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.
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| 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.
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.
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| 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.
Prediction: 1-3
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.
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| 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.
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Is Costa trying to manoeuvre a route out of Stamford Bridge? (Getty Images)
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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
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