lille succumbed to their eighth Ligue 1 defeat of the 2022/23 season (W15, D7) at Angers last weekend (0-1) but have yet to lose twice on the trot this term. With third-place Marseille now nine points away, Paulo Fonseca’s men can hope to secure Europa League qualification at best, as they lag six points behind fourth-placed Monaco at the start of this round. Montpellier’s visit to Stade Pierre-Mauroy feels like a prime opportunity for Lille to get back to winning ways after going undefeated in their last ten Ligue 1 H2Hs (W6, D4). ‘Les Dogues’ currently hold the best record in Ligue 1 with an unbeaten streak of 12 home games (W8, D4). That also accounts for their best run in a single season since May 2011, when they went unbeaten for 14 games.

On the other hand, visiting Montpellier suffered a disheartening 2-1 home loss to Toulouse last weekend, putting a stop to an impressive seven-match unbeaten league streak prior (W5, D2). But the visitors seem on course to secure top-flight status following an underwhelming first half of the season, having steered 11 points clear of the relegation zone. Away from home, Michel Der Zakarian’s men have strung together three league games without losing (W2, D1) for the first time since a run of six between February-April 2021. That may set them up nicely for this daunting trip to Lille, where they’ve failed to win any of their last ten top-flight H2Hs (D4, L6) since a narrow 1-0 triumph in 2011.

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Manchester City vs Leicester City

Etihad Stadium forms the backdrop for a lopsided Premier League contest between title-bidding Manchester City and relegation-threatened Leicester City.

Manchester City return to Premier League proceedings following a 3-0 demolition of Bayern Munich in midweek Champions League action, looking to extend an impressive winning streak in all competitions to ten matches. A third consecutive Premier League title for the first time in the club’s history is still on the cards, as the ‘Citizens’ start this round only six points adrift of leaders Arsenal with a game in hand after winning their last five league games by an aggregate score of 15-2. The continuation of that eye-catching spell of form looks inevitable, considering Pep Guardiola’s men have emerged victorious in ten of their last 12 top-flight encounters against Leicester (L2), including the last five in a row since a 5-2 home defeat in September 2020.

On the other hand, Leicester City’s hopes of securing Premier League survival are hanging by a thread following a disastrous run of seven defeats in their last eight league matches (D1). Stuck in 19th, two points below safety, the ‘Foxes’ have appointed Dean Smith as their new manager, hoping to turn their fortunes around down the final stretch. However, the Etihad is not the best place to embark on their redemption mission, considering they’ve suffered five losses on their last six league visits to this venue (W1). Yet to keep a clean sheet in any of their six away league games in 2023 (W1, D1, L4), Leicester will need a miracle to upset the odds this weekend.

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Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

Saturday’s Premier League action gets underway at Villa Park as high-flying Aston Villa and top-four hopefuls Newcastle United go head-to-head in a mouth-watering fixture.

Last weekend’s comfortable 2-0 home triumph over Nottingham Forest saw Aston Villa hit an impressive milestone, winning four consecutive matches in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years! After moving to sixth in the standings, the ‘Lions’ are seeking a first European finish since 2010, with fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur only six points away. Since Unai Emery’s appointment as Aston Villa’s head coach in November, only Arsenal have earned more points (42) and victories (13) than the ‘Villans’ (35 points, 11 wins) in the Premier League. Moreover, they’ve found the net in all 17 Premier League outings under the Spanish manager, netting an average of 1.76 goals per match.

In the meantime, visiting Newcastle United came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 on the road and consolidate their top-four pursuit on the back of a fifth successive Premier League victory. The ‘Magpies’ start this round three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand, and they’ll be looking to win four straight Premier League games away from home for the first time since 1996. However, since Villa’s top-flight promotion in 2019, Eddie Howe’s men have lost all three Premier League H2Hs in Birmingham by an identical 2-0 scoreline. Against this backdrop, Newcastle thumped Villa 4-0 in the reverse fixture at St James’ Park and could complete their first league double over them since 2013/14.

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Spezia vs Lazio

Lazio’s unrelenting effort to secure Champions League football continues at the Stadio Alberto Picco as they take on relegation-battling Spezia in a lopsided Serie A contest.

