My view on the upcoming Premier League fixtures

As we head into the festive period, Premier League fixtures are coming thick and fast. This heavy block of matches will make or break certain clubs and it tends to be those who can muddle through that set themselves up best. Arsenal remain top of the league, but only by two points, as Manchester City are hot on their heels. The bottom of the table remains unchanged too with Burnley and Wolves filling 19th and 20th respectively.

This game week will see us enjoy a mammoth day of football on Saturday. Newcastle vs Chelsea will get us started with the early kick off at 12:30PM (GMT). We then move into four fixtures kicking off at 3PM. Bournemouth will host Burnley, Brighton will welcome Sunderland, Manchester City will go up against West Ham and Wolves will face off against Brentford. At 5:30PM we have Liverpool traveling to Tottenham Hotspur. To round off Saturday’s football will be two games at 8PM. Everton against Arsenal and Leeds welcoming Crystal Palace. There’s just the one game on Sunday with Aston Villa versus Manchester United at 4:30PM. To end GW17 will be Fulham vs Nottingham Forest on Monday, kick off at 8PM.

Newcastle vs Chelsea

Newcastle have been in much better form recently. Their early season worries was not being able to sustain a consistent level of form. They had the hangover from Alexander Isak deal as well as a variety of injuries, it was effectively a new system implemented. But, I think Eddie Howe’s men have got to grips with it all and are pulling results out the bag. They’ve only lost once in their last five games, which is a much needed change of pace. However, that last defeat was the weekend just gone against Sunderland, the bitter rivals. The game was decided by an own goal from Nick Woltemade who’ll be looking to put things right against Chelsea. The Geordie’s will be hopeful they can turn a corner when it comes to keeping clean sheets, as they haven’t kept one in nine attempts. But, they’ll be happy the game will take place at St James Park due to their tidy home form.

Chelsea have experienced a dip in form that has prompted a few neutrals to question their title credentials. Enzo Maresca’s men have only got two wins in their previous five games, but a positive from that is they only lost once in that period. However, they’ve put back-to-back wins together for the first time since they beat Burnley and Barcelona towards the end of November. Everton were comfortably dispatched at the weekend, this was followed by a quarter final win (EFL Cup) against Cardiff. Confidence will be on the rise again, but Newcastle are a different level of opposition, especially on home turf. Despite the daunting task of St James Park, Chelsea have the 2nd best away form in the league. They’ve only lost twice in eight games. Maresca will always back his side to beat any team at any time, but Newcastle can be such a physically imposing outfit to play against. I think this will be a slow burner of a game that may not see a winner.

Predicted Result: Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

Bournemouth vs Burnley

Bournemouth gave us one of the most entertaining games of the season on Monday night. The eight goal thriller against Manchester United proved that the Cherries are still extremely dangerous on their day. However, they need to turn goals into wins as they haven’t picked up three points since the end of October. In the time since, they’ve suffered four defeats and three draws. Out of the bottom nine teams, Bournemouth have scored the most goals. On the flip side of that, only four teams in the league have conceded more. There’s clearly a disparity between the attack and defence. Andoni Iraola will have to address this as soon as possible, otherwise his side will keep falling down the table.

Ironically, on the same weekend that Bournemouth last won a game, was also when Burnley last won a fixture. The difference is that it’s been seven straight defeats for Scott Parker. There’s no underlying metrics that suggest things should be any different for Burnley right now as they’re actually bottom of the xG table. Even Wolves are ahead of them. It’s looking bleak for Parker as they now sit six points off of safety. For me, this will be the game that Bournemouth break their streak and win a fixture at long last. As much as Burnley do put up a fight in most fixtures, as they’re only losing by one or two goals, I think Bournemouth will be too strong.

Predicted Result: Bournemouth 3-1 Burnley

Brighton vs Sunderland

Brighton were doing very well prior to the seven goal thriller against Aston Villa. They’d only lost once, in the league, since the middle of September. They’ve now lost against Villa and Liverpool as well as picking up a disappointing draw against West Ham. This has seen the Seagulls drop to 10th, with a number of clubs seeking to leapfrog them this weekend. However, a win will guarantee them moving above Sunderland. They’ll also be happy to play on home soil as they’ve only lost once at the AMEX Stadium. Interestingly though, this is the first time these two sides will meet in the Premier League. The last time these two clubs faced each other, in any competition, was way back in 2011. Brighton won that tie 1-0.

Sunderland won the Tyne-Wear derby last weekend so morale will certainly be high amongst the squad. Speaking of the squad, though, Sunderland will see six players depart for the African Cup of Nations. This includes regulars like Noah Sadiki and Reinildo. This will be the first game that Regis Le Bris will have to conjure a new system to accommodate the absent colleagues. But, one thing you can’t do this season is rule out Sunderland. In the face of adversity, they’ve punched through and find themselves on the edge of the European spots. However, this could be a game too far for Le Bris. Brighton have been quick to dispatch a number of teams this season and Sunderland will be one of them.

