Happy New Year!
1. Crystal Palace vs Fulham
The home team has been poor lately; in the last game against Tottenham, they controlled the match but couldn’t find the net. Yet, their tactical discipline is still decent. The visitors have a good streak of three wins, but their opponents weren’t strong, so the quality is insufficient.
Data supports the home team, but the strength of this support appears weak based on recent performances. They must address their shooting accuracy issues.
Primary pick: home win; secondary pick: away win
2. Liverpool vs Leeds
The home team seems to have finally emerged from their slump, returning to the top four. Without their star player “The Pharaoh,” it’s somewhat awkward that the team achieved such results.
The visitors have also been strong recently, gaining crucial points and temporarily escaping the relegation zone.
Data heavily favors the home team, seemingly ignoring the visitors’ recent excellent form, which is quite risky. The first meeting ended in a 3-3 draw, and the visitors’ attack is not necessarily weaker than the home side’s.
Primary pick: home win; secondary pick: draw
3. Brentford vs Tottenham
The home team has climbed to eighth place with stable performances over the last three matches, though their opponents were not strong. The visitors’ overall recent form is poor; despite a narrow away win against Crystal Palace last round, the match was messy and their victory was fortunate.
Data slightly supports the home team, but in the first leg, the home team lost 0-2 with a noticeable gap. This level of support seems insufficient.
Primary pick: home win; secondary pick: away win
4. Sunderland vs Manchester City
The home team has performed well this season, but they are clearly outmatched by the powerful Manchester City. Data strongly supports the visitors, reflecting their consistent recent form.
Away win
5. Bristol City vs Portsmouth
There is a notable ranking gap between the two teams. In the first leg, the home team won 1-0 away. Post-match data suggests the home team is overall much stronger. Additionally, the visitors struggle in away matches, giving the home side a clear advantage.
Data supports the home team, but the strength of this support is not as high as expected, indicating some caution is needed.
Primary pick: home win; secondary pick: draw
6. Charlton vs Coventry
The home team lost last round to the relatively weak Portsmouth, resulting in a poor season record. The visitors lost to Ipswich last round; although there is still room for error, the team will likely take this seriously.
In the first leg, the gap between the teams was clear, with the home team having almost no chance against the visitors.
Data favors the visitors but the support is mild, which may help cool down the visitors’ momentum.
Away win
7. Derby County vs Middlesbrough
The home team is ranked 14th with a recent record of 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses in six matches; at home, they have 0 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, scoring and conceding 8 goals each. They lost last round away to Leicester City. Over the last six home games, they have 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, scoring 8 and conceding 9 goals, showing some home strength.
The visitors are second but have not won in their last three matches, allowing Ipswich to close in, making the situation risky. Their last six matches include 3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses; away record is 2 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, scoring 9 and conceding 6 goals. Their last six away games show 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, scoring 8 and conceding 9 goals.
Data slightly favors the home team, but the margin is very small. The visitors’ recent form is poor, and the home team’s home performance is decent. This match will be a test for the visitors.
Primary pick: away win; secondary pick: draw
8. Hull City vs Stoke City
The home team is ranked fourth with recent form of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in six matches; at home, they have 2 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss, scoring 10 and conceding 7 goals. They are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak with impressive wins over Millwall and Middlesbrough. Over the last six home games, they have 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, scoring 8 and conceding 9 goals.
The visitors are tenth, with a poor recent record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 4 losses in six matches; away, they have no wins, no draws, and 3 losses, scoring 3 and conceding 9 goals. Their defense and offense are unbalanced, and they have lost their last four away games. Over the last six away matches, they have 2 wins, 0 draws, and 4 losses, scoring 5 and conceding 8 goals.
Data does not strongly favor either side but gives the home team some confidence. Considering the visitors’ weak away ability, this should not be a big problem for the home side.
Home win
9. Ipswich vs Oxford United
The home team defeated the league leaders last round and climbed to third place, only two points behind second. To secure promotion, they must focus on their own performance, especially away. The home team is currently in great spirits, with a recent record of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in six matches; at home, they are undefeated with 3 wins, scoring 10 and conceding 4 goals. Their last six home games include 4 wins and 2 draws, scoring 9 and conceding 2 goals.
