Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 23

I scored half marks in Gameweek 23, correctly predicting the outcome of five Premier League matches although with no perfect scores. I correctly called wins for Everton, West Brom, Arsenal and Chelsea as well as a draw between Stoke and Manchester United. There are some exciting fixtures in this midweek round of matches, and I am hoping they will result in some perfect predictions for myself.

Arsenal vs Watford
Tuesday 31st January 2017, 19.45

Arsenal sit second in the Premier League table thanks to a last-gasp penalty earned them a 2-1 win over Burnley in their last fixture. Watford have drawn their last two league matches after a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.

Shkodran Mustafi's header was the first goal in what turned out to be a thrilling game at the Emirates against Burnley. The Gunners looked comfortable until Granit Xhaka's straight red card on 65 minutes, and it looked as though Burnley had snatched an impressive draw when Andre Gray converted a 93rd-minute penalty. There was another twist in the tale, however, as Ben Mee fouled Laurent Koscielny in the area, allowing Alexis Sanchez to score a 98th-minute winner from the spot for Arsene Wenger's side. It could come to be a massive result for Arsenal who face Chelsea after this one; they look to be the Blues' main title rivals following Liverpool's dismal January. The hosts also had an excellent result at the weekend in the FA Cup, smashing Southampton 5-0 at St Mary's courtesy of a Theo Walcott hat-trick and a brace from Danny Welbeck.

Sanchez kept his cool with 98 minutes on the clock vs Burnley (Getty Images)

Watford led twice at Bournemouth in their last league outing, but goals from Christian Kabasele and Troy Deeney were only enough to earn a point for the Hornets at the Vitality Stadium. Walter Mazzarri's men are now without a win in their last seven in the Premier League, and suffered an FA Cup upset on Saturday as they lost 1-0 at League One Millwall.

Arsenal are back on form after a slight blip in December, and a midweek victory would set them up nicely for a trip to Stamford Bridge at the weekend. Watford are in poor form in the league, and I can only see a home win at the Emirates.

Prediction: 3-0

Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Tuesday 31st January 2017, 19.45

Bournemouth are winless in three in the league following their 2-2 draw against Watford last time out. Sam Allardyce is still without a Premier League victory as Palace boss after his side lost 1-0 at home to Everton.

Eddie Howe will be pleased at the spirit his side showed to come from behind twice against Watford. Josh King scored the Cherries' first before Benik Afobe grabbed the equaliser with just eight minutes left on the clock.

Crystal Palace are really struggling, and lost to Everton thanks to Seamus Coleman's 87th-minute goal. The loss sent the Eagles down into the bottom three, and they were ripped apart by Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday, losing 3-0 at Selhurst Park.

Bournemouth didn't feature in the cup at the weekend, so should be fresh ahead of the visit of Palace. Allardyce's team are in terrible form, and I don't see him picking up his first league win as Palace boss on Tuesday night.

Prediction: 2-1

Burnley vs Leicester
Tuesday 31st January 2017, 19.45

Burnley were unlucky losers at Arsenal as they went down 2-1 in injury time, whilst Leicester were battered 3-0 at Southampton.

Ben Mee will have been devastated at his decision to raise his boot with Laurent Koscielny attacking the ball with his head in the dying moments at the Emirates. It was a certain penalty, but cruel on Burnley who fought so hard to get back into the game following Xhaka's dismissal. Sean Dyche can take encouragement from his side's performance, though, and will be pleased to have progressed to the FA Cup Fifth Round after beating Championship Bristol City 2-0 at Turf Moor.

Leicester were comfortably beaten at St Mary's, and are still withouart an away win in the league this season. It's a worrying time for Claudio Ranieri's men, and the Italian will know just how difficult this game at Burnley will be. His side were in FA Cup action on Friday night,drawing 2-2 at neighbours Derby thanks to Wes Morgan's late equaliser. They will play out a replay at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester's away form has been puzzling this season, but the champions have looked a shadow of the side that blew us all away last campaign and I suppose sit roughly where we'd have expected them to be at the same stage last year. Burnley's home form is so strong, and I see them enjoying a comfortable night against the Foxes.

Prediction: 2-0

Middlesbrough vs West Brom
Tuesday 31st January 2017, 19.45

Boro suffered a disappointing 3-1 home defeat against West Ham in their last encounter, whilst West Brom ran out easy winners as they enjoyed a routine 2-0 home victory over Sunderland.

Aitor Karanka will be so disappointed at how his side defended at the Riverside against West Ham. Middlesbrough couldn't live with Andy Carroll, who opened the scoring, but got themselves level through Christhian Stuani. However, Carroll was on hand to put the visitors back in the lead before the Hammers made it three in injury time. The Teesiders enjoyed an FA Cup victory on Saturday though, Stewart Downing netting the only goal in a 1-0 home success over League Two Accrington.

Two fantastic finishes saw West Brom comfortably beat Sunderland. Darren Fletcher volleyed the Baggies into the lead, before Chris Brunt smashed home a second to make the points safe for Tony Pulis. The Welshman's side remain 8th in the table, and have been the unsung club of the season for me.

This is the sort of game in which Pulis would take a draw, and I think his side are more than comfortable of getting one at the Riverside. I don't believe that Middlesbrough's attack is good enough to punish a defensively minded West Brom side.

Prediction: 1-1

Sunderland vs Tottenham
Tuesday 31st January 2017, 19.45

Sunderland dropped back to the foot of the table after their 2-0 defeat at West Brom, whilst Spurs came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at Manchester City.