Despite coming into this round winless in their last three Serie A matches (D2, L1), Spezia can draw confidence from knocking high-flying Fiorentina down from a nine-game winning streak with a 1-1 away draw last time out. However, the hosts still have to frantically look over their shoulders as they start this round only four points clear of 18th-placed Hellas Verona after racking up just one victory in ten Serie A games (D4, L5). On a more positive note, ‘I Aquilotti’ haven’t lost any of their last three home league outings under new boss Leonardo Semplici (W1, D2), including a stunning 2-1 win over Lazio’s fellow top-four bidders Inter Milan. Yet their track record against Lazio cannot inspire much confidence, with Spezia losing all five Serie A H2Hs against ‘I Biancocelesti’ since earning top-flight promotion in 2020.

On the other hand, visiting Lazio furthered their pursuit of a first top-four finish in Serie A since 2019/20 with a morale-boosting 2-1 home triumph over Juventus last time out, making it three league wins on the trot. Seven points clear of fifth-placed Inter at the start of this round, the visitors touch down in Spezia unbeaten in their last seven top-flight fixtures (W6, D1), notably recording six clean sheets in that span. Speaking of Lazio’s newly-discovered defensive prowess, they haven’t conceded on their last five Serie A travels and could make it five straight shutouts in away top-flight action for the first time since 1998. Particularly robust in the opening stages, they’ve only conceded five first-half goals in 29 Serie A rounds this term!

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Feyenoord vs Roma

De Kuip is the venue as Feyenoord and Roma go head-to-head in the first leg of their handsomely-looking Europa League quarter-final tie.

Feyenoord will take the field in a buoyant mood after a 5-1 demolition of RKC Walwijk at the weekend strengthened their pursuit of a first Eredivisie title since 2016/17. Eight points clear of second-placed Ajax, Arne Slot’s side will focus on avenging a 1-0 heartbreak in last season’s Europa Conference League final against Roma. Feyenoord dismantled Shakhtar Donetsk 7-1 at home in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie to set up their first quarter-final appearance in Europe’s second-tier competition since 2014/15. But to take another stride toward lifting their third trophy, the Dutch heavyweights will have to defy their underwhelming three-game H2H record against Roma in European football (D1, L2). Playing at De Kuip might help, as they’ve won five of their last six competitive home games (L1).

In the meantime, after guiding Roma to their first-ever European silverware last season, Jose Mourinho has set his sights on his third Europa League title. ‘I Giallorossi’ have overcome RB Salzburg and Real Sociedad in the opening two knockout rounds, keeping a clean sheet in their last three knockout legs. Another shutout in Rotterdam would see them go four consecutive European fixtures without conceding for the first time since 2002. That could be crucial to their hopes of reaching the semi-finals because goals have been at a premium for Roma of late. They have averaged only 0.57 goals per game across their last seven competitive away matches, scoring one or fewer on each occasion. Back-to-back Serie A wins ‘to nil’ in the build-up to this trip bode well.

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AC Milan vs Napoli

Two of Italy’s three remaining representatives in the Champions League face each other at the Stadio San Siro as AC Milan and Napoli go head-to-head in the first leg of their blockbuster quarter-final tie.

A 1-0 aggregate triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in the round of 16 fired Milan into their first Champions League quarter-finals in 11 years. But they’ll be looking to go one better and reach the semi-finals for the first time since their triumphant 2006/07 campaign. Standing between them and the last four will be a Napoli side they thumped 4-0 in Serie A earlier in April, drawing first blood in a mouth-watering H2H trilogy taking place this month. However, while that success helped Milan snap an underwhelming four-match winless run in all competitions, Stefano Pioli’s men slumped again last weekend, drawing 0-0 with bottom-half Empoli at home. Pioli wouldn’t mind another clean sheet, though, especially given that it would see ‘I Rossoneri’ register five consecutive shutouts in a single Champions League season for the first time since 2004/05.

