Swansea Vs Manchester City
Swansea City host the first of the New Years Day fixtures when Manchester City visit The Liberty Stadium. The Swans registered a point in their last game at Aston Villa. Michael Laudrup’s side have been good at home losing just once in their last 6 outings. Manchester City come into this match in terrific form having won 4 in a row in the Premier League. Pelligrini’s side appear to have improved their form away from home at a key time in the season. Michu and Sergio Aguero remain sidelined through injury while David Silva is suspended for this match. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-2
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Arsenal Vs Cardiff City
Arsenal fans welcomed 2014 with their side sitting at the top of the Barclays Premier League. The Gunners took a maximum of 6 points from two away fixtures which appeared tricky on paper. Injuries have hit Arsene Wenger’s side with Ozil, Giroud, Gibbs and Ramsey definitely ruled out of this fixture with Rosicky and Wilshere doubtful. Cardiff began life without Malky Mackay by conceding two late goals against Sunderland and settling for a share of the spoils. The Bluebirds have not travelled well and despite a depleted Arsenal squad I expect a home win.
Prediction 2-0
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Crystal Palace Vs Norwich
Crystal Palace almost became the first side this season to leave The Etihad with any points after holding Manchester City to 0-0 well into the second half. City’s dominance finally broke down The Eagles’ resistance but Tony Pulis could draw a number of positive aspects from the match. Norwich are without a win in four and sit 3 points ahead of their hosts heading into Gameweek 20. Palace have faired well against fellow strugglers at home could move 3 points clear of the drop zone with a victory. Bore draw.
Prediction 0-0
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Fulham Vs West Ham
Fulham were humiliated at Hull last weekend and the management will demand an immediate response from underperforming players. The Cottagers sit in the bottom three as a result of their thrashing but have an opportunity to put things right when West Ham visit. The Hammers were unable to build on their early lead and ended up sharing a hugely entertaining 3-3 draw with West Brom in Gameweek 19. Recent form away from home has been dreadful and the Hammers have been beaten in all 4 of their last matches on the road. Fulham to bounce back with a win at Craven Cottage.
Prediction 1-0
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Liverpool Vs Hull City
Despite being top of the pile at Christmas, Liverpool now find themselves in 5th place heading into Gameweek 20. The Reds suffered two defeats at City and Chelsea and the lack of depth in Brendan Rodgers’ squad is being exposed. Joe Allen came off injured at Chelsea and Liverpool will hope Steven Gerrard can return from his own injury to deputise. Hull recorded an excellent 6-0 win over Fulham which propelled them into the top half of the Premier League. Steve Bruce will have a tough time getting any points from this away match. Suarez to rediscover his shooting boots in a home win.
Prediction 3-0
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Southampton Vs Chelsea
Despite a very impressive start to the campaign, Southampton have struggled to maintain their good form and have dropped to 9th in the Division. Home form had been key to Southampton’s rise but they are now without a win in 3 matches at St Marys. Chelsea visit the South Coast on the back of a morale boosting 2-1 victory over Liverpool. The Blues have the luxury of rotating players during this busy time. Lampard and Ivanovic will likely miss out through injury. David Luiz is suspended while Ramires returns from suspension for Jose Mourinho. Hazard is in great form and I expect him to shine in an away win.
Prediction 1-2
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Stoke Vs Everton
Stoke were well beaten when they visited White Hart Lane on Sunday. The Potters have now lost two on the bounce and manager Mark Hughes will expect his side to respond with a positive performance against Everton. The Toffees visit in excellent form both at home and on the road. Roberto Martinez has guided his side to 4th place in the Premier League at the half way mark. Everton have not been beaten away from Goodison Park since their trip to Manchester City in early October. Score draw at The Britannia.
Prediction 1-1
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Sunderland Vs Aston Villa
Sunderland never gave up and bagged a late equaliser at Cardiff in Gameweek 19. The Black Cats seem to have turned the corner under the guidance of Gus Poyet and are now unbeaten in their last 4 Premier League matches. That said, Sunderland are still bottom of the table and need to pick up more points to drag themselves out of the drop zone. Aston Villa ended their four game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Swansea in Gameweek 19. Christian Benteke remains sidelined through injury and Agbonlahor needs to keep finding the net if Villa are to avoid relegation woes for a second season. Stalemate expected.
Prediction 1-1
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West Brom Vs Newcastle
West Brom host Newcastle at The Hawthorns looking to give their fans a victory for the first time since 2nd November. The Baggies have been poor of late and as a result of that sit just two points clear of the Relegation Zone heading into Gameweek 20. Newcastle have had a great start to the season and their fans will be delighted if their side can maintain their current League position come May 2014. The Magpies sit in 8th place and have won 3 of their last 4 matches away from St James’ Park. Alan Pardew could see his side move to 6th place with a win at The Hawthorns and a draw at Old Trafford.
Prediction 0-2
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Manchester United Vs Tottenham
Manchester United have quietly closed the gap on those above them with four wins on the bounce. The Red Devils appear to have put their shaky form behind them despite injury to Robin Van Persie. Wayne Rooney is a doubt while Antonio Valencia returns from suspension for David Moyes. Tottenham have won two of their 3 Premier League games since replacing AVB as head coach. Tim Sherwood has recalled Adebayor who seems determined to prove his capabilities to the new manager. Spurs are scoring goals more freely by playing two strikers and United will need to be wary of this. Home win at Old Trafford.
Prediction 2-1
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