Swansea vs Tottenham Hotspur
Both these sides failed to win in their last Premier League outings, with Swansea falling to defeat at West Ham, whilst Pochettino’s Spurs shared the spoils in a goalless draw at home to Palace. Both sides will therefore, be desperate to secure victory and gain some momentum going into the Christmas break. After their long trip to Turkey on Thursday in the Europa League on Thursday, the White Hart Lane outfit will be keen to ensure they do not let fatigue get the better of them, as has been the case many a time this season. Keep an eye out for the form strikers Wilfried Bony and Harry Kane on Sunday at the Liberty Stadium who I am backing to find the net for their respective clubs.
Prediction 1-2
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Burnley vs Southampton
Following their incredible start to the season which saw them rise as high as 2nd in the table, three consecutive defeats has seen the Saints drop to 5th place and left many questioning their European credentials. That being said, I believe they were unlucky to lose at Arsenal as well as at home to United as I thought they were easily the better side in both those games. They had 62% possession and 12 attempts at goal in comparison to United’s 3 and with a little more composure in front of goal, Southampton will be back to winning ways in no time!
Prediction 0-2
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Crystal Palace vs Stoke City
Not many people expected Stoke City to race to a 3-0 half time lead against Arsenal last weekend. However, The Potters have been playing some good football this season, very different to the long ball tactics we became accustomed to under Tony Pulis. Mark Hughes’s charges were only denied a point at Old Trafford thanks to some terrific goalkeeping from David De Gea and also enjoyed a comfortable win at White Hart Lane last month. They are perhaps a little unlucky to find themselves in the bottom half of the table but I feel they will claim an important victory at Loftus Road and finish off the weekend inside the top 10.
Prediction 0-1
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Chelsea vs Hull
Chelsea welcome Hull to the fortress that is Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho has lost just once at home in this competition and Steve Bruce will think of anything as a bonus. All of a sudden, the Manchester clubs are breathing down the necks of the current leaders and it is absolutely essential that Jose Mourinho’s side secures all three points. Diego Costa’s form is not as electric as earlier on in the campaign and it will be interesting to see whether Loic Remy or Didier Drogba get more minutes on the field. I feel that Jose Mourinho is excellent at managing these situations and will ensure his side do not dwell too much on their defeat against Newcastle. I’m expecting Chelsea to take control of this match and win comfortably.
Prediction 3-0
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Leicester City vs Manchester City
Manchester City’s win against Everton was impressive, however the news that talisman Kun Aguero will be out of action for up to four weeks will be cause for concern for Manuel Pellegrini.Their strength in depth is unquestionable, however none of them can match the powers of the Argentinian. Leicester are struggling, despite some decent performances from the newly promoted sides. This will be cause for concern for Nigel Pearson and must rejuvenate his demoralised side. I expect Leicester to be extremely passionate and do everything to gain some points on the board, but their efforts will be fruitless as Manchester City will keep the pressure on the league leaders.
Prediction 0-2
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Arsenal vs Newcastle
Arsenal were absolutely woeful in the opening 45 minutes at the Brittania stadium. Their lack of character has been ever-present and Wenger has failed to recognise their failings in certain key areas. Their is evident unrest amongst the fans, but this is something that they have encountered before and a win against high-flying Newcastle will certainly silence some of the doubters. Newcastle continued their excellent home record against Chelsea with another 2-1 win which will be extremely moral-boosting, when considering the form of the current league leaders. I’m expecting an entertaining fixture, but I can’t pick a winner. For that reason,I am backing the score-draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Sunderland vs West Brom
West Ham have been the surprise package of the premiership and have another tough fixture against a volatile Sunderland. Andy Carroll is like a new signing for the hammers and proved how vital he can be with a midweek brace against Swansea. There is some somewhat premature mentioning of a title challenge which I think is far beyond their capabalities. However, I do not believe a top 4 finish is beyond them, provided they get through this critical christmas period with a good points return. Sunderland have had a few tough fixtures and recorded 2 impressive draws against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool. Gus Poyet will relish the opportunity to halt West Ham’s surge towards the top of the table and his organised side can stifle West Ham. I’m expecting Sunderland to come out of this fixture with a point, which won’t be a bad result for either side.
Prediction 1-1
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West Brom vs Aston Villa
This derby involves two sides who had similar expectations at the start of the season. Aston Villa have been solid and recorded 2 wins on the trot and are unbeaten in 5. On the other hand, West Brom fans must have forgotten what its like to win, with their midweek draw against Hull being a minor improvement compared to their previous 4 defeats. I feel Aston Villa, with the help of a fully fit Christian Benteke will be fully confident of securing a win against their rivals. I’m expecting a tight game, with Aston Villa just edging it and securing the bragging rights for their travelling fans.
Prediction 0-1
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Everton vs QPR
Martinez has assembled a strong side, but has failed to establish themselves within the fight for European places. Their quality is evident, and their points tally might not reflect their performances so far, but this will count for nothing come the end of the season. QPR’s home form has been keeping them afloat, as they sit just above the relegation zone. Harry Redknapp must start picking up some away points to improve his chances of keeping his side up. However, Goodison Park is a tough place to travel to and I do not expect them to take anything from this fixture, especially without the inspirational Charlie Austin. Roberto Martinez will be disappointed with anything less than 3 points and I expect his side to deliver the goods.
Prediction 2-0
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Manchester United Vs Liverpool
This is an absolutely monumental fixture for both sides. Liverpool were dumped out of the Champions League in midweek after yet another miserable performance, this time against Basel. The pressure is well and truly on Brendan Rodgers now but there is no better match to win over the fans than this one. Meanwhile across the M62 Louis van Gaal’s Red Devils are flying. Five wins on the bounce has propelled United into 4th place. They now sit just 8 points behind leaders Chelsea and with Robin van Persie hitting top United fans are starting to believe once again.
Liverpool are wounded and low on confidence and I’m predicting their misfortunes will continue at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Prediction 3-2
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