Hull vs Everton
Friday 30th December 2016, 20.00
Hull lost their third successive Premier League fixture after a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Boxing Day, whilst Everton bounced back from their Merseyside derby defeat with a brilliant 2-0 victory at Leicester.
The 3-0 scoreline flattered Manchester City at the KCOM on Monday. Hull were level up until the 72nd-minue, when a clumsy tackle by Andrew Robertson on Raheem Sterling allowed City to break the deadlock from the spot. Hull had to go for it from there, and conceded two further goals late on. Mike Phelan will take encouragement from his side's performance, though, and will be hoping for a similar level of performance against Everton.
Everton had the result of Gameweek 18, for me. They became only the third side to beat Leicester at the King Power Stadium under Claudio Ranieri, and it was thoroughly deserved. Goals from Belgian internationals Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku earned the Toffees the three points, and boss Ronald Koeman will be confident of another away win as they take on the Tigers on Friday.
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| Everton's Belgian duo earned the Toffees three points on Boxing Day (Getty Images) |
Whilst Hull's performance against City was largely impressive, their capitulation with 18 minutes to go was not. Everton had a very good result against Leicester, and I think they'll edge this encounter.
Prediction: 1-2
Burnley vs Sunderland
Saturday 31st December 2016, 15.00
Burnley ended a run of two successive defeats with a 1-0 home victory over Middlesbrough on Boxing Day. Sunderland remain in the bottom three after a 3-1 loss at Manchester United.
Burnley nicked all three points at Turf Moor thanks to Andre Gray's volley with ten minutes left to play. It was a well-struck effort by Gray, but Sean Dyche owes a lot to Boro keeper Victor Valdes after his mistake allowed the ball to trickle over the line and gift the Clarets their sixth home victory of the season.
Sunderland were comfortably beaten at Old Trafford, but scored a goal-of-the-season contender courtesy of Fabio Borini. The Italin scored a remarkable dipping volley from distance, but it was a mere consolation for the Black Cats who were 3-0 down at the time of the goal.
This is a game both sides will have targeted as a must-win, and I think it will be very close on Saturday. Burnley are so reliant on their home form, having gained 95% of their 20 points at Turf Moor, and I think that they'll have enough to earn another win there against Sunderland.
Prediction: 1-0
Chelsea vs Stoke
Saturday 31st December 2016, 15.00
Chelsea recorded their twelfth straight league win with a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, whilst Stoke are without a win in four after a 4-1 defeat at Liverpool.
Chelsea were without suspended top scorer Diego Costa for their match with Bournemouth, but you'd never have known as Antonio Conte's men strolled to their twelfth successive victory and maintained their six-point lead at the top. Goals from Pedro, Eden Hazard (p) and Steve Cook (og) were enough to see off Eddie Howe's men in a comfortable encounter for the Blues.
Stoke took the lead at Anfield thanks to Jon Walters' header, but Jurgen Klopp's side rallied and eventually ran riot, their fast, fluid style of football too much for the Potters on the day. Stoke have drawn two and lost two of their last four in the league, and face what on paper is the toughest game of the season on Saturday.
Chelsea are just two games off equalling Arsenal's record of fourteen straight league victories, and Diego Costa will be back in the starting lineup against Stoke. I can't see who is going to end Chelsea's run at the moment, but I'm confident that it won't be Mark Hughes' men.
Prediction: 2-0
Leicester vs West Ham
Saturday 31st December 2016, 15.00
Reigning champions Leicester are just three points off the drop zone after their 2-0 defeat at home to Everton on Boxing Day. They face in-form West Ham, who have won three on the spin following a 4-1 win at Swansea to jump to 11th in the table.
Leicester gave away goals far too easily in their loss to Everton. They allowed a clearance from Everton's keeper Joel to fly over the heads of their entire defence, letting Kevin Mirallas in to give the visitors the lead. Captain Wes Morgan was then bullied off the ball far too easily by Romelu Lukaku, who went on to wrap up the victory for the Toffees. The Foxes are now without a win in three, and Claudio Ranieri will be an anxious man ahead of the visit of West Ham.
The Hammers are in great form, and smashed Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Boxing Day. Goals from Andre Ayew, Winston Reid, Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll earned Slaven Bilic's side their third victory on the bounce, and those nine points have allowed West Ham to put eight points between themselves and the relegation zone.
