Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 26

The Premier League is back after an FA Cup Fifth Round break last weekend. I had a solid round of predictions in Gameweek 25, correctly predicting the outcome of six matches with one perfect score. I called wins for Arsenal, Manchester United, Stoke, Liverpool and Manchester City as well as a draw between West Ham and West Brom. Arsenal's 2-0 win over Hull was my perfect prediction. There are only eight league matches this weekend due to the EFL Cup final between Manchester United and Southampton on Sunday, my predictions for which can be found below.

Chelsea vs Swansea

Saturday 25th February 2017, 15.00

Chelsea drew 1-1 at Burnley last time out in the league, whilst Swansea beat last year's champions Leicester 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium.

Chelsea enjoyed the better of the early play at Turf Moor and found an early goal after Pedro finished a brilliantly fluid move started by Victor Moses. The Blues had chances to extend their lead but were pegged back on 24 minutes after Robbie Brady's excellent free-kick. Antonio Conte's men didn't have a shot on target in the second half as they had to settle for a point at Burnley, but returned to winning ways last weekend in the FA Cup with a 2-0 at Championship side Wolves that saw them through to the quarter-finals.

Swansea's fine form under Paul Clement continued in Gameweek 25, the Swans winning their third game from their last four. Struggling Leicester were comfortably beaten at the Liberty Stadium, goals from defenders Alfie Mawson and Martin Olsson giving the Welsh side a 2-0 lead at half-time that they protected easily in the second half.

Swansea's defensive duo got the job done against Leicester (Getty Images)

Leaders Chelsea have won one and drawn two of their last three, and have seen their lead at the top cut to just eight points. They face an in-form Swansea City on Saturday, but I think they'll have more than enough to get the job done at Stamford Bridge.

Prediction: 2-0

Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough

Saturday 25th February 2017, 15.00

Palace lost 1-0 at Stoke last time out, their second successive defeat and one which leaves them 19th in the table, level on points with bottom-placed Sunderland. Middlesbrough drew 0-0 at home to Everton in their last league match.

Sam Allardyce will be a worried man after Palace lost their sixth match from their last seven. They competed at Stoke, but didn't take their chances and were punished by Joe Allen in the second half, the Welshman earning the Potters a 1-0 success.

Middlesbrough played their part in a fairly entertaining 0-0 draw at home to Everton, with Victor Valdes making some fine saves throughout the 90 minutes. Aitor Karanka will be proud of his players after they progressed to the quarter finals of the FA Cup with a 3-2 victory over League One Oxford United at the Riverside last weekend.

This is a tough game to call. Middlesbrough's confidence will be high after their success in the FA Cup, but Palace have had a fortnight off and I imagine that Big Sam will have been working his side hard in training. I fancy the Eagles to earn a crucial victory here.

Prediction: 2-1

Everton vs Sunderland
Saturday 25th February 2017, 15.00

Everton remain 7th after their 0-0 draw at Boro last time out, whilst Sunderland remain rock-bottom of the standings after a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Southampton.

A point was a fair result for Everton at the Riverside Stadium, the Toffees best chance falling to Romelu Lukaku, but the outstanding Victor Valdes preserved his clean sheet to deny the Belgian. Ronald Koeman's side have been impressive defensively in 2017, the reintroduction of Joel Robles to the starting lineup a definite factor.

Sunderland's two-match unbeaten run came to an end with a 4-0 defeat to Southampton at the Stadium of Light. David Moyes will be gutted after winning 4-0 at Palace the week before, Sunderland appearing to have instantly returned to their old ways. Jason Denayer scored an own goal, whilst Southampton's other goalscorers were Manolo Gabbiadini (2) and Shane Long. The Saints don't feature in this week's blog due to their participation in the EFL Cup final on Sunday.

David Moyes will be hoping for a reaction against his old side this weekend, but Everton have also had a fortnight off and are on an eight-match unbeaten streak in the league. I can only see a home win at Goodison Park.

Prediction: 3-0

Hull vs Burnley
Saturday 25th February 2017, 15.00

Hull were 2-0 losers at Arsenal in Gameweek 26, whilst Burnley gained a really good point against Chelsea at Turf Moor.