Predicted Result: Brighton 2-0 Sunderland

Manchester City vs West Ham

City have certainly found their stride this season and it’s all down to the superb form of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki. Of course others have contributed, but they’ve stolen the headlines. They sit two points behind Arsenal, but can find themselves in top spot if they beat West Ham. At least for a few hours anyway. It’s five wins out of five for Pep Guardiola’s men and you can’t bet against them making it six in a row. City also have the 2nd best home form in the league, only losing once. In addition to this, they’ve also scored the most goals in the league. Clearing the second most by eight goals. It’s clear that City have been unshackled and have transitioned to their new era.

West Ham have felt the positive impact of Nuno Espírito Santo. They’ve only lost twice since the end of October, picking up two wins and three draws on their journey. This is a stark contrast to the seven defeats they experienced in their first 11 games. They’ll also be happy to get out of London as they’ve actually picked up more points on the road. The Hammers have only experienced one win, but have earned four draws. Despite some statistics leaning towards West Ham, it’s overwhelmingly in City’s favour. Of the 34 games these teams have played out, since 2010, the Citizens have won a whopping 27 of them. I can’t see much stopping Pep making it 28 out of 35.

Predicted Result: Man City 4-0 West Ham

Wolves vs Brentford

Wolves still languish at the bottom, without a win in 10 games. There’s not much that can really be said about them. Home form is as poor as away form. They’re not scoring enough and conceding too many. However, they’ll take a huge positive from their most recent outing against Arsenal. The team that’s top of the league found themselves struggling against the bottom-dwellers. The Gunners needed two own goals, one of which was a last minute winner. It was a battling performance that saw them equalise around the 90th minute, however, luck was not on their side and Arsenal grabbed their winner. Certainly some encouraging signs for Rob Edwards as they limited Mikel Arteta’s men to just a couple of shots on target.

On the other side of the pitch is another team that has found themselves struggling in recent weeks. But, when you realise that they’ve had to face Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City away from home, then it’s not so bad. Having said that, it’s now just one win in five games. It’s seen them drop down to 15th in the league, which will disappoint Keith Andrews as they had broken into the top 10 not too long ago. For Brentford, it’s the away form that’s a huge concern as they rank 18th in the league for that metric. Their home form has been saving them from an increasingly dangerous situation. Brentford have more quality in their ranks than Wolves and the home side will be without two of their main centre backs. Yerson Mosquera is suspended and Emmanuel Agbadou is away on international duty. My original feeling was that Wolves might sneak a draw, but I feel like they’ll be too exposed from a defensive perspective

Predicted Result: Wolves 0-1 Brentford

Tottenham vs Liverpool

Spurs thought they’d put the bad form behind them after they beat Brentford and Salvia Prague. Five goals scored, none conceded and all on home turf which had been a major issue earlier in the season. But, Nottingham Forest gave them a reality check last weekend. 3-0 defeat, to a side that are near the relegation zone, is poor whichever way you look at it. That defeat has left Spurs sitting just outside the top 10, in 11th. The loss also leaves them with just one Premier League win since November 1st. This is an awful run of form that Thomas Frank is feeling the pressure of. You’d expect that if this form continues then the North London side will be looking at replacements.

Liverpool have seemingly turned a corner. Despite them holding a couple of disappointing draws, they’re grabbing more wins. They’ve only lost once in their last five games, in the league, leaving them in the much more respectable position of 7th. They’re still 10 points behind Arsenal, but they could reduce that to seven points should they beat Spurs. For Arne Slot, defensive issues are still arising. Aside from Manchester United, you’ll have to look all the way down to 13th to find another team with a worse defensive record. It is also their away form that invites further defensive scrutiny. Bad home form against average away from is the match we’ve got. This game also promises goals as the last three league meetings between these two sides have generated 21 goals. Although, they’ve all ended in Liverpool’s favour. I think with the new found confidence of Slot’s men, they’ll put Spurs to the sword.

Predicted Result: Spurs 1-3 Liverpool

Everton vs Arsenal

Everton have certainly let go of their early season issues. Despite a relatively decent start, the months of September and October proved to be a struggle for the home side. Since November rolled around, the Toffees’ have only lost two games. Those opponents were Chelsea and Newcastle, so understandable defeats. The recent form has placed Everton in 9th, but a win can see them rise to 5th. The Hill Dickinson Stadium is the new home for the blue side of Merseyside and it’s been a relatively successful transition. They’ve only lost twice, on home soil, in eight games. That record includes four wins and two draws. However, David Moyes will be without a few key players. Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are both away at AFCON whereas Kieran Dewsbury-Hall will sidelined until late January. This will be a huge boost for the away side.

