Tottenham to take on top-four rivals Manchester United
In the wake of another comically catastrophic few days at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Lilywhites return to the capital to take on Premier League top-four rivals Manchester United on Thursday night.
Tottenham were thumped 6-1 by Newcastle United on Sunday and just over 24 hours later, caretaker coach Stellini – who had only been promoted to the top job after leaving boss Antonio Conte behind – was inevitably sacked from his post, the latest in a long line of farcical episodes for the North London club as Ryan Mason takes charge for the time being once again.
Tottenham’s top-four chances are wilting away, sitting fifth in the rankings but six points behind Man United and Newcastle – who have both played fewer games.
Man United could have easily been sent packing by Brighton in the FA Cup, and Spurs should certainly capitalise on any fresh concerns over the fitness of creator-in-chief Bruno Fernandes. Red Devils fans will need no reminding of how they coped without the Portuguese against Sevilla last week.
There has not been a Premier League draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since 2021, but with Spurs sure to enjoy at least a little lift under Mason and still finding the back of the net with ease during their troubles, the Lilywhites can restore some sense of order with a hard-earned point.
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Everton lock horns with Newcastle at Goodison Park
Everton lock horns with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side in an important clash at Goodison Park. Newcastle United are currently in third place in the Premier League standings and have consistently punched above their weight so far this season. The Magpies thrashed Tottenham Hotspur by a stunning 6-1 margin in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this week.
Everton, on the other hand, are in 18th place in the league table at the moment and have struggled this season. The home side played out a 0-0 stalemate against Crystal Palace last week and will look to take it up a notch in this fixture.
Everton have been in dismal form this season and cannot afford to slip up in this match. Newcastle United are the better team at the moment and should be able to win this game.
Despite the return of Calvert-Lewin, Everton remain a very feeble side in attack and may struggle to penetrate what has been such a strong Newcastle defence this season.
The visitors will be extremely confident of taking all three points against an out-of-form side to show their top four credentials.
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Bottom-club Southampton host Bournemouth at St. Mary’s
Last-placed Southampton will entertain 15th-placed Bournemouth at St. Mary’s Stadium in the Premier League. The hosts are winless in their last seven league outings. They avoided a fourth-straight defeat last time around as they played out a 3-3 draw against league leaders Arsenal.
The Saints have just two wins at home in the Premier League this season. Interestingly, they have suffered just one defeat at home against the Cherries in all competitions and will be hopeful of a positive outcome.
Bournemouth have recorded back-to-back wins in their last two away games. They have also scored three goals apiece in their last two games at Thursday’s venue against the hosts.
The visitors have been in relatively better form than the Saints but, considering Southampton’s home advantage, we expect them to hold the visitors to a draw. Credit: sportskeeda.com
Sevilla to extend unbeaten run when they face Athletic Bilbao
Fresh from sealing a dramatic late victory over Villarreal, Sevilla will look to extend their unbeaten streak to seven matches when they face Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Thursday night.
Thanks to a six-game unbeaten run of their own, the hosts lead Sevilla by eight points in the La Liga table, while Athletic find themselves just one point shy of the European places.
Athletic Bilbao extended their winning streak to three matches with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Almeria on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Nico Williams and Oscar de Marcos.
Williams has now bagged six goals and five assists in the league this season, while his older brother, Inaki Williams, has scored three goals in his last three appearances, including a brace in last week’s 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad.
As a result, Ernesto Valverde‘s men find themselves two points behind fifth-placed Real Betis, meaning that Europa League qualification remains a real possibility.
Sevilla have lost just two of their previous 10 games across all competitions, picking up six wins and two draws in the process, with a memorable 3-0 victory over Manchester United sending the club in the Europa League semi-finals.
Both sides enter Thursday’s showdown in strong form, so we expect Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla to dish up a closely-fought battle as they look to continue their respective hot streaks.
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