On the other hand, Napoli’s maiden foray into the Champions League knockout stages was off to a flying start as they comfortably dispatched Eintracht Frankfurt 5-0 on aggregate to move into the quarter-finals. Luciano Spalletti’s team bounced back from the abovementioned H2H demolition with a hard-earned 2-1 win at Lecce last weekend, maintaining a cruising 16-point cushion at the Serie A summit. That result extended the visitors’ outrageous away form to eight successive victories on hostile turf. Interestingly, before Lecce’s first-half strike at Via del Mare, Napoli had won seven straight matches on the road by 2+ goals ‘to nil,’ highlighting the level of confidence running through their veins now. But with star striker Victor Osimhen ruled out with injury, ‘I Partenopei’ may have problems adding to their impressive 25-goal tally in this season’s Champions League.

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Real Madrid vs Chelsea

Real Madrid’s Champions League title defense continues at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu as they welcome out-of-sorts Chelsea in the first leg of their exciting quarter-final tie.

Real Madrid coasted to a 6-2 aggregate triumph over Liverpool in the opening Champions League knockout round to reach the competition’s quarter-finals for the third season on the trot. A 1-0 home victory in the second leg extended Madrid’s phenomenal scoring run to 30 consecutive Champions League outings at the Bernabeu. Moreover, ‘Los Merengues’ have now progressed from nine two-legged knockout ties in the Champions League versus English clubs, including the last four in a row. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to bench several key first-team figures backfired on Madrid at the weekend as they slumped to a 3-2 home loss to fellow La Liga rivals Villarreal, only a few days after demolishing arch-rivals Barcelona 4-0 in the return leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final contest.

In the meantime, Frank Lampard’s interim charge of Chelsea was off to a woeful start as the ‘Pensioners’ succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. Stuck in the lower reaches and faced with the risk of a first bottom-half finish in the Premier League since 1995/96, the ‘Blues’ will seek redemption in Europe, where they’ve fared reasonably well this term. After finishing top of Group E, Chelsea pulled off a second-leg comeback to overcome Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on aggregate in the round of 16, setting up a third straight knockout engagement against Madrid. Interestingly, the winners of the last two ties have gone on to win the trophy. Despite only winning once in their last 13 competitive away matches in the build-up to this trip (D3, L8), Chelsea can draw confidence from their impressive run in Spain, having only lost once in their last nine Champions League knockout stage games away to Spanish opposition (W3, D5).

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Manchester City vs Bayern Munich

Manchester City’s quest to win an elusive first Champions League title faces a stern test as perennial Bundesliga champions touch down at the Etihad Stadium for the first leg of this heavyweight quarter-final tie.

Manchester City didn’t break a sweat as they finished top of this season’s Champions League Group G without losing (W4, D2) before they hammered Bayern’s fellow Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig 8-1 on aggregate in the round of 16. An intimidating 7-0 second-leg win at home forms part of Man City’s outrageous eight-match winning streak in all competitions, bookended by a 4-1 thumping of Premier League strugglers Southampton at the weekend. On top of that, the ‘Citizens’ stretched their jaw-dropping run to 24 consecutive unbeaten home games in major European competitions (W22, D2), setting themselves up nicely for this blockbuster contest. But even though they’ve won two of their three previous home meetings with Bayern in the Champions League (L1), this will be an arduous task for Pep Guardiola’s high-flyers.

On the other hand, visiting Bayern Munich headed into springtime Champions League fixtures as the only side to have won all six group matches before ousting Ligue 1 juggernauts PSG 3-0 on aggregate in the opening knockout round. Since suffering four straight defeats away to English clubs in the Champions League, the ‘Bavarians’ have only lost two of their ten such trips since (W6, D2), including three victories on their last four visits to the country. New boss Thomas Tuchel has had a mixed start to his managerial tenure at the Allianz Arena, as his men have won both Bundesliga outings but bowed out of the DFB-Pokal last week, courtesy of a 2-1 home loss to Freiburg, the very side they defeated 1-0 over the weekend. That victory should boost Bayern’s confidence as they look to build on an impressive 63% progression rate in the Champions League quarter-final ties (W20, L12).

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Benfica vs Inter Milan

Benfica and Inter Milan are set to trade tackles at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg of their competitive-looking Champions League quarter-final tie.

