Everton Vs Wigan
Everton will be hoping to give their fans a late Christmas present at Goodison Park on Boxing Day. The Toffees recorded an impressive win away at West Ham on Saturday and that result moved them 5th place, level on points with Arsenal in 4th. Wigan were beaten by a dubious Mikel Arteta penalty and they find themselves in the relegation zone for Christmas. Difficult to see them getting any points from Goodison.
Prediction 2-0
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Fulham Vs Southampton
Fulham were braced to have suffered the heaviest defeat of Gameweek 18 until Chelsea played Aston Villa on Sunday. A 4-0 thrashing by Liverpool left Fulham tucking into Christmas lunch from the bottom half of the Division. Southampton were unfortunate to lose to a single Fletcher goal at St Mary’s and they are only avoiding the relegation zone courtesy of goal difference at the moment. Expect a backlash from Martin Jol’s side.
Prediction 2-1
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Manchester United Vs Newcastle
Manchester United will consider the 1-1 draw at Swansea two points lost rather than one point gained. The Red Devils had several chances to seal the win but lacked the killer instinct infront of goal. Newcastle were relieved to bag three points when QPR visited St James’ Park. Unfortunately, United will pose Alan Pardew far more headaches than QPR could in Gameweek 18. I fully expect United to win comfortably here.
Prediction 3-0
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Norwich Vs Chelsea
Norwich have made a very impressive start to the season and approach the half-way stage in the Premier League in 10th place. They were beaten in Gameweek 18 despite taking an early lead at The Hawthorns. Chelsea fans may finally be warming to Rafa Benitez following a 8-0 demolition of Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. Amazingly, that game produced seven different goal scorers. I predict a score draw here.
Prediction 1-1
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QPR Vs West Brom
Queens Park Rangers finally lost their unbeaten run under new manager Harry Redknapp following a defeat in the North East on Saturday. Rangers return to Loftus Road keen to close the gap on Wigan and Southampton on 15 points. West Brom came from behind to beat Norwich at The Hawthorns and are one of four clubs tied on 30 points. Steve Clarke has done a fantastic job with The Baggies. Scoreless draw here.
Prediction 0-0
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Reading Vs Swansea
Reading fans would have struggled down there Christmas dinner knowing that 19 out of 20 teams who sat bottom of the division at Christmas have been relegated the following May. Reading need to pull off a Houdini-style escape to beat the drop come May. Swansea recorded a 1-1 draw against Manchester United and have no such relegation worries. Michael Laudrup has The Swans playing some great football and Michu continues to find the net.
Prediction 1-2
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Sunderland Vs Manchester City
Sunderland were once again thankful to Steven Fletcher for scoring the winning goal in Gameweek 18. The former Wolves man looks like a bargain and may be the difference between Sunderland staying up and going down. Manchester City scored a priceless winner in injury time against Reading courtesy of Gareth Barry. Due to United slipping up, City spent Christmas just 4 points adrift of The Red Devils. Roberto Mancini will want to apply further pressure to neighbours United.
Prediction 1-3
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Aston Villa Vs Tottenham
Aston Villa were thrashed 8-0 by Chelsea on Sunday and that may come back to haunt them if goal difference becomes significant later in the season. Tottenham were the latest team to be frustrated by a robust Stoke defence and were unable to score at White Hart Lane. Spurs have now been leapfrogged by Arsenal and will want to take advantage of Arsenal missing a fixture in Gameweek 19 to regain 4th spot.
Prediction 1-1
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Stoke Vs Liverpool
Stoke were able to record yet another clean sheet at Spurs and pocketed a point from a 0-0 draw as a result. Stoke defenders continue to be a good shout for Fantasy Football Managers. Liverpool found their shooting boots infront of their fans at Anfield and beat Fulham 4-0 on Saturday evening. Even the much derided Downing got onto the scoresheet for his first ever goal in a Liverpool shirt. I would be gobsmacked if Liverpool score four goals at The Britannia.
Prediction 1-0
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