Wednesday’s Premier League Predictions: Trippier can play pivotal role for Newcastle

Manchester United went from a top four lock to holding a tenuous grasp on their position with Newcastle and Tottenham now level on points with the Red Devils. Will the gap widen after Wednesday’s Premier League action?

Manchester United v Brentford

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

Sunday’s humbling defeat to Newcastle extended Manchester United’s winless run in the Premier League to three games, and they have failed to score each time.

In an ironic development, United has a chance to snap that losing run against streaking Brentford. The Bees crushed the Red Devils 4-0 back in August, which ramped up the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. Nearly eight months later, the tension is palpable.

Brentford will enter Wednesday’s match-up with just one defeat, which came against Everton, from their last 16 Premier League games. That series of results includes a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brighton last weekend, which saw the Seagulls claw their London counterparts back from behind on three occasions.

Erik ten Hag: Manchester United manager will want to turn the tables on Brentford

This fixture has historically seen a lot of goalmouth action. There have been 11 goals in the last three meetings between these two sides and there should be plenty of entertainment on tap once again. Man United’s home record remains one of the best in the league, winning nine of 13 matches at Old Trafford this season with only one defeat. 

However, their aforementioned struggle in front of goal in recent weeks has to be a concern. On the other side of the pitch, Brentford’s Ivan Toney is entering Wednesday night with four goals from his last six league games. There could be some value found in the Brentford striker with Ten Hag’s defence looking more penetrable recently.

Prediction: Ivan Toney Over 1.5 Shots on Target @ 3.3

West Ham United v Newcastle United

Kick-off: 8pm Wednesday

April usually indicates the start of the business period of the season for Premier League clubs. Newcastle began strongly by silencing Manchester United, but so did West Ham United with a crucial victory over Southampton.

As decisive as that result was for the Hammers, it was still their first league win since February. Newcastle, on the other hand, have now won three on the spin after the 2-0 triumph against Man United. 

Nick Pope has kept 13 clean sheets in the Premier League - the most of any goalkeeper - and overcame a brief rough patch. The last two meetings between these sides have ended in 1-1 draws, so Pope will likely have to come up big again here.

Newcastle has produced three straight wins with multiple goals scored. Whether they can make it four remains to be seen, but they will be boosted knowing West Ham haven’t kept a clean sheet in three of their last four matches. 

But the danger man in this game could be Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier, who will be integral to their attack yet again. The full-back is the team’s leading assister with six to his name this season, while he has two in his last three Premier League appearances. 

Trippier is the primary set-piece taker, he loves bombing forward and whipping in crosses (no player has attempted more), so look to the Englishman for some possible value here.

Prediction: Kieran Trippier anytime assist @ 4.3

Wednesday Premier League Predictions

Manchester United v Brentford: Ivan Toney Over 1.5 Shots on Target @ 3.3
West Ham United v Newcastle: Kieran Trippier anytime assist @ 4.3