Everton vs. Arsenal (Saturday, 12.30pm)
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Experiencing the true definition of a baptism of fire, Sean Dyche takes charge of Everton for the first time in Saturday lunchtime's Premier League showdown with leaders Arsenal.
Eighteen places and 35 points separate the two sides at opposite ends of the Premier League table, as the Gunners aim to extend their lead at the summit to eight points.
We say: Everton 0-2 Arsenal
Even if Dyche can work some of his defensive magic in the space of a few days, it may only affect the margin of victory for Arsenal, who should end their Goodison Park hoodoo with minimal difficulty.
Facing yet another one of his former clubs, Arteta can expect a smoother ride on Merseyside, as Arsenal take advantage of Everton's multitude of problems to steer further clear at the summit.
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> How Arsenal could line up against Everton
> Arsenal injury, suspension list vs. Everton
Aston Villa vs. Leicester (Saturday, 3.00pm)
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A short trip across the Midlands awaits Leicester City on Saturday afternoon, as the Foxes travel to face Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Brendan Rodgers's men edged Walsall 1-0 in their FA Cup fourth-round battle last time out, while Unai Emery's side most recently overcame Southampton 1-0 in the top flight.
We say: Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester City
Whether the high-scoring draw with Brighton and FA Cup win over Walsall is a catalyst for improved fortunes for Leicester remains to be seen, but Rodgers's side should not be expected to end their winless run at Villa Park.
The Lions are firmly on the right track under Emery and have not had any recent FA Cup exploits to factor in, so we can only back the in-form hosts to get the job done in a contest that promises goals.
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Brentford vs. Southampton (Saturday, 3.00pm)
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Seeking to bounce back from their EFL Cup semi-final defeat, Southampton make the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
While the Bees are looking to claim their third successive top-flight home victory, the Saints are out to record back-to-back away league wins for the first time since June 2020.
We say: Brentford 2-0 Southampton
Brentford will be regarded as favourites to come away with all three points against Southampton considering the contrasting form of the two teams.
The Saints cannot be completely discarded, though, as the fresh arrivals to Jones's squad should give them a much-needed spark, but we still expect the Bees to record a routine win on home soil to keep their European hopes alive.
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Brighton vs. Bournemouth (Saturday, 3.00pm)
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Fresh from their second memorable victory over Liverpool in the space of a couple of weeks, Brighton & Hove Albion return to Premier League action with the visit of Bournemouth to the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Seagulls overcame Liverpool 2-1 in their FA Cup fourth-round contest last weekend, while Gary O'Neil's men ended their losing streak by holding Nottingham Forest to a 1-1 draw two weekends ago.
We say: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 Bournemouth
Bournemouth may have made some eye-catching additions over the winter, but there will be no quick fix for O'Neil's side, who have been nothing short of dreadful offensively and defensively away from home.
With injuries and suspensions to factor in, Brighton should not be expected to carve their visitors open at will, but De Zerbi's side have already overcome plenty of adversity in 2023 and ought to put another three points on the board in routine fashion.
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Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3.00pm)
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Manchester United will look to boost their top-four hopes in the Premier League when they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Saturday.
The two teams are separated by 15 points and eight places in the current standings, with the Red Devils sitting in fourth spot and the Eagles down in 12th position.
We say: Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace
Having dropped five points in their last two Premier League games, including two in the reverse fixture against Palace, Man United can ill-afford extending their winless run if they wish to consolidate a top-four place.
Nevertheless, Ten Hag's side will be confident of returning to winning ways on home soil this weekend and they should have few problems against a goal-shy Palace outfit who will be missing star man and top scorer Zaha for the trip to Old Trafford.
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> How Man United could line up against Crystal Palace
> Man United injury, suspension list vs. Crystal Palace
Wolves vs. Liverpool (Saturday, 3.00pm)
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Only a couple of weeks on from defeating their West Midlands counterparts in the FA Cup, Liverpool travel to Molineux once again to tackle Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday's Premier League match.
However, Jurgen Klopp's crop saw the defence of their FA Cup crown end at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, while the hosts have not been in action since losing 3-0 to Manchester City on January 22.
We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Liverpool
Liverpool may have got the better of Wolves at Molineux in the FA Cup, and their recent record at the ground speaks for itself, but Klopp's injury-hit and confidence-depleted squad cannot be considered the favourites for Saturday's game whatsoever.
The hosts' own goal-shy tendencies could lead to a relatively uneventful affair, but having already given Liverpool a good run for their money twice in 2023, we can envisage Lopetegui's men coming away from this one with a hard-earned point.
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> How Liverpool could line up against Wolves
> Liverpool injury, suspension list vs. Wolves
Newcastle vs. West Ham (Saturday, 5.30pm)
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Newcastle United will endeavour to consolidate their place in the top four of the Premier League when they play host to West Ham United at St James' Park on Saturday.
The Hammers, meanwhile, are seeking to secure back-to-back league victories for just the second time this season as they bid to climb away from the relegation zone.
We say: Newcastle United 2-0 West Ham United
West Ham will fancy their chances of causing an upset on Saturday considering their recent upturn in form, but Newcastle will still be regarded as favourites to come out on top.
Even without the presence of Guimaraes in midfield, the Magpies should have enough quality in their side to get the job done against the Hammers and boost their top-four hopes.
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Barney Corkhill