Benfica proved a top-table finish in Group H ahead of non-other than PSG and Juventus was no fluke (W4, D2) by thrashing Belgian outfit Club Brugge 7-1 on aggregate in the first knockout round. Benfica’s bid to progress beyond the quarter-finals for the first time in the Champions League era after five failed attempts will hinge on their ability to bounce back from a gut-wrenching 2-1 Primeira Liga loss to arch-rivals Porto at the weekend. That result knocked Roger Schmidt’s side down from an eye-catching eight-match winning streak in all competitions. Seven of their eight victories in that sequence saw Benfica prevail by multi-goal margins, highlighting the potential for picking up a much-needed first-leg advantage. Adding to the home side’s confidence, they’ve gone unbeaten in 79% of their European meetings with Italian opposition in Lisbon (W7, D4, L3).

Meanwhile, Inter Milan could be on the verge of sacking underperforming manager Simone Inzaghi despite reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since their triumphant 2009/10 season. Inzaghi’s team squeezed past Benfica’s bitter rivals Porto 1-0 on aggregate in the round of 16, making it three straight Champions League knockout games without losing or conceding (W2, D1). However, the Italians will take the field under tremendous pressure after a disastrous 1-1 draw at Serie A minnows Salernitana last weekend condemned them to a sixth consecutive match without a win in all competitions (D3, L3). With their hopes of landing another top-four finish in Serie A hanging by a thread, Inter will have a point to prove in Lisbon, especially after going winless on their last six competitive travels (D4, L2).

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Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid’s inexorable march toward an 11th straight top-four finish in La Liga continues at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas as they meet mid-table Rayo Vallecano.
Rayo Vallecano’s form wobble in La Liga continued with a frustrating 1-1 draw at Valencia last time out. After going winless in seven straight league matches (D5, L2), the hosts must launch a substantial winning streak if they’re to make up ground on European placings. With seven points separating them from sixth-placed Villarreal at the start of this round, Vallecano will be desperate to end an underwhelming run of three consecutive home league draws. However, Atletico’s visit won’t do them any favors, with ‘Los Franjirrojos’ losing five consecutive top-flight H2Hs at home since a 2-1 win in 2013, including the last four without scoring. But since they’ve averaged two goals per game in their three most recent league outings, Andoni Iraola’s men will be confident about breaking that scoring drought.

On the other hand, visiting Atletico Madrid left it late to beat fellow top-four rivals Real Betis at home last weekend (1-0), which doesn’t change the fact they start this round nine points clear of fifth-placed Betis after winning four league matches on the trot. Since a 1-0 home loss to pacesetters Barcelona in early January, Diego Simeone’s men have gone into overdrive, stringing together 11 league matches without a defeat (W8, D3), so optimism should be at an all-time high. Adding to this sentiment, ‘Los Colchoneros’ haven’t lost any of their five away league games in 2023 (W3, D2). But with each of those three victories yielding a narrow 1-0 scoreline, Atletico might play with their fans’ nerves again.

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Southampton vs Manchester City

St Mary’s Stadium forms the backdrop for a lopsided Premier League clash between rock-bottom Southampton and title-bidding Manchester City.

Another goal conceded from a set-piece play saw Southampton fall to a 1-0 defeat to fellow relegation rivals West Ham United last time out. And though their direct competitors lost their midweek games, the ‘Saints’ remain nailed to the bottom of the standings after winning none of their last four Premier League matches (D2, L2). It’s still not too late for Southampton to steer outside the bottom three, with 15th-placed West Ham only four points away, yet Man City’s trip to the south won’t make things easy for Ruben Selles. His men have managed just one win in their last 13 Premier League encounters against the ‘Citizens’ (D3, L9), going down 4-0 in the reverse fixture. But a shock 2-0 H2H victory in the FA Cup earlier this year might give them the courage to downplay the odds.

On the other hand, Manchester City didn’t need Erling Haaland to pull off a come-from-behind 4-1 home win over Liverpool last weekend and make it four Premier League wins in a row. But Pep Guardiola’s men still trail pacesetters Arsenal by eight points, although with a game in hand, meaning every game is a ‘must-win’ from now on. While the ‘Citizens’ have stitched together seven wins in all competitions in the build-up to this fixture, it’s perhaps even more impressive they’ve won their last three competitive away games by an aggregate score of 8-1. They’ll be confident about adding a fourth to the tally after clocking four wins on their last six top-flight visits to Southampton (D1, L1). April has often been a prolific time of the year for Man City, given that they’ve won their last nine away league matches this month by an aggregate score of 23-4.