Alexis Sanchez scored a brace for Arsenal as they beat Hull 2-0 at the Emirates. The Gunners will not feature in this weekend's blog as they were due to be playing EFL Cup finalists Southampton, a match which will be rearranged (Arsenal have since lost 5-1 at Bayern in the Champions League and won 2-0 at Sutton in the FA Cup). Hull couldn't do much to keep out the Chilean, Sam Clucas receiving a red card at the death for handling on the line which allowed Sanchez to convert from the spot having previously opened the scoring in the first half.

Burnley pushed Chelsea hard and earned a thoroughly deserved point at Turf Moor. The Clarets had won their last four home league matches without conceding, but the draw will feel like a win for Sean Dyche, particularly after Robbie Brady's stunning free-kick. Dyche's mood was shattered last weekend, however, after suffering an inexplicable 1-0 home defeat to non-league Lincoln City in the FA Cup.

Robbie Brady bagged his first Burnley goal in style (Getty Images)

Hull are well rested due to a lack of FA Cup football last weekend, whilst Burnley suffered a humiliating defeat. The Tigers are playing well under Marco Silva, and I think they'll beat a Burnley side who have picked up just one point away from home all season.

Prediction: 3-1

West Brom vs Bournemouth

Saturday 25th February 2017, 15.00

Neither of these two sides were involved in the FA Cup last weekend. West Brom drew 2-2 at West Ham the week before in their last league match, whilst Bournemouth suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City.

West Brom led early at the London Stadium thanks to Nacer Chadli's sixth-minute strike, but found themselves 2-1 down in the 86th-minute. Tony Pulis' side never give up, though, and Gareth McAuley scored a 94th-minute equaliser from a corner to send the Baggies home with a point.

Bournemouth never really troubled Manchester City, another side who will not feature this weekend as they were due to be contesting the Manchester Derby with EFL Cup finalists United (City have since drawn 0-0 at Huddersfield in the FA Cup and beaten Monaco 5-3 in the Champions League). Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings (OG) scored as City cut the gap at the top to eight points, with Bournemouth remaining 14th.

This should be a close game between two rested sides. Bournemouth could do with a win to ease whispers of getting dragged into the relegation dogfight, but I can't go against WBA at the Hawthorns.

Prediction: 1-0

Watford vs West Ham
Saturday 25th February 2017, 17.30

Watford were defeated 2-0 at Old Trafford in their last match, whilst West Ham drew 2-2 at home to West Brom.

Juan Mata and Anthony Martial scored the goals as Manchester United beat Watford at Old Trafford. Like Southampton, Arsenal and Manchester City, United don't feature in this week's post due to their participation in the EFL Cup final (United have since progressed in the FA Cup and Europa League with a 2-1 win at Blackburn and a 4-0 aggregate win over St Etienne respectively). Watford didn't offer much at Old Trafford but Walter Mazzarri will expect more from his team at home this weekend.

West Ham scored twice in the second half against West Brom, the second of which, an 86th-minute Manuel Lanzini strike, appeared to have given the Hammers victory after Sofiane Feghouli had earlier cancelled out Chadli's opener. However, the Irons fell asleep defensively and allowed a combination of Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley to bundle home an equaliser with 94 minutes on the clock.

Again, neither side featured in the FA Cup last weekend, so both should therefore be well rested and ready to play their part in an entertaining fixture. Both have goals in them but both are prone to defensive errors, so I fancy this to be a high-scoring draw.

Prediction: 2-2

Tottenham vs Stoke
Sunday 26th February 2017, 13.30

Tottenham lost 2-0 at Liverpool in their last Premier League encounter. Stoke won their previous league fixture, 1-0 at home to Crystal Palace.

Tottenham couldn't live with the pace of Sadio Mane as his brace earned Liverpool all three points at Anfield. Spurs have been busy in cup competitions since then; Harry Kane netted a hat-trick in a 3-0 FA Cup victory at Fulham, but scored an own-goal at Wembley as Spurs crashed out of the Europa League to Belgian side Gent. Dele Alli received a red card on a frustrating night for Mauricio Pochettino.

Stoke were determined against Crystal Palace, and finally got the breakthrough courtesy of Joe Allen. The Potters are 9th in the league, and will have enjoyed a fortnight of training as Mark Hughes aims for a strong finish to the season.

