Premier League predictions this weekend – Matchweek 31 ...Middle East

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Premier League predictions this weekend – Matchweek 31

The Premier League signs off this weekend ahead of an extended international break, with top-flight football not set to return until midway through April.

Title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City are set to meet in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, which means only eight games, but fans won't be short of edge-of-their-seat action.

    There are key games in the Champions League tussle, the race for the European spots, and the relegation battle, while there's also the little matter of the first Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park in a decade...

    Each week, Radio Times Sport Editor Michael Potts and Sport Writer Ned Holmes present their Premier League predictions, including a selection for Upset of the Week, because football isn't played on paper after all.

    How many picks will they get right in Matchweek 31?

    Premier League predictions this weekend – Matchweek 31

    Bournemouth v Man Utd (8pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League

    NH: Man Utd 2-0 win. Michael Carrick must be pinching himself at how well his Man Utd interim spell has gone and on Friday, he'll add the club's first win against Bournemouth since 2023 to his list of achievements. The Cherries have shored things up defensively but the loss of some of their attacking oomph has seen them become the Premier League's draw specialists. They'll keep things tight for a while before the visitors find a way through.

    MP: Man Utd 2-0 win. A wobble against Newcastle has been quickly forgotten following a terrific win against Aston Villa that has secured United in third place for now. Bournemouth are lacking a killer touch at the moment, goals have been hard to come by, and United will be determined to make the most of their new-found scoring touch on the south coast.

    Saturday 21 March

    Brighton v Liverpool (12:30pm) TNT Sports 1

    NH: 2-1 Liverpool win. Arne Slot and Liverpool really needed their midweek victory against Galatasaray, which has eased the pressure on them after a difficult few weeks. The Reds won't have it easy away at a Brighton side that are back on song but they have the quality to come away with three points.

    MP: 1-1 draw. Neither side is easy to predict with each of them prone to a stumble or a masterclass out of the blue. Liverpool played very well during midweek but they've lacked intensity in the Premier League. I could see the Seagulls, who have won three of their last four, holding out.

    Fulham v Burnley (3pm) Not televised 

    NH: 2-0 Fulham win. It's fair to say Fulham have not capitalised on a run of games against teams floundering down the bottom of the Premier League, though Saturday's visit from Burnley may prove an exception. The Clarets are heading for relegation and a defeat at Craven Cottage will help them on their way.

    MP: 1-0 Fulham. In the mid-table melee, every victory matters enormously. If Fulham can't summon the spirit to force three points from this one, they don't really deserve to be part of the European football conversation. Marco Silva has worked wonders with this squad, but it'll be up to the players to prove they're worthy of an unlikely spot in the top eight this weekend.

    Everton v Chelsea (5:30pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League

    NH: 2-1 Everton win. UPSET OF THE WEEK. Pressure is building on Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, with the Blues' defensive problems likely to get worse with Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah now out. Their leaky backline may well cost them away at a well-drilled Everton team, who are pushing for the European spots.

    MP: 2-1 Chelsea win. Liam Rosenior is demonstrating the perils of taking over a team in the middle of a season. He's a great coach and could yet prove to be a terrific Chelsea boss, but he needs a clean slate and a pre-season to fully integrate himself in this club. Everton never quite seem to win the game that would take them to 'the next level' so expect Chelsea to find a way here.

    Leeds v Brentford (8pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League / Sky One

    NH: 1-1 draw. Leeds have been unlucky in recent weeks but need to start winning games to stay, while Brentford are struggling a little to maintain the momentum that has them pushing for European football. Though both teams would love all three points to add to their cause, they'll have to settle for just one.

    MP: 2-1 Brentford win. Both teams have stalled, but only one is in true danger. Leeds enjoyed a fruitful winter period but the goals from Dominic Calvert Lewin have dried up and wins are scarce. Brentford have toiled in recent outings, but they should get back on track here to pile the pressure on Daniel Farke.

    Sunday 22 March

    Newcastle v Sunderland (12pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League

    NH: 1-0 Sunderland win.  The first Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park in a decade will be quite the occasion but on the pitch, it might be one for those who prefer their football physical and cagey. The reverse fixture was decided by an own-goal and, with both sides desperate not to lose, we may see something similar play out on Sunday. The Black Cats' extra rest may just tilt the scales in their favour.

    MP: 1-1 draw. Newcastle are seeking their first victory over their fierce enemies at St James' Park since 2010. They're wounded from a mauling in Barcelona, while Sunderland limp into this one with half a squad due to injuries. Expect a shamelessly effective display of anti-football from the visitors, whose fans would be satisfied to end the season without losing to their nearest and dearest.

    Tottenham v Nottingham Forest (2:15pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League

    NH: 2-1 Tottenham win. The tide has turned for Spurs and Igor Tudor. The draw at Liverpool and win against Atletico Madrid feel like a real turning point but they'll claim their biggest result under their new boss against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Though the Reds have momentum of their own, their lack of firepower will see them fall short.

    MP: 2-2 draw. What a scrap this could be. It's tempting to believe that Spurs may be back on the rails following a spirited draw against Liverpool and victory over Atletico Madrid, but in reality, they should've won that game against the Reds and the tie against Madrid was virtually over before the second leg started. This is the match you'll learn whether Spurs have the guts to survive. A proper relegation six-pointer.

    Aston Villa v West Ham (2:15pm) Sky Sports Football

    NH 2-2 draw. Aston Villa found form against Lille on Thursday but their dodgy domestic form may just strike again on Sunday. West Ham are fighting for their Premier League lives and have found some momentum, which was clear in last weekend's draw with Man City. The Hammers have players that can hurt opposition teams – a fact that Villa may discover firsthand on Sunday.

    MP: 2-1 West Ham win. UPSET OF THE WEEK. I'm going for West Ham to be the big winners of the weekend. If my predictions come off, Leeds would be sat on 32 points, Spurs on 31 and Nottingham Forest on 30. Victory for West Ham, who look organised, well-drilled and, most importantly, boast match-winners, could launch them level with Leeds and shake up the whole picture again.

    Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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