Wednesday features a thrilling lineup of six English Premier League matches, including the always intense Merseyside Derby at Anfield between Liverpool and Everton. Liverpool currently leads the Premier League, holding a comfortable nine-point advantage over Arsenal. Meanwhile, Manchester City, the reigning champions, are focused on securing a top-four spot as they host Leicester City, who are battling to avoid relegation. Both City and Leicester will be highly motivated to win at the Etihad Stadium.
SportsLine`s soccer expert, Brandt Sutton, has provided his analysis and predictions for each of Wednesday`s Premier League games.
Brighton vs. Aston Villa, 2:45 p.m. ET
Prediction: Brighton 2, Aston Villa 1
Sutton notes that both Brighton and Aston Villa are aiming for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Brighton`s strong form, being unbeaten in their last five league matches and winning their last three home games, leads Sutton to predict a home victory for Brighton.
Bournemouth vs. Ipswich Town, 2:45 p.m. ET
Prediction: Bournemouth 3, Ipswich Town 1
Ipswich Town faces a tough challenge to avoid relegation and needs wins. Sutton points out Ipswich`s attacking style leaves them vulnerable defensively, having conceded the third-most goals in the league. Despite Bournemouth`s recent winless streak, Sutton expects them to secure a home win.
Manchester City vs. Leicester City, 2:45 p.m. ET
Prediction: Man City 2, Leicester City 0
Manchester City seeks to improve after a disappointing season by their standards. Leicester City has struggled since returning to the Premier League, losing six straight league games without scoring. Despite some absences in the Man City squad, Sutton anticipates a comfortable victory for the home side.
Southampton vs. Crystal Palace, 2:45 p.m. ET
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1, Southampton 0
Southampton have had a difficult season with only two wins in 29 league games. Crystal Palace, in contrast, are on a three-game winning streak. Sutton highlights Southampton`s scoring difficulties and Crystal Palace`s recent clean sheets, predicting a Crystal Palace victory.
Newcastle vs. Brentford, 2:45 p.m. ET
Prediction: Newcastle 2, Brentford 1
Newcastle will be buoyed by their recent EFL Cup Final victory over Liverpool. Sutton believes the home crowd and Newcastle`s strong striker, Alexander Isak, will give them the edge to win against Brentford as they push for a top-four finish.
Liverpool vs. Everton, 3 p.m. ET
Prediction: Liverpool 2, Everton 1
Everton has shown improvement under David Moyes, enjoying a nine-game unbeaten run in the league. However, Liverpool has dominated recent home derbies. Sutton expects Liverpool`s strong home scoring record to continue and predicts a Liverpool win in the Merseyside Derby, though expects Everton to score as well.
