There are four matches scheduled for Sunday and among them are those featuring Tottenham and Manchester United, both of whom were engaged last Thursday in the Europa League. The Red Devils found solace in the continental event but what a struggle to beat Rangers at Old Trafford, who capitulated only in full recovery (2-1) thanks to a goal by captain Bruno Fernandes.
A success that allowed Ruben Amorim’s team to “book” direct qualification to the round of 16 but at the same time does not allow the Portuguese coach to breathe a sigh of relief. In the Premier League, the situation remains beyond critical, with Manchester United coming off yet another misstep (home defeat to Brighton) and increasingly distant from the Europa zone. Amorim and his men also take a big risk in the away match against Fulham, which has as many as 7 points more than the Red Devils in the standings: since November, Marco Silva’s Cottagers – who, by the way, play good soccer and find the way of goal with regularity – have only cashed in one defeat and it would not be a surprise if they went on points against a struggling United. Easier, at least on paper, is the commitment of Tottenham, fresh from their pyrotechnic match with Hoffenheim, beaten 3-2 at home. Weakened by absences, Spurs will try to reverse the negative trend in the league by taking advantage of the negative momentum of Leicester, which seven days ago cashed in its seventh consecutive defeat (second worst defense for the Foxes, second to last in the standings).
The predictions on the other matches
Proceeding between highs and lows is the season of Aston Villa, which surrendered 1-0 to Monaco in the Champions League this week. Again a step back for Unai Emery’s team, just days after an excellent performance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal (2-2).
The Basque coach seeks redemption against West Ham in a difficult-to-read match: the Hammers have changed coach – former Chelsea man Graham Potter is on the bench – but they remain inconsistent, as evidenced by the home defeat in the London derby with Crystal Palace last Saturday. By the way, Oliver Glasner’s Eagles this weekend will be engaged in another extracurrency: the Austrian coach is dreaming of a third win in a row against a team, Brentford, in decline and ineffective away from their home crowd.
Premier League: possible winners
Crystal Palace or draw (in Crystal Palace-Brentford)
Tottenham (in Tottenham-Leicester)
Fulham or draw (in Fulham-Manchester United)
Matches with at least three total goals
Tottenham-Leicester
Aston Villa-West Ham
Premier League: the matches with at least one goal per team
Crystal Palace-Brentford
Fulham-Manchester United
