Premier League & FA Cup predictions: Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea all in quarter-final action

Football fans are being treated to both Premier League and FA Cup football this weekend, as the quarter-finals take place while a number of sides play their rescheduled league fixtures.

Here are our predictions for all eight matches...

Premier League

Wolves v Leeds

Wolves kick off a sparse Premier League weekend tonight as they host Leeds United in a big match for both teams.

Bruno Lage’s side can return to the top six with a win at Molineux, while the visitors will hope to extend the gap between themselves and the relegation zone to seven points.

Both sides head into the match off the back of narrow victories and will be confident of another three points in the Midlands.

Wolves will be handed a boost if Hwang Hee-chan and Pedro Neto return from injury, while Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper could feature for the Whites.

Wolves will prove a very difficult opponent for Leeds, despite their building confidence after the Norwich win.

It will be a tight game and I would be surprised to see Jesse Marsch pick up back-to-back wins.

Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Leeds

Aston Villa v Arsenal

Both Aston Villa and Arsenal will be looking to return to winning ways after defeats to West Ham and Liverpool dented their impressive form.

It will be a tough ask of Villa’s defence to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli quiet, and if they play like they did against the Reds midweek, then they have a good chance of taking all three points.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal

Leicester v Brentford

Leicester will be buzzing after they progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League despite defeat to Rennes midweek.

Meanwhile, Brentford are looking for their third consecutive win after taking six points from Burnley and Norwich.

However, while the Foxes are still without Jamie Vardy, it would be a surprise to see them endure their first defeat against the Bees since 1953.

Prediction: Leicester 3-1 Brentford

Tottenham v West Ham

Tottenham have been in very inconsistent form recently and haven’t won consecutive matches since December.

Meanwhile, West Ham’s form could be irrelevant following their huge win over Sevilla midweek.

The Hammers will be brimming with confidence after they progressed to the Europa League quarter-final, however after putting all their effort into the European clash, they could be worn out ahead of their short trip across London.

Prediction: Tottenham 3-2 West Ham

FA Cup

Middlesbrough v Chelsea

Chelsea’s request to play this match behind closed doors has rattled the Middlesbrough fans and I expect it to create an even better atmosphere for the home supporters in tomorrow’s tie.

Meanwhile, the Blues will be feeling the pressure as they face a Championship side who have already knocked out Manchester United and Tottenham.

It won’t be surprising at all to see Chris Wilder’s team inflict another FA Cup upset.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Chelsea (AET)

Crystal Palace v Everton

While Everton fans will be excited at the prospect of featuring at Wembley Stadium, realistically they could probably do without even more matches while they look to avoid relegation.

The Toffees need to focus on the league, while Crystal Palace don’t particularly have anything else to play for other than the FA Cup.

The likes of Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise will be a handful for Everton’s struggling defence.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Everton

Southampton v Man City

This tie looked a lot more favourable for Southampton when the draw was made due to the Saints’ brilliant form.

However, they have now suffered three consecutive defeats and look like they are going to continue slipping for the remainder of the campaign.

City’s form this season has been exceptional and it looks like they are facing Southampton at the right time.

Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Man City

Nottingham Forest v Liverpool

Nottingham Forest haven’t faced Liverpool since 1999 and the atmosphere at City Ground on Sunday is guaranteed to be electric.

The home side will be confident of yet another win after beating Leicester and Arsenal in previous rounds, however it would be a surprise to see Liverpool roll over following such an exciting week for them in the Premier League.

The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold will benefit Forest, though I doubt it will be enough of a boost to see them progress to the semi-finals.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool