Premier League predictions: Arsenal back on track, Man United impress again

The winners and losers from the latest round of English top-flight fixtures

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18: Aston Villa v Arsenal (4.30pm, UAE): Just when it seemed the Premier League was Arsenal's for the taking, the wheels have come off. Two defeats - last time against closest rivals Manchester City - and a draw in the last three have got the nerves jangling. They still hold the advantage - just - but need to get back on track fast. Prediction: Villa 1 Arsenal 3. AFP

Brentford v Crystal Palace (7pm): Unbeaten in the Premier League since October, Brentford after having a season to remember as they sit in eighth place and above Liverpool and Chelsea. It could get even better this weekend. Prediction: Brentford 2 Palace 0. Getty

Brighton v Fulham (7pm): Incredibly, this is a match that sees sixth v seventh in a campaign of surprises. Brighton are unbeaten this year and will be hoping to get revenge for their 2-1 defeat in their first match of the season. Prediction: Brighton 2 Fulham 1. Action Images

Chelsea v Southampton (7pm): Just one Premier League win in 2023, and a midweek setback in the Champions League for Chelsea and manager Graham Potter. He remains calm and dignified, but unless his new signings start to click, it's unlikely he will be in charge too much longer. Prediction: Chelsea 3 Southampton 0. EPA

Everton v Leeds United (7pm): They may have lost in the Merseyside derby, but new manager Sean Dyche will have been pleased to see some fighting spirit. Just one point between these two, and a critical three points. Prediction: Everton 2 Leeds 1. AFP

Nottingham Forest v Manchester City (7pm): A statement win for City at Arsenal in midweek means the champions are once again the team with momentum. That normally leads to only one thing. Prediction: Forest 0 City 4. AP

Wolves v Bournemouth (7pm): Bournemouth are winless this year, while Wolves have picked up three victories from the last four to haul themselves out of trouble. Form points only one way in this. Prediction: Wolves 3 Bournemouth 1. PA

Newcastle v Liverpool (8.30pm): For those doubting Jurgen Klopp's ongoing commitment to Liverpool, his celebrations after the Merseyside derby win sent a clear message. They are still way below what he would have wanted, and Newcastle, despite recent wobbles, will be a tough one. Prediction: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 1. EPA

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18: Manchester United v Leicester City (6pm): Marcus Rashford can't stop scoring, and that's great news for Erik ten Hag and his impressive rebuilding programme at United. Up to third, and looking stronger by the week. Prediction: Man United 3 Leicester 1. Action Images

Tottenham v West Ham (8.30pm): February started so well for Spurs with a win against Man City. Defeats at Leicester, and Milan in the Champions League, means the jitters have resurfaced. Prediction: Tottenham 1 West Ham 1. EPA

Arsenal v Manchester City certainly lived up to its billing in midweek, with the reigning champions' victory adding some spice to this season's race for the Premier League title.

The Gunners will need to dust themselves down after a tough few weeks, and they get a shot at going back to the top when they open the weekend fixtures at Aston Villa on Saturday.

That launches a busy day that sees eight matches in the top flight, including Chelsea against Southampton, Everton v Leeds, Man City travelling to Nottingham Forest, and a cracker of a finale as Newcastle host Liverpool.

Just two games on Sunday, but plenty to get excited about as resurgent Manchester United host Leicester City, and the London derby between Tottenham and West Ham.

You can see our predictions from the weekend fixtures in the gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or swipe if using a mobile device.