I think Spurs' defeat in the Europa League will play a part here. That was a real chance for Spurs to compete for silverware, although the FA Cup does remain an option. However, it will only have been three days since that massively disappointing exit to Gent, and I fancy Stoke to hold them to a draw at White Hart Lane.

Prediction: 1-1

Leicester vs Liverpool
Monday 27th February 2017, 20.00

Leicester are just a place and a point above the bottom three after a 2-0 defeat at Swansea. Liverpool finally earned their first league win of 2017 with an impressive 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

Leicester are without a league win since New Year's Eve and have major problems defensively. They gifted Swansea two easy goals at the Liberty Stadium and have lost their last five league matches. They did, however, have a decent result whilst on Champions League duty on Wednesday; despite losing 2-1 at Sevilla, Jamie Vardy netted a crucial away goal. That match proved to be the last of Claudio Ranieri's tenure, the Italian getting sacked on Thursday evening. I'm absolutely devastated at Leicester's decision. He masterminded one of the greatest ever sporting achievements last season in that astonishing campaign, and for me the players have to take the vast majority of the blame for this season. They simply haven't been up for it, and too much emphasis has been placed on the departure of N'Golo Kante; yes, the Frenchman has been magnificent for Chelsea, but there were ten other players in that flawless 4-4-2 system Leicester deployed last season, and they have not been at the races.

Claudio Ranieri's achievement last season will never be forgotten (Getty Images)

Sadio Mane netted both goals at Anfield in a match dominated by Jurgen Klopp's Reds against Spurs. The hosts were two up inside 18 minutes, Mane bagging two goals in two minutes. His pace is massive for Liverpool, and it's safe to say that his departure to the African Cup of Nations in January played a huge part in Liverpool's dip in form.

I'd be stunned if the majority of Leicester players aren't upset at the departure of the Tinkerman. It will be very interesting to see if a new manager is in place for Monday's match - former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is bookies' favourite at the time of writing. Jurgen Klopp will have been working his players hard after a two-week break, and they should make it back to back league victories.

Prediction: 1-3

Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 25

I successfully predicted wins for seven Premier League teams in Gameweek 24 with one exact result among them. I called victories for Chelsea, Everton, Watford, West Brom, Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United. Watford's 2-1 victory over Burnley was my perfect prediction, and I'd be happy with a similar round of predictions this weekend.

Arsenal vs Hull

Saturday 11th February 2017, 12.30

Arsenal were on the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat at Chelsea last Saturday, a result which saw them drop to fourth, now twelve points behind the table-topping Blues. Hull enjoyed a brilliant 2-0 win over Liverpool, a result which leaves them 18th but just one point off leaving the drop zone.

Arsenal were deserved losers at Stamford Bridge and couldn't live with Eden Hazard who scored a stunning solo goal on the day. Arsene Wenger's misery was compounded when former Gunner Cesc Fabregas made it 3-0 to Chelsea following a mistake from Petr Cech, and although Olivier Giroud headed a late consolation it was a disappointing trip to West London for the Arsenal faithful.

Hull were terrific against Liverpool and were rightful victors against Jurgen Klopp's struggling side. Marco Silva has got his team playing some excellent football, and goals from new signing Alfred N'Diaye and on-loan Everton striker Oumar Niasse earned the Tigers an impressive win at the KCOM.

Can Niasse inspire another Hull City upset? (Getty Images)

Despite Hull's upturn in fortunes, the Emirates is still one of the toughest grounds to visit in the Premier League and I'm expecting the Gunners to return to winning ways in Saturday's early kick-off.

Prediction: 2-0

Manchester United vs Watford
Saturday 11th February, 15.00

Manchester United enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory at reigning champions Leicester on Sunday, whilst Watford enjoyed a solid 2-1 home victory over Burnley, their second successive league win.

Jose Mourinho's side are now unbeaten in their last fifteen Premier League games, the Red Devils' longest run since 2013 (18). They demolished Leicester at the King Power thanks to goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juan Mata, a result which means they remain 6th in the table but are now just two points adrift of the top four.

