Summary

  • Use audio icon at the top of page to listen to BBC Radio 5 Live coverage

  • FT: Chelsea 2-2 Everton - Joao Felix opens scoring, Doucoure levels before Havertz scores penalty & Simms levels late on

  • FT: Aston Villa 3-0 Bournemouth - Luiz, Ramsey & Buendia for hosts

  • FT: Brentford 1-1 Leicester - Jensen breaks deadlock before Barnes levels

  • FT: Southampton 3-3 Tottenham - Porro scores first goal for Spurs, Adams levels before Kane & Perisic on target for visitors, Walcott pulls one back & Ward-Prowse levels

  • FT: Wolves 2-4 Leeds - Harrison, Ayling & Kristensen on target, Jonny & Cunha pull goals back before Jonny sent off. Rodrigo grabs fourth for Leeds

  • Get involved: Tweet #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

  1. 'Tottenham need consistency'published at 14:31 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Southampton v Tottenham (15:00 GMT)

    Dion Dublin
    Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Tottenham are the most frustrating team to watch. They can be outstanding, they ca be woeful.

    I expect them to win today; the have to start winning games if they want that fourth Champions League spot. Nobody is taking charge of third or fourth.

    Everything Spurs in one place – bookmark the page or if you’re using the app hit the bell icon for club notifications

  2. One more needed for Sonpublished at 14:29 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Southampton v Tottenham (15:00 GMT)

    Son Heung-min loves facing Southampton.

    Having scored more against them than any other side in the Premier League, they could be the perfect opponent as the South Korea captain aims to make history today.

    He needs just one goal to become the first Asian player to score 100 in the Premier League.

    Son Heung-min
  3. Saints' home strugglespublished at 14:27 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Southampton v Tottenham (15:00 GMT)

    Can Southampton get themselves out of trouble?

    Ruben Selles' side have lost six of their last seven Premier League matches at St Mary's, where they have suffered a league-high eight home defeats this season.

    Saints are winless in 15 Premier League games against sides starting the day in the top four, losing nine of those matches and conceding a total of 43 goals.

    January's 2-1 victory at Everton is the only time they have scored more than once in their previous 22 league matches.

    Even so, three huge points today could catapult them out of the bottom three...

    Ruben SellesImage source, Getty Images

    Everything Southampton in one place – bookmark the page or if you’re using the app hit the bell icon for club notifications

  4. Sutton's prediction - 'Brentford win all day long'published at 14:25 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Brentford v Leicester (15:00 GMT)

    Chris SuttonImage source, BBC Sport

    For this week's Premier League and FA Cup predictions Chris Sutton faces Black Honey guitarist Chris Ostler.

    Sutton's prediction: 2-1

    Brentford to win this, all day long.

    Leicester are in a relegation battle now. They have got some talented forward players but they leak far too many goals.

    The Bees, in contrast, are well organised and streetwise. They are also ruthless from set-pieces, which is one of the areas where Leicester look vulnerable.

    Chris Ostler's prediction: 2-1

    I'm really surprised to see Leicester doing so badly this season, while Brentford have been outstanding.

    Find out what Sutton and Ostler predicted for the rest of the weekend's games and cast your vote

  5. Leicester under 'no illusions'published at 14:23 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Brentford v Leicester (15:00 GMT)

    Brendan Rodgers said he is under “no illusions” about the task facing Leicester to remain in the Premier League this season.

    The Foxes have lost their last five games in all competitions.

    “We’ve got 12 games left and we’re virtually competing in a nine-team league now,” he said.

    “We want to finish at the top of that."

    Brendan Rodgers has suffered his most defeats in a single Premier League campaign
  6. Frail Foxespublished at 14:21 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Brentford v Leicester (15:00 GMT)

    Leicester City are in trouble.

    Well, almost half the Premier League clubs have relegation concerns, granted. But the Foxes, out of the bottom three on goal difference only, look fragile at the back.

    They have failed to keep a single clean sheet since the World Cup break, making them one of only three teams in Europe's top five leagues yet to do so.

    Only Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have conceded more in the Premier League this season.

    Danny Ward has been dropped to the bench today, with Daniel Iversen handed his first league start.

    Leicester have not kept a clean sheet since the World Cup

    Everything Leicester in one place – bookmark the page or if you’re using the app hit the bell icon for club notifications

  7. Bees flyingpublished at 14:18 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Brentford v Leicester (15:00 GMT)

    Brentford are on a nine-match unbeaten run at home in the Premier League, winning five and drawing four.

    The 26 points which Thomas Frank's side have amassed at the Gtech Community Stadium this season is two more than Leicester City have managed in total.

    The Bees are aiming to claim their 100th top-flight victory today - which would leave them sixth in the table heading into the international break.

    Everything Brentford in one place – bookmark the page or if you’re using the app hit the bell icon for club notifications

    Thomas FrankImage source, Getty Images
  8. Sutton's predictionpublished at 14:15 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Wolves v Leeds (15:00 GMT)

    For this week's Premier League and FA Cup predictions Chris Sutton faces Black Honey guitarist Chris Ostler.

