Grosvenor Sport ambassador Jamie O’Hara is on hand to break down three must-watch matchups in the upcoming Premier League gameweek, including the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford.
Everton vs Arsenal – Saturday 12:30
James Tarkowski was extremely fortunate to stay on the pitch against Liverpool. He knew exactly what he was doing and VAR have had a shocker there. If he was sent off, that’d be a huge loss for Everton against Arsenal, but they have a better chance of getting a result now.
Gabriel’s injury is a massive loss to Arsenal – he’s probably been their best player for them this season. You’ve got to start looking at what the process is at Arsenal with these players. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and now Gabriel have all suffered hamstring injuries. Is it their training, the way their warming up or their schedule? Something isn’t right there.
There’s no doubt Mikel Arteta will have one eye on Real Madrid, it’s a huge game for them. I think players will have it in the back of their head. I don’t think Everton will have enough to beat Arsenal, but neither do Arsenal to go and beat Everton at Goodison Park.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Arsenal (5/1)
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest – Saturday 17:30
Marcus Rashford has been a shining light for Aston Villa so far, he’s put himself back on the map to the big clubs in Europe. It’s where he goes at the end of the season; I think his time at Manchester United is over, Jim Ratcliffe is cutting costs and he’s one of their biggest earners.
Nottingham Forest are closing in on behind confirmed for top four. They just need to win a few more games and then I think they’re over the line, Nuno Espirito Santo has done a brilliant job there this season, what a huge achievement it would be if they qualified for the Champions League.
I think Villa will want to make a statement, they need this one and it’s going to be a big game, but I fancy them to get something from it.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest (13/2)
Manchester United vs Manchester City – Sunday 16:30
Manchester United would be in a relegation fight if it wasn’t for Bruno Fernandes. I know they challenge for the league most seasons, but if you put him in that Manchester City side, they’d breeze to the title; I think he’s a top, top player. He’s playing in a terrible team.
City have had a bad season by their standards. I think Pep Guardiola is only really looking at the FA Cup and top four, then move straight onto the summer transfer window. Erling Haaland’s injury will definitely be a setback in their hunt for Champions League next season.
Man United have a decent record against City in recent years, and they tend to do okay against good clubs, but everyone in that City dressing room knows they need a win for top four, so they could turn it on when it matters. It’ll probably rile up the United fans, but I’m going for a City win.
Prediction: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City (19/2)
O’Hara’s Hotspots: Manchester United vs Manchester City Bet Builder
- Manchester City to win to nil
- Omar Marmoush to score anytime