Liverpool are not in action as the Premier League midweek gets underway, but instead will be keeping an eye on Man City‘s home clash with scorned Cardiff.
After the final international break of the season, the domestic calendar is intensifying as midweek brings a host of crucial fixtures.
Liverpool supporters will be paying particular attention to one certain game on Wednesday night, that much is clear.
The Reds venture to the south coast on Friday to play Southampton, but before then five matches take place.
Here we preview the sides in action.
Wolves vs. Man United – Tuesday, 7.45pm – Sky Sports Main Event
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side return to the scene of their FA Cup humbling, travelling south to Molineux.
Lying in wait are a Wolves side hungry for yet another big scalp as they try to hold onto seventh place.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have a fantastic record against the top six and remain undefeated against United this season.
United looked all at sea despite seeing off Watford on Saturday, but know how important a win here would be.
Wolves are not at their best right now, and with the top-four race hotting up this could prove just too much for them.
Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Man United
Watford vs. Fulham – Tuesday, 7.45pm
Watford host relegation-bound Fulham in one of the more uninspiring midweek fixtures.
The Hornets will be looking for redemption at Vicarage Road after a frustrating result at Old Trafford.
Fulham meanwhile hit the self-destruct button in a 2-0 loss to Man City and will be officially relegated if they fail to grab a point.
Javi Gracia’s side impressed in Manchester and will prove far too much to handle for an abject Fulham side.
Watford’s attacking threats will do the business and put the Cottagers out of their misery.
Prediction: Watford 2-0 Fulham
Man City vs. Cardiff – Wednesday, 7.45pm – Sky Sports Main Event
City will look to return to the summit of the Premier League as they play down-on-their-luck Cardiff.
They can go one point above the Reds with a victory at the Etihad and will hope for an onslaught similar to the first 20 minutes at Craven Cottage at the weekend.
Sergio Aguero is ruled out for the midweek fixture and Liverpool fans will be praying for Gabriel Jesus to fail.
There is also the prospect that the sheer fury Neil Warnock showed in the aftermath of Sunday’s loss can be put towards a masterclass performance at the home of the champions.
Warnock suggested he may field an under-23s side given the Bluebirds’ slim chances, but he’s now revoked that.
Despite Cardiff’s heroic performance against Chelsea, they couldn’t nick a point, could they?
One can hope but, unfortunately, City should win again with relative ease.
Prediction: Man City 3-0 Cardiff
Chelsea vs. Brighton – Wednesday, 7.45pm
It’s hard to fathom, really. Given the performances of late along with their managerial issues, Chelsea are somehow in the thick of the top-four battle.
Just one point separates Chelsea and fourth place, while the Blues are only a win behind third-placed Arsenal.
Despite their unconvincing performance, spirits will be buoyed given the remarkable nature of their victory in south Wales.
In stark contrast, Brighton will be suffering a crisis of confidence after a crushing loss at home to coastal rivals Southampton.
The Seagulls are only five points clear of safety and could find themselves in a dogfight very soon.
Chris Hughton suggested it would be “a very, very tough game” at Stamford Bridge, and one would think it certainly will be.
Brighton will play for a stalemate, but expect Chelsea to break down the wall.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Brighton
Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace – Wednesday, 7.45pm
Hugo Lloris will never have to buy a beer in Liverpool again if the Reds do in fact go on to win the league.
The same certainly cannot be said in north London right now.
The Frenchman—like his team-mates—will be under intense scrutiny as Tottenham open their new stadium against Crystal Palace.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side were brilliant in the second half at Anfield but will need to pick up maximum points if they want to remain in the top four.
Pressure remains on Tottenham to stop the rot and pick up their first win in five Premier League matches.
Palace will be on a high after their comfortable 2-0 victory against Huddersfield. Roy Hodgson’s men need a few points to separate themselves before they are safe from relegation.
The Eagles are at full strength bar Mamadou Sakho, and will look to spoil the party a la Gerrard’s final game at Anfield.
Palace will cause Spurs real problems here—Wilf Zaha in particular—but Tottenham just have to win.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Crystal Palace
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