Stoke Vs Manchester United
Stoke picked up a good win over West Brom in Gameweek 19 which saw them retain 11th place in the Premier League table. Diouf found the net twice and will be brimming with confidence when Manchester United visit the Britannia on New Years Day. The Potters beat Arsenal when they visited Stoke and are very capable of claiming the scalp of a big Club. Manchester United played out an entertaining 0-0 draw with Spurs in Gameweek 19. Despite a host of attacking options, United could not find a way past the resilient Hugo Lloris. The Red Devils are unbeaten in four matches on the road and will hope to extend that impressive run.
Prediction 1-1
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Aston Villa Vs Crystal Palace
Aston Villa host Crystal Palace hoping to end a streak of four Premier League matches without a victory. The Villains hosted Sunderland and played out a bore draw in Gameweek 19. Paul Lambert’s side are unbeaten in four matches at Villa Park and will look to capitalise on the poor form of Crystal Palace which has seen Alan Pardew take over as manager. The Eagles need new boss Pardew to boost morale within the camp immediately. Palace picked up a creditable point at QPR in Gameweek 19 and will need to be extremely solid defensively if they are to pick up anything from their trip to Villa Park. Home win expected.
Prediction 1-0
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Hull Vs Everton
Hull City have suffered a drop in form which has seen them lose three of their last four matches scoring just one goal in the process. Hull manager Steve Bruce has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Newcastle United which could provide a distraction ahead of the Everton game. The Tigers lost against bottom side Leicester last weekend which seemed a great opportunity to pick up three points on paper. Everton lost a very entertaining match at St James’ Park which was their third consecutive defeat in the Barclays Premier League. The Toffees have failed to get their season up and running and are 12th in the Premiership at the half way point. Stalemate at The KC Stadium.
Prediction 0-0
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Liverpool Vs Leicester City
Liverpool fans have seen their side hit an improved run of form lately and have only seen their side lose once in the last six Premier League outings. The Reds saw off Swansea 4-1 on Monday Night Football and the home faithful will be hoping their side can make it back-to-back wins when bottom Club Leicester make the trip to Anfield. Leicester remained stranded at the foot of the Premiership despite an impressive 1-0 win away at Hull in Gameweek 19. The Foxes have plenty of work to do if they are to avoid an immediate return to The Championship. With a game against Manchester City up next, Leicester would love to get something from this fixture. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-0
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Manchester City Vs Sunderland
Manchester City were in cruise control after taking a 2-0 lead over lowly Burnley at The Etihad. City took their foot off the gas and Burnley struck back to leave the home of the Champions with an unlikely point. Manuel Pelligrini was furious that his side failed to capitalise on Chelsea’s draw at Southampton and will demand an immediate response from his side. Sunderland picked up a point for their 0-0 draw at Villa Park but will likely face a much more tricky task in keeping Manchester City away from the goal of Costel Pantillimon who returns to his former Club. Sergio Aguero remains sidelined for City which has seen James Milner deployed in a more advanced role. Home win expected at The Etihad.
Prediction 3-0
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Newcastle Vs Burnley
Newcastle United have begun the search for a new manager following Alan Pardew’s departure from the North East. The Magpies have had a good run under Pardew despite the departure of a number of key players sanctioned from the Boardroom. Home fans at St James’ Park have seen their side win five of their last six outings in the Premier League and will hope to see another victory when 19th place Burnley visit. The Clarets had lost two matches in a row before a heroic comeback at The Etihad saw them claim an unlikely point. Sean Dyche will hope his side can capitalise on the uncertainty created by Pardew’s departure. Newcastle forward Papiss Cisse could be suspended for three matches following an elbow on Seamus Coleman not seen by the referee against Everton. Home win expected.
Prediction 1-0
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QPR Vs Swansea
Queens Park Rangers were unable to find the net against Crystal Palace and had to settle for a share of the spoils in Gameweek 19. Rangers sit 15th in the Premier League at the half way mark and will be hoping to return to winning ways at Loftus Road when Swansea make the trip from South Wales. The Swans were well beaten when they travelled to Anfield on Monday Night Football and were on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline. That result saw Swansea drop to 9th in the standings heading into their clash with QPR. Charlie Austin and Wilfried Bony are two leading marksmen who will be a handful for opposing defenders. Home win at Loftus Road.
Prediction 2-1
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Southampton Vs Arsenal
Southampton held firm despite a late Chelsea assault and claimed a point from their Gameweek 19 clash with Jose Mourinho’s side. The Saints were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Fabregas was tripped in the area but otherwise defended solidly. Arsenal are the next to travel to St Marys and test themselves against Ronald Koeman’s side. The Gunners picked up an impressive 2-1 win at West Ham on Sunday which sees them sit 5th in the Premier League at the half way mark. The winner of this match will start 2015 in the Top 4 with both Clubs level on points heading into Gameweek 20. Giroud is suspended for Arsenal while Southampton will be without Schneiderlin following his red card against Chelsea. All square on the South Coast.
Prediction 2-2
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West Ham Vs West Brom
West Ham United suffered a defeat when hosting Arsenal on Sunday and will hope to bounce back immediately when West Bromwich Albion visit Upton Park on New Years Day. The Hammers had previously won three on the spin at home and will hope to capitalise on West Brom’s poor run of form which has seen Alan Irvine sacked. The Baggies have lost three in a row and have won just one of their last nine Premier League fixtures. Albion are just one point clear of the Relegation Zone heading into Gameweek 20 and will hope a new manager can keep them in the Premier League. James Tomkins is suspended for West Ham. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-0
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Spurs Vs Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane and will hope to do likewise or better when League leaders Chelsea visit on New Years Day. Spurs were thankful for a string of saves from Hugo Lloris to keep United at bay and the Frenchman may once again be busy between the sticks as Chelsea boast an array of attacking options. The Blues left Southampton with a draw after Chelsea were denied a second half penalty. Fortunately for Chelsea, Manchester City were unable to capitalise and also drew their match against Burnley. Neither side have any injury concerns or suspensions affecting their preparation for this match. Mourinho’s side to pick up a huge win at White Hart Lane.
Prediction 1-2
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