Sunday’s Premier League Predictions: Arsenal get the vote in crucial contest

Peter Galindo

21 January 2023

Arsenal and Manchester United headline Sunday’s Premier League action, while Manchester City attempt to narrow the gap with the Gunners when they face Wolves. Peter Galindo previews the action.

Manchester City v Wolves

Kickoff: 2pm Sunday

Manchester City might have beaten Tottenham with a sensational second-half display, but manager Pep Guardiola questioned if his team is “comfortable” after winning four Premier League titles.

That doesn’t bode well for Wolves. When Guardiola starts to light a fire under his players, they tend to respond. They were coming off back-to-back defeats before beating Spurs, which was the first time they had lost consecutive matches in more than a year.

But to Wolves’ credit, they have accumulated seven points from a possible 12 under manager Julen Lopetegui since he was appointed. There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Wolves' last three games as well, indicating they’re playing more disciplined football.

That being said, it will be difficult to contain the red-hot Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian forward has six goals and two assists in seven matches since Man City returned from the World Cup break, hence his value as an anytime goal-scorer at 2.64.

Prediction: Riyad Mahrez anytime scorer @ 2.64

Leeds United v Brentford

Kickoff: 2pm Sunday

A win could lift Brentford into the top six by the end of the weekend. On paper, it seems relatively straightforward against a Leeds United side that’s two points adrift of the relegation zone, but it’s actually a bit more complex.

Jesse Marsch: Leeds manager seeks a crucial home win on Sunday

Yes, Leeds haven’t won a Premier League match since early November, but the underlying numbers indicate a potential bounceback from the Yorkshire club. Their expected goal (xG) difference is 12th in the Premier League due to Leeds conceding more than expected.

That will happen to a club that concedes at least two goals in five of their last six Premier League matches. Therefore facing Brentford, who possess a fit and firing Ivan Toney and have scored multiple goals in six straight games, might be a bit too early for the recovery.

Prediction: Brentford to win and over 1.5 goals @ 3.3

Arsenal v Manchester United

Kickoff: 4.30pm Sunday

Arsenal enter Sunday afternoon having won six of their last seven Premier League matches, while Man United are undefeated in their last six. Something has to give.

Arsenal’s stingy defensive record will likely come to an end given United’s recent form. They haven’t been held scoreless since October’s draw with Newcastle United - that’s a run of 15 consecutive games.

Coming off a short turnaround could hinder United’s chances as Arsenal have had a full week off to rest and prepare, but it’ll be difficult to keep the Red Devils at bay.

Prediction: Arsenal to win and both teams to score @ 3.5