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Lecce vs Napoli

Runaway Serie A leaders Napoli head to the Stadio Via del Mare to encounter season-long bottom-half underachievers Lecce in a final rehearsal ahead of their Champions League quarter-final tie against AC Milan.
Lecce succumbed to a narrow 1-0 loss to fellow bottom-half rivals Empoli earlier this week after their clash in Tuscany had to be delayed for an hour due to a small fire in the dressing rooms. That result marked Lecce’s fifth consecutive defeat in Serie A and reignited fears over extending their top-flight status for another season, with 18th-placed Hellas Verona now eight points adrift. What’s even more concerning for head coach Marco Baroni is that his men failed to get on the scoresheet in each of the five abovementioned losses. Indeed, only the bottom-three sides have netted fewer Serie A goals than ‘I Giallorossi’ (24) this term. Back to Via del Mare may not necessarily be a good omen for Lecce, considering they’ve won none of their last five home league games (D2, L3) since a come-from-behind 2-1 triumph over second-placed Lazio in early January.
On the other hand, visiting Napoli may be on the verge of breaking a 33-year Scudetto drought after moving 16 points clear at the summit, but they still have to make amends for last weekend’s fiasco. Indeed, without headline performer Victor Osimhen, Luciano Spalletti’s team slumped to a morale-damaging 4-0 home loss to reigning champions Milan. That was their second defeat in four Serie A matches (W2), one more than they suffered in the first 24 league matchdays (W21, D2, L1). However, ‘I Partenopei’ have excelled on the road this season, racking up an eye-catching win ratio of 86% across their 14 Serie A travels thus far (W12, D1, L1), including victories by 2+ goals ‘to nil’ in their last six away league fixtures.

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Salernitana vs Inter Milan

Stadio Arechi forms the backdrop for a lopsided Serie A encounter between bottom-half strugglers Salernitana and top-four hopefuls Inter Milan.
Despite going down 2-0 to Lazio on his touchline debut in mid-February, new Salernitana boss Paulo Sousa has helped his side steer away from the bottom three after going unbeaten in five consecutive league matches (W1, D4). Having drawn their last four Serie A games in the build-up to this fixture, Salernitana wouldn’t mind another share of the spoils despite boasting a positive all-time home H2H record against Inter (W2, L1). Already nine points clear of 18th-placed Hellas Verona, the ‘Granata’ return to the Arechi, where they’ve only won one of their seven top-flight outings in 2023 (D2, L4). But they’re unbeaten in their last two at home (W1, D1), netting at least twice on both occasions, suggesting they might give Inter a run for their money.

On the other hand, visiting Inter Milan held bitter rivals Juventus to a dramatic 1-1 Coppa Italia semi-final first-leg draw in Turin over midweek as under-pressure manager Simone Inzaghi continues to walk a tightrope. With his side losing three successive Serie A matches for the first time since 2017, including the last two without scoring, Inzaghi may hit the road unless they bounce back at Salernitana. Luckily for ‘I Nerazzurri,’ they start this round in fourth, albeit they’re level on points with fifth-placed Roma, pinpointing the significance of achieving their second straight Serie A double over the ‘Granata’ following a comfortable 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture in October. But goals have been hard to come by for Inter since the calendar year flipped to 2023, as they’ve averaged just one goal per league game in that period, compared to 2.3 per match between August and December 2022.

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Manchester United vs Brentford

Manchester United’s stuttering pursuit of a second Premier League top-four finish in three years continues at Old Trafford as they welcome Brentford in a tasty-looking midweek fixture.
After an underwhelming 0-0 draw against basement boys Southampton in their most recent Premier League home outing, Manchester United slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United at the weekend, falling to fifth in the standings. Level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, the ‘Red Devils’ can ill-afford another slip-up if they’re to consolidate their top-four bid. However, Erik ten Hag’s men head into proceedings on the back of three consecutive scoring blanks in the Premier League, accounting for their longest goal league drought since 1989. Another failed attempt to get on the scoresheet would see Man Utd go four straight top-flight games without scoring for the first time in the club’s history. But they’ll be motivated to avoid that unwanted record as they aim to avenge a woeful 4-0 defeat from the reverse fixture.

