Wednesday features a full slate of English Premier League action, including the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield, kicking off at 3 p.m. ET. Liverpool currently leads the Premier League, nine points ahead of Arsenal. Manchester City, the defending champions, are aiming for a top-four finish and will host Leicester City at 2:45 p.m. ET. Leicester is battling to avoid relegation, making their match at the Etihad crucial for both sides.
Brandt Sutton, a SportsLine soccer insider, has analyzed the Premier League odds and provided his score predictions for all Wednesday`s matches.
Brighton vs. Aston Villa, 2:45 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Brighton 2, Aston Villa 1
Sutton notes that both Brighton and Aston Villa are vying for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Brighton is in excellent form, unbeaten in their last five league games and with three consecutive home wins. Sutton expects Brighton to continue their home winning streak.
Bournemouth vs. Ipswich Town, 2:45 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Bournemouth 3, Ipswich Town 1
Ipswich Town is in a difficult position, needing multiple wins to escape relegation. They are currently 12 points from safety. Sutton points out Ipswich`s attacking style often leaves them vulnerable defensively, having conceded the third-most goals in the league. Despite Bournemouth`s recent winless streak, Sutton predicts they will secure a home victory.
Manchester City vs. Leicester City, 2:45 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Man City 2, Leicester City 0
Manchester City aims to improve their season against a struggling Leicester City. Leicester has lost their last six league matches without scoring. Although Manchester City might have some players missing, Sutton believes they have enough quality to win comfortably.
Southampton vs. Crystal Palace, 2:45 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Crystal Palace 1, Southampton 0
Southampton has had a tough season with only two wins in 29 league games. Crystal Palace, in contrast, has won their last three league matches, including a victory over Southampton earlier in the season. Sutton highlights Southampton`s scoring difficulties and Crystal Palace`s recent clean sheets, predicting a Crystal Palace win.
Newcastle vs. Brentford, 2:45 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Newcastle 2, Brentford 1
Newcastle will be playing at home after celebrating their EFL Cup victory over Liverpool. Sutton believes the home crowd`s enthusiasm and Newcastle`s strong striker, Alexander Isak, will propel them to a win. Newcastle is close to a top-four spot, just two points behind Chelsea with a game in hand.
Liverpool vs. Everton, 3 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Liverpool 2, Everton 1
Everton has shown improvement under David Moyes, currently on a nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League. However, Liverpool has dominated recent home derbies. Sutton expects Liverpool`s strong home scoring record to continue and predicts a Liverpool victory in the Merseyside Derby, though Everton will put up a fight.
