Sunderland Vs Tottenham
Sunderland produced the upset of Gameweek 19 by beating Champions Manchester City at The Stadium of Light on Boxing Day – Their second win in a row. Adam Johnson scored the goal which downed his former employers which would have been a sweet moment for him. Spurs also come into this fixture on the back of a comprehensive 4-0 win at Villa Park. Gareth Bale ran riot and bagged himself the match ball with a well taken hat-trick. A home win could move Sunderland into the top half of the table.
Prediction 1-1
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Aston Villa Vs Wigan
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert must try and boost the morale of his team following another heavy defeat on Boxing Day. Villa have conceded 12 goals in 2 games and have failed to find the net on either occasion. Wigan visit having lost their last match away at Everton. Both teams are struggling at the wrong end of the table and a win for either of these sides would be a great boost to their chances of staying in the top flight.
Prediction 2-1
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Fulham Vs Swansea
Fulham were pegged back by a late penalty from Southampton in their Gameweek 19 encounter. That draw moved the Cottagers on to 21 points at the half way stage of the campaign. Swansea currently sit 9th in the table with a very healthy 25 points following a 0-0 draw at Reading on Wednesday. This should be another close game. Swansea have drawn their last two matches and I can see this game ending the same way.
Prediction 1-1
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Manchester United Vs West Brom
Manchester United rode their luck to once again pull three points out of the hat when dropping points looked inevitable. Hernandez once again provided a crucial goal which puts United 7 points clear at the top approaching Gameweek 20. Manchester United will be without the injured Wayne Rooney and will likely start Chicharito again. West Brom kept pace with Chelsea, Spurs and Everton by winning their away match at Loftus Road despite the team bus arriving late. Steve Clarke may find it difficult to mastermind another away victory at Old Trafford.
Prediction 3-1
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Norwich Vs Manchester City
Norwich City have had a great start to the campaign but were unable to register any points when Chelsea visited on Boxing Day. Despite that defeat, The Canaries are level on points with Swansea and Liverpool who occupy 9th and 10th place respectively. Manchester City visit Carrow Road licking their wounds following a poor defeat at Sunderland. The Champions are now 7 points adrift of United and can’t afford to drop anymore points if they are to remain title challengers.
Prediction 1-1
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Reading Vs West Ham
Reading gave their fans a late Christmas present by moving off the foot of the table on Boxing Day. QPR replaced them in 20th place following Reading gaining a point against Swansea in Gameweek 19. Unfortunately, it is victories and not draws which Reading require to make inroads towards safety. West Ham enjoyed a Gameweek 19 of watching other sides shake off Christmas turkey as their game with Arsenal was called off due to a Tube Strike. Victory here could move West Ham into the top half. Another draw could be on the cards here.
Prediction 0-0
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Stoke Vs Southampton
Stoke were unable to keep another clean sheet and conceded within the first few minutes via the penalty spot after Shawcross tugged Suarez in the box. However, Stoke came back firing on all cylinders and blasted 3 goals past Reina to secure a valuable win. Stoke sit 8th in the table and have made The Britannia a fortress which all away teams fear. Southampton grabbed a draw away at Fulham last time out but are still flirting with relegation approaching Gameweek 20. I predict this will be a more difficult away game than the trip to Craven Cottage.
Prediction 2-0
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Arsenal Vs Newcastle
Arsenal players were able to enjoy a rare Boxing Day at home with their families as Transport issues led to their match against West Ham being postponed. The Gunners won their last league game 1-0 away at Wigan and need to record a victory here to keep in touch with the clubs ahead of them. Newcastle were desperately unlucky to concede so late and lose against United despite scoring three goals at Old Trafford. Newcastle are being dragged into the relegation scrap and need to pick up points quickly.
Prediction 2-1
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Everton Vs Chelsea
Super Sunday takes us to Goodison park where Everton will be looking to record their third win in a row to maintain their push for a Top 4 finish. The Toffees will be without influential Fellaini but can rely on Osman and Pienaar to provide Jelavic with attacking support. Chelsea have already won three League matches in a row and visit Merseyside looking to extend their winning run. Rafa Benitez will become a more popular figure with every win registered and he seems to be getting a string of results together at present.
Prediction 2-2
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QPR Vs Liverpool
Super Sunday turns it’s attention to Loftus Road as QPR take on Liverpool with Rangers desperate for a win to move off the foot of the table. Harry Redknapp has said that keeping QPR up would be his greatest managerial feat. It is clear that he has his work cut out and needs results quickly if Rangers are to avoid the drop. Liverpool seem short of characters who can lift the team when times are tough. After going behind against Stoke, they never looked like responding. Big game for both clubs. I predict a draw here.
Prediction 1-1
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