It's been another bad week for David Moyes, who lost left-back Patrick van Aanholt to relegation-rivals Crystal Palace after the 2-0 defeat at West Brom. The Dutchman has been one of the best players of Sunderland's season, alongside Jermain Defoe and Jordan Pickford, and to lose the one player capable of scoring a goal besides Defoe is a real worry for the Black Cats. Moyes was quick to replace him with Bryan Oviedo from Everton, as well as signing Joleon Lescott and Darron Gibson, but I'm not convinced by the Scot's January dealings.

PVA going, Anichebe injured, Sunderland's remaining squad have scored 13 PL goals - 12 have come from Jermain Defoe. ⚽😳

— DAVID JONES (@DavidJonesSky) 27 January 2017

Spurs bounced back brilliantly at Manchester City, with goals from the ever-reliable Dele Alli and Son Heung-min earning a point for Mauricio Pochettino's men. Tottenham also progressed to the FA Cup Fifth Round after a thrilling 4-3 victory over League Two side Wycombe, Alli and Son again netting late goals to the benefit of Spurs.

I'm worried about Sunderland this season and I'm amazed that they haven't signed another striker to take the goal scoring burden off of Jermain Defoe. This should be an easy win for the away side.

Prediction: 0-3

Swansea vs Southampton
Tuesday 31st January 2017, 19.45

Swansea enjoyed a shock 3-2 win at Anfield in their last match, whilst Southampton were easy 3-0 winners over reigning champions Leicester.

A Fernando Llorente brace put Swansea into an unexpected lead at Liverpool, but they were soon pegged back to 2-2 by the home team. Step forward Gylfi Sigurdsson, who kept his cool to slot beyond Simon Mignolet and earn Paul Clement a first win as Swansea boss, ending Liverpool's 17-match unbeaten streak at Anfield and lifting the Swans out of the bottom three in the process. Swansea have made a fast start to life under Clement, and will be looking to build on that stunning victory on Merseyside.

Swansea shocked Liverpool at Anfield (Getty Images)

Southampton have had a bit of a mixed bag recently, comfortably defeating Leicester before Shane Long's goal sent them to the EFL Cup final, beating Liverpool 1-0 on the night at Anfield and 2-0 on aggregate. However, they were less successful in the FA Cup, Claude Puel's side humbled 5-0 at home to Arsenal. He will be hoping that his side can take the positives from their semi-final victory over Liverpool to Wales, rather than Saturday's battering.

This is a really tough game to call. Both have beaten Liverpool recently and both should be full of confidence despite Saints' FA Cup blow - they do have a Wembley final against Manchester United to look forward to, after all. I'm predicting this one to be an entertaining score draw.

Prediction: 2-2

Liverpool vs Chelsea
Tuesday 31st January 2017, 20.00

Liverpool's dire start to 2017 continued with that 3-2 home defeat to Swansea, whilst Chelsea marched on with a 2-0 home success over Hull.

What has happened to Liverpool? They threw it away against Swansea after Roberto Firmino's brace got them back into the game, before exiting the EFL Cup to Southampton and the FA Cup to Wolves, who won 2-1 at Anfield. I think that Jurgen Klopp's side are worn out, and I'm shocked that the German hasn't dipped into the transfer market in January - his side have looked completely lost without Sadio Mane, who has been away at the African Cup of Nations. This is now a season defining game for Liverpool - the Premier League is their last chance of silverware this season, but it is some ask to catch Tuesday's opponents.

Chelsea have enjoyed their start to the New Year, which continued with a 2-0 victory over Hull in their last league outing and a 4-0 win against Brentford in the FA Cup, both results coming at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte's men will arrive at Anfield brimming with confidence, but will be wary that Liverpool were victorious in the match at the Bridge earlier in the season.

If Chelsea win here, I think that we can safely call them champions. However, football can change in the blink of an eye and a defeat at Anfield could be costly with another big game against Arsenal to follow at the weekend. I think Conte's side are too good to be beaten at Anfield, but I don't think that they'll win either.

Prediction: 1-1

West Ham vs Manchester City
Wednesday 1st February 2017, 19.45

West Ham enter this one on the back of a good 3-1 win at Middlesbrough, whilst Manchester City threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Tottenham.

Andy Carroll was fantastic against Boro, hitting a brace, and Slaven Bilic will be relieved that the big Geordie has found some form this month following Dimitri Payet's transfer to Marseille. Bilic will be happy to see the back of Payet and the negative atmosphere he had created at the club, and I'm a fan of his replacement Robert Snodgrass who joined the Hammers this week. He should have no trouble becoming the Hammers' new free-kick maestro!

Goals from Leroy Sane and Kevin de Bruyne should have been enough for City against Spurs, but defensive errors again cost Pep Guardiola's team. They now trail leaders Chelsea by twelve points, and I don't see them coming close to winning the league this year. They have a real chance in the FA Cup, though, after a 3-0 win at Crystal Palace sent them into the Fifth Round.

West Ham will be looking to avenge the 5-0 defeat they suffered at the London Stadium against City earlier in the month, and I see it being closer this time around. However, the Hammers are still far from convincing at home and I fancy the visitors to collect all three points on Wednesday.

Prediction: 1-3

Manchester United vs Hull
Wednesday 1st February 2017, 20.00

These two sides meet for the third time in January. United drew 1-1 at Stoke in their last league match, whilst Hull lost 2-0 at Chelsea.

Wayne Rooney became Manchester United's all time top-scorer with his late free-kick at Stoke, a remarkable achievement for the Red Devils' skipper. Rooney will finish his career as United and England top scorer, and without a doubt one of the best players to grace the Premier League. His side face Hull on Wednesday, a team against whom they lost 2-1 on the night last Thursday but beat 3-2 on aggregate to reach the EFL Cup final where they will face Southampton. Jose Mourinho's men also progressed in the FA Cup thanks to a 4-0 win over Championship side Wigan at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney is a Manchester United record-breaker (Getty Images)

Hull's result at Stamford Bridge was sort of irrelevant following Ryan Mason's head injury, but it's great to see that he was released from hospital on Monday. His side have had a couple of games in his absence, obviously beating United in the EFL Cup but crashing out of the competition, before exiting the FA Cup in a poor 4-1 defeat at Championship Fulham. However, I've been impressed with the way they've played under new boss Marco Silva.