Watford were winners against 10-man Burnley at Vicarage Road thanks largely to an excellent home debut by M'Baye Niang. The man on loan from AC Milan created Troy Deeney's opener before netting the second himself, and although the visitors halved the deficit in the second half from the spot, Walter Mazzarri's men hung in there to take the three points and jump to 10th in the league.

Watford are looking on course for safety this season but face a massive test at Old Trafford on Saturday. United are in fine form and I fancy them to win by the same margin as they did at Leicester last weekend.

Prediction: 3-0

Middlesbrough vs Everton
Saturday 11th February 2017, 15.00

Middlesbrough are without a win in seven Premier League fixtures after a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham in last Saturday's late game. Everton are unbeaten across the same length, and won an absolute thriller last weekend, 6-3 at home to Bournemouth.

Aitor Karanka will have been proud of how difficult his side made it for Spurs at White Hart Lane, but disappointed that they left London empty-handed. Bernardo Espinosa needlessly fouled Son Heung-min in the box, allowing Harry Kane to grab the game's only goal from the penalty spot. Boro also had a great chance to equalise at the death, but Marten de Roon volleyed wide when in space in the box.

Everton were 3-0 up inside half an hour in their match with Bournemouth and looked comfortably in control at half-time. The Cherries scored twice after the break to apply the nerves, however, and Romelu Lukaku will be relieved that Romelu Lukaku had one of the games of his career; the Belgian netted four goals in total as well as creating another in the 6-3 victory. Ross Barkley wrapped up the victory after Bournemouth had again reduced the deficit, whilst James McCarthy netted earlier in the game.

Ross Barkley celebrates before scoring Everton's 6th of the afternoon (Getty Images)

Middlesbrough are hovering just a point above the bottom three due to their recent poor form and they face one of the league's in-form sides on Saturday. Everton are making a late push for Europe - they trail neighbours Liverpool by just six points - and I expect them to continue their surge on Saturday.

Prediction: 1-2

Stoke vs Crystal Palace
Saturday 11th February 2017, 15.00

Stoke suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at West Brom in their last Premier League match. Sam Allardyce endured a miserable afternoon last Saturday as his former side Sunderland humiliated Palace, losing 4-0 at Selhurst Park.

A slow start at the Hawthorns saw Stoke lose to former manager Tony Pulis' West Brom side. The Potters defenders were slow getting to James Morrison, who netted the game's only goal on just six minutes. It leaves Mark Hughes' men winless in their last three league matches, and sees them drop to 11th in the table.

Palace's 2-0 win at Bournemouth was swiftly forgotten as the Eagles were stunned by David Moyes' Sunderland. It was 4-0 at half-time, and Sam Allardyce will have been devastated at the humiliation at the hands of his former side, as will Patrick van Aanholt who recently transferred to Palace from the Black Cats. Palace sit 19th in the table, and are yet to find any sort of consistency under the former England boss.

Both of these sides could do with a win, but for Palace it's absolutely vital that they start picking up points in these sorts of matches. As it is, their confidence will be at rock bottom after last weekend's result, and I think Stoke will have enough to beat them here.

Prediction: 2-1

Sunderland vs Southampton
Saturday 11th February 2017, 15.00

Sunderland enjoyed that fine 4-0 win at Crystal Palace last Saturday, whilst Southampton suffered a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to West Ham.

Jermain Defoe unsurprisingly netted a couple of Sunderland's goals at Selhurst Park, but I was pleased to see a few others helping him out for once and contributing to a Black Cats victory. Lamine Kone set them on their way to victory and Didier Ndong added a second before Defoe's brace in first-half injury time stunned Sam Allardyce's Palace. Sunderland remain bottom of the league due to other results, but will have experienced a massive upsurge in belief and confidence in the past week.

Southampton are a bit hit-and-miss at the moment, and lost for the second league game running as West Ham left St Mary's with maximum points. New signing Manolo Gabbiadini gave the Saints the lead on his debut, but West Ham rallied and equalised just two minutes later before taking the lead on the stroke of half-time. The visitors added a third in the second-half, and Claude Puel's men had no response as they were deservedly beaten on the day.

This should be a really interesting game at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland appeared to have turned a corner last Saturday but have struggled to win consecutive games throughout the season. Southampton aren't playing to their best, but I think they'll leave Wearside with a point this weekend.

