Newcastle vs Chelsea
Alan Pardew recorded an impressive win against Chelsea in this fixture last season. However, the league leaders look absolutely unstoppable, as they swept aside fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspurs 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. Pardew’s men have been in outstanding form but have dipped recently and gained just 1 point from their last two games. The fear factor surrounding Jose Mourinho’s men is an important mental edge and Pardew must ensure they do not offer the league title hopefuls too much respect ahead of this tie. I expect Chelsea to continue their unbeatable form with a hard fought win against a tough side.
Prediction 0-2
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Manchester City vs Everton
Manchester City have started producing the form that we know they are capable of. Aguero is arguably the best striker in the league and Martinez’s major concern will be how to contain their main man. Everton are not known to sit back in these games, and I expect an open game which will suit Manuel Pellegrini’s side. Additionally, Everton will be disappointed with their draw against Hull, and must start winning those sorts of games if they aim to finish in the European spots. Manchester City are in great form and I expect that to continue this weekend, with Aguero bagging a goal.
Prediction 2-0
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Aston Villa vs Leicester
Aston Villa recorded a long overdue win in a tough game at Selhurst Park. This will delight Paul Lambert following a hectic week which saw Roy Keane leave his post as assistant manager to focus on his role with Ireland. Leicester gave a good account of themselves in midweek but individual errors cost them dearly as they lost out to a Steven Gerrard inspired Liverpool. Leicester might get away with lapses in concentration in the Championship, however the Premier League demands higher standards and Nigel Pearson must rally his side ahead of a crucial fixture. I expect Leicester to be organised and tough to beat at Villa Park, and have proven they are capable of sneaking a goal. For that reason I am going for the score-draw which arguably suits neither side.
Prediction 1-1
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Hull vs West Brom
I believe that Steve Bruce has created a decent side at Hull City. However, he will be disappointed with their start to the season and must be looking at this fixture knowing his side are capable of securing 3 points. They showed character to comeback from a goal down at Goodison Park and will be extremely delighted with their point. On the other hand, West Brom suffered a disheartening defeat against high-flying West Ham after going 1-0 up. I believe spirits will be higher in the Hull City camp and home advantage could prove pivotal. I am going for a narrow Hull City win.
Prediction 1-0
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Stoke City vs Arsenal
Historically, Stoke City have enjoyed this fixture by tactically using their strength to stifle Arsenal’s attacking threat. Mark Hughes was employed to adopt a more attractive playing style, which makes them less of a dreaded journey for Arsene Wenger. Arsenal have been on decent form, despite only just beating Southampton through the outstanding Alexis Sanchez. Stoke on the other hand look out of sorts of late and haven’t won since their unexpected win at White Hart Lane. Arsenal are scraping wins together at the moment and are growing in confidence, I expect them to pile on the misery for Mark Hughes who will have a lot of work to do to regain form ahead of the busy festive season.
Prediction 0-2
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Liverpool vs Sunderland
A struggling Liverpool showed great character in midweek after coming from behind to defeat Leicester at the King Power stadium. Steven Gerrard was restored to the starting line-up after being rested for the game against Stoke and the Reds’ skipper guided his side to victory with a majestic performance. After ending his eleven game scoring drought Gerrard is likely to start alongside Adam Lallana who also scored on Tuesday night. Despite their victory however, Liverpool are still missing star man Daniel Sturridge and Brendan Rodgers may well have to wait until after the new year to have him fit again. I feel Liverpool will edge this encounter as Sunderland are likely to be suffering from fatigue following their two tough matches against Chelsea and Manchester City.
Prediction 2-1
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QPR vs Burnley
After a disappointing start to the season Burnley are now one of the in form sides in the league and are unbeaten in four games. The Clarets find themselves outside the drop zone for the first time in months and will head to London confident they can get all three points against relegation rivals QPR. The R’s however, are in the bottom three following their loss against Swansea in midweek but in Charlie Austin they have a true goalscorer and Harry Redknapp will have told his players to find their number 9 whenever possible. I cannot separate these two sides so I’m going for a score draw with Austin and Ings finding the back of the net.
Prediction 1-1
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace
Tottenham had plenty of possession (62%) against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but unfortunately for Spurs’ fans, the leaders comfortably won the game 3-0. Spurs looked lacklustre in the final third and not for the first time this season, were guilty of costly defensive lapses. In their previous home game against Everton however, the North Londoners were terrific and I feel their home support will provide a timely boost against a Palace side who have struggled on the road this season.
Prediction 3-1
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West Ham United vs Swansea City
Following a string of draws West Ham have won their two previous games and are lifted by the return of Enner Valencia, who has not started the past 3 games. However, they face a tough test on Sunday against a Swansea side who sit just below them in 7th place and make the trip to Upton Park on the back of a morale boosting 2-0 win against QPR. Wilfried Bony is the in form striker in the league at the moment and the Hammers will need to keep the Ivorian quiet if they are to maintain their winning run.
Prediction 1-2
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Southampton Vs Manchester United
This fixture sees two sides currently experiencing very different fortunes face off on the south coast. The Saints started the season with a bang and sit in 3rd place in the table, however, two defeats on the trot has left many people questioning their European credentials. United meanwhile, had an awful start to the season but with four wins on the bounce they find themselves just a point adrift of Southampton and with the mercurial Falcao returning to full fitness, Louis van Gaal will be confident of keeping the momentum going into the Christmas period.
Prediction 1-1
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