Despite Hull's improved performances, I still think United will be far too strong at Old Trafford. Mourinho has good options in the squad and progressed in both domestic cups in the last week, and his side's good form will continue on Wednesday in my opinion.

Prediction: 2-0

Stoke vs Everton
Wednesday 1st February 2017, 20.00

Stoke drew 1-1 with Manchester United last time out, whilst Everton enjoyed a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Stoke had the lead against United thanks to Juan Mata's own-goal, but Lee Grant could do nothing to keep out Wayne Rooney's spectacular 94th-minute free-kick. Mark Hughes' men sit 9th following that point, and face 7th-placed Everton on Wednesday.

The visitors also won their last game thanks to Seamus Coleman's composed 87th-minute finish at Selhurs Park. They arrive at Stoke in good form, and this should be a really good game with both sides having had a nice break thanks to a lack of cup football.

I'm expecting goals in this one. Stoke is a tough place to go but Everton are playing very well, so I'm predicting another score draw at the Bet365 Stadium.

Prediction: 2-2

Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 22

It was 50% for me in terms of correct results in Gameweek 21, with two perfect scores among them. I correctly called wins for Tottenham, Burnley and Arsenal, as well as draws between Watford and Middlesbrough and Manchester United and Liverpool. My perfect scores were Burnley's 1-0 win over Southampton and the 0-0 draw between Watford and Middlesbrough. My predictions for Gameweek 22 follow.

Liverpool vs Swansea

Saturday 21st January 2017, 12.30

Liverpool have drawn their first two league matches of 2017 after a 1-1 tie at Manchester United last Sunday. Swansea remain bottom of the league after a 4-0 home defeat to Arsenal.

I thought that Liverpool were very good at Old Trafford. They took a deserved lead through James Milner's penalty after Paul Pogba's handball, and never really looked troubled until the last ten minutes when United started ramping up the pressure. Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed home an equaliser, but a point at Old Trafford is still a very good result for Jurgen Klopp's side when you consider that it ended a run of six straight league wins for the Red Devils. Klopp was also forced to hand Trent Alexander-Arnold a start at right-back in place of the injured Nathaniel Clyne, and the teenager gave an assured performance up against Anthony Martial. Arnold was again outstanding as the Reds progressed in the FA Cup with a 1-0 replay victory at Plymouth on Wednesday night.

Milner has never lost a Premier League game in which he has scored, winning 37 and drawing 9 (Getty Images)

New Swansea boss Paul Clement lost his first league game in charge of the Swans and he will have immediately realised the problems that his side have at the back. Jack Cork and Kyle Naughton both scored own goals in a 4-0 thrashing, and it doesn't get any easier for Clement as the Welsh club visit league top scorers Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

Liverpool should pick up their first league win of 2017 in Saturday's early kick-off. Swansea leak goals for fun, and I see this being a comfortable home victory.

Prediction: 3-0

Bournemouth vs Watford
Saturday 21st January 2017, 15.00

Bournemouth's two-game unbeaten run came to an end in a 3-1 defeat at Hull, whilst Watford are winless in six after a 0-0 draw at home to Middlesbrough.

Bournemouth took the lead at Hull after just three minutes thanks to Junior Stanislas' early penalty after Ryan Fraser was fouled in the box. Hull rallied, however, and had too much for Eddie Howe's men on the day. The Cherries' defence couldn't live with Abel Hernandez, who scored twice, and Tyrone Mings scored an own-goal on his first league start as the match ended 3-1. If the game at Hull was anything to go by, Bournemouth are going to badly miss Nathan Ake, who was recently recalled from loan by Chelsea.

Watford are struggling for goals and failed to find the net for the second successive game as they drew at home to Boro. The Hornets have failed to score in the first half of 14 out of their last 16 Premier League matches, a statistic which needs addressing quickly by Walter Mazzarri.

Despite a disappointing loss for Bournemouth at Hull, I fancy them to return to winning ways this weekend. They're a good side at the Vitality Stadium and should have too much for a Watford side who have declined in recent weeks.

Prediction: 2-0

Crystal Palace vs Everton
Saturday 21st January 2017, 15.00

Palace lost their third league match on the bounce as they were walloped 3-0 at West Ham. Everton had one of, if not the result of the season so far as they crushed Manchester City 4-0 at Goodison Park.

Sam Allardyce is still yet to win in the league as Eagles boss following a 3-0 defeat against former side West Ham last weekend. Big Sam will have been furious to have conceded three; West Ham only took the lead on 68 minutes, leading to Palace's capitulation. There was some good news for Allardyce in midweek though, a Christian Benteke brace seeing Big Sam pick up his first in a 2-1 FA Cup replay victory over another of his former clubs, Bolton Wanderers.

Everton were unplayable against City, and could have scored more than the four they managed. Belgian duo Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas gave the Toffees a comfortable lead, before impressive teenage midfielder Tom Davies scored an incredible first professional goal, dinking the ball over Claudio Bravo after a fine run from midfield. It got even better for Ronald Koeman, too, as new signing Ademola Lookman made it 4-0 just four minutes after coming on as a sub in his first appearance for the Merseysiders.

A day to remember for Davies and Lookman (Getty Images)

This is a tough game to call. Everton have been a little inconsistent this season, but confidence should be sky-high after their remarkable result against City and I think they'll edge out Palace on Saturday.

