Liverpool can keep a double-figure lead over Arsenal at the top of the table when all 20 teams play again in midweek after a potentially crucial weekend in the Premier League title race.
In order to accomplish that, the Reds will need to defeat Newcastle United at Anfield or hope that their closest title rivals make another mistake when they travel to Nottingham Forest, who are currently in third place, on Tuesday night.
Reigning champions Manchester City will once again play in the match of the week, traveling to Tottenham Hotspur, who are aiming for their fourth consecutive Premier League victory, just below the lofty Forest. Manchester United has a fantastic opportunity to get back to winning ways when they play Ipswich Town at their home stadium, Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs. Ipswich, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
Man Utd 3-0 Ipswich
This would be the biggest shock yet against a team headed for the drop, and Amorim’s team should have just enough. Man United flattered to deceive again over the weekend, and their performance is even worse at home.
Ipswich will need to be at their best if they want to have any chance in this match, and even then, it might not be enough for the Tractor Boys, as they have only kept one clean sheet away from home this season, and that came in a goalless draw with Brighton early in the season.
Spurs versus Man City on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Spurs 2-3 Man City
The champions should not go home without giving up a goal or two that evening, but Tottenham has once again lit the blue touch paper in the final third and will be working with an extra day’s rest.
Though, with all due respect to Spurs’ center-backs, they are not Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate, so Guardiola’s team can fight back just as hard to earn a point. Even a City-less Haaland had his moments against Liverpool.
Nott’m Forest vs. Arsenal Wednesday, 7.30pm
Nott’m Forest 1-1 Arsenal
Given that Santo’s team is back at their City Ground stronghold and will be playing an Arsenal team with a far less devastating attack if the weekend is any indication, Forest’s defensive disaster at Newcastle shouldn’t have much of an impact on Wednesday’s match.
If Santo does go rearguard-heavy, the Gunners, who statistically still have the best defense in the league, might not have too much trouble holding their hosts at bay. However, their battered attack should fail once more, and a frustrating 0-0 draw could virtually end their title challenge.
Brentford vs. Everton Wednesday, 7.30pm
Brentford 1-1 Everton
With the home team now aiming for Europe, Brentford will present a similar test to the two away victories Moyes has had since taking over Everton against tough mid-table opponents.
Although a win would help both teams move up the table, it is difficult to predict because both teams are playing well, and a draw might be the most likely result.
Liverpool vs. Newcastle Wednesday, 8.15pm
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
There should be plenty of goals in Wednesday’s matchup between Liverpool and Newcastle, especially since the Magpies’ defense is becoming more and more vulnerable.
We cannot imagine anything other than the Reds taking yet another huge step towards top-flight glory, even though Howe’s team is always a formidable opponent in the closing third.
West Ham vs. Leicester Thursday, 8pm
West Ham 3-1 Leicester
If Leicester wants to get closer to safety, they can’t afford to lose too many more points. While defensive improvements are crucial, they also need to get back to their attacking ways from their last victory over West Ham.
In sharp contrast to the Foxes, though, the Hammers are feeling very good after winning last weekend and will see Thursday’s match as a chance to outscore their weak defense in order to gain three more points and start a winning streak.