Wednesday will feature the latest edition of the Merseyside Derby as Liverpool welcomes Everton to Anfield. This match is one of six Premier League games scheduled for the day. Liverpool currently holds a comfortable lead in the league after Arsenal`s recent victory. Meanwhile, Manchester City, the reigning champions, are focused on securing a top-four spot and will play against Leicester City. Leicester is battling to avoid relegation, making their encounter at the Etihad Stadium a crucial one for both sides.
SportsLine`s soccer expert, Brandt Sutton, has provided his analysis and predictions for each Premier League match taking place on Wednesday.
Brighton vs. Aston Villa
Score prediction: Brighton 2, Aston Villa 1
Sutton commented, “Both Brighton and Aston Villa are still in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League, aiming for Champions League qualification. Brighton is currently enjoying excellent form, remaining undefeated in their last five league matches. They`ve also won their last three home league games, and I anticipate they will extend that winning streak on Wednesday.”
Bournemouth vs. Ipswich Town
Score prediction: Bournemouth 3, Ipswich Town 1
Ipswich Town needs a series of wins to escape relegation danger. They are currently a significant number of points away from safety. “Ipswich tends to play an attacking style, which contributes to them having conceded a high number of goals this season,” Sutton noted. “Bournemouth hasn`t won in their last four league games, but they are expected to secure a victory in front of their home crowd on Wednesday.”
Manchester City vs. Leicester City
Score prediction: Man City 2, Leicester City 0
It has been an underwhelming season for Manchester City, but they will aim to improve against Leicester City, who are struggling in their return to the Premier League. “Leicester has suffered six consecutive league defeats without scoring in any of those games,” Sutton highlighted. “Despite Manchester City not being at full strength, they should still have enough quality to win comfortably in this match.”
Southampton vs. Crystal Palace
Score prediction: Crystal Palace 1, Southampton 0
Southampton has had a difficult season, accumulating very few points. Their last victory was in early February. Conversely, Crystal Palace has been on a winning streak in recent league games, including a previous win against Southampton. “Southampton has struggled to score goals, and they now face a Crystal Palace team that has kept clean sheets in their recent matches,” Sutton stated.
Newcastle vs. Brentford
Score prediction: Newcastle 2, Brentford 1
Newcastle fans are eager to support their team at home after their recent EFL Cup Final victory over Liverpool. Newcastle should be well-rested and focused on securing a top-four finish. “St. James` Park will be buzzing after Newcastle`s EFL Cup win, providing the team with the confidence and energy to claim victory,” Sutton predicted. Alexander Isak, Newcastle`s key striker, has been in excellent form this season.
Liverpool vs. Everton
Score prediction: Liverpool 2, Everton 1
Everton has shown improvement under David Moyes, currently enjoying a long unbeaten run in the Premier League. However, Liverpool has been dominant in their recent home games against Everton. “Liverpool has consistently scored multiple goals in their home league games at Anfield, and they will be determined to make a statement in this derby,” Sutton mentioned. “While the reverse fixture was a high-scoring draw with red cards, Liverpool is expected to control this match and ultimately secure a win in the Merseyside Derby, though Everton will put up a fight.”
Benedict Kingsley