Despite losing their last three league visits to Man Utd by an aggregate score of 10-1 in a run stretching back to 1939, visiting Brentford will be confident of turning the corner this midweek. Though they’ve drawn back-to-back Premier League matches in the build-up to this trip, the ‘Bees’ have only lost one of their last 16 Premier League outings (W7, D8), with only Arsenal, Manchester City, and Newcastle suffering fewer top-flight defeats than them (5) this term. Yet, Thomas Frank’s men have established themselves as ‘stalemate specialists,’ drawing more Premier League contests (13) than any other side in England’s top division. Brentford’s indifferent five-match away league form (W1, D3, L1) could throw a spanner in the works, though they’ll draw confidence from netting 2+ goals on their last two top-flight travels.

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West Ham United vs Newcastle United

London Stadium is the venue as West Ham United and Newcastle United face each other in contrasting Premier League circumstances.

West Ham United’s hard-earned 1-0 home triumph over fellow Premier League relegation rivals Southampton last weekend alleviated some pressure on under-fire manager David Moyes while helping the team arrest a two-game winless league run (D1, L1). Despite steering outside the bottom three, the ‘Hammers’ are not out of the woods yet, as they start this round only one point clear of 18th-placed Leeds United. Interestingly, despite their woeful domestic season, Moyes’ men have excelled at home in 2023, alternating between wins (3) and draws (2) in five Premier League outings at the London Stadium since the turn of the year. Adding to West Ham’s confidence, they’ve gone unbeaten in their last three top-flight encounters against Newcastle (W1, D2), including a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at St James’ Park.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United solidified their stellar top-four pursuit with a well-deserved 2-0 home win over Manchester United at the weekend, moving to third in the table. But there’s no room for complacency, as they commence this matchday level on points with fifth-placed Man Utd after winning their last three league matches on the trot. Moreover, except for a 2-0 defeat at defending champions Manchester City in early March, Eddie Howe’s men have gone undefeated in nine of their last ten Premier League away fixtures (W5, D4). Overall, the ‘Magpies’ have lost the fewest away games in England’s elite division this season (2), which should strengthen their bid to maintain a three-game unbeaten league run at West Ham (W2, D1).

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Bournemouth vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion make the journey to the Vitality Stadium to take on season-long relegation candidates Bournemouth in an exciting Premier League match-up.

Although Bournemouth’s last four Premier League matches have fluctuated between victories (2) and defeats (2), a 2-1 home triumph over Fulham at the weekend should set them up nicely for this contest. No matter the odds, the ‘Cherries’ should be confident about posting a third consecutive top-flight home victory after beating Brighton in their last four league H2Hs at the Vitality Stadium, including all three in the Premier League. Extending their impeccable home run against Brighton would see Bournemouth register three top-flight home wins on the trot for the first time since 2018, but there’s a catch. Gary O’Neil’s men have managed just one triumph in their 13 midweek Premier League fixtures (D3, L9). But if you’re a fan of omens, their only success in that streak came against non-other than Brighton.

In the meantime, Brighton & Hove Albion shared the spoils with Brentford in a topsy-turvy 3-3 home draw at the weekend, stretching their unbeaten Premier League streak to four matches (W2, D2). With fourth-placed Manchester United seven points away, an unlikely Champions League pursuit could still be on the cards for Brighton, especially considering they have a game in hand. But despite going unbeaten on their last six Premier League travels (W3, D3), a frustrating run of three consecutive away stalemates requires immediate improvement. Roberto De Zerbi’s hopes of guiding his side back to winning ways on the road rest upon plugging Brighton’s defensive leaks that have seen them go ten consecutive away league games without a clean sheet.

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Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League top-four hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur make the journey to Goodison Park to encounter relegation-battling Everton in a high-stakes fixture.