Prediction: 1-1

West Ham vs West Brom
Saturday 11th February 2017, 15.00

Ninth host eighth this Saturday at the London Stadium. Both enter on the back of solid victories in Gameweek 24, West Ham's a 3-1 victory at Southampton whilst West Brom beat Stoke 1-0 at the Hawthorns.

West Ham responded brilliantly after going a goal behind at Southampton last Saturday. Andy Carroll equalised just two minutes after the hosts' opener, and Pedro Obiang completed the turnaround before half-time. Skipper Mark Noble put it beyond doubt in the second half as Slaven Bilic's Hammers climbed to 9th in the league, just five points adrift of Saturday's opponents.

James Morrison's 6th-minute strike was enough to see the Baggies take all three points against Stoke. Tony Pulis' side are so good once they have a lead, and they defended comfortably to see out the Potters. I've been so impressed with West Brom this season, and it's incredible to see that they have just ten points fewer than 5th-placed Liverpool - the Baggies are closer to the Reds than Jurgen Klopp's men are to top-of-the-table Chelsea (13 points).

I'm expecting another close game at the London Stadium. West Ham seem to play better away from home at the moment, whilst West Brom are cautious visitors. I wouldn't be surprised to see this one end goalless.

Prediction: 0-0

Liverpool vs Tottenham
Saturday 11th February 2017, 17.30

Liverpool are still without a league victory in 2017 after a poor 2-0 defeat at Hull. Tottenham eventually broke down Middlesbrough in last Saturday's late kick-off, winning 1-0 at White Hart Lane.

Just when Jurgen Klopp's Reds appeared to have rediscovered some competitiveness, they completely rolled over at Hull. It was a polar-opposite performance to the 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea which preceded the Hull meeting, but the Reds were toothless at the KCOM Stadium and deservedly lost a match in which they never looked like scoring.

Spurs are the opposite to Liverpool in the way that they manage to beat the bottom-half clubs even when they're not at their best. Harry Kane kept his cool when Spurs were gifted a penalty by Boro, and you expect Mauricio Pochettino's side to keep clean sheets in those types of games - unfortunately, Klopp can't say the same about his charges.

Liverpool need to find a big performance from somewhere, and they usually up their game when facing one of the top six. The Reds are unbeaten against any of the five teams around them this season, and I think they'll get their top-four hopes back on track with a massive win at Anfield.

It promises to be another hard-fought battle between these two at Anfield (Getty Images)

Prediction: 2-1

Burnley vs Chelsea
Sunday 12th February 2017, 13.30

Ten-man Burnley lost narrowly at Watford last Saturday, going down 2-1 at Vicarage Road. Chelsea comfortably swept aside Arsenal in Saturday's early match, winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Jeff Hendrick cost his Clarets teammates dearly at Watford, receiving a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Jose Holebas after just six minutes. Watford made their man advantage count, racing into a two-goal lead and although Ashley Barnes pulled one back from the penalty spot with twelve minutes left, Sean Dyche's team couldn't haul themselves level.

Chelsea dismantled Arsenal and had the air of champions about them. Marcos Alonso headed Antonio Conte's men into an early lead, before two fine goals in the second half saw off the Gunners. Eden Hazard scored a remarkable solo goal, and Cesc Fabregas netted an audacious lob against his former employers. The only disappointment for Conte will have been Arsenal's late consolation, but it was an excellent afternoon for the Italian whose side now hold a nine-point lead at the top.

Burnley are brilliant at home and this will be no easy game for Chelsea. However, I can't see who is going to beat the Blues at the moment, and I believe they'll win by the narrowest of margins at Turf Moor.

Prediction: 0-1

Swansea vs Leicester

Sunday 12th February 2017, 16.00

This is a massive six-pointer at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday. Swansea were desperately unlucky to lose 2-1 right at the death at Manchester City, whereas Leicester were dreadful when hosting the other Manchester club, losing 3-0 at home to United.

Swansea are much-improved under Paul Clement and looked set for a deserved point at the Etihad. Gylfi Sigurdsson had popped up with another big goal with the Swans to make it 1-1, but a soft piece of goalkeeping from Lukasz Fabianski allowed Gabriel Jesus to win it for City in injury time. Swansea remain outside the bottom three, though, and will climb above Leicester with a victory on Sunday.

