Premier League predictions: Manchester City look to bounce back, Liverpool and Chelsea absent

Premier League action returns tonight, with Southampton hosting Norwich City for Friday night football.

We are in for some tasty ties this weekend, with Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur both looking for an important victory at Elland Road, while Man City will be eyeing a swift return to winning ways against Everton.

Liverpool, Chelsea, Leicester and Arsenal are absent from this week’s fixtures due to Sunday’s Carabao Cup final between the former two.

Here are this weekend’s predictions...

Southampton vs Norwich City

Southampton have been in really good form lately and have lost only one of their last eleven matches in all competitions - taking six points from Tottenham Hotspur (x2), Man City and Man Utd in the process.

Meanwhile, Norwich sit bottom of the Premier League after conceding seven goals in their last two games.

Given the Saints’ recent results, it is hard to see anything but another three points for the home side.

Prediction: Southampton 3-1 Norwich

Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur

Leeds United are in desperate need of a good performance against Tottenham after successive defeats to Everton, Manchester United and Liverpool - conceding 16 goals in their last four matches.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are also in need of a win after their humiliating defeat to Burnley on Wednesday.

Antonio Conte’s side showed they are capable of quality in their surprise win against Man City, but it depends which Spurs decide to show up.

Prediction: Leeds 1-2 Tottenham

Brentford vs Newcastle United

Brentford and Newcastle United are experiencing completely different form right now - with the Bees searching for their first league win since January 2, while the Magpies are unbeaten in six.

Eddie Howe’s side have drastically improved since they brought in their January signings and their confidence will be very high as they travel to West London.

Prediction: Brentford 0-1 Newcastle

Brighton vs Aston Villa

Brighton suffered a surprising 3-0 defeat to Burnley, while Aston Villa are looking to return to winning ways after taking only taking a point from their last three matches.

While the Seagulls have lost less matches than any other Premier League team outside the top four, it is hard to see them matching up to the quality in Villa’s squad.

I expect an improved performance from Steven Gerrard’s side as they look to force themselves up the table.

Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Aston Villa

Crystal Palace vs Burnley

Crystal Palace will be feeling confident after their thrashing of Watford, however Burnley’s recent results, as well as their defensive record, has given them the advantage this weekend.

Only the current top five plus Wolves have conceded less goals than the Clarets, who have shipped in only two in their last six matches.

I don’t expect to see a particularly exciting match tomorrow, with both sides looking to scrape a win.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Burnley

Manchester United v Watford

While Manchester United are very capable of suffering embarrassing defeats to lesser opponents, I can only see tomorrow’s match going one way.

Roy Hodgson is yet to pick up a win since he was appointed as Watford boss last month and it’s hard to see him breaking the duck at Old Trafford.

Prediction: Man Utd 3-0 Watford

Everton vs Man City

Bar a 3-0 win over Leeds United, Frank Lampard has struggled to improve Everton’s results since his arrival.

Meanwhile, Man City will be eager to impress after their defeat to Tottenham.

If City slip up again then their lead at the top of the table will be looking rather unstable, so their trip to Goodison Park is an important one.

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Man City

West Ham vs Wolves

West Ham have had a brilliant season under David Moyes, however they have currently only one one of their previous five league matches.

The Hammers will be hoping to return to winning ways this weekend, though Wolves will be extremely difficult to break down.

Only Man City and Chelsea have conceded less goals than Wolves this season, however they have also struggled in front of goal.

It will most likely be a very tight, low-scoring match in London on Sunday.

Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Wolves