The games start coming and they don’t stop coming. The winter World Cup and the hectic Christmas period sees us processing Premier League football at an alarming rate. Wednesday night brings another four games in the English top flight, as teams look ahead to a weekend of FA Cup action.
Here is The Sportsman’s preview of the evening’s Premier League fixtures.
READ MORE:
Southampton vs Nottingham Forest (19.30)
Steve Cooper’s Tricky Trees have been desperately reaching for something to cling to all season. An inspired 1-1 draw with Chelsea can give Forest a platform to build from after a disjointed start to the season.
They might find Southampton to be a compliant opponent. The Saints are in freefall, without a win in their last six Premier League games. It’s early days for new manager Nathan Jones, but after just four games it already looks like he might have to mastermind a Championship escape next season.
Betfred Odds: Soton 23/20, Forest 12/5, Draw 12/5
Leeds United vs West Ham United (19.45)
A New Year’s eve point at Newcastle United was a nice bonus, but they’ll be after all three as they welcome struggling West Ham United to Elland Road. David Moyes’ men are cracking under the weight of years of overachievement this season, having not won in six league games.
Leeds have fared a little better, but manager Jesse Marsch is yet to forge the sort of bond predecessor Marcelo Bielsa enjoyed with fans. There have been some encouraging displays this season, but Leeds need to swiftly turn those into positive results.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (20.00)
A clash of two clubs who have changed managers this season. Villa’s switch seems to have worked well so far, with Unai Emery masterminding encouraging wins over Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur since taking over.
Julen Lopetegui’s effect at Molineux has been palpable too. The former Real Madrid and Spain head coach has won two of his three games in charge. The sole defeat came after a creditable performance against Manchester United, where Wolves had chances to score but failed to take advantage.
Betfred Odds: Villa 19/20, Wolves 3/1, Draw 5/2
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur (20.00)
A season that promised so much for Spurs is in danger of coming unglued. Antonio Conte’s future is once again up in the air. Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have been eroded by the intrusive World Cup. With strong competition for the top four this year, Tottenham are far from sure of a Champions League spot.
Crystal Palace could test their mettle. Patrick Vieira’s side looked impressive last time out, beating Bournemouth 2-0. Usually those credentials alone would not be enough to beat Spurs, but Conte’s men have not been firing on all cylinders. As upsets go, this one wouldn’t be a big shock.
Betfred Odds: Palace 12/5, Spurs 11/10, Draw 5/2
18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