    Chris SuttonImage source, BBC Sport

    Sutton's prediction:1-0

    There were lots of goals the last time these two teams met at Molineux at the end of last season. I don't see it being quite as thrilling this time, but there is a lot at stake.

    It feels like I say every week with these predictions that Leeds have got some very talented players, but they don't take their chances. I worry about them too.

    Wolves don't score many goals either but I thought they deserved to get something from their trip to Newcastle last week, and I can see them nicking this one at home.

    Chris Ostler's prediction:1-0

    This is going to be close, and neither team scores many.

    Find out what Sutton and Ostler predicted for the rest of the weekend's games and cast your vote

  9. 'It is all about leadership at the bottom'published at 14:13 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Tony Pulis
    Former Stoke manager on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Managing clubs at the bottom of the Premier League is about strong leadership.

    You've got to convince the people around you that your way is the right way; you do that on te training ground and during games.

    Knowing I'd done it before, and I was fortunate enough never to be relegated, actually worked.

  10. 'We have to compete like the games are finals'published at 14:12 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Wolves v Leeds (15:00 GMT)

    Leeds United

    Leeds boss Javi Gracia, speaking to Premier League Productions: "What I expect today is a tough game. All my players are ready to compete. We have some changes because we have injury to Tyler [Adams], who is important to us. We have to look for fresh legs. I look to improve non the last performances.

    "All of us are agreed. We know how important the games are that we play now. There are 12 left and we have to compete in them like finals. Today we are focused on that.

    "What I expect is the best from my team. To have control is the way to be at our best."

  11. 'It is going to be a very balanced match'published at 14:11 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Wolves v Leeds (15:00 GMT)

    Wolves

    Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui, speaking to Premier League Productions: "We expect that the players coming will help us to achieve our aim. It is going to be hard and demanding because we play against a very good team. It is going to be a very balanced game and for this we have to ready. The level of Leeds is very big, they have quality and Javi Gracia has experience of coaching in the Premier League too.

    "We hope that our fans are going to be very important. We need their help, for sure. I repeat the game is going to be very balanced so the support is very important for the team."

  12. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 14:09 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Tweet #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

    What a great season. It is the second half of March and every single team in the Premier League has something to fight for. Relegation is any 3 from 9 where usually 1 or 2 teams are cut adrift by now. Different teams at the top with Arsenal favourites to win the league and Newcastle with a good chance of Champions League. Then Brighton, Brentford, Fulham and Villa all with a shout for Europa League. Should be a great last 11 or so games with everything going to the wire.

    Chris, Hants

  13. 'Irresistible' Toney earns England call-uppublished at 14:07 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Brentford v Leicester (15:00 GMT)

    Ivan ToneyImage source, Getty Images

    Only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have scored more Premier League goals than Ivan Toney this season - and that form earned him a place in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad for the Three Lions' upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.

    That decision was "a no-brainer", The Mirror's chief football writer John Cross says.

    "He has been unplayable at times this season," Cross told BBC 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

    "Aside from Kane, he is the most in-form and dangerous English number nine in the Premier League right now.

    "He is in irresistible form, powerful, strong, so intelligent and so skilful. It's a really exciting call-up."

  14. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 14:05 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Tweet #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

    I reckon the Brentford bees are going to sting the Foxes twice today. England’s birthday boy Ivan Toney to get both of them!

    Dan Spriggs, Leatherhead

  15. Team news - both sides unchangedpublished at 14:04 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Aston Villa v Bournemouth (15:00 GMT)

    Aston Villa boss Unai Emery sticks with the same XI that started the 1-1 draw at West Ham last weekend.

    Boubacar Kamara, Philippe Coutinho and Leander Dendoncker remain injured, while fit-again Diego Carlos returned as an unused substitute last week and starts on the bench again.

    Ollie Watkins is one goal away from becoming the first Villa player since 2014-15 to reach double figures in three consecutive top-flight seasons.

    Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Moreno, McGinn, Luiz, Buendia, Bailey, Ramsey, Watkins.

    Subs: Olsen, Sinisalo, Carlos, B Traore, Chambers, Young, Duran, Digne.

    Aston Villa XI v Bournemouth - 18/03/23Image source, BBC Sport

    Gary O'Neil also names an unchanged side following Bournemouth's 1-0 win over Liverpool last Saturday.

    Midfielder Hamed Traore is back on the bench after injury, while David Brooks is among the subs once more as he awaits his first appearance since being diagnosed with cancer in October 2021.

    Bournemouth XI: Neto, Smith, Stephens, Senesi, Kelly, Ouattara, Lerma, Billing, Anthony, Rothwell, Solanke.

    Subs: Travers, Cook, Mepham, Brooks, Christie, Vina, H Traore, Moore, Semenyo.

