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Manchester City vs Leicester City
In the Premier League or otherwise, nothing’s going right for Leicester, is it? They played their strongest team against Liverpool, and were 3-1 up at half-time. They tried to get into the League Cup semi-finals but conceded an equaliser from the last kick of the game and were beaten on penalties.
Manchester City have allowed Ferran Torres to leave for Barcelona, and I think it’s the right decision. He hasn’t been playing much, and City do have several other options up front. A move away from the Premier League is a good outcome for both Torres and the club.
Leicester City have gone to Manchester City and caused problems in the past, but this week’s result against Liverpool was a major kick in the teeth. Manchester City have far too much quality for them at the moment - I predict a big result for Guardiola’s men.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Leicester City
Burnley vs Everton
Burnley need to start winning Premier League matches. For the first time, I’m starting to get a bit worried about them. They’re quite reliant on Cornet – if he gets fit, they’ll stay up. If he doesn’t , this is the year they’ll go down.
This is a massive game, especially for Everton. They’re struggling in the Premier League. If Chelsea had put their chances away the other day, they could’ve been blown away. Burnley will likely bombard them in a similar fashion and could potentially nick a victory here.
Prediction: Burnley 1-0 Everton
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Chelsea have got to win now. Draws are no good. If they draw and City win, Chelsea will be eight points behind. That means Manchester City will need to lose thrice without Chelsea dropping points. Attack, attack, attack. That has to be Chelsea’s only approach this weekend.
It’s been a strange season for Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea. There have been certain games where you’d think Lukaku was surely needed, but he’s gone off the board. He hasn’t scored in several Premier League games, and these are worrying signs for Chelsea.
Aston Villa have been brilliant under Steven Gerrard and they’ve improved defensively. Chelsea have firepower in their ranks, however, and there are no two ways about it – they need this victory.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Brentford
Brighton are getting back to where they were last season. They’re very good from box to box, but they seem unable to score. There have been far too many games in the Premier League where they have not found the back of the net.
Brentford might be able to pull off a result here. Ivan Toney is back and he’ll give the Brighton defense a few problems. If Brentford score a goal, they should be able to get something out of this Premier League game.
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Brentford
Newcastle United vs Manchester United
These big games are coming thick and fast for Newcastle, aren’t they? I thought they showed some good signs last week, but you can’t give away a goal like that so early against Manchester City. Newcastle haven’t been all that bad and managed to give a good account of themselves against Liverpool.
Manchester United did show signs of vulnerability against Norwich last week. We’re going to see a loud Christmas crowd and a packed St. James’ Park this weekend – this will be a hard game for Manchester United.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester United
