Everton v Chelsea. Everton made it back-to-back with a big win at home to Newcastle United in the previous round and boosted morale and are currently 17th in the league with 10 points, escaping the pressure of the relegation zone. While Everton's attack has been up and down at times and their defensive consistency needs to be improved, their recent form has been commendable, with just one defeat in multiple games. Chelsea, who lost away to Manchester United in the last round, have not been optimistic of late, and their ability to face strong teams still needs to be improved. Despite Chelsea's forward output, there are still holes in defence. Everton have struggled in their two meetings with Chelsea this past season, drawing just one and losing one.
However, it is believed that Everton still have a chance to successfully defend their home side when they host Chelsea. Fulham v West Ham United. Fulham, who beat Nottingham Forest at home in the last round, have a good home record of late, but have lost more than they won in other competitions and are currently 12th in the league with 18 points. Despite Fulham's firepower up front, the defensive intensity needs to be strengthened. West Ham United beat Tottenham Hotspur away in the last round, not only beating a strong team, but also maintaining an unbeaten record of three wins and one draw, and are currently in 9th place in the league with 24 points. West Ham's forward output is assured, but the defence needs to be improved. Fulham have lost both meetings with West Ham United this past season.
Fulham have been inconsistent lately, winning two games at home, but neither of them is a strong team. West Ham's form has been improving, with a noticeable improvement in recent performances. This time, West Ham United, who are away to Fulham, have a chance to pick up the points. Luton Town against Manchester City. Luton suffered two defeats in a row after losing at home to Arsenal in the previous round, but they were able to score three goals and were in a good mental state. They are currently 18th in the league with 9 points. Luton's attack has improved, but defensive consistency has declined. Manchester City suffered a four-game winless run after losing away to Aston Villa in the previous round and have not been in a good state of doing so lately, dropping to fourth place in the league with 30 points.
Manchester City have been doing well in attack lately, but the defensive strength has dropped significantly, and this is the first meeting between the two teams. Luton Town have improved in attack recently, but the defence is still lacking. Despite Manchester City's poor performance, as a giant team, the overall strength is still far ahead. This away challenge is a good opportunity for the team to return to victory. Tottenham against Newcastle United. Tottenham Hotspur lost to West Ham United in the last round of the league and are winless in the last five games, losing most of their matches. The team is secure on the offensive end, but lacks consistency in the defensive line. Newcastle United lost away to Everton last time out and have lost two of their last two games, but are still in seventh place with 26 points. The team's performance on both the offensive end and the defensive line fluctuated. Tottenham lost both meetings last season.
Due to injuries, Tottenham's performance has slipped uncontrollably. Newcastle United's two-front campaign has also fluctuated, but the number of wins is still dominant. This away to Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United have a chance to get a score. Stuttgart takes on Bayer Leverkusen. Stuttgart beat Bremen in the last round to make it three wins in a row, and the team has been solid recently, sitting in third place with 30 points. Stuttgart regained their strength in attack and the defensive performance was acceptable. Bayer Leverkusen ended their winning streak by drawing with Borussia Dortmund in the last round, but remain unbeaten and lead the top of the table with 35 points. Bayer Leverkusen have been solid both offensively and defensively. In the two meetings last season, Stuttgart drew 1 and lost 1. Stuttgart have been winning a lot of games lately, and their home form has been extremely strong.
Bayer Leverkusen deserve to be commended for their quality and performances, as well as playing away from home, so they have the advantage both mentally and historically. Despite the majority backing the home side to win, we still believe Bayer Leverkusen can take all three points away from home.