    Bournemouth XI v Aston Villa - 18/03/23Image source, BBC Sport
  16. Team news - Ward benched as Foxes make four changespublished at 14:03 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Brentford v Leicester (15:00 GMT)

    It's two changes for Brentford from the team who beat Southampton 2-0 on Wednesday.

    Mikkel Damsgaard comes in for Kevin Schade who drops to the bench while Yonna Wissa is in ahead of Vitaly Janelt.

    Brentford XI: Raya, Hickey, Pinnock, Mee, Henry, Jensen, Norgaard, Damsgaard, Mbuemo, Toney, Wissa.

    Subs: Strakosha, Schade, Dasilva, Zanka, Ghoddos, Onyeka, Jansson, Baptiste, Stevens.

    Brentford XI

    Brendan Rodgers makes four changes to the Leicester City side who lost to Chelsea last week.

    There's a swap of goalkeepers as Daniel Iverson replaces Danny Ward to make his first Premier League start.

    Harvey Barnes, Tete and Wilfred Ndidi also come in for Wout Faes, Kelechi Iheanacho and Nampalys Mendy.

    Leicester City XI: Iverson, Pereira, Amartey, Souttar, Ndidi, Castagne, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes, Tete, Maddison, Daka.

    Subs: Ward, Vardy, Iheanacho, Mendy, Praet, Thomas, Brunt, Marcal-Madivadua, Soumare.

    Leicester XI
  17. Team news - Walker-Peters & Walcott start, Spurs unchangedpublished at 14:02 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Southampton v Tottenham (15:00 GMT)

    Southampton boss Ruben Selles makes three changes to the side that were beaten 2-0 in midweek by Brentford.

    Ibrahima Diallo, Carlos Alcaraz and Kamaldeen Sulemana all drop to the bench in favour of Stuart Armstrong, Theo Walcott and Romeo Lavia.

    Kyle Walker-Peters starts after being forced off against Brentford on Wednesday while Ainsley Maitland-Niles returns from injury to the bench.

    Starting XI: Bazunu, Walker-Peters, Ward-Prowse, Adams, Perraud, Armstrong, Elyounoussi, Walcott, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap, Lavia

    Subs: McCarthy, Maitland-Niles, A. Armstrong, Onuachu, Mara, Sulemana, Salisu, Alcaraz, Diallo

    Southampton starting XI graphicImage source, BBC Sport

    Antonio Conte opts for the same Tottenham side to the one that beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 last time out.

    Last week's goal scorers Son Heung-min and Harry Kane both start with Richarlison also earning a spot in the starting XI.

    Fraser Forster will be between the sticks again with Hugo Lloris still out with a knee injury.

    Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ryan Sessegnon are all still out while Emerson Royal is on the bench having missed out against Forest with an injury he picked up against AC Milan.

    Starting XI: Forster, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Son, Richarlison, Kane, Dier, Romero, Porro, Davies, Lenglet

    Subs: Austin, Sanchez, Royal, Perisic, Danjuma, Kulusevski, Tanganga, Moura, Sarr

    tottenham starting XI graphicImage source, BBC Sport
  18. Team news - Wolves and Leeds make two changespublished at 14:00 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Wolves v Leeds (15:00 GMT)

    Wolves XI vs Leeds in the Premier LeagueImage source, BBC Sport

    Julen Lopetegui make two changes to the Wolves team that lost at Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday.

    Pedro Neto replaces Adama Traore, while Joao Gomes comes in for Joao Moutinho

    Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha are among the substitutes after recovering from respective heel and ankle problems, but Hwang Hee-chan is unavailable through injury.

    Wolves XI: Sa, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Jonny, Neves, Lemina, Neto, Gomes, Podence, Jimenez

    Subs: Bentley, Collins, Cunha, Sarabia, Toti, Nunes, Moutinho, Costa, Traore

    Leeds XI vs Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier LeagueImage source, BBC Sport

    Javi Gracia also makes two alterations to the Leeds team that drew 2-2 with Brighton last weekend.

    Injured midfielder Tyler Adams is replaced by compatriot Weston McKennie, with Wilfried Gnonto preferred to Crysencio Summerville.

    Fit-again Rodrigo and Liam Cooper are both on the bench.

    Leeds XI: Meslier, Ayling, Koch, Wober, Firpo, McKennie, Roca, Gnonto, Aaronson, Harrison, Bamford

    Subs: Robles, Cooper, Summerville, Rodrigo, Struijk, Sinisterra, Rutter, Kristensen, Gray

  19. Postpublished at 13:58 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Right, time for some team news!

    Wilfried GnontoImage source, Getty Images
  20. Bournemouth need to look around them - Beattiepublished at 13:55 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Aston Villa v Bournemouth (15:00 GMT)

    Jen Beattie
    Scotland defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Bournemouth have still got Leeds and Southampton left to play and they lost to them both before. Those games are the ones they'll be looking at the most.

    I understand the point about focussing on one game at a time, but consistency is why teams are at the top. Ultimately, it is why teams that lose most are at the bottom.