Clinton Morrison's Predictions: Carabao Cup Final, Title Race & The Weekend's Biggest Games
It has been a huge week in football already; Chelsea's Champions League exit against PSG was painful to watch, Arsenal marched into the quarter-finals with a brilliant win over Bayer Leverkusen, and the relegation picture is getting more nerve-shredding by the week. And that's before we get to Sunday's Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Former Premier League striker and Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison sat down with FreeBets.com to give his verdicts on the biggest matches of the weekend, from the Carabao Cup showpiece, to a relegation six-pointer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, plus Champions League nights and a full sweep of Premier League and Championship action.
Here's what Clinton had to say, speaking with the home of the best betting sites, and see if you fancy backing his picks.
IN FULL: Clinton Morrison's Weekend Predictions
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Bournemouth vs Manchester United (8pm)
Man United have been outstanding in recent weeks. I think they've got one of the best players in the world at the moment in Bruno Fernandes, he's right on top of his game. They're relentless at the minute and I just don't see Bournemouth stopping them.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1–3 Manchester United
SATURDAY PREMIER LEAGUE
Brighton vs Liverpool (12:30pm)
I would be surprised if Brighton won that, to be honest. It depends on the result on Tuesday night, if Liverpool go through then there's an emotional boost, a lift. But even if they don't, I still think Liverpool are fighting to get into the Champions League spots and they need to win this. I'd probably just go 2–1 Liverpool.
Prediction: Brighton 1–2 Liverpool
Fulham vs Burnley (3pm)
Fulham have been good this season under Marco Silva. The writing's on the wall for Burnley, but to get Fulham into the Europa Conference League or even the Europa League would be a great achievement for that club. I'd go 2–0 Fulham, comfortable.
Prediction: Fulham 2–0 Burnley
Everton vs Chelsea (5:30pm)
This is difficult. Chelsea need a bounce back and I do think they will respond in some way. But I think Everton are a good team under David Moyes and they're playing well. Everton pushed Arsenal all the way, remember and their away form is better than their home form, but they'll be up for this. I honestly think this ends as a draw.
Prediction: Everton 1–1 Chelsea
Leeds vs Brentford (8pm)
This is HUGE! Brentford have been really good and they're still pushing for Champions League places, which tells you everything about the job Keith Andrews has done there. But if Leeds want to stay up, these are the games you have to win. I think there'll be goals in this one. I'm going for 2–2.
Prediction: Leeds 2–2 Brentford
SATURDAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Ipswich vs Millwall (12:30pm)
How big is this game? Millwall were a little disappointing last week, to be fair. But Ipswich are at home and they need to bounce back too. At home, I think Ipswich just edge it.
Prediction: Ipswich 2–1 Millwall
Blackburn vs Middlesbrough (12:30pm)
I feel Middlesbrough will be too strong. The results last week, Ipswich dropped points, Millwall dropped points, Middlesbrough won, the gap is tightening and they're bang in form. Blackburn are fighting for their lives but I'd go Middlesbrough to win this.
Prediction: Blackburn 1–2 Middlesbrough
Bristol City vs West Brom (3pm)
West Brom were good the other day and they're playing some really good football. But Bristol City at home, they'll want a performance. If West Brom were at home I'd have backed them to win. On the road, I'll take the draw.
Prediction: Bristol City 1–1 West Brom
Watford vs Leicester (3pm)
Watford are flying. That's an easy one for me. Watford beat Wrexham 3–1 midweek, I thought they were brilliant going forward. They've got an outside chance of the play-offs. And Leicester just look really disappointing at the moment. They need wins urgently, but I can't see them getting anything at Vicarage Road.
Prediction: Watford 2–1 Leicester
Swansea vs Coventry (5:15pm)
It's a hard game for my old club. Swansea play some good football. But I usually find that good teams respond after a setback. Coventry are a good footballing side and I'd back them to go and win this.
Prediction: Swansea 1–2 Coventry
SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE
Newcastle vs Sunderland (Northeast Derby, 12pm)
Newcastle were disappointed in the away leg and their fans will be expecting a response. It's a derby, Sunderland have had a great season, they look a bit tired now, but their players will be fully up for this. But I think Newcastle, especially at St James's Park in front of a hostile crowd, will edge it.
Prediction: Newcastle 2–1 Sunderland
Aston Villa vs West Ham (2:15pm)
It's a difficult one this. Villa at home, Villa haven't been brilliant, and West Ham have been really good. They defend well, you know what you're going to get with West Ham. Two months ago I'd have said Villa would win this comfortably. Not now. I'm going for a draw.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1–1 West Ham
Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest (The Big Relegation Six-Pointer)
Is this Tottenham's most important league game in years?
100%. This is your cup final if you're Tottenham or Forest. Winner takes all, basically. Both teams have to turn up and get their result. The thing about this one is it depends what team Forest put out, do they go all out in the Europa League on Thursday with a 1–0 deficit to overturn, or do they rest their big hitters for the Premier League? Me personally, I think you rest your big hitters, staying in the Premier League is the be-all and end-all for Forest. If they do that, I think Forest can go to Spurs and win this.
Prediction: Tottenham 1–2 Nottingham Forest
THE BIG ONE: CARABAO CUP FINAL — Arsenal vs Manchester City, Wembley (Sunday, 4:30pm)
Something in me says City can do it. Arsenal are favourites, but I think this game is actually more important for Man City than it is for Arsenal right now. I think Arsenal will win the Premier League regardless of what happens on Sunday, I just can't see City catching them. But for City, this is a must-win. If they lose the Carabao Cup and they're out of the Champions League, they've only got the FA Cup left to play for. That's not where Manchester City expect to be.
It's absolutely massive for Man City. They've won trophies for fun in recent years and now their season is going to be defined by this one afternoon at Wembley. But that gives me confidence in them, they know how to turn up for finals, they know how to win at Wembley. Both teams will go for it, there's a lot of quality on show, and I think it'll be a brilliant final. But I'm backing City.
Prediction: Arsenal 1–2 Manchester City
Clinton Morrison's Weekend Predictions — At a Glance
| Match | Clinton's Prediction |
|---|---|
| Bournemouth vs Man United | Man United 3–1 |
| Brighton vs Liverpool | Liverpool 2–1 |
| Fulham vs Burnley | Fulham 2–0 |
| Everton vs Chelsea | Draw 1–1 |
| Leeds vs Brentford | Draw 2–2 |
| Ipswich vs Millwall | Ipswich 2–1 |
| Swansea vs Coventry | Coventry 2–1 |
| Bristol City vs West Brom | Draw 1–1 |
| Watford vs Leicester | Watford 2–1 |
| Blackburn vs Middlesbrough | Middlesbrough 2–1 |
| Newcastle vs Sunderland | Newcastle 2–1 |
| Aston Villa vs West Ham | Draw 1–1 |
| Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest | Forest 2–1 |
| Carabao Cup Final: Arsenal vs Man City | Man City 2–1 |
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