Liverpool Vs Cardiff City
Liverpool performed superbly at White Hart Lane despite the absence of Gerrard and Sturridge through injury. Luis Suarez raised his game upon being appointed Captain and bagged two goals and three assists in the 5-0 thrashing of Spurs. Cardiff are the next side to take on the gauntlet of Anfield. The Bluebirds have once again shot themselves in the foot with more off-field problems. On the pitch, Cardiff managed an important 1-0 win over West Brom to move to 15th in the Premier League. Home win expected with Suarez on the scoresheet.
Prediction 3-0
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Crystal Palace Vs Newcastle
Crystal Palace were unfortunate to lose at Chelsea after putting in a brave performance which stretched Chelsea’s rear guard to the full. Three wins from five games has seen The Eagles move four points off the bottom of the table – Just one point from safety. Newcastle visit Selhurst Park on the back of a score draw with Southampton at St James’ Park. The Magpies have beaten both Spurs and Manchester United away from home recently and pose a real threat on the road. Cabaye returns from suspension for Alan Pardew. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-2
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Fulham Vs Manchester City
Despite the change in management, Fulham remain in the Relegation Zone heading into Gameweek 17. Home form has been poor overall but Craven Cottage finally witnessed a win at home when Aston Villa visited West London. A tougher test awaits when Manchester City visit on Saturday afternoon. City will be without front man Sergio Aguero who has picked up a calf injury. City fans will be hoping the other members of the squad can step up and keep the goals firing in despite such an important absence. City have won only one of their last four on the road but I fancy them to pick up a victory on Saturday.
Prediction 0-2
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Manchester United Vs West Ham
Manchester United recorded an important victory at Aston Villa last weekend. Danny Welbeck stepped up to the plate in the absence of RVP with two well taken goals. West Ham visit Old Trafford sitting just one point above the Relegation Zone. The Hammers have lost three away matches on the bounce and away trips don’t get much tough than Manchester United. The Red Devils have lost their last two home games by an identical 1-0 scoreline but I expect them to bounce back with an important win over West Ham. Wayne Rooney is a doubt for this match.
Prediction 2-0
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Stoke Vs Aston Villa
Stoke City have been on a good run of form lately and are unbeaten in three Premier League matches. The Potters have re-established The Britannia as a fortress and have not been beaten on their own patch in their last five Premier League matches. Aston Villa are enjoying a decent campaign thus far but have lost their last two matches. Christian Benteke has yet to find top form since returning from injury and I suspect Villa will struggle this weekend. Home win expected for Stoke.
Prediction 1-0
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Sunderland Vs Norwich
Sunderland progressed to the Semi-Finals of the Capital One Cup with an extra time win over Chelsea at The Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening. That result ended a disappointing run in The Premier League which has seen The Black Cats go without a win in five matches including a 4-3 defeat by Chelsea. Norwich picked up a point in Gameweek 16 following their 1-1 draw against Swansea. The Canaries sit 14th heading into the Gameweek but could climb several places with a victory in the North East. Score draw expected.
Prediction 1-1
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West Brom Vs Hull City
West Brom will face their first Premier League match without Steve Clarke in the dugout when Hull City visit on Saturday afternoon. The Baggies relieved the Scot from duty following a dismal run of four consecutive Premier League defeats. Hull visit The Hawthorns sitting 12th in the Premier League. Off-field problems continue to tarnish the achievements on the field and Steve Bruce will need to keep his players focused on the matches rather than Club politics. Bore draw.
Prediction 0-0
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Southampton Vs Tottenham
Southampton have suffered a dip in form recently which has seen them drop from Champions Leagues contenders to 9th place. The Saints were dominant at home earlier in the season and need to make St Mary’s a daunting away fixture once again. Spurs visit following the dismissal of AVB as manager. Tim Sherwood has taken over the reigns and saw his first match end in a defeat when West Ham visited for a midweek Capital One Cup clash. A defeat for one team here would see them fall well off the pace at the top. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-0
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Swansea Vs Everton
Swansea welcome Everton to South Wales looking to maintain their good home form of late. Michael Laudrup has not seen his side lose a home match in the Premier League since Arsenal visited in September. Everton visit The Liberty Stadium also in great form and this is poised to be a great game. The Toffees have won three of their last four and are without a defeat on the road in four matches. Roberto Martinez would see his side move into a Top 4 position with a victory at Swansea given Chelsea play on Monday. Score draw expected.
Prediction 2-2
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Arsenal Vs Chelsea
Monday Night Football sees Arsenal welcome Chelsea to The Emirates for a crucial London Derby. Arsenal will likely have lost their place at the top of the Barclays Premier League by the time this match kicks off. The Gunners home form has been excellent with 16 points from a possible 18 lately. Jack Wilshere misses this game through suspension after making an inappropriate hand gesture towards Manchester City fans. Chelsea have been on good form lately but have had a bad week losing to Stoke in the Premier League and Sunderland in the Capital One Cup. Mourinho will demand an immediate response and several fringe players who were given an opportunity to impress mid-week will find themselves back on the bench. Following Arsenal’s humiliating 6-3 defeat at City I expect them to bounce back with a win against a Chelsea side with strikers who cannot find the net regularly.
Prediction 1-0
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