Leicester were squarely beaten by United at the King Power but received a massive confidence boost in midweek as they beat local rivals Derby 3-1 after extra-time in an FA Cup Fourth Round replay. Andy King, Wilfred Ndidi and Demarai Gray all scored good goals as Leicester finally gave the Foxes faithful something to cheer about. Claudio Ranieri will be hopeful that his side can take that performance into this massive clash in Wales.

Only goal difference keeps Leicester above Swansea in the league standings, and this game should be as close as it looks on paper. Leicester are still without an away win in the league all season, but I think it's only a matter of time before Ranieri reinforces the spirit his side had in abundance last season, and I fancy them to ease their relegation fears this weekend.

It's a massive six-pointer in Swansea on Sunday (Getty Images)

Prediction: 1-2

Bournemouth vs Manchester City
Monday 13th February 2017, 20.00

Bournemouth were on the wrong end of the thrilling 6-3 scoreline at Everton last Saturday, whilst City won it at the death at the Etihad on Sunday as they defeated Swansea.

To give Eddie Howe's men some credit, they gave themselves a chance at Goodison Park and it was impressive to seem them get back to 3-2 after being 3-0 down at half-time, Josh King netting both of those goals. The Cherries had to go for it from there and left themselves vulnerable to the counter-attack; Romelu Lukaku was too much of a handful on the day and sent Everton on their way to an eventual 6-3 win.

Gabriel Jesus is City's latest superstar, scoring both goals in the 2-1 win over Swansea. He was in the right place at the right time to tap home the winner in the 92nd-minute after his initial header was saved, sending Pep Guardiola's men back into the top four in the process.

I can this being a really entertaining game to culminate Gameweek 25. Bournemouth are conceding too many goals at the moment and I think City will keep up their winning form in a game full of goals.

Prediction: 1-3

Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 24

I enjoyed a decent round of predictions in Gameweek 23, correctly predicting the outcome of five Premier League matches with two exact results. I predicted wins for Burnley and Manchester City, as well as three draws between Middlesbrough and West Brom, Liverpool and Chelsea and Everton and Stoke. My two perfect scores were Boro 1-1 West Brom and the same scoreline in the Liverpool - Chelsea counter. I'm hoping for another decent round of predictions this weekend.

Chelsea vs Arsenal
Saturday 4th February 2017, 12.30

It's first versus third in Saturday's early kick-off. Chelsea have picked up seven points from their last possible nine since losing to Tottenham, the most recent of which came in their 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Tuesday. Arsenal suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Watford, also on Tuesday night, ending a run of five league matches without defeat.

Chelsea were solid at Anfield on Tuesday and took the lead through David Luiz's excellent free-kick. Chelsea are so good once they have a goal lead and it was hard to see Liverpool scoring but Gini Wijnaldum equalised for the Reds. It was a good point for the lead leaders, but Antonio Conte will be slightly disappointed that his side didn't leave with all three after Diego Costa's penalty was saved by Simon Mignolet at 1-1.

David Luiz scored the first goal of his second Chelsea spell (Getty Images)

Arsenal endured a dreadful opening thirteen minutes against Watford and found themselves two goals down at the Emirates. Alex Iwobi halved the deficit in the second period, but Watford clung on to leave with the three points and leave Arsene Wenger's men nine points adrift of Saturday's opponents Chelsea.

Arsenal really need a result here and it should be an entertaining game at Stamford Bridge. Saying that, Chelsea's game management is so good, and I think they'll put themselves at a massive advantage for the title with a comfortable victory.

Prediction: 2-0      

Crystal Palace vs Sunderland
Saturday 4th February 2017, 15.00

Sam Allardyce finally earned a first win as Palace boss with an impressive 2-0 victory at Bournemouth on Tuesday. Sunderland earned a good point at home to Spurs in a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.

Goals from Scott Dann and Christian Benteke earned the Eagles a first league win since the 3rd December, a massively important result when you consider that none of the bottom four sides dropped points in Gameweek 23. Palace sit 18th in the league and face bottom of the pile Sunderland on Saturday.

The Black Cats ended a run of two straight defeats with a dogged 0-0 draw