Season-long relegation strugglers Everton headed into March’s international break on the back of a three-match unbeaten run in the Premier League (W1, D2) for the first time since October, moving a narrow one-point clear of the red zone. But amid malicious talks over the club’s wrongdoing related to Financial Fair Play regulations, Sean Dyche’s bid to help the Merseyside outfit secure top-flight survival is under imminent threat. Tottenham’s voyage to Goodison doesn’t bode well either, with the ‘Toffees’ going winless in 19 of their last 20 H2Hs in the Premier League (D9, L10), doing so in September 2020 in London. At home, they’ve been winless in nine consecutive league meetings with ‘Spurs’ (D6, L3) since beating them 2-1 in 2012. But after winning three out of four top-flight home outings under Dyche (L1), they’ll be confident about bucking that trend.

On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur’s life after Antonio Conte begins this weekend after the club and the controversial manager severed ties during the international break by mutual consent. Yet to appoint a new permanent boss, ‘Spurs’ will rely on caretaker manager Cristian Stellini to deliver the goods. Stellini’s first assignment will be to plug Tottenham’s defensive holes – they’ve already conceded as many goals in 2022/23 (40) as they did throughout the entirety of the 2021/22 campaign. However, the upcoming trip to Goodison could be just what the doctor ordered, with the London heavyweights keeping more Premier League clean sheets against Everton (24) than against any other side. Watch out for the visitors’ problems with inconsistent performances, as they’ve experienced mixed fortunes across their last three league outings (W1, D1, L1).

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Newcastle United vs Manchester United

St James’ Park forms the backdrop for a high-stakes Premier League contest between fifth-placed Newcastle United and third-placed Manchester United.

With only three points separating these teams ahead of the kick-off, this clash has all the makings of a ‘top-four six-pointer.’ Seeking a first top-four finish in the Premier League in over 20 years, Newcastle United head into proceedings on the back of two consecutive 2-1 league wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest, looking to make it three top-flight triumphs in a row for the first time in 2023. Despite going winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Man Utd (D2, L4), including a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, the ‘Magpies’ will relish their chances of bucking that trend, inspired by a stellar home form. Indeed, Eddie Howe’s men have only lost one home match in the Premier League this term (W7, D5), conceding a league-second joint-low nine goals in the process.

On the other hand, visiting Manchester United pulled off a late comeback to overcome Fulham 3-1 in a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final tie last time out, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to four games (W3, D1). However, Erik ten Hag’s men could only manage a tepid scoreless home draw against basement boys Southampton in their most recent Premier League outing and have now won just two of their last five in the top-flight (D2, L1). Moreover, Man Utd’s travel sickness is another issue the ‘Red Devils’ must address to bolster their top-four hopes after going winless in three of their last four away league matches (D1, L2). Since both defeats in that run came against sides starting this round in the upper half of the table, the signs are ominous for the League Cup winners.

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West Ham United vs Southampton

London Stadium forms the backdrop for a ‘make or break’ Premier League relegation six-pointer between West Ham United and Southampton.
March’s international break couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment for West Ham United, who looked up the creek without a paddle, going winless in five of their last six Premier League matches (D3, L2), including two in a row in the build-up to this clash. Despite alternating between drawing (2) and winning (2) across their last four league outings on home turf, David Moyes’ men start this round in the drop zone, one point adrift of 17th-placed Leicester City. Anything other than three points could lead to Moyes’ dismissal, especially given West Ham’s formidable ten-match Premier League form against Southampton (W6, D3). Defensive improvement is required to boost West Ham’s survival hopes, considering they’ve kept a league-second joint-low five clean sheets this season.
Speaking of immense defensive woes, visiting Southampton have registered a league-low four shutouts this term, though they held Manchester United at bay on their most recent Premier League travel (0-0). Nailed to the bottom of the standings after winning a joint-low six top-flight matches in 2022/23, Southampton could still finish this round outside the bottom three as they sit only two points below safety. However, it will require the ‘Saints’ to arrest a three-game winless league run (D2, L1), which may not be an impossible task following a nail-biting 3-3 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the eve of the international break. Adding to this sentiment, the visitors have taken eight points across their six Premier League games under Ruben Selles (W2, D2, L2), as many as in their 17 league outings beforehand. Worryingly, though, they’ve failed to get on the scoresheet in three of their last four top-flight travels.

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