Chelsea vs Fulham
Chelsea welcomes their neighbours, Fulham, on Friday night. The Blues have been sailing troubled waters under a new manager while Fulham have exceeded expectations since their return to the topflight. Despite two consecutive losses, Fulham sit 7th on the table, ahead of Chelsea. Will Graham Potter start producing the goods, or will the Cottagers land a knockout blow?
While trying to stay within Financial Fair Play rules, the Blues owner Todd Boehly has been on a spending spree of late. Potter will need the 8 new signings to settle and gel quickly to save this season. The arrival of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez was a real statement of intentfrom the club. Boehly splashed out a British record (£108.5 million) for the Benfica midfielder who should make his debut against the Cottagers.
The Cottagers won’t be fazed and will use this as added motivation to spoil the mood at the already unsettled Bridge. We can expect a valiant effort from the visitors, but Chelsea should soak up the pressure and sneak a narrow win.
Tottenham vs Man City
Both clubs enjoyed victories in the FA Cup and will now lock horns for the second time in three weeks when City travel to London on Sunday. The Lilly Whites cannot afford to lose ground as they go in search of that top-four spot. The Citizens will need to keep the pressure on Arsenal, or they could see their title defence drift away.
On paper, the Citizens are the better team. Joao Cancelo had been a revelation at City this season, but the Spaniard departed to Bayern Munich before the window could close. Pep has enough quality at his disposal, so that wouldn’t be an issue at all. The instability of the Spur’s backline could resurface when Haaland and company kick-off.
Spurs have brought in Arnaut Danjuma, who scored on his debut, and Pedro Porro to stabilise their leaky defence, and the team should be lifted by what should be a buoyant home crowd. A win keeps Spurs in touch of Manchester United in 4th, who play Crystal Palace the day before.
Antonio Conte, who will miss the game after midweek gallbladder surgery, knows Spurs need Champions League football to keep Harry Kane in North London. But will Conte, who has put of contract extensions talks, still be there next season? This game is going to be close, but City should edge it.
Wolves vs Liverpool
Both clubs have already met twice in 2023. A late Wolves winner was ruled out by VAR and the clubs drew 2-2 at Anfield in their FA Cup third round fixture. Liverpool won the replay at Molineux, courtesy of an early Harvey Elliot goal.
Wolves, with the 3rd lowest goal difference, have struggled to find the back of the net. But manager, Julian Lopetegui, has two new attackers to unleash on Klopp’s wounded squad. Forward Matheus Cunha and attacking midfielder Pablo Sarabia will hope to start their Wolves career with a win in front of a passionate home crowd.
Liverpool only signed Cody Gakpo this transfer window, despite long term injuries to a number of first team players and the teams poor form. One clean sheet in the last 11 away games and just two wins in the last nine on the road means pessimism is rife in Liverpool. Both Wolves (17th) and Liverpool (9th) could do with a win but a draw seems more likely.
Elsewhere
There are some other great high-profile clashes this weekend. High-flying Sundowns take on Pirates in the DSTV Premiership. While the Milan Derby will create some noise in Europe at the San Siro.
The SA20 returns from the mini break for you cricket fans. And the new Big Bash Champion will be crowned when Perth Scorchers meet Brisbane Heat in the Final on Saturday.
The United Rugby Championship returns this weekend. And it’s that time again when the Northern Hemisphere giants collide in the epic Six Nations tournament.
There are tons more, so jump onto our website, take your time, and make those picks with your one & only Supabets!
