The hype is real. Boxing day is almost here, which essentially means we are almost halfway through the English Premier League season! While Conte’s genius keeps Chelsea at the top, 6 points clear and of their nearest challengers, Liverpool and Arsenal, it’s quite a battle for the spots within the top 4 with Manchester City only a point behind in fourth position.
The next two games before the end of the year could significantly change the league table around. Here’s a look at the games of the week and score predictions
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#1 Crystal Palace vs Chelsea FC, Saturday, 12:30 PM GMT
After recently losing to Manchester United at their home, Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace face yet another huge challenge as league leaders, Chelsea come calling. Chelsea would love to continue their 10-match winning streak which includes a recent 3-1 win over Manchester City.
Despite Hennessey's heroic saves against Manchester United, Chelsea’s attack could overpower the weak and demotivated Crystal Palace defence. Diego Costa leads the goalscorer’s list and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon. Courtois is almost impenetrable in goal, at the moment, and the 3-man defence impressing with every passing game.
Predicted Score: Crystal Palace 0-3 Chelsea FC
#2 Middlesbrough vs Swansea City, Saturday, 3:00 PM GMT
A relegation ‘6-pointer’, Swansea City travel to the Riverside and start the day in 18th position in the league, 3 points behind Middlesbrough. While a win for the Swans won't pull them out of relegation, it’ll leave the difference between either of the teams hanging on mere goal difference.
Expect a close and strong battle, with both teams looking to rub off their recent losses and try to turn over a fresh leaf with some optimism before the New Year.
Predicted Score: Middlesbrough 1-1 Swansea City
#3 Stoke City vs Leicester City, Saturday, 3:00 PM GMT
Oh, how the champions have fallen! Leicester City haven’t had the dream start to the season like last year and have 16 points in 16 games this season, while their opponents Stoke City, are only a little ahead with 20 points in 16 games, which puts them in 12th position.
Leicester’s loss against Bournemouth seemed to be a dismal remainder of their poor run, which would be their seventh defeat in 8 league games.They, though, can surely take some inspiration from the 4-2 win over Manchester City two gameweeks ago.
Stoke City, on the other hand, would be missing their strong midfielder Arnautovic who has been suspended with a 3-match ban. With a possibly fit Kasper Schmeichel returning to his position in the Leicester goal, what remains to be seen is, can Leicester do it on a cold winter afternoon at Stoke?
Score Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Leicester City
#4 Sunderland vs Watford, Saturday, 3:00 PM GMT
For a languishing Sunderland team at the bottom of the table, nothing seems to be going right. Statistically, being at the bottom of the table at the mid-season mark generally ends with the team being relegated at the end of the season (87.5%). With all their hopes pinned on their star striker Jermain Defoe, (who has never scored a PL goal against Watford), the Black Cats have faltered when the former England international hasn’t got his scoring boots on.
Watford, though, have had a decent start to the season and are 11th on the table with 21 points. Troy Deeney is understood to be match-fit and could start against Sunderland, hoping to finally find his 100th goal for the club.
Score Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Watford
#5 West Ham United vs Hull City, Saturday, 3:00 PM GMT
After defeating Burnley in midweek, West Ham would be looking at consecutive wins for the first time this season against Hull City, who are 19th in the table. Slaven Bilic would have to make some very important choices, including playing their star striker Andy Caroll, who just returned from an injury.
Payet’s constant movement and threat from set-pieces could be a worry for Mike Phelan’s Hull City team.
Hull City have been on a downward spiral since their superb start to the season and have not won in the past 5 PL games, the pressure to fight out of the relegation zone is hot. West Ham United, though, have never lost to Hull City at home, and that record could remain the same.
Score Prediction: West Ham 3-0 Hull City
#6 West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United, Saturday, 5:30 PM GMT
Like every other Manchester United game, this game will be of extremes- either promising end to end fast-paced football, or the same drab possession football which United fans have come to despise. Right behind United in the league table, West Brom have played positive football and have risen to 7th in the table.
