Premier League Predictions
Arsenal v Southampton (19:45)
Last time these two sides met, Arsenal choked in spectacular fashion. If other results go the Gunners way tonight, they can head back to the top of the Premier League, but I don't think other results will go their way, so that takes the pressure off a bit. As for Southampton, they're undergoing a bit of a resurgence, having won their last Premier League games and secured the signing of Charlie Austin. Nevertheless, with Alexis Sanchez back in form, and Arsenal at home, this should be a comfortable win for the Gunners.
Prediction: 3-1 Arsenal
Leicester v Liverpool (19:45)
Since these last two sides last met on Boxing Day, Leicester have hit a bit of a sticky patch in form, with draws against Bournemouth and Villa coupled with an FA Cup defeat to Spurs. However, any signs of rustiness were firmly dispatched with a comfortable win against Stoke last time out, to keep them top of the league and dispel any doubts about their title credentials. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp's Barmy Army are really struggling for anything resembling form at the moment. We haven't put together a convincing Premier League win since we went to the Etihad, but we're still hanging on in there, both in the cups and the league. And there have been some signs that our attacking form is coming back against Norwich and Arsenal. My head says Leicester, but my heart says Liverpool, so I'm going to compromise.
Prediction: 2-2
Norwich v Spurs (19:45)
This one really is a no-brainer for me. Watching Norwich defend against us reminded me why they're in a relegation dogfight, they really are absolutely dreadful at the back. Only Sunderland have conceded more against them. 11 goals shipped in their last three league games, and they lost 3-0 against Spurs on Boxing Day. Spurs, meanwhile, have been making mediocre defences and mediocre teams look mediocre. They're a ruthlessly efficient unit at the moment and simply put, even without their first choice back four (sorry Lawro, losing Jan Vertonghen won't , they've got far too much firepower for Norwich.
Prediction: 4-1 Spurs
Sunderland v Man City (19:45)
Another no-brainer I'm afraid. City's form hasn't been brilliant recently, but they've come up against some tough sides and nothing to suggest that they won't sweep past the cannon fodder that is Sunderland. Sunderland themselves also aren't in bad form either, but their good results have been against poorer sides. Form aside, sheer quality should suggest that City will win this game. Aguero is hitting form, Sterling is looking good and even without Kevin De Bruyne, City should have more than enough to comfortably win this game.
Prediction: 4-0 City
West Ham v Aston Villa (19:45)
I've got a funny feeling about this one. On paper, it looks like a nailed on home win. Villa are easily the worst side in the division and the Hammers sit just one point behind Manchester United. And yet, West Ham's form has been patchy recently, and they're still missing big players through injury. It's the sort of game that I could see West Ham never getting going for, and maybe Villa can nick a point. So I'm going for a repeat of Boxing Day.
Prediction 1-1
Crystal Palace v Bournemouth (20:00)
This is a really tough one to call. Palace have fallen off a cliff in terms of performances and results, and have now lost their last four, including a defeat against Aston Villa of all teams. Bournemouth on the other hand are proving notoriously difficult to predict on a weekly basis, with some good results recently, a point against Leicester and a brilliant win against Norwich. That said, Palace have a much better team and I think that their win in the FA Cup at the weekend against Stoke could spur them on. I'm going to stick my neck out slightly and give Palace the benefit of the doubt.
Prediction: 1-0 Palace
Man Utd v Stoke (20:00)
0-0. Moving on.
West Brom v Swansea (20:00)
This is a really interesting one. Swansea are building a recovery under Guidolin with back to back wins against Watford and Everton and West Brom are not in brilliant form, yet have only lost one of their last five, with a couple of FA Cup draws as well to consider. I really don't think that there's a lot between these sides and neither of them score many goals, whilst both have reasonably miserly defences for where they are in the league so I think a low-scoring draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Everton v Newcastle (19:45 on Wednesday)
Everton are a very curious case at the moment. They have incredible firepower, a very leaky defence and can't seem to buy a win for love nor money at the moment. Defeat last time out at Swansea was really a sign of their decline under Roberto Martinez and it really is a case of one step forward and two steps back. and only Villa have less points than Everton over their last 10 league games. Newcastle, meanwhile, are in dire straights and haven't secured the necessary firepower in January to bail them out of their almighty hole. This is not going to be one for the purists. Pick your poison.
Prediction: 1-1
Watford v Chelsea (19:45 on Wednesday)
Another curious fixture. Watford had lost 4 in a row before they pulled it back against Newcastle, whilst Chelsea are unbeaten in 7 league games, but only have 2 wins in their last 6. Two teams that really have had differing fortunes overall this season, yet could sit surprisingly close in the table on Thursday morning. If I'm being honest, Chelsea have too much firepower, but you never know what Odion Igahlo is capable of.
Prediction: 2-1 Chelsea
The Fast and Hard Section:
- I was completely right about Deadline Day being boring.
- The Beeb have Olympic Rights until 2024. Nice.
- West Indies under 19s are sneaky. Very sneaky.
- Amir Khan is fighting another world title bout. Okay.
- George North isn't the only person unhappy with Saints.
- No Crashtor Maldonado in F1 this year. I wonder why...
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