Our Tournament for this week consists of 13 Premier League and Championship matches on 15 March 2025. Here are our Picks!
This Week's Match Predictions:
✧ Everton vs West Ham: 1-1
A Draw. Everton’s survival instincts hinge on set-pieces like Tarkowski and Branthwaite's defence, but their toothless attack can’t convert. Meanwhile, West Ham relies on Kudus’ flair and Bowen’s counters that have shown to be inconsistent away. I'm expecting a gritty midfield battle at Goodison with a cagey 1-1 stalemate.
✧ Ipswich vs Nottingham Forest: 1-2
Nottingham Forest wins. Forest has been this season's standout story, sitting at top 3 at the time of writing. Their recent 1-1 FA Cup draw with Ipswich, winning 5-4 on penalties, would give them greater morale facing Ipswich once more in the league. Forest’s ascent under Nuno Espírito Santo contrasts sharply with Ipswich’s relegation fight. Forest's high press should overwhelm Ipswich's shaky defence, home advantage yielding little joy here.
✧ Manchester City vs Brighton: 3-1
Manchester City wins. This weekend's highlight with a race for top 5. We'll see a clash of styles at the Etihad—Pep's tactical symphony vs. Hürzeler's chaotic masterpiece. City seeks to defend their title and are in ruthless form with Haaland's hunger for goals, making them near-unstoppable at home. Brighton brings Mitoma's wizardry but their high-risk, right-reward approach often leaves them exposed defensively. Betting that City's class will prevail here, but not without a fight.
✧ Southampton vs Wolves: 1-2
Wolves win. Southampton battles relegation, while injuries to key defenders leave them all the more vulnerable. Under Pereira, we are witnessing Wolves' resurgence with Cunha's creativity, and improved defence. Home advantage at St. Mary's gives the Saints hope, but Wolves' squad depth and momentum might tip the scales. I think we'll see Wolves edge a tight win here, inevitably deepening Southampton's relegation fears.
✧ Blackburn vs Cardiff: 2:1
Blackburn wins. We have here a mid-table Championship clash with playoff whispers. Blackburn, inconsistent but dangerous at home, relies on Eustace's midfield control, though recent team injuries test squad depth. Cardiff is defensively resolute under Bulut but brunt upfront. The Rovers' playoff push adds urgency to the game, and I think we'll see this conclude in a close win for them.
✧ Coventry vs Sunderland: 2-1
Coventry wins. Call this a risky Pick—I think this could be one of the highlight matches of the weekend, both teams vying for promotion. Despite Sunderland ranking slightly higher at the time of writing, Coventry has a resilient home record (6 wins in 8 at CBS Arena), though they face defensive headaches with injuries. Sunderland is erratic on the road, lacking a consistent striker in the team. Pile on the psychological edge in Coventry's last win over Sunderland, I think we'll see another close victory at home for Coventry.
✧ Luton vs Middlesbrough: 2-1
Luton wins. Survival desperation vs. playoff ambition—which one will prevail? Luton will fight against the relegation mire they find themselves in, while struggling for consistency. It seems Carlton Morris has rediscovered his form after a slow start, and this could boost Luton's performance here. Boro boasts sharper attack, though their away form remains patchy. Betting that Luton's desperation and home advantage will narrowly see them through this round.
✧ Oxford United vs Watford: 1-2
Watford wins. A match that seeks mid-table security while fighting relegation fears. Oxford will lean on home grit but might struggle with defensive frailties and lack of firepower. Watford, comfortable mid-table but inconsistent on the road, boast better squad depth and attacking quality. Oxford's survival pressure could lead to late collapses, while the Hornets' relaxed position allows more freedom. It'll be a scrappy affair and a narrow win for Watford.
✧ Plymouth vs Derby: 1-0
Plymouth wins. Plymouth are rock-bottom on the table and will be desperate to claw out of the relegation zone. Fortunately, playing at home does give them an edge. Derby will also be looking move up to be safe from relegation, but their away form has been dire. Plymouth's bench is limited, but Derby's squad depth is also spread thin after midweek cup action. I expect a nervy, low-scoring battle tipping towards Plymouth.
✧ Preston vs Portsmouth: 2-0
Preston wins. Both lie comfortably mid-table with little at stake but pride. Preston has an edge, having the advantage of home strength and Riis' goals. Defensive lapses and fatigue from a congested schedule will test their resolve, though. Meanwhile, Portsmouth has been inconsistent on the road, boasting attacking flair with Bishop, but lacking defensive solidity. This win will push Preston closer to the top half.
✧ Swansea vs Burnley: 1-3
Burnley wins. Burnley finds themselves in the top 3 at the time of writing, and naturally, their higher tier gives them an edge and morale boost. They chase automatic promotion while maintaining ruthless form—Manuel Benson stepping up in attack. Swansea, mid-table and drifting, show flashes of creativity but lack consistency and defensive solidity. I expect an almost one-sided affair a comfortable win for Burnley.
✧ West Brom vs Hull City: 2-0
West Brom wins. West Brom is in the top 6 and will be motivated to push for automatic promotion, Jed Wallace and Josh Maja in peak form. Hull, hovering just above the drop zone, struggle for consistency and have questionable away form. West Brom's home advantage also gives them an added edge against Hull City. This will be an easy win for West Brom.
✧ Bournemouth vs Brentford: 2-1
Bournemouth wins. A mid-table league clash with contrasting momentum. Bournemouth safe and comfortable, thrive at home at Vitality Stadium. Brentford, chasing a top-half finish, rely on Mbeumo's flair, but injuries to key players test their depth and defence. Brentford's unimpressive away form and fatigue from a congested schedule contrasts the Cherries' home comfort. This win nudges Bournemouth closer to the top half.
What do you think? Are we overrating any of these picks?