Their 4 wins in the last 6 games has certainly lifted the team morale and the Baggies have also been strong at home, having not lost the last 3 home games, adding another cherry to the stats.
On the other hand, Manchester United seem to have finally got their formula right. After being unable to close down a win in multiple games, they have done well in the last two games, winning both games with a slender 1-goal margin.
Mkhitaryan and Bailly’s injuries would be a cause orf concern, but their strong bench could prove to be a tough challenge for their hosts. The defence seems solid, and with Pogba finding his groove and Zlatan scoring almost a goal a game in recent matches, things look positive.
Score Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Manchester United
#7 AFC Bournemouth vs Southampton FC, Sunday, 1:30 PM GMT
Bournemouth has been having a solid few weeks. With their form improving each game, they have maintained good results at the Vitality Stadium, winning 5 of the past 7 games at home. Winning 3 of the past 5 games overall has helped them climb the points table and they currently sit 10th on the Premier League table. Eddie Howie will welcome striker Callum Wilson back into the fold after suffering a concussion.
Southampton, on the other hand, have really seemed at odds, unlike their usual self. They have had a very poor away record, not having won any of the last 5 away games. Claude Puel would really have to get his players together and ensure a fully committed team effort if they want the three points. Charlie Austin’s 4-month injury only adds to their woes.
Score Prediction: AFC Bournemouth 3-0 Southampton FC
#8 Manchester City vs Arsenal, Sunday, 4:00 PM GMT
Boy oh boy, isn’t Pep in a pickle? Despite winning his midweek game against Watford, the loss against both Chelsea and Leicester City were enough to shake up their strong side.
Now, with both Aguero and Fernandinho out due to suspension and Gundogan out for several months due to a serious knee ligament injury, the former Barcelona manager’s team are slowly slipping down the pecking order.
A match at Etihad is always a bonus, and defeating Arsenal would give the team the much-needed jumpstart, with a game against Liverpool in the horizon.
Arsenal are edging closer to their “Bermuda Triangle” period of the season, where they begin dropping points. They lost to Everton away in the week, and another away game does take a toll on the players. It will be interesting to see how Arsenal manages to cope up with Manchester City’s pace and Guardiola’s tactics. Alexis Sanchez will yet again be the talisman of the team, and the result depends on how well City will be able to close him down.
Score Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
#9 Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley, Sunday, 4:00 PM GMT
Burnley have had a superb first-half of the season and are 13th in the league, but their away record has been woeful – losing 6 and drawing 1 game. Continuous away games does not do them any good either, apart from tiring their players out.
They have lost 4 of their last 5 games, and a victory against a team like Tottenham away might almost seem improbable.
Tottenham had been quite poor in the game against Manchester United last week, but had an easier and comfortable outing against Hull City at White Hart Lane. Tottenham are yet to lose a game at home and have earned the second most points at home – 20. It is yet to be seen if Dembele is fit to start for the team, though.
Score Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 Burnley
#10 Everton vs Liverpool, Monday, 8:00 PM GMT
The first Merseyside Derby of the season is finally here! One of the most heated rivalries in English football, the two teams are separated by 9 points with Liverpool in 2nd position and their neighbours at 8th on the table.
Liverpool have dominated the derby in the recent years, winning 4 times and drawing 7 times in the past 11 derby games between the clubs. The fitness of Sturridge, Emre Can, and Matip is still unsure and the defence is still uncertain and does not imbue confidence.
That being said, Liverpool has a killer attack which can compensate for their defensive frailities. Everton would certainly be missing their captain Jagielka after he was sent off in the last game. Gareth Barry is expected to return, a mild respite for the Toffees. Everton’s point of attack would revolve around Lukaku, who has had a brilliant season so far.
Minus the hype of a derby, it would have been Liverpool’s game, any day. But the derby is an altogether different kettle of fish. This particular matchup has seen its own share of red cards, and unless Everton replicate a performance similar to the one they displayed against Arsenal, they won’t stand a chance against a rampaging Liverpool attack.
Score Prediction: Everton FC 2-3 Liverpool FC
