Grosvenor Sport ambassador Jamie O’Hara is on hand to break down three must-watch matchups in the Premier League this weekend, including Manchester City’s highly-anticipated trip to the Emirates on Sunday.
Manchester United v Crystal Palace – Sunday 14:00
Manchester United may have picked up a good result against Fulham last weekend, but I’m still not convinced. They didn’t deserve anything from the game, Fulham were the better side, but I suppose you have to give them credit for getting the three points and keeping a clean sheet.
I think we’re going to see a lot of inconsistency with United’s results from now until the end of the season. They’ll have games like they did at Anfield and the Etihad where they pick up points against the odds, but it’s at Old Trafford against the smaller teams where they tend to struggle.
Palace were beginning to pick up some momentum before that defeat against Brentford last Sunday. A win there would have taken them above Manchester United into 12th and they’ve had some good performances recently to take them away from the relegation zone.
These are the kinds of games where United tend to slip up, so Rubem Amorim has to get it right. I can definitely see them conceding here but ultimately winning the game.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace (7/1)
Brentford v Tottenham – Sunday 14:00
I’ve been a huge fan of Brentford this season – I’d probably take a few of their players and their manager at Tottenham! They’ve always been a solid team under Thomas Frank, but I don’t think many people expected them to have the season that they’re having. If they can put together a good run of results, then they’re firmly in the race for a European spot.
I’ve been supportive of Ange Postecoglou during his time at Spurs, but I’m beginning to think he’s out of his depth now. Some of the football they’ve been playing has been absolutely terrible and the team are now in a relegation fight, whether they like it or not. Managers at this level have to show adaptability, especially when their squad picks up a lot of injuries – you have to be versatile to succeed in this league. I just don’t think he has that in his locker.
I don’t think Spurs win this one because of Brentford’s home record, but they could nick a draw if they’re lucky.
Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Tottenham (15/2)
Arsenal v Manchester City – Sunday 16:30
I think it’s fair to say this game won’t hold as much weight as we thought it would five months ago! The reverse fixture at the Etihad was one of the most bizarre games of the season. I remember Arsenal fans saying ‘just wait until you come to the Emirates’ after that fixture – well now’s the time for the team to back them up!
Credit to Arsenal for getting the win against Wolves last week – that red card against Miles Lewis-Skelly is one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen. I still think there’s something missing from their side though, particularly when Bukayo Saka isn’t playing. Ethan Nwaneri has come in and done well, but their options and depth in attack aren’t great. Kai Havertz isn’t going to win you a Premier League title I’m afraid.
City are steadying the ship a little bit. I thought they could be in trouble in those first 20 mins against Chelsea, but they showed a lot of maturity to win the game comfortably in the end. They still look quite stretched in midfield and in defence though – you feel as if they’ll have to score at least twice here to win the game.
This has got a draw written all over it for me. Arsenal will probably feel like they need to win the game more, but I think City have enough about them at the moment to go to the Emirates and not lose.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City (10/1)