Newcastle vs Liverpool

Liverpool finally got their first three points of 2023. Victory over Everton in the Merseyside Derby has changed the mood. But will this be a case of on

e step forward, two steps back? The high-flying Magpies will have a say in that matter.

Both teams are set to meet at St James’ Park this weekend. Klopp would expect more or better from his lads. Eddie Howe will hope his boys can find their ruthless edge again.

They’ve only managed one win from their last five EPL outings. We can expect this to be an open, expansive fierce encounter, but a close-knit affair. Liverpool will be up for it, but we can most likely see a share of the spoils.

Prediction 1-1

Chelsea vs Southampton

Chelsea needs more than a victor. They need to turn up and perform.

Southampton’s visit to Stamford Bridge should be the perfect game for Graham Potter to get a performance from his expensively assemble talent. Or it could be the worst time to face the managerless Saints, whose performances have been unpredictable.

Chelsea lost to Dortmund, 1 -0, in their midweek UCL game despite a good performance. Failure to pick up three points this weekend and the magic could be wearing off for Mr Potter. Fans are growing restless watching £300 million worth of talent struggling to score. Despite Board assurances he will be given time, Potter may yet suffer the consequences of not bringing in an out and out striker.

Sacked Leeds coach Jesse Marsch was in negotiations to take over at Southampton until those talks broke down. That is the least of the Saints problems. Without a clean sheet in 28 League games and erratic performances, could this be the season the Saints fall out of the Premier League? Saturday in London could be long and fruitless as they are unlikely to trouble Chelsea.

Prediction 3-1

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City

Here’s an interesting fact. Forest became the first club in the Premier League’s history to have two starting players substituted inside ten minutes after defenders Willy Boly and Scott McKenna were withdrawn after injuries in their game against Fulham.

City scored 6 without reply the last time these teams met. The Citizens are now top, but Arsenal have a game in hand, so we are likely to see a ruthless City working to hold them at arm’s length with a clinical performance against Forest.

Before losing to Fulham, Forest’s run of five without loss lifted them 6 points above the drop zone. Boss Steve Cooper has 11 first team players out with injury including his entire backline. How Forest cope with the Viking Haaland will determine the margin of their defeat.

This will be a comfortable win for Pep.

Prediction 1-4

City have 15 games left this season and Haaland has 25 goals. Is Shearer and Andy Cole’s 34 goal season record in danger?

Elsewhere

Cricket

The Women’s T20 World Cup is heating up with some big clashes this weekend. England and India will do battle on Saturday, followed by a crucial meeting between the Proteas and Australia. If you’re keen on some World Test Series action, look no further than New Zealand taking on England and India hosting Australia from Friday.

Rugby

Six Nations takes a small break, so you can turn your attention to the URC. It’s the business end and there are local derbies on the menu. The Lions entertain the Sharks at Ellis Park, while the Bulls and Stormers will meet at Loftus.

There are tons more, so jump onto our website, take your time, and make those picks with your one & only Supabets!