Arsenal are still top of the table, but could be 2nd when this game kicks off. Manchester City are serious competition this season and will not afford to give Arsenal any more slip ups. The Gunners struggled to dispatch Wolves, needing a last minute winner to get it over the line. It felt as though there was some tension in the ranks for the first time this season, but they’ve had a week off and Arteta will be ready to begin an unbeaten run of fixtures again. They’ve already got two under their belt since the Aston Villa game. Arsenal have a decent away record this season, but it has come unstuck in the last month. The Gunners have dropped points in four of the eight away games this season, but three of have occurred since the start of November. In fact, Arsenal haven’t won away from home, in the Premier League, since they beat Burnley on November 1st. This is a stretch of games that Arteta will want to end as soon as possible. I do think we’ll see a different Arsenal team out there on Saturday night. Arteta will have got into his players and will expect them to raise their own standards. With Everton missing some key players, Arsenal should grab the win.

Predicted Result: Everton 0-2 Arsenal

Leeds vs Crystal Palace

Leeds have had a difficult few match days. Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool all make up their last five games. Two defeats, two draws and a win later and they’re through the worst of it. Despite an okay response to those intense fixtures, they still find themselves just three points adrift of the relegation zone. I can’t really say West Ham are hot on their heels, but they’re threatening to leapfrog them. However, they’re facing a team that have the best away record in the league and that’ll be daunting for Daniel Farke. Leeds have respectable home form and this includes a win against Chelsea and a draw against Liverpool. With this in mind, they won’t fear the challenge of Palace.

Oliver Glasner has had a constant turnaround of games for the last month. He’s been balancing Europe and domestic football and it’s been tough on his team. But, they’ve been handling it well. They still find themselves 5th in the league and that’s down to turning draws into wins. Only Bournemouth have more draws than Palace this season, but they’ve churned out three wins in their last five games. These are all important points. But, injuries are becoming more prevalent and players are beginning to drop like flies. Daniel Munoz and Daichi Kamada are the latest victims. However, Jean-Phillipe Matera is reportedly struggling with an injury and Ismaila Sarr has only just returned from a few games off. The football is coming with increasing regularity and Glasner will have to manage his players as best as he can. I do think Leeds can capitalise on a worn-out Palace side, but the South London outfit pride themselves on being hard to break down.

Predicted Result: Leeds 1-1 Palace

Aston Villa vs Manchester United

Villa have been one of the success stories of the league. If it wasn’t for Wolves, they would’ve been bottom at one point. But, fast forward to December and they’re 3rd in the league. Even with a loss this weekend, they won’t drop any lower than their current position, Chelsea are still five points behind. Unai Emery has got his team exactly where he wants them and they’re incredibly tough to beat because of it. It’s now nine wins in a row, in all competitions. Villa Park has become a fortress as well, they’ve only seen one defeat in total and that came on the 31st August. Clearly whatever Villa are doing, they’re doing it extremely well and find themselves just three points off the leaders. You can’t rule out a genuine title shout

Manchester United have spent the whole season threatening to be a top team, but consistently churn out results that suggest otherwise. They completely blitzed Wolves at the start of December, but somehow managed to play out a 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, who hadn’t won in the seven games prior. This constant dropping of points is something Ruben Amorim needs to address, if they can then there’s no reason why they can’t challenge for a top four spot. But, the African Cup of Nations has ripped two key players away from the squad as well as one good rotational option. Bryan Mbuemo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui have all departed. Matthijs De Light, Casemiro and Harry Maguire will also miss the game. United needed to be at full strength, but find themselves the weakest they’ve been all season. This will play into Villa’s hands

Predicted Result: Aston Villa 3-2 Manchester United

Fulham vs Nottingham Forest

The African Cup of Nations has depleted some squads more than others, but Fulham will certainly be hoping to get their men back as soon as possible. Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze have all flown out for their nations, leaving Fulham in a vulnerable position. The West London side have been better in recent weeks and need to maintain this level. Three wins out of five is very good, especially since they’ve got as many wins there as they had in their previous 11 games before it. They’re likely clear of any relegation scrap and can form some real distance with a win over Forest. Whether it’s a concern or not for Marco Silva, but Fulham’s last five games have all been separated by a single goal. If you can find yourself on the winning side of that margin then it’s great, but the losing side can be very frustrating. It’s living each game on a knife edge and that will cause unnecessary tension.

Forest are another team that are hopeful of creating some distance between them and the relegation candidates. A win over Fulham will definitely aid that, creating a real six pointer of a fixture. Sean Dyche has also overseen his team earn three wins out of their last five games, this includes wins over Spurs and Liverpool. Beating them both 3-0. Forest will be confident of getting a result against anyone after those set of results. But, Dyche will have to look at his team’s lack of goals if they’re to keep building momentum. Aside from Wolves, Forest have scored the least amount of goals in the league. This game is primed for a great game of football, but I think home advantage will be the biggest deciding factor.

Predicted Result: Fulham 1-0 Forest