Arsenal Vs West Ham
Arsenal play their postponed Boxing Day fixture against West Ham on Wednesday evening at The Emirates. Following two consecutive defeats, Arsene Wenger himself admitted that Arsenal cannot afford to drop anymore points if they want to finish in the Top 4. West Ham make the short journey to North London having come from behind to earn a draw against QPR at Upton Park on Saturday. The Gunners will need to win over a crowd which is becoming increasingly hostile as their team are now 22 points behind leaders Manchester United. Walcott to get on the score sheet again.
Prediction 3-1
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Liverpool Vs Norwich
Liverpool were rather unfortunte to leave Old Trafford empty handed having put significant pressure on the Red Devils towards the end of the game. However, Liverpool could not find an equaliser and now sit 8th in the table. Norwich played out a goalless draw against Newcastle at Carrow Road and ended their 4 match losing streak. I expect Liverpool to grab a home win here and move level on points with Arsenal who do not play until Sunday.
Prediction 2-1
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Manchester City Vs Fulham
Manchester City enjoyed a successful trip to the Capital on Sunday afternoon partly due to the early dismissal of Arsenal defender Koscielny. City made the most of their numerical advantage before losing Vincent Kompany to a seemingly harsh red card – The Skipper successfully appealed against his suspension and is free to appear against Fulham. The Cottagers couldn’t find a winner against Wigan and had to share the spoils despite taking an early lead. City will pile the pressure on United with a comfortable win here.
Prediction 3-0
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Newcastle Vs Reading
Newcastle struggled and were unable to find the net against Norwich on Saturday. The loss of Demba Ba will be a significant loss for Alan Pardew who may look to the transfer market to boost his options. Reading produced a remarkable comeback to turn a 2-0 defeat into a 3-2 win at The Madejski. That result moved Reading just 3 points away from safety following six points gained from their last three matches. Can see this match ending in a draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Swansea Vs Stoke City
Swansea are currently 9th in the Division following a solid display at Goodison Park. Not many teams have left Everton with a clean sheet this season. Michu was unable to add to his impressive haul of goals this season but may fancy his chances against a fragile Stoke defence. Tony Pulis will be worried by the fact that his side have conceded ten goals in three matches.
Prediction 2-1
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West Ham Vs QPR
West Ham welcome QPR to Upton Park hoping to add to Rangers relegation woes. Joe Cole seems to be enjoying his return to The Hammers but was unable to prevent a 3-0 defeat at in-form Sunderland in Gameweek 22. QPR recorded a point when Harry Redknapp took The R’s to White Hart Lane on Saturday lunch time. Most Rangers fans would have taken a draw prior to kick off and that result will be seen as a point gained towards the relegation dog fight.
Prediction 1-1
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Wigan Vs Sunderland
Wigan visited Fulham in Gameweek 22 and were able to leave West London with a hard fought point. Every point counts for The Latics who are hovering above the Relegation Zone only on goal difference. Sunderland are on good form and defeated West Ham 3-0 last weekend. 3 wins from their last 5 matches has seen Sunderland move clear of the relegation battle below them. Should be an intriguing match at The DW Stadium.
Prediction 2-2
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West Brom Vs Aston Villa
West Brom have suffered a dip in form recently and have lost three consecutive League games. This has seen The Baggies drop 7 points behind Spurs in 4th place. Luckily for Steve Clarke, the dreadful Aston Villa are next to visit The Hawthorns. Aston Villa currently look certain to go down unless they can turn things around fast. A defeat here could also be the final straw for Paul Lambert’s managerial reign at Villa Park.
Prediction 2-0
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Chelsea Vs Arsenal
Chelsea once again managed to throw away an opportunity to close the gap on the Manchester clubs on Wednesday evening. 2-0 up at half time against Southampton, yet The Blues conceded twice to forfeit two crucial points. Arsenal felt harshly treated by referee Mike Dean in their home defeat against Manchester City. Unfortunately for The Gunners, all the key decisions seemed to be correct and they could have no complaints about the dismissal of Koscielny or Dzeko’s second strike. Chelsea can ill-afford to drop anymore points on Sunday.
Prediction 2-1
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Tottenham Vs Manchester United
Attention turns to focus on White Hart Lane for the second instalment of Super Sunday. Tottenham host league leaders Manchester United and will hope to improve their chances of a top 4 finish. AVB has already masterminded a victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford this season. Manchester United maintained their 7 point lead at the top with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in Gameweek 22. Despite a nervous looking finish, The Red Devils were able to record an important win.
Prediction 2-2
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Southampton Vs Everton
Southampton didn’t let their heads drop despite being two goals down at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. They were able to claw themselves back into the match courtesy of a Lambert header and a sweet strike from Puncheon. That point moved The Saints three points clear of the drop zone heading into Gameweek 23. Everton kept a clean sheet but were unable to find a goal against a resolute Swansea defence. Depending on the result at White Hart Lane, Everton could move level on points with Spurs should they win at St Marys.
Prediction 1-0
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