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| Andre Ayew scored against his former side (Getty Images) |
Leicester are usually solid at home, but West Ham will be confident due to their form and the fact that Everton won so comfortably there on Boxing Day. Leicester are really struggling right now, and I think that they'll be held to a draw on New Year's Eve.
Prediction: 2-2
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
Saturday 31st December 2016, 15.00
United have won four in a row following their 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford. Middlesbrough lost their third match in their last four games, 1-0 at Burnley.
Manchester United enjoyed a comfortable victory over Sunderland, a game which was lit up by Henrikh Mkhitaryan's stunning scorpion-kick goal. The Armenian was actually offside, but it was a remarkable finish and made it 3-0 to the Red Devils after goals from Daley Blind and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Sunderland netted a late consolation, but Jose Mourinho's team easily made it four wins in a row as they remain 6th in the Premier League.
Victor Valdes made a horrible mistake to gift Burnley all three points at Turf Moor. The match looked destined to finish 0-0, but Valdes allowed Andre Gray's strike to slip through his grasp and earn a massive victory for Burnley. Aitor Karanka will have highlighted that game as a must-not-lose ahead of a trip to Old Trafford, and Valdes will now be feeling the pressure ahead of this meeting against his former employers.
Manchester United have looked a completely different team in recent weeks, and I don't see anything other than a home win on Saturday. Middlesbrough will be organised, but I think that the likes of Mkhitaryan and Ibrahimovic will have more than enough to break them down.
Prediction: 2-0
Southampton vs West Brom
Saturday 31st December 2016, 15.00
Southampton's three-game unbeaten run came to an end in a 4-1 home defeat to Tottenham whilst West Brom were unlucky to lose 1-0 away to Arsenal on Boxing Day.
Virgil van Dijk gave the Saints an early lead at St Mary's against Spurs, but Spurs rallied and turned the game on its head. They were 2-1 up before Nathan Redmond's red card, and the visitors bagged a further two goals to earn a 4-1 victory, leaving Claude Puel's Southampton 8th in the league.
West Brom were typically organised and battled hard at the Emirates, only to be undone by an impressive Olivier Giroud header with four minutes left on the clock. Tony Pulis can feel very hard done-by, but his side sit 9th in the league after a very impressive first-half of the campaign.
Southampton will be hoping to make amends against West Brom, but will be aware of the threat that the Baggies pose, particularly on the break. However, I can see the hosts just about edging their final game of 2016.
Prediction: 2-1
Swansea vs Bournemouth
Saturday 31st December 2016, 15.00
Swansea were battered 4-1 at home to West Ham in what proved to be Bob Bradley's final fixture in charge. Bournemouth also lost in Gameweek 18, 3-0 at leaders Chelsea.
Bob Bradley endured a disastrous run as Swansea boss, winning just two of his eleven matches in charge. He became the Welsh outfits second managerial casualty of the season after Francesco Guidolin was dismissed earlier in the campaign, and leaves the Swans joint-bottom on points in the league. Swansea have yet to replace Bradley, so will be under the temporary stewardship of first-team coaches Alan Curtis and Paul Williams on New Year's Eve.
Bournemouth were comfortably beaten at Chelsea, but there is no shame in that this season and Eddie Howe will have already pushed that defeat aside as his men prepare to face struggling Swansea. There has never been a better time to visit the Liberty Stadium.
I don't see anything other than an away win here. Swansea are really struggling and look nailed-on for relegation at this point in time. It is a real shame, as the Swans have played good football throughout their time in the top-flight, and I hope they bring in an experienced manager who can steer them to safety. I'm going for a comfortable away win on Saturday.
Prediction: 0-2
Liverpool vs Manchester City
Saturday 31st December 2016, 17.30
Liverpool enter this mouth-watering encounter on the back of three consecutive victories thanks to their 4-1 victory over Stoke at Anfield on Tuesday. City have also collected three straight wins after winning 3-0 at Hull on Boxing Day.
Liverpool came from a goal behind to trounce Stoke 4-1 at Anfield. Poor defending (not much of a surprise) allowed Jon Walters to head home the opener for Stoke, but the Reds were 2-1 up at half-time courtesy of goals from in-form Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino, who has been in the news this week after being found over the limit whilst driving in Liverpool. An own goal from Giannelli Imbula and a Daniel Sturridge strike finished off Stoke, and kept Jurgen Klopp's men second behind Chelsea.
