Predictions 01– 04.03.2024
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool | Premier League
02/03/2024 15:00
Prediction: 0-3
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest welcomes Liverpool to the City Ground Stadium for the 27th round of the Premier League. The Reds recently clinched the Carabao Cup title by defeating Chelsea in the final, despite fielding a significantly altered lineup and missing several key players. It marked a gratifying achievement for Klopp, who announced his departure from the Anfield bench earlier, signaling the end of a cycle while the club’s management is actively assessing potential successors. In their previous league fixture, Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over Luton Town, extending their winning streak to five consecutive matches. Additionally, they progressed to the Europa League round of 16 after comfortably topping their group and triumphed 3-0 over Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round. Klopp’s side is set to face United in the FA Cup quarter-finals, offering a promising conclusion to the season that could bring joy to Reds fans. Liverpool currently leads the league standings, holding a one-point advantage over Manchester City, with a remarkable record of 18 wins, six draws, and two defeats.
On the other hand, Nottingham Forest finds themselves in a downward spiral, occupying the fourth-bottom position in the league, with a game in hand over third-bottom Luton Town. The hosts have managed only six victories in the Premier League, winning just two of their last six matches and suffering two consecutive defeats. Their FA Cup journey came to an end with a disappointing 1-0 loss to United in the fifth round, while they also endured a 4-2 defeat against Aston Villa in the league.
- In the 12 previous encounters between the two teams, Nottingham Forest has secured two victories, while Liverpool has emerged victorious on seven occasions, with three draws.
- A year ago, Liverpool occupied the 7th position in the table with 43 points, whereas they currently sit atop the standings with 60 points.
- Nottingham Forest has suffered three defeats in their last four matches.
Valencia vs Real Madrid | La Liga
02/03/2024 20:00
Prediction: 0-1
Real Madrid has another opportunity to solidify their position at the top of La Liga and maintain their lead over their rivals. Carlo Ancelotti’s team travels to Valencia for the 27th matchday of the Spanish championship, aiming to secure yet another positive result. It’s worth noting that Los Blancos have remained unbeaten since the end of September, when they faced Atletico Madrid. The standout feature of Real Madrid’s campaign this year appears to be their defense, which stands as the best in the tournament, having conceded only 16 goals thus far. They are seeking their fifth consecutive clean sheet in their last five league outings, including their recent Champions League match against Leipzig. While the title is within reach, teams like Girona and Barcelona are not far behind.
On the other hand, Valencia continues to experience a rollercoaster ride of performances, landing them squarely in mid-table as we approach the latter stages of the season. Ruben Baraja’s team has managed to secure only one point in their last two matches against Las Palmas and Sevilla. However, the European qualification spots are still within their reach, provided they can string together a positive run of results. However, their main challenge lies in resolving their struggles in the attacking phase.
- Real Madrid boasts the best defensive record in La Liga, having conceded only 16 goals.
- Carlo Ancelotti’s team has kept a clean sheet in three of their last four competitive matches.
- The Under 2.5 goals mark has been observed in four of the last five matches played by both teams.
- Valencia has struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score in three of their last four outings this season.
- The Under 2.5 goals outcome also occurred in the last match at the Mestalla, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Valencia.
Manchester City vs Manchester United | Premier League
03/03/2024 15:30
Prediction: 3-0
In the upcoming derby, Manchester City are the clear favorites as they aim to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. Their recent 6-2 victory over Luton in the FA Cup showcased their dominance, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland shining. City’s unbeaten streak has reached an impressive 18 games across all competitions, with 16 wins and 2 draws.
Despite their remarkable form, City finds themselves a point behind leaders Liverpool in the standings. However, there’s no panic at the Etihad Stadium, especially considering their unbeaten home record since November 2022, with 30 wins and 5 draws. Additionally, City has won five of the last six derbies against Manchester United, instilling confidence among the home supporters.
On the other hand, Manchester United enters the derby as underdogs, grappling with a lengthy injury list, especially in defense. Their recent struggles at the Etihad, conceding ten goals in their last two visits, add to the concerns of the visiting fans. United’s defeat against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend was their tenth of the season – their highest at this stage since 1989/90. With an eight-point gap from the Champions League places, under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag will hope for a turnaround in fortunes. Despite their league woes, United secured a midweek FA Cup victory against Nottingham Forest, marking their sixth successive away win across all competitions – their longest such run in five years.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona | La Liga
03/03/2024 20:00
Prediction: 0-0
On Sunday, Athletic Bilbao will host FC Barcelona at San Mamés Stadium in a highly anticipated Spanish league encounter.
Following head coach Xavi’s announcement of his retirement at the end of the season, FC Barcelona has experienced a notable improvement in form, remaining unbeaten in their last six games. However, they face a formidable challenge against Ernesto Valverde’s motivated Athletic Bilbao side.
Athletic Bilbao is currently just three points away from Champions League qualification and will be determined to secure three points on Sunday. The Lions have suffered only two defeats in their last 15 games, making them formidable opponents despite the significant gap in squad market values compared to Barcelona.
- Barcelona boasts the second-strongest offensive record in the Spanish league this season, having scored 56 goals.
- Athletic Bilbao has lost only one home game this season, showcasing their strength at San Mamés.
- FC Barcelona remains undefeated in away games in the current LaLiga season.
- In 12 of Barcelona’s last 15 games, there have been at least three goals scored, highlighting their attacking prowess.
