Wednesday’s Premier League Predictions: Conte faces Harry Kane dilemma

There are plenty of intriguing Premier League ties on the horizon this week, including a match that involves a couple of relegation-threatened outfits. Joe Crann previews the upcoming games.

Southampton v Nottingham Forest

Kickoff: 7.30pm Wednesday

Southampton are in a truly terrible vein of form at the moment - it started before the World Cup and has continued since the tournament finished. Their 2-1 defeat to Fulham last week took their record to one win from their last 12 games, and they’re currently rock bottom of the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are having a bit of a resurgence. Their recent hard-fought 1-1 draw with Chelsea took them within touching distance of getting out of the bottom three. This could be low-scoring and cagey, but it feels like both teams have got a goal in them. 

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.91

Leeds United v West Ham United

Kickoff: 7.45pm Wednesday

This is another game down at the wrong end of the table, and Leeds could pile more misery on an increasingly under pressure David Moyes with a win. 

Jesse Marsch’s side posted a couple of good results before the break and held high-flying Newcastle United last week. While they’re hardly in a great run of form, it’s certainly not as bad as West Ham’s five-game losing streak. Home advantage should win out here, and Leeds often pose an attacking threat.

Prediction: Leeds and Over 2.5 goals @ 3.95

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Kickoff: 8pm Wednesday

Villa’s turnaround since Steven Gerrard’s departure has seen them climb up the table - they have lost just twice in their last six matches. But their impressive win over Tottenham Hotspur came at a cost as both Douglas Luis and John McGinn limped off, and it remains to be seen if they will be fit to play it against Wolves.

Raul Jimenez: Wolves striker has barely featured due to injury this season

Wolves struggled for a long time prior to their decision to change managers, but things seem to be on the up under Julen Lopetegui as they recorded improved performances to beat Everton and lose narrowly to Manchester United.

With an opportunity to open up more of a gap over Wolves in the table, Unai Emery might fancy playing this one safe and getting the job done in a potentially low-scoring affair.

Prediction: Aston Villa to win @ 2.02 

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur

Kickoff: 8pm Wednesday 

Palace were up against it after defeats to Forest and Fulham, but they got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bournemouth last time out. They now face a Spurs side that is getting pelters from all over their fanbase after a lacklustre defeat to Villa.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is under pressure and he may be forced into a difficult decision this week knowing that a booking for talisman Harry Kane would see him suspended for the London derby.

Spurs have an excellent record against the Eagles, but it was the home side that ran riot in this fixture last season. Backing over 2.5 goals seems the wise play.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.06

Wednesday Premier League Predictions

Southampton v Forest: Both teams to score @ 1.91
Leeds v West Ham: Leeds to win and over 2.5 goals @ 3.95
Aston Villa v Wolves: Aston Villa to win @ 2.02
Crystal Palace v Spurs: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.06