Man City weren't at their best at Hull, but found three goals in the final 18 minutes to earn an important victory. Some good work from Raheem Sterling drew a foul from Andrew Robertson, allowing Yaya Toure to smash home the opener from the spot. Kelechi Iheanacho then made it two before a Curtis Davies own goal made it 3-0 to City, who arrive at Anfield a point and a place behind their hosts.
If both sides are at their best then this should be a brilliant game. Liverpool are still sloppy defensively but are scoring goals for fun, and I think that they'll make home advantage count in the final game of 2016.
Prediction: 2-1
Watford vs Tottenham
Sunday 1st January 2017, 13.30
The first Premier League match of 2017 takes place at Vicarage Road. Watford are without a win in three following a 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace last time out, whilst Spurs won for the third game running, 4-1 at Southampton.
Watford had to come from a goal behind to earn a point against Crystal Palace. Yohan Cabaye had given the visitors the lead, but Sebastien Prodl was fouled in the area with 19 minues to play which allowed skipper Troy Deeney to rifle in his 100th Watford goal from the penalty spot. It ended a run of two defeats in a row for Walter Mazzarri's men, who are 10th in the league table.
Like Liverpool, Tottenham came from a goal behind to win 4-1 in Gameweek 18. Some slack defending allowed Virgil van Dijk to give Southampton the lead after two minutes, but goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane made it 2-1 before Nathan Redmond was sent off for the Saints for a foul on Alli. Kane skied his penalty, but a goal from substitute Son Heung-min and a second for Dele Alli made it a routine victory for Mauricio Pochettino's men against the manager's former side.
Watford are without a win since 10th December so could really do with the three points on New Year's Day. However, they face a Tottenham side in really good form and I can only see an away victory on Sunday.
Prediction: 1-3
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Sunday 1st January 2017, 16.00
Arsenal left it late on Boxing Day, but ended a run of two straight defeats with a 1-0 win over West Brom. Crystal Palace drew 1-1 at Watford in Sam Allardyce's first match in charge of the Eagles.
Olivier Giroud, as he so often does, popped up with a massively important late header to earn the points for Arsenal on Boxing Day. It was harsh on visitors West Brom, but a crucial three points for Arsene Wenger's men who remain fourth, nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
Crystal Palace performed well for their new manager at Watford, and scored a fine opening goal through Yohan Cabaye. Big Sam will be frustrated that his side couldn't add a second, with Christian Benteke's soft penalty saved by Huerelho Gomes, and Troy Deeney made them pay with his penalty in the second half. However, there were definite positives for the former England manager, who faces a massive test in his second game in the Palace hotseat.
I was impressed with Palace at Watford, but this is a completely different challenge for them on Sunday. Arsenal are back on the winning trail, and I have to go for a home win at the Emirates.
Prediction: 3-1
Southampton vs West Brom
Saturday 31st December 2016, 15.00
Southampton's three-game unbeaten run came to an end in a 4-1 home defeat to Tottenham whilst West Brom were unlucky to lose 1-0 away to Arsenal on Boxing Day.
Virgil van Dijk gave the Saints an early lead at St Mary's against Spurs, but Spurs rallied and turned the game on its head. They were 2-1 up before Nathan Redmond's red card, and the visitors bagged a further two goals to earn a 4-1 victory, leaving Claude Puel's Southampton 8th in the league.
West Brom were typically organised and battled hard at the Emirates, only to be undone by an impressive Olivier Giroud header with four minutes left on the clock. Tony Pulis can feel very hard done-by, but his side sit 9th in the league after a very impressive first-half of the campaign.
Southampton will be hoping to make amends against West Brom, but will be aware of the threat that the Baggies pose, particularly on the break. However, I can see the hosts just about edging their final game of 2016.
Prediction: 2-1
Swansea vs Bournemouth
Saturday 31st December 2016, 15.00
Swansea were battered 4-1 at home to West Ham in what proved to be Bob Bradley's final fixture in charge. Bournemouth also lost in Gameweek 18, 3-0 at leaders Chelsea.
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| Bob Bradley was sacked by Swansea following Boxing Day defeat (Getty Images) |
Bob Bradley endured a disastrous run as Swansea boss, winning just two of his eleven matches in charge. He became the Welsh outfits second managerial casualty of the season after Francesco Guidolin was dismissed earlier in the campaign, and leaves the Swans joint-bottom on points in the league. Swansea have yet to replace Bradley, so will be under the temporary stewardship of first-team coaches Alan Curtis and Paul Williams on New Year's Eve.
