Premier League Predictions: Essential Football vs Football Muse

Manchester City vs Newcastle United

Essential Football: Manchester City are enjoying a resurgence in form as of late, while Newcastle United have won just two of their last six Premier League outings. You can never write Eddie Howe’s men off, but the Sky Blues will probably have too much for them.

With Bruno Guimaraes being ruled out and their attacking players hitting the buffers, we’re expecting City to overwhelm the Toon in this one.

EF Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle United

Football Muse: Newcastle have earned impressive wins on the road at Tottenham and Aston Villa in league and cup of late, but their record at the Etihad is woeful.

Defeat at Manchester City in the Carabao Cup earlier this month means Newcastle have won once in 23 attempts at the venue. It’s been over a decade since their last win at City. Home win, once again.

FM Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle

Crystal Palace vs Wolves

Essential Football: Crystal Palace are all at sea – a win over Brighton came as a breath of fresh air, but they were soon brought back down to earth after an ignominious defeat at home to Burnley.

Wolves, meanwhile, have been rooted to the bottom of the table all season. Don’t expect fireworks from this one.

EF Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-0 Wolves

Football Muse: Two struggling sides meet at Selhurst Park, as Crystal Palace welcome Wolves to South London. Palace have won one of their last 11 in the Premier League and blew a 2-0 lead to lose at home to Burnley last time out.

Wolves, meanwhile, are perhaps playing for pride only. A whopping 18 points from safety, they’re yet to eclipse Derby County’s infamous 11-point record. We fancy Palace to edge this, with Jorgen Strand Larsen on target against his old side.

FM Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Wolves

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool

Essential Football: This is a difficult game to predict, as Nottingham Forest have recently installed a new head coach in the wake of Sean Dyche’s sacking. Despite this, Vitor Pereira certainly didn’t move mountains during his time in charge of Wolves.

Forest are in a lot of trouble, with West Ham United breathing down their neck. Liverpool have led a disappointing campaign, but they ought to be far too strong for the Trees in this game. Forest might have beaten Liverpool earlier in the season, but we expect the Reds to gain a modicum of vengeance here.

EF Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Liverpool

Football Muse: A game of great importance for both teams, at opposite ends of the Premier League table.

Forest remain mired in the relegation dogfight, while Liverpool look to catch those above them in the Champions League chase. This will be hard-fought, but the visitor’s extra quality may see them through.

FM Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool

Sunderland vs Fulham

Essential Football: Neither Sunderland or Fulham are in strong form at the moment – Sunderland have lost their last two Premier League games, while Fulham have lost their last three.

Sunderland’s home form has been very strong this season, outside of their defeat against Liverpool last time out. An out-of-form Fulham are no Liverpool – we expect Sunderland grind out a win here.

EF Prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Fulham

Football Muse: Sunderland’s unbeaten home run is over, but trips to The Stadium of Light will not be relished by any side.

Not least Fulham, who’ve won just three times away from their Craven Cottage comforts this season. Marco Silva’s side are entirely unpredictable, with his one of the toughest games to call. Let’s go draw.

FM Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Fulham