The visitors are ranked 22nd and remain in the relegation zone, with a recent record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 4 losses in six matches; away, they have no wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, scoring 4 and conceding 8 goals. Over the last six away games, they have 1 win, 2 draws, and 3 losses, scoring 5 and conceding 8 goals.
Data strongly supports the home team. Given their current form and inherent strength, they are expected to secure a win.
Home win
10. Rangers vs Norwich
The home team is ninth with a recent record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in six matches; at home, they are undefeated with 3 wins, scoring 12 and conceding 9 goals. Their attacking ability is strong, and home advantage is clear. Their last six home games show 4 wins and 2 losses, scoring 14 and conceding 11 goals, including four consecutive home wins.
The visitors are 23rd and still in the relegation zone, with a recent record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in six matches; away, they have no wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, scoring 7 and conceding 7 goals. Their defense is improving, but their attack is still lacking. Over the last six away games, they have no wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, scoring 7 and conceding 12 goals. Their ability to win away is limited, mainly due to poor defense.
Data supports the home team, but given recent form and home performance, this support is insufficient. The visitors are actually stronger, and in the first leg, the home team lost 1-3 away.
Home win
11. Southampton vs Millwall
The home team is 13th with a recent record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in six matches; at home, they have 2 wins, 1 draw, and no losses, scoring 10 and conceding 9 goals. Their last six home games include 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, scoring 13 and conceding 7 goals. They are strong at home but weak away.
The visitors are fifth and have a good chance for promotion. Their recent record is 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses; away, they have 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, scoring 5 and conceding 7 goals. Their recent attack has been restricted. Over the last six away games, they have 1 win, 2 draws, and 3 losses, scoring 5 and conceding 12 goals. Their away ability is average.
Data strongly supports the home team, but recent performances are similar. The home team’s home strength is better than the visitors’ away strength. In their first meeting, the home team lost 2-3. Post-match data does not show higher confidence in the home team.
Primary pick: draw; secondary pick: home win
12. Swansea vs West Bromwich Albion
The home team is 18th, with a recent record of 4 wins, no draws, and 2 losses; at home, they are undefeated with 3 wins, scoring 7 and conceding 4 goals. Their defense remains solid. Over the last six home games, they have 4 wins and 2 losses, scoring 9 and conceding 8 goals, including three consecutive home wins.
The visitors are 16th, with a recent record of 2 wins and 4 losses; away, they have no wins, no draws, and 3 losses, conceding 10 goals while scoring 8. Their defense is weak. Over the last six away games, they have no wins, no draws, and 6 losses, scoring 5 and conceding 12 goals, showing very poor away form.
Data does not favor either side, indirectly giving the visitors some confidence. However, based on recent and home/away performances, the home team has a strong chance, making the data seem less objective.
Draw
13. Watford vs Birmingham
The home team is sixth, with a chance to reach the playoffs. Their recent record is 4 wins, 2 draws, and no losses; at home, they have 2 wins, 1 draw, and no losses, scoring 10 and conceding 6 goals. Their home form is very good, with 3 wins and 3 draws in the last six home games, scoring 10 and conceding 5 goals.
The visitors are 15th, with a poor recent record of no wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses; away, they have no wins, no draws, and 3 losses, scoring 5 and conceding 11 goals. Their away form is particularly poor, with 0 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses in the last six away games, scoring 4 and conceding 12 goals.
Data shows no clear bias, which is puzzling because the home team’s recent and home performances are clearly better than the visitors’. In the first leg, the home team lost 1-2, but the match was close and not one-sided.
Primary pick: home win; secondary pick: draw
14. Sheffield United vs Leicester City
The home team is 17th, with a recent record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses; at home, they have 2 wins, 1 draw, and no losses, scoring 13 and conceding 9 goals. Overall, their form is decent. Over the last six home games, they have 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, scoring 12 and conceding 4 goals, currently on a five-match unbeaten run with strong offense and defense.
The visitors are 12th, with a recent record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses; away, they have 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, scoring 12 and conceding 11 goals. Their defense is weak. Over the last six away games, they have 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, scoring 8 and conceding 12 goals, showing very unstable performance.
Data supports the home team with considerable strength. Based on recent form, the home team has a good chance, though the visitors are somewhat underestimated.
Primary pick: home win; secondary pick: away win