Bournemouth were comfortably beaten at Chelsea, but there is no shame in that this season and Eddie Howe will have already pushed that defeat aside as his men prepare to face struggling Swansea. There has never been a better time to visit the Liberty Stadium.
I don't see anything other than an away win here. Swansea are really struggling and look nailed-on for relegation at this point in time. It is a real shame, as the Swans have played good football throughout their time in the top-flight, and I hope they bring in an experienced manager who can steer them to safety. I'm going for a comfortable away win on Saturday.
Prediction: 0-2
Liverpool vs Manchester City
Saturday 31st December 2016, 17.30
Liverpool enter this mouth-watering encounter on the back of three consecutive victories thanks to their 4-1 victory over Stoke at Anfield on Tuesday. City have also collected three straight wins after winning 3-0 at Hull on Boxing Day.
Liverpool came from a goal behind to trounce Stoke 4-1 at Anfield. Poor defending (not much of a surprise) allowed Jon Walters to head home the opener for Stoke, but the Reds were 2-1 up at half-time courtesy of goals from in-form Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino, who has been in the news this week after being found over the limit whilst driving in Liverpool. An own goal from Giannelli Imbula and a Daniel Sturridge strike finished off Stoke, and kept Jurgen Klopp's men second behind Chelsea.
Man City weren't at their best at Hull, but found three goals in the final 18 minutes to earn an important victory. Some good work from Raheem Sterling drew a foul from Andrew Robertson, allowing Yaya Toure to smash home the opener from the spot. Kelechi Iheanacho then made it two before a Curtis Davies own goal made it 3-0 to City, who arrive at Anfield a point and a place behind their hosts.
If both sides are at their best then this should be a brilliant game. Liverpool are still sloppy defensively but are scoring goals for fun, and I think that they'll make home advantage count in the final game of 2016.
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| Klopp and Guardiola go head-to-head in England for the first time (Getty Images) |
Prediction: 2-1
Watford vs Tottenham
Sunday 1st January 2017, 13.30
The first Premier League match of 2017 takes place at Vicarage Road. Watford are without a win in three following a 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace last time out, whilst Spurs won for the third game running, 4-1 at Southampton.
Watford had to come from a goal behind to earn a point against Crystal Palace. Yohan Cabaye had given the visitors the lead, but Sebastien Prodl was fouled in the area with 19 minues to play which allowed skipper Troy Deeney to rifle in his 100th Watford goal from the penalty spot. It ended a run of two defeats in a row for Walter Mazzarri's men, who are 10th in the league table.
Like Liverpool, Tottenham came from a goal behind to win 4-1 in Gameweek 18. Some slack defending allowed Virgil van Dijk to give Southampton the lead after two minutes, but goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane made it 2-1 before Nathan Redmond was sent off for the Saints for a foul on Alli. Kane skied his penalty, but a goal from substitute Son Heung-min and a second for Dele Alli made it a routine victory for Mauricio Pochettino's men against the manager's former side.
Watford are without a win since 10th December so could really do with the three points on New Year's Day. However, they face a Tottenham side in really good form and I can only see an away victory on Sunday.
Prediction: 1-3
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Sunday 1st January 2017, 16.00
Arsenal left it late on Boxing Day, but ended a run of two straight defeats with a 1-0 win over West Brom. Crystal Palace drew 1-1 at Watford in Sam Allardyce's first match in charge of the Eagles.
Olivier Giroud, as he so often does, popped up with a massively important late header to earn the points for Arsenal on Boxing Day. It was harsh on visitors West Brom, but a crucial three points for Arsene Wenger's men who remain fourth, nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
Crystal Palace performed well for their new manager at Watford, and scored a fine opening goal through Yohan Cabaye. Big Sam will be frustrated that his side couldn't add a second, with Christian Benteke's soft penalty saved by Huerelho Gomes, and Troy Deeney made them pay with his penalty in the second half. However, there were definite positives for the former England manager, who faces a massive test in his second game in the Palace hotseat.
I was impressed with Palace at Watford, but this is a completely different challenge for them on Sunday. Arsenal are back on the winning trail, and I have to go for a home win at the Emirates.
Prediction: 3-1
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