THE PREMIER LEAGUE title race hots up this weekend with Arsenal looking to bounce back from their surprise defeat at Everton last week.
The Gunners host Brentford in a London derby with Thomas Frank’s side in fine form.
The Bees are unbeaten in nine Prem games so they will provide another big test of the Gunners’ title credentials.
A defeat would provide both Manchester clubs with an opportunity to close the gap at the top, with United taking on Leeds for the second time in five days.
Erik ten Hag’s side clawed their way back to claim a point after trailing 2-0 to the managerless side on Wednesday, who are still looking for Jesse Marsch’s successor after target Carlos Corberan decided to stay at West Brom.
Leeds are fighting relegation with only a point separating them from the bottom three, just like West Ham.
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The Hammers have had a mini resurgence and are unbeaten in their last three games – they welcome Chelsea to East London in Saturday’s lunch-time kick-off.
Elsewhere Manchester City take on Aston Villa as they seek to get back to winning ways following defeat at Tottenham.
And the biggest fixture of the weekend takes place on Monday with Liverpool hosting Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Here is how the supercomputer – which analyses the latest odds and statistical data – sees the games unfolding.
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West Ham vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm
The return from suspension of loanee Joao Felix will boost the Blues.
The forward was sent off in his debut against Fulham but did show promising signs in that encounter.
However Chelsea have struggled of late with just one win in seven games and Graham Potter is still in the process of bedding in new signings.
Despite their troubles both sides have mean defences and West Ham are expected to continue their unbeaten run after picking up an impressive point at Newcastle last time out.
Supercomputer prediction: Draw
Supercomputer predicted scoreline: West Ham 1-1 Chelsea
Most likely goalscorer: Joao Felix
Arsenal vs Brentford, 3pm
Mikel Arteta will be desperate to get back to winning ways following Arsenal’s unconvincing performance at Goodison Park.
They are unbeaten at The Emirates and have won their last two games against Brentford, including a 3-0 thrashing earlier this season.
Bees look tough to beat and have only conceded one goal in five league games, but the supercomputer is tipping Arsenal for the win.
Supercomputer winner: Arsenal
Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
Most likely goalscorer: Eddie Nketiah
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest, 3pm
Fulham are performing above expectations this season and are eighth in the Prem after also progressing to the FA Cup fifth round in mid-week.
They are favourites to beat Nottingham Forest who have struggled to replicate their impressive home form on the road this season.
Supercomputer winner: Fulham
Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Fulham 1-0 Forest
Most likely goalscorer: Aleksandar Mitrovic
Leicester vs Tottenham, 3pm
Harry Kane became Tottenham’s record goalscorer last weekend against City and he is the favourite to score at the King Power stadium.
He has a fantastic record against Leicester with 20 goals in 19 games against them – more than he has managed against any other club.
Leicester are struggling for form despite beating Aston Villa 4-2 last time out, while three points for Spurs could see them overtake Newcastle into fourth place.
Supercomputer winner: Tottenham
Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Leicester 1-2 Tottenham
Most likely goalscorer: Harry Kane
Crystal Palace vs Brighton, 3pm
These two rivals come into the game with very different form – Brighton are unbeaten in six.
In fact, the Seagulls have lost just once since October and that was to league leaders Arsenal.
By contrast, Palace have not won in six games and last won at Selhurst Park when Southampton visited in October.
Supercomputer winner: Brighton
Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Crystal Palace 0-1 Brighton
Most likely goalscorer: Evan Ferguson
Southampton vs Wolves, 3pm
Saints boss Nathan Jones came under fire after losing to Brentford 3-0 last week so will want a reaction from his team.
But Wolves look resurgent under Julen Lopetegui and will be high on confidence after demolishing Liverpool 3-0 last week.
Supercomputer prediction: Draw
Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Southampton 1-1 Wolves
Most likely goalscorer: Paul Onuachu
Bournemouth vs Newcastle, 5.30pm
Eddie Howe returns to Bournemouth for the first time since leaving as manager in August 2020.
He has faced the Cherries twice this season with Newcastle struggling to break them down in both games.
The two teams draw in the league but Toon won 1-0 in the Carabao Cup and they are expected to continue their 16-game unbeaten Prem streak at the Vitality stadium.
Bournemouth are without a win in eight games and have found goals hard to come by.
Supercomputer winner: Newcastle
Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Bournemouth 0-1 Newcastle
Most likely goalscorer: Callum Wilson
Leeds vs Man Utd, Sunday 2pm
Leeds tore up the form book by racing into a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford in midweek and could fancy their chances in front of a raucous, packed-out Elland Road.
But United have plenty of goals in the side with Marcus Rashford continuing his brilliant form on Wednesday.
Jadon Sancho also scored to level the game at 2-2 after returning from a lengthy absence, and he could be the difference if he is handed his first start since October.
Supercomputer winner: Man Utd
Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Leeds 1-2 Man Utd
Most likely goalscorer: Marcus Rashford
Manchester City vs Aston Villa, 4.30pm
City are massive favourites against Aston Villa with Erling Haaland expected to rediscover his goalscoring form.
The Norwegian hitman struck in the return fixture and should have his trusty partner Kevin de Bruyne back after the Belgian started the last game on the bench.
Villa have been inconsistent of late and last beat City in 2013, and that bad run is likely to continue.
Supercomputer winner: Manchester City
Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Manchester 2-0 Aston Villa
Most likely goalscorer: Erling Haaland
Liverpool vs Everton, Monday 8pm
Liverpool are the favourites despite Everton’s big 1-0 win over Arsenal last Saturday.
The Toffees were superb in their first game under Sean Dyche and he will be looking to take advantage of a suspect Reds defence.
The Liverpool attack has also looked uncharacteristically ineffective of late with Mo Salah last scoring a Prem goal on Boxing Day – despite that he is still the favourite to score.
Supercomputer winner: Liverpool
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Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Liverpool 2-0 Everton
Most likely goalscorer: Mo Salah
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
