Hull City Vs Manchester United
Hull secured a point on Saturday afternoon when visiting West Brom. The Tigers have now drawn all of their last 3 League matches and sit 12th in the Premier League heading into the Boxing Day fixtures. Manchester United have scored 3 goals in both of their last 2 fixtures and have picked up 2 wins in the process. The Red Devils are in the middle of fixtures they would expect to win and boost their position in the League – Currently 8th. RVP misses out once again leaving Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney the job of scoring the goals to propel United to victory. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-2
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Aston Villa Vs Crystal Palace
Aston Villa went down 2-1 at Stoke in Gameweek 17 which saw them rack up a third consecutive defeat in the Premier League. Paul Lambert will be hoping that the visit of Crystal Palace will give his side an opportunity to get back to winning ways. The Eagles have responded well to the change in management and are just one point away from dragging themselves out of the relegation zone. Tony Pulis deserves great credit for turning Palace around when it seemed that they were destined for a prompt return to The Championship. Villa will be without the injured Christian Benteke and I am backing a goalless draw.
Prediction 0-0
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Cardiff City Vs Southampton
Off-field problems continue to overshadow the achievements of Cardiff City on the pitch. Cardiff owner Vincent Tan seems to be the only person who does not appreciate what an excellent job Malky Mackay has done at the Club. The Bluebirds home form has been good losing just one of their last four. Southampton have had a terrible run of form lately particularly away from home. The Saints are without a win on the road in their last 5 Premier League matches and will need to be at their best to get anything from their visit to South Wales. Adam Lallana had an excellent game against Spurs and Cardiff will need to keep close tabs on him. Home win.
Prediction 2-1
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Chelsea Vs Swansea
Jose Mourinho maintained his unbeaten record against Arsene Wenger on Monday Night Football as Chelsea played out a goalless draw at The Emirates. No Chelsea striker has scored an away goal in the Premier League this calendar year. No doubt Chelsea will be looking to boost their options in the January transfer window. Swansea have not travelled well lately winning just once in five attempts. Nathan Dyer misses out through injury for Swansea. Chelsea could be top of the table if they win this match and results elsewhere go their way. Home win expected at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction 2-0
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Everton Vs Sunderland
Everton are the surprise package of the season so far and have uncovered a real talent in Ross Barkley. Current form has been excellent for The Toffees who have won 4 of their last 5 matches in the Premier League. Sunderland visit Merseyside having failed to score a Premier League goal away from The Stadium of Light since 31st August. The Black Cats are really struggling at the moment and away trips do not get much tougher than Goodison Park. Lukaku has failed to find the net since Gameweek 13 but I am backing the forward man to get back on the scoresheet again.
Prediction 3-0
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Newcastle Vs Stoke
Newcastle United have exceeded all expectations from their loyal fans so far this campaign and sit 6th heading into Gameweek 18 – Just 6 points behind the leaders. The Magpies have been solid at home lately winning 3 of their last 4 Premier League matches at St James’ Park. Stoke recorded a good win over Aston Villa in Gameweek 17 but have continued to struggle away from home. Mark Hughes would love to see his side be more solid on the road but Newcastle have proved that few teams will come to the North East and leave with anything to show for their efforts. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-1
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Norwich Vs Fulham
Norwich supporters will have enjoyed their Christmas with a comfortable 6 points cushion between their side and the Relegation Zone. The visit of Fulham gives Chris Hughton’s side an opportunity to move onto 22 points. The Cottagers have picked up a single win from their last 6 Premier League matches but away form has been terrible with four straight losses on the road. Fulham forward Dimitar Berbatov is a doubt for this game with a groin problem. The Canaries are unbeaten inn 4 matches at Carrow Road and I expect them to despatch a poor Fulham side who will begin 2014 in the drop zone.
Prediction 1-0
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Tottenham Vs West Brom
Tim Sherwood has taken over the reigns at White Hart Lane since AVB’s departure. The new manager immediately recalled forgotten man Adebayor to partner Soldado upfront at Southampton. The rewards were instant and Adebayor bagged two goals in an impressive 3-2 away victory. Next up for Spurs are West Brom who come into Gameweek 18 with a single point from the last available 15. The Baggies sit 16th in the League table and need to turn their form around if they want to avoid a scrap with relegation in 2014. Spurs to record their first home win in the League since their win over Hull.
Prediction 2-0
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West Ham Vs Arsenal
West Ham United welcome Arsenal to Upton Park looking to make it 3 home matches in a row without defeat on home turf. The Hammers are struggling to distance themselves from the relegation zone and are just one point above the bottom three. Home form will be key for Sam Allardyce to guide his side to safety. Arsenal settled for a point when Chelsea visited on Monday evening. The Gunners were not able to be top of the table at Christmas but will hope to climb above Liverpool ahead of their tough match at City. Away form has been shaky lately with just a single win from three matches. Score draw at Upton Park.
Prediction 1-1
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Manchester City Vs Liverpool
Manchester City welcome Liverpool to The Etihad for the pick of the Boxing Day fixtures this year. City’s home form has been excellent this term and they have scored 15 goals in their last 3 matches on their own patch against opponents including Spurs and Arsenal. Sergio Aguero remains sidelined for City leaving Negredo and Dzeko carrying the can infront of goal. Liverpool have won all of their last four games to lead the pack at Christmas. Suarez is red hot right now and seems to be relishing the responsibility of the captaincy in the absence of Steven Gerrard through injury. Sturridge also remains sidelined. Home win expected at The Etihad which will see City leapfrog their opponents in the standings.
Prediction 2-1
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