Premier League

Brighton must still be wondering how they lost to Crystal Palace on Monday night but cannot afford to dwell on that disappointment for too long. The Seagulls dominated against their bitter rivals but lost 2-1 after conceding in injury time, meaning they are only four points clear of the relegation zone.

Fulham’s improved performances have not quite turned into the points they would have liked but they have the chance to put that right against rock-bottom Sheffield United. The Cottagers have only lost one of their last six games but four draws in that time mean they start the weekend still six points from safety.

Burnley have been held to a draw against two of the teams below them in their last two home games and will hope it is third time lucky when West Brom arrive at Turf Moor. This looks a must-win fixture for West Brom, though, given they start the weekend 12 points from safety, so this could be a more open game than might usually be expected.

West Ham are fancied to press their claims for a surprise top-six finish in the Premier League by seeing off basement dwellers Sheffield United. The Blades are doing their best to pull off a great escape but will come up against a team playing with plenty of confidence and self-belief at present.

Manchester United had to work harder than they will have wished for in Tuesday’s FA Cup win over West Ham but should still be able to deal with West Brom. Albion have only picked up one point from their last five Premier League fixtures and that was when drawing with fellow strugglers Fulham.

Tottenham are in desperate need of a boost after three straight Premier League defeats but should enjoy a welcome reprieve when hosting West Brom. The second-from-bottom Baggies have only picked up one point from four outings themselves and look headed for a quick return to the Championship.

West Ham have built up a ton of momentum by winning seven of their last eight Premier League and FA Cup matches and are fancied to oblige again at Fulham. The Cottagers have been battling hard to enhance their survival hopes but looked short on quality when beaten at home by Leicester on Wednesday.

Everton’s target this season is to qualify for Europe and seeing off the likes of Newcastle at home is essential to achieving that aim. The Magpies have lost five straight Premier League fixtures, although they did at least show a bit more attacking intent when beaten by Leeds in midweek.

Fulham enjoyed a convincing victory over West Brom in London earlier this season and are taken to confirm their superiority at The Hawthorns. That was one of only two Premier League wins for the Cottagers, but their recent form in this competition has been rock-solid, with six draws in eight outings.

Chelsea begin life after Frank Lampard’s exit with what looks a very winnable Premier League match against Wolves at Stamford Bridge. The visitors have lacked balance since losing star striker Raul Jimenez to injury and a poor run of results now seems to be really affecting their confidence.

Man Utd and Sheff Utd are at opposite ends of the Premier League table, but this match may not be the walk-over many people expect. The Red Devils could be tempted to ease off a touch in between two recent clashes with Liverpool and a tricky trip to Arsenal, plus the Blades have troubled them before.

West Brom were the last team to avoid defeat against Manchester City and we’re hoping they have their moments again in Tuesday’s Premier League clash. City have flourished since Albion drew 1-1 at Etihad Stadium in Slaven Bilic’s final match as manager, but the Baggies are showing some spirit themselves.