West Ham Vs West Brom
West Ham started well against Arsenal on Boxing Day but ran out of steam and ended up losing 3-1. Carlton Cole found the net for The Hammers and will be looking to examine a less than watertight West Brom defence on Saturday. West Brom secured an unlikely point at White Hart Lane in Gameweek 19. The Baggies sit just one point above the Relegation Zone heading into this match. Sam Allardyce has called this a ‘must win’ match for West Ham and I predict a home win at Upton Park.
Prediction 1-0
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Aston Villa Vs Swansea
Aston Villa were unable to break down a solid Crystal Palace team at home on Boxing Day and ended up losing 1-0. Paul Lambert’s side is in freefall at the moment and have lost all of their last four Premier League fixtures. Benteke’s absence is proving hard to overcome. Swansea left West London with their pride intact despite losing 1-0 to Chelsea on Thursday. The Swans went down to a Hazard goal but should have more chance of bagging a victory on the road against Villa. Draw expected.
Prediction 1-1
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Hull City Vs Fulham
Hull supporters were in dreamland as they took an early 2-0 lead over Manchester United on Boxing Day. Unfortunately for Hull, The Red Devils bounced back and won 3-2. The Tigers will fancy their chances of hanging on should they take a lead against Fulham who visit on Saturday. The Cottagers grabbed a late winner at Norwich on Boxing Day to move themselves goal difference away from safety as things stand. Hull have been impressive at home lately and I am backing Steve Bruce to guide his team to victory.
Prediction 2-1
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Manchester City Vs Crystal Palace
Manchester City saw off the challenge of Liverpool on Thursday evening to move 2nd in the Barclays Premier League. Despite conceding early, City showed great character to bounce back through Kompany and Negredo. The Spaniard Negredo is a doubt for this fixture after coming off limping against Liverpool while Sergio Aguero remains sidelined. Crystal Palace recorded a great win at Aston Villa and have now secured 9 points from a possible 15 in their last 5 outings. The Eagles have moved themselves out of the Relegation Zone as things stand but I do not expect them to add to their points tally at The Etihad. Home win expected.
Prediction 3-0
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Norwich Vs Manchester United
Norwich supporters were disappointed on Boxing Day as they were beaten by a struggling Fulham side. The Canaries had previously gone unbeaten in 4 Premier League games at Carrow Road and will need to be at their very best when Manchester United visit on Saturday. David Moyes will have been delighted to see his side bounce back from 2-0 down to record an important win. RVP remains sidelined through injury while Antonio Valencia will sit this game out through suspension. United have scored 3 goals in all of their last 3 Premier League games and will likely score a few at Carrow Road.
Prediction 1-3
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Cardiff City Vs Sunderland
Cardiff City begin life without Malky Mackay following the Scot’s dismissal as manager. Cardiff were outplayed on Boxing Day when Southampton visited South Wales and thrashed them 3-0. The Bluebirds form on the pitch may be influenced by the off-field problems which continue to blight the Club. Sunderland produced the shock result of Gameweek 18 by ending Everton’s unbeaten run at Goodison Park. The Black Cats took advantage of their early lead and were able to hang on to secure a crucial 3 points. Gus Poyet’s men remain bottom of the Premier League but another win here could see them climb up the table. Score draw expected here.
Prediction 1-1
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Everton Vs Southampton
Everton fans saw their side lose their unbeaten run at home when Sunderland visited on Boxing Day. The Toffees need to bounce back quickly to keep pace with the leading pack. Lukaku has gone without a goal since 30th November and needs to find his shooting boots again. The Saints secured an impressive 3-0 win at Cardiff in Gameweek 18 but might face a tougher challenge on Merseyside. Rodriguez was on target twice at Cardiff and the Everton rearguard will need to keep close tabs on the Southampton forward. Roberto Martinez to guide his side to a home win.
Prediction 2-1
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Newcastle Vs Arsenal
Newcastle United took full advantage of a 2-man advantage to beat Stoke 5-1 at St James’ Park. Loic Remy bagged two goals despite missing a penalty and has been an excellent acquisition. The Magpies sit just 3 points behind Liverpool heading into Gameweek 19 which is a great position for Alan Pardew’s side. Arsenal bounced back from a goal down to despatch West Ham on the road on Boxing Day. Theo Walcott and Lucas Podolski found the net at Upton Park and will hope for starting places following Aaron Ramsey’s late withdrawal with a thigh strain. Score draw.
Prediction 2-2
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Chelsea Vs Liverpool
Chelsea overcame Swansea by a narrow 1-0 margin thanks to Eden Hazard’s early strike. Jose Mourinho once again bemoaned his side’s lack of goals when they failed to extend their lead despite having a number of chances to do so. It would be a surprise if Chelsea were inactive in the transfer market given their impotence in forward positions. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers may find himself in hot water with the FA following his comments after the 2-1 defeat at Manchester City. Raheem Sterling was incorrectly flagged offside when clean through on goal which infuriated the Liverpool boss. If Liverpool play to their best they can get a huge result and beat Chelsea on their own patch.
Prediction 1-2
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Tottenham Vs Stoke
Tottenham fans who thought their side had turned the corner were brought back down to earth with a bump and had to settle for a single point when West Brom visited on Boxing Day. Spurs are without a win in their last 4 matches at White Hart Lane and need to improve their home form if they are to challenge for a Top 4 position in May. Stoke were reduced to 9 men when they visited Newcastle. Manager Mark Hughes was unimpressed with the officials who dismissed Whelan and Wilson who will miss this match through suspension. Stoke’s away form has been poor and I expect Spurs to pick up a much needed win.
Prediction 1-0
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