Prediction: 1-2

Middlesbrough vs West Ham
Saturday 21st January 2017, 15.00

Middlesbrough enter this one on the back of a 0-0 draw at Watford, whilst West Ham battered Crystal Palace 3-0 last time out.

An away point in the Premier League is never a bad one for a point at the bottom of the league, so I think that Aitor Karanka will be fairly satisfied with his team's draw at Vicarage Road. Boro are four points clear of 17th-placed Crystal Palace, but have failed to score in five of their last seven league matches. Karanka will have been working on his attack this week and will be hoping to put a couple past West Ham on Saturday.

West Ham did just fine without controversial Frenchman Dimitri Payet last weekend, battering Big Sam's Palace 3-0 at the London Stadium. Sofiane Feghouli and Manuel Lanzini scored either side of Andy Carroll's goal-of-the-season contender. All three goals were created by Michail Antonio, who is the Hammers star-man in the absence of free-kick maestro Payet.

What a goal by Andy Carroll! (Getty Images)

This should be another close game. West Ham are five points better off than their hosts on Saturday, and I think Slaven Bilic would be happy with a point on the road.

Prediction: 1-1

Stoke vs Manchester United
Saturday 21st January 2017, 15.00

Stoke were comfortable 3-1 winners at Sunderland last Saturday, their second Premier League win on the spin. United rescued a 1-1 home draw against Liverpool, a result which ended a run of six successive league victories.

A Marko Arnautovic brace and a Peter Crouch header were enough to see Stoke past struggling Stadium at the Stadium of Light. Crouch's goal was his 99th in the Premier League, and the former Liverpool man would love to make it a century against Man United. There are even rumours that his famous robot celebration could be coming back out when he nets his 100th in the competition.

Jose Mourinho's men struggled at home to Liverpool, but managed to get a late equaliser through that man Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede is popping up with some really important moments for the Red Devils, but Paul Pogba had a difficult game against Liverpool. The Frenchman's marking at corners was heavily criticised by pundits, and eventually led to a handball which gifted Liverpool a penalty from which James Milner duly converted.

Mark Hughes will take great confidence from the fact that his side haven't lost at home to United since 2013. The Potters are a strong outfit at home, and I think United will have to settle for a draw on Saturday.

Prediction: 2-2

West Brom vs Sunderland
Saturday 21st January 2017, 15.00

West Brom's two-game winning run came to an end as they were battered 4-0 at Tottenham. Sunderland were easily beaten 3-1 at home to Stoke and remain 19th in the league.

Tony Pulis' men couldn't live with Harry Kane last weekend. The England forward netted a brilliant hat-trick, whilst Gareth McAuley scored an unfortunate own-goal as Spurs ran riot at White Hart Lane. West Brom are usually good at getting defeats out of their system though, and remain 8th in the table. They should be confident of returning to winning ways against Sunderland.

The Black Cats were poor against Stoke, and rightly found themselves 3-0 down after just 34 minutes. It was no surprise to see Jermain Defoe net the consolation for David Moyes' side - he absolutely has to remain at the Stadium of Light in January if Sunderland are to have any chance of staying in the top-flight. Sunderland also exited the FA Cup in midweek, losing their replay 2-0 at Burnley.

West Brom are a solid outfit at home, and it would take some performance by Sunderland to get a result at the Hawthorns. I don't think the visitors are capable of getting anything here, and I'm backing the Baggies to earn the three points.

Prediction: 3-1

Manchester City vs Tottenham
Saturday 21st January 2017, 17.30

This is the big game of Gameweek 22. City enter it on the back of that humiliating 4-0 defeat at Everton, whilst Tottenham won by the same scoreline at home to West Brom.

Manchester City's defending was abysmal at Goodison Park as the Toffees earned a deserved 4-0. Much of the criticism was directed at former Everton man John Stones in the aftermath, but for me he is playing in an absolutely useless defence and is an easy target due to the large fee paid by City for his signature. Senior players Bacary Sagna, Nicolas Otamendi and Gael Clichy all had dreadful games, whilst goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was calamitous in goal. Bravo has now conceded 14 goals from the last 22 shots that he's faced in the Premier League, leaving City fans pining for a Joe Hart return in the summer.

Spurs were far too good for West Brom, new-dad Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick to make it a week to remember for him. Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli both put in excellent performances in midfield, providing a couple of wonderful assists for Kane, whilst Eriksen's shot was deflected in by Gareth McAuley for an own-goal. Spurs have now won their last six in a row, and are chasing a club record seventh Premier League win in a row.

Harry Kane with the match ball after a superb hat-trick vs West Brom (Getty Images)

City were so bad against Everton that I'm backing the visitors to earn a massive victory here. Mauricio Pochettino's men are in fine form, and I think that his side will dump Pep Guardiola's out of the title race in Saturday's late kick-off.

Prediction: 1-2

Southampton vs Leicester
Sunday 22nd January 2017, 12.00

Southampton suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Burnley, their fourth straight league defeat. Leicester were comfortably beaten 3-0 at home to leaders Chelsea, leaving last year's champions 15th in the league.

Southampton failed to scored for the second league match running, and are massively missing the injured Charlie Austin. The Saints enjoyed a strong start to the season but are now below West Ham in the table, which is astonishing when you remember the Hammers' dreadful start to the season. Claude Puel's men did manage to pick up a midweek win in the FA Cup, though, Shane Long's goal seeing them progress past Norwich with a 1-0 win at St Mary's.

Leicester are not the first team to have been played off the park by Chelsea this season, nor will they be the last. If you'd have watched the game not knowing who won the league last season, there would have been no doubt about which side you'd have guessed, highlighting the extraordinary achievement by the Foxes. They couldn't live with Chelsea on the day, but Claudio Ranieri will be hopeful of achieving a first away victory of the season at struggling Southampton.

