EPL Game-Week 22 Pre-Deadline & Live Chat

We’re back with our last bunch of mid-week fixtures for a while.

By Paul_Oliver Feb 1, 2021, 10:00pm PST

Matheus Pereira - West Brom - Premier League — If the Baggies are going to survive, they will depend on star man Matheus Pereira.

Welcome back for another load of mid-week Premier League fixtures. It has certainly been a busy few weeks, forcing us to navigate our way through a relentless fixture schedule! But normal weekend service resumes after this (until future additional fixtures are scheduled at least!).

Adding to the usual EPL craziness, Thomas Tuchel is up and running at Chelsea, churning his lineups as he searches for the right formula. As if Pep Roulette wasn’t already frustrating enough, must we now also suffer a weekly Tuchel Lottery? Perhaps we will gain more insight into Tuchel’s thinking when he rolls out his starting lineup for the important match against fellow Big-Six squad Tottenham.

Don’t forget to check out the New NMA Podcast Episodes!

https://megaphone.link/VMP6368090482 – Review of Game-week 21

https://megaphone.link/VMP9078548622 – Preview of Game-week 22

Tuesday

Sheffield United vs West Brom

Blades have no new injury concerns. They’re looking far more positive and resilient since their famous win over Manchester United followed by a slim 1-0 loss to Man City last weekend. West Brom have no injury concerns facing another relegation six-pointer after drawing with Fulham last time out.

Prediction: 1-1

Wolves vs Arsenal

Wolves are looking toothless of late, not helped by the long-term absence of talisman Raul Jimenez. They are also struggling with injuries at the back, the rejuvenated Romain Saïss struggling to overcome a knock that kept him out last time. Fellow defenders Ait Nouri, Jonny and Marçal are out without a return date. The Gunners will be hoping to welcome back star players Saka and Tierney who missed the 0-0 draw with Manchester United last time out. Lacazette is a slight doubt after coming off late in the game following a clash with Maguire. Aubameyang looks doubtful still due to personal reasons.

Prediction: 1-2

Man United vs Southampton

United midfielder McTominay is a slight doubt after coming off early last time out, otherwise OGS has all his usual players available for selection. The Saints are in the midst of an injury crisis; defender Kyle Walker-Peters is out with no return date, but Vestergaard should return at the back. Walcott and Diallo look to be out for this clash, with Romeu a slight doubt after suffering another setback.

Prediction: 3-1

Newcastle vs Crystal Palace

Newcastle is without captain Jamaal Lascelles after he suffered a hamstring injury in their much needed win over Everton. Other than that, the Magpies have no new injury concerns and will look to build on last week. Palace midfielder James McCarthy is a doubt after only managing a half last time out.

Prediction: 2-1

Wednesday

Burnley vs Manchester City

Burnley trio Taylor, Brownhill and Barnes are all slight doubts currently, having been out for at least a couple of weeks each. The in-form Citizens have no new injury concerns, with De Bruyne still out till later this month. Fantasy managers will instead be trying to second-guess Pep’s rotation decisions! Will the rested Stones and/or Cancelo return to the starting lineup? And which of the rested Sterling and/or Mahrez could be picked?

Prediction: 0-2

Fulham vs Leicester

Fulham has no injury concerns except Tom Cairney who has been out for a while. The Cottagers will feel frustrated that they didn’t win last time out over relegation rivals West Brom. Leicester is two games without a win and still without star man Jamie Vardy who could be back for GW-23.

Prediction: 2-0

Leeds vs Everton

Leeds has no fresh injury concerns to deal with. The Peacocks bounced back from some poor form with a convincing win over Leicester in GW-21, and striker Bamford was back in action. Everton also has no new injury concerns and will look to bounce back after their loss to the out-of-form Newcastle.

Prediction: 2-2

Aston Villa vs West Ham United

Aston Villa has no current injury concerns except defender Kortney Hause, a long-term absentee. The Villans won last time out against the Saints. The Hammers are in a similarly healthy position and are in strong shape in the League, currently chasing down a European spot.

Prediction: 1-2

Liverpool vs Brighton

Defender Matip is doubtful to return this time around, exacerbating the Reds’ ongoing centre half defensive crisis. Jota and Fabinho should return for this one, with Mane a doubt after sitting out against West Ham. This game will come too soon for Brighton pair Tariq Lamptey and Jahanbakhsh who should return in the next couple of game-weeks.

Prediction: 3-1

Thursday

Spurs vs Chelsea

This is a big test for both managers. Mourinho will be without Kane for a few weeks yet (both ankles), and Reguilon is currently 50/50 to return. New Blues boss Tuchel has the luxury of picking from a fully fit squad to face the famous man who once held his job.