If I were Claude Puel, I'd be looking to bring in a striker before the end of the season. The Saints have tailed off a little, and I think this is Leicester's best chance of winning their first away match of the campaign.

Prediction: 0-1

Arsenal vs Burnley
Sunday 22nd January 2017, 14.15

Arsenal are unbeaten in four after an easy 4-0 win at Swansea, whilst Burnley beat Southampton 1-0 at Turf Moor to pick up yet another home win.

Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez were scorers again for Arsene Wenger, with a couple of own goals adding to the Gunners' 4-0 victory at the Liberty Stadium. Arsenal were far too strong, and are starting to look back to their best after a little wobble in December.

The returning Joey Barton was the Clarets' hero against Southampton, the rebellious midfielder's free-kick enough to clinch three points against the struggling Saints. It has been a good week for Burnley, who beat Sunderland 2-0 in an FA Cup replay on Tuesday to progress to the fourth round.

Burnley are so good at home that they don't really need to worry about games like this. Sean Dyche's men usually have a go against the big boys, but I can only see them leaving the Emirates empty-handed on Sunday.

Prediction: 2-0

Chelsea vs Hull
Sunday 22nd January 2017, 16.30

It was another good win for leaders Chelsea as they dismantled Leicester 3-0 at the King Power Stadium. Hull enjoyed a very good 3-1 home win over Bournemouth.

Marcos Alonso netted a brace and Pedro added a third as Antonio Conte's Blues comfortably beat Leicester away from home. It was a fine display from start to finish, and it really looks as though Chelsea are going to take some stopping from winning the league this season.

Marco Silva won his first Premier League game in charge of Hull, as an Abel Hernandez-inspired Tigers side beat Bournemouth 3-1 at the KCOM Stadium. It was a nightmare start for Hull after Harry Maguire conceded a third-minute penalty, but a fine turnaround earned a deserved victory for the new Hull gaffer.

Silva has made a promising start as Hull boss, but they don't come any tougher than Sunday's game. Chelsea should make light work of the Tigers at Stamford Bridge.

Prediction: 4-0

Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 21

The Premier League is back after a temporary halt last weekend owing to the third round of this season's FA Cup. I didn't have a great round of predictions last time out, guessing just three correct results with no perfect scores. I predicted wins for Everton, Manchester City and West Brom in Gameweek 20 - hopefully I will fare better this weekend.

Tottenham vs West Brom

Saturday 14th January 2017, 12.30

Tottenham ended Chelsea's 13-game winning run last time out courtesy of a Dele Alli brace. West Brom beat Hull 3-1 at the Hawthorns.

Spurs were excellent against the league leaders and a couple of headers from in-form Dele Alli earned Mauricio Pochettino's men their fifth straight league win. It was a good week for Tottenham, who progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a 2-0 home win over Championship side Aston Villa.

Alli is in great form, hitting a brace in each of his last three league games (Getty Images)

West Brom came from a goal down to beat Hull 3-1. Goals from Chris Brunt, Gareth McAuley and James Morrison earned Tony Pulis' men their second successive Premier League victory. Pulis will be disappointed to have crashed out of the FA Cup, though; second tier Derby County knocked them out with a 2-1 win at the Hawthorns.

West Brom won't make this easy for Spurs, but the hosts are in great form right now and I'm fully expecting them to make it six straight league wins in Saturday's early kick-off.

Prediction: 2-0

Burnley vs Southampton

Saturday 14th January 2017, 15.00

Burnley were defeated 2-1 at Manchester City in their last league match, whilst Southampton lost heavily in Gameweek 20, 3-0 at Everton.

Sean Dyche will feel like his team missed an opportunity at the Etihad a fortnight ago. Fernandinho received a straight red card after half an hour with the score 0-0, but the Clarets found themselves 2-0 down on 62 minutes. Ben Mee halved the deficit with 20 left to play but the visitors left Manchester empty-handed. Burnley are still in the FA Cup after a 0-0 draw at Sunderland and will fancy their chances in a replay at Turf Moor.

Claude Puel will be furious after his side's capitulation at Everton. Enner Valencia broke the deadlock on 73 minutes and the Saints totally fell apart, conceding another two goals in the closing stages. Southampton have been busy since then, drawing 2-2 at Norwich in the FA Cup which means a replay at St Mary's. They had an excellent result on Wednesday night, though, winning the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final 1-0 at home to Liverpool.

Southampton have had a flurry of games recently, whilst Burnley have had a while off to prepare for this one. Sean Dyche's men are so strong at home, and I fancy them to edge this one.

Prediction: 1-0

Hull vs Bournemouth

Saturday 14th January 2017, 15.00

Hull are bottom of the Premier League after their 3-1 defeat at West Brom, whilst Bournemouth earned a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to Arsenal.

Robert Snograss' goal wasn't enough for Hull in their 3-1 loss at West Brom in what proved to be Mike Phelan's final match as manager. He was quickly replaced my Marco Silva, who enjoyed a victory in his first game in charge, a 2-0 home win over Swansea in the FA Cup. He had less luck in the EFL Cup, with the Tigers losing 2-0 in their semi-final first leg at Old Trafford.

Marco Silva is the new man in charge at Hull (Getty Images)

Bournemouth were 3-0 up and cruising against Arsenal thanks to goals from Charlie Daniels, Callum Wilson (p) and Ryan Fraser, but conceded three in the final 20 minutes including a 92nd-minute equaliser from Olivier Giroud. They also saw Simon Francis sent off during that period. There was further disappointment for Eddie Howe in the FA Cup as his side lost 3-0 at League One Millwall.

This should be a close game. New manager Silva will be desperate to win his first Premier League game, but Bournemouth are an exciting attacking outfit and will create chance. I think the visitors will nick it on Saturday.

Prediction: 1-2

Sunderland vs Stoke
Saturday 14th January 2017, 15.00

Sunderland earned a very good point with a 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool in the last round of Premier League fixtures, whilst Stoke enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Watford.

Jermain Defoe (who else?) scored both of Sunderland's goals from the penalty spot in a very good game against Liverpool at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats fell behind twice, but Defoe's coolness in front of goal gave David Moyes' men a deserved point. His side will face an FA Cup replay after a 0-0 draw at home to Burnley.

Goals from English duo Ryan Shawcross and Peter Crouch gave Stoke a solid 2-0 victory over Watford in their last league fixture. They also took part in a 2-0 scoreline at the Bet365 Stadium in the FA Cup, but suffered a surprise exit against Championship side Wolves.

Sunderland should be bolstered after their point against Liverpool, whilst Stoke may still be feeling sorry for themselves after a cup upset. The Potters are a good side, though, and I think they'll hold Sunderland to another draw here.

Prediction: 1-1

Swansea vs Arsenal
Saturday 14th January 2017, 15.00

Swansea enjoyed a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace a fortnight ago, whilst Arsenal were involved in that thoroughly entertaining 3-3 draw at Bournemouth.

Swansea were under caretaker manager Alan Curtis at Palace, but earned a very impressive three points. Alfie Mawson opened the scoring, but the game looked destined for a draw when Palace equalised with seven minutes left. However, up popped Angel Rangel to snatch a massive three points for the Welsh side. New manager Paul Clement took charge of the Swans for the first time in the FA Cup, but suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Hull.

Arsenal showed great team spirit to come back and draw at Bournemouth. Goals from Alexis Sanchez, Lucas Perez and Olivier Giroud in the last 20 minutes saved Arsene Wenger's blushes, and the Gunners also required a late Giroud goal as they progressed in the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win at Championship outfit Preston.

This is such a tough first league game for Paul Clement. He's got a massive task on his hands in keeping this Swansea team in the division, but I don't see the miracle starting on Saturday.

Prediction: 0-3

Watford vs Middlesbrough

Saturday 14th January 2017, 15.00

Watford lost 2-0 at Stoke in their last league encounter, whilst Middlesbrough drew 0-0 at home to Leicester.

Watford were comfortably beaten at Stoke and offered very little in the way of an attacking threat. Walter Mazzarri's men did well in the FA Cup, though, beating Championship strugglers Burton Albion 2-0 at Vicarage Road thanks to goals from Christian Kabasele and Jerome Sinclair.

Boro's 0-0 draw with Leicester was a terrible game, but like Watford they fared better in the FA Cup, defeating Championship promotion hopefuls Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 at the Riverside. Grant Leadbitter, Alvaro Negredo and Maarten de Roon were the goalscorers.

I'm not expecting a brilliant game here. Neither side are in good league form and I wouldn't be surprised if this one ended goalless.

Prediction: 0-0

West Ham vs Crystal Palace
Saturday 14th January 2017, 15.00

West Ham are in dire form, losing 2-0 at home to Manchester United in their last league game. Palace suffered a very disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Swansea, a result which means Sam Allardyce is still awaiting his first win as Eagles boss.

To be fair to West Ham, they were very unlucky to see Sofiane Feghouli sent off against United at 0-0, which gave the visitors the advantage and ultimately the win. However, the Hammers were dreadful on FA Cup duty as they were smashed 5-0 at home to Manchester City. It's been a bad period for Slaven Bilic, who now has to deal with Dimitri Payet's refusal to play for West Ham; the French playmaker reportedly wants away from the London Stadium.

Big Sam must have though that Wilfried Zaha's goal against Swansea had saved his side a point, but Angel Rangel's late goal was a real disappointment. Allardyce couldn't pick up a first win as Crystal Palace manager against his former side Bolton in the FA Cup, a 0-0 draw meaning Palace will face a replay at Selhurst Park.

I think that the Payet situation could really affect West Ham. In my opinion, they need to sell as quickly as possible, as there's no point having a player that doesn't want to be there - it just results in constant headlines and rumours. I fancy Sam Allardyce to earn his first Palace win against his ex-club.

How long will the Payet saga rumble on for? (Getty Images)

Prediction: 1-3

Leicester vs Chelsea

Saturday 14th January 2017, 17.30

Leicester drew 0-0 at Middlesbrough last time out, whilst Chelsea's winning run came to an end at Spurs.

The less said about the Foxes' draw at Middlesbrough the better. It was a drab 0-0, but they enjoyed a brilliant 2-1 win at Goodison Park as they progressed in the FA Cup. An Ahmed Musa brace saw Claudio Ranieri's men come from a goal behind to knock out the Toffees.

Chelsea have had a bit of a mixed bag in the last fortnight. They lost 2-0 to a very good Tottenham side and battered League One side Peterborough 4-1 in the FA Cup, but perhaps the strangest occurrence is the Diego Costa situation. He is not in the squad to face Leicester following an apparent bust-up with a Chelsea coach over his fitness. This follows reports that he has been the subject of a bid from a Chinese club which would see the Spaniard earn approximately £30 million a year. It would be a real shame if Costa did leave for China - he's been the best player in the Premier League this season.

Is Costa trying to manoeuvre a route out of Stamford Bridge? (Getty Images) 

Chelsea will badly miss their talismanic forward at Leicester, and I think they're in for a tough game at the King Power. If Leicester play anything like they did when they beat Manchester City 4-2 in the league, they could beat the league leaders on Saturday.

Prediction: 2-1

Everton vs Manchester City

Sunday 15th January 2017, 13.30

Everton had a good 3-0 win over Southampton in their last league game, whilst Manchester City defeated Burnley 2-1 at the Etihad.

Ronald Koeman will be a happy man after getting one over his former club at Goodison Park. Goals from Enner Valencia, Leighton Baines (p) and Romelu Lukaku earned the Toffees a deserved three points. They will have been disappointed to have exited the FA Cup, though, after throwing away the lead in a 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester.

City's 2-1 win over Burnley was an excellent one when you consider that they played with ten men for just under an hour following Fernandinho's red card. Gael Clichy was a surprise scorer of the City opener, but there was no surprise to see Sergio Aguero net what proved to be the winner. Aguero was also on target in the FA Cup, as were Yaya Toure, David Silva and John Stones in a 5-0 demolition of West Ham. Havard Nordtveit also scored an own-goal in that one.

This is a tough game to call. You always fancy Everton's chances in the big games at Goodison, and adding Morgan Schneiderlin is a really good move by Koeman. City are probably too good to lose here, but I don't think that they'll win either.

Prediction: 1-1

Manchester United vs Liverpool

Sunday 15th January 2017, 16.00

What a massive game to end Gameweek 21! Manchester United are in mightily impressive form ahead of the visit of long-time rivals Liverpool, winning six league games on the trot after a 2-0 win at West Ham. Liverpool drew 2-2 at Sunderland, but are just five points off of leaders Chelsea after the Blues' 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.

United are doing really well at the moment, and won comfortably at West Ham thanks to goals from Juan Mata and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They added to that success with a pair of cup wins; hammering Championship high-flyers Reading 4-0 at Old Trafford and easily seeing off Hull in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, 2-0 at home.

Liverpool have had a slow start to 2017. They were below par at Sunderland, defending poorly to concede two penalties which were duly dispatched by Jermain Defoe. They then drew 0-0 at home to League Two Plymouth in the FA Cup (admittedly fielding their youngest-ever side) and lost 1-0 at Southampton in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final. Jurgen Klopp will be demanding a much higher level of performance from his men in Manchester on Sunday.

Form suggests United in this one, but I don't think that Liverpool can be as bad as they have been in their opening three games of the year. Jurgen Klopp's men are always capable of scoring goals, but you can't trust the Reds defensively and I fancy Zlatan Ibrahimovic to cause them all sorts of problems in an entertaining tie.

Prediction: 2-2

Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 20

I correctly predicted the outcome of seven matches in Gameweek 19, but with no perfect scores. I called wins for Burnley, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal last time out, and have come up with my predictions for Gameweek 20. There has been a very quick turnaround, with week 19 ending this evening and week 20 starting at 12.30 tomorrow afternoon, so it is a short blog this week!

Middlesbrough vs Leicester

Monday 2nd January 2017, 12.30

Middlesbrough lost 2-1 at Manchester United in their last match, a second successive defeat for Aitor Karanka's men. Leicester earned a 1-0 home win over West Ham, ending a run of three matches without a win.

Middlesbrough took the lead at United courtesy of Grant Leadbitter, but the couldn't hold on as the Red Devils scored in the 85th and 86th minutes to claim all three points.

Leicester beat West Ham at the King Power Stadium thanks to Islam Slimani's first-half header. It was a welcome victory for the champions, who put six points between themselves and the relegation zone.

Slimani has been a good signing for Leicester (Getty Images)

Leicester are still without an away win in the league this season, but I think they might finally end that run on Monday. Middlesbrough are conceding goals too easily again and I'm going for an away victory.

Prediction: 1-2

Everton vs Southampton

Monday 2nd January 2017, 15.00

Everton drew 2-2 at Hull on Friday night, whilst Southampton suffered a 2-1 home defeat to West Brom.

Everton had to come from behind twice to earn a point at the KCOM in Gameweek 19. A David Marshall own-goal had made it 1-1, before Ross Barkley scored with six minutes left to play after Hull had regained the lead. Everton are now unbeaten in two.

Southampton endured a disappointing afternoon at St Mary's on New Year's Eve. Shane Long had given them the lead against his former side, but West Brom rallied and left with all three points. Virgil van Dijk is suspended for this match at Goodison, receiving a second yellow card with just a minute remaining.

Van Dijk will be a big miss for Southampton, who had a really disappointing result against West Brom. Everton would have hoped to beat Hull, but a late equaliser will have been great for their confidence and I'm backing Ronald Koeman to get one over his old team.

Prediction: 2-0

Manchester City vs Burnley
Monday 2nd January 2017, 15.00

City will be bitterly disappointed to have lost 1-0 at Anfield, whilst Burnley smashed Sunderland 4-1 at Turf Moor.

Manchester City weren't themselves at Liverpool, and they deservedly left with nothing. The likes of Sergio Aguero, Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva rarely threatened as Jurgen Klopp won the first meeting between himself and Pep Guardiola in England.

Burnley had a great win over Sunderland, with Andre Gray netting a hat-trick. He now has four goals in his last two games and Sean Dyche will hope that last season's Championship top scorer can really kick on in the second half of the season. Ashley Barnes scored a fourth for Burnley from the spot.

This is a good game for City to have after losing to Liverpool. Burnley haven't won away all season, and I don't see their first away success coming at the Etihad.

Prediction: 3-0

Sunderland vs Liverpool
Monday 2nd January 2017, 15.00

Sunderland have lost two in a row after their 4-1 hammering at Burnley, whilst Liverpool are four points clear of third-placed Arsenal in second after their 1-0 win over them at Anfield.

David Moyes branded his side as 'useless' after their defeat at Burnley, and that is a fair assessment. They were completely outdone by Andre Gray and remain in the bottom three at the halfway point in the campaign. It was no surprise to see Jermain Defoe net the Black Cats' consolation - he is definitely not useless, but he's one of a few who gets away with it, alongside Patrick van Aanholt for me.

Liverpool edged out Manchester City at Anfield and earned a massive three points. It wasn't the blockbuster many were expecting, but Gini Wijnaldum's header was worthy of winning any game. Jurgen Klopp's side have now won four straight league matches.

Wijnaldum's emphatic header earned the Reds a huge victory (Getty Images)

Despite Liverpool taking part in late kick-off on New Year's Eve, they should have too much for Sunderland. Jurgen Klopp has the chance to rotate, with Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge left on the bench for the City clash, and whoever he puts out should comfortably do the job at the Stadium of Light.

Prediction: 0-2

West Brom vs Hull
Monday 2nd January 2017, 15.00

West Brom ended a run of back-to-back defeats in their 2-1 victory at Southampton, whilst Hull put a three-game losing streak behind them in a 2-2 draw at home to Everton.

The Baggies enjoyed a fantastic turnaround at St Mary's. Goals from Matt Phillips and a spectacular Hal Robson-Kanu strike turned the game on its head, and sees West Brom sitting 8th halfway through the season.

Hull took the lead twice against Everton thanks to goals from Michael Dawson and Robert Snodgrass. Despite conceding a late equaliser, it was another decent performance from Hull, who still have a lot of work to do if they want to survive this season. Mike Phelan will be very happy that the transfer window is open.

Hull's level of performance has improved of late, but West Brom is a tough place to go and I think that Tony Pulis' men will edge a scrappy affair on Monday.

Prediction: 1-0

West Ham vs Manchester United
Monday 2nd January 2017, 17.15

West Ham's three-game winning streak came to an end at Leicester, whereas Manchester United made it five straight victories with a 2-1 home win over Middlesbrough.

It was a close one at the King Power, but Islam Slimani's header was the difference. Michail Antonio hit the bar and Dimitri Payet went close on a couple of occasions, but it wasn't to be Slaven Biic's day as the Hammers left empty-handed.

United left it very late to beat Boro at Old Trafford. Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial were the late heroes for Jose Mourinho's side, the French internationals scoring in the 85th and 86th minutes to make it five straight wins.

United's French stars won it late on against Boro (Getty Images)

I think this is a tough game for United. West Ham usually raise their game when hosting the Red Devils, and I fancy them to end Mourinho's winning run in a draw at the London Stadium.

Prediction: 1-1

Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Tuesday 3rd January 2017, 19.45

Bournemouth enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory at Swansea, putting a run of two straight defeats behind them. Arsenal have won two on the spin after a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Goals from Benik Afobe, Ryan Fraser and Josh King gave Eddie Howe's Bournemouth a welcome victory on New Year's Eve. They were far too good for managerless Swansea and sit 10th at the halfway stage, ten points clear of the danger zone.

Arsenal beat Palace 2-0 at the Emirates. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring with a scorpion kick to rival Henrikh Mkhitaryan's against Sunderland and Alex Iwobi made the result certain with a second-half header.

Bournemouth had a fine first 19 games of the season, but Arsenal are back among the wins and I see them winning at the Vitality Stadium.

Prediction: 1-3

Crystal Palace vs Swansea
Tuesday 3rd January 2017, 20.00

Sam Allardyce is winless in two as Palace manager after they lost 2-0 at Arsenal, whilst Swansea are rock-bottom after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

The Eagles were comfortably beaten by Arsenal, but Big Sam will be confident of getting his first Palace win as bottom-placed Swansea visit Selhurst Park. It's the first home game of Allardyce's stint.

Swansea have reportedly agreed a deal in principle for Paul Clement to take over at the Liberty. The former Derby manager has never managed in the Premier League, so it's another risk by the Swansea board. They were terrible in a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, lacklustre and lethargic for the entirety.

Paul Clement has a massive task on his hands if he gets the Swansea job (Getty Images)

There won't be a much more winnable game for Big Sam than this one. Swansea are so poor defensively, and I can only see an easy home win.

Prediction: 2-0

Stoke vs Watford
Tuesday 3rd January 2017, 20.00

Stoke lost 4-2 at leaders Chelsea, and are now without a win in five. Watford lost 4-1 at home to Tottenham and are winless in four.

Stoke were level twice at Chelsea thanks to goals from Bruno Martins Indi and stalwart Peter Crouch, but conceded a minute after Crouch's equaliser which proved to be a hammer blow. Chelsea added a fourth to condemn the Potters to a second successive defeat.

Watford were poor at home to Tottenham. They found themselves 4-0 down before Younes Kaboul's 91st-minute consolation against his former club, and deservedly lost their third in four games.

Neither side is in good form, and both are giving away goals far too easily. I can see this being a high-scoring game, and I can see it ending honours even.

Prediction: 2-2

Tottenham vs Chelsea
Wednesday 4th January 2017, 20.00

Spurs climbed to third thanks to their 4-1 win at Watford, whilst Chelsea won their 13th game on the spin in their 4-2 defeat of Stoke.

Harry Kane and Dele Alli each bagged a brace at Vicarage Road in what was Spurs' second 4-1 away win in succession. It was all too easy for Mauricio Pochettino's men, who jumped above Manchester City on goal difference.

Chelsea could equal Arsenal's record of 14 Premier League wins in a row, but it's a massive ask as they face in-form Spurs. Chelsea were very good against Stoke, and goals from Gary Cahill, Willian (2) and Diego Costa earned Antonio Conte's men a deserved win.

Chelsea look so good at the moment, but I think Spurs could be the team to end the winning run. I think the Blues are too good to lose, so I'm going for a draw at White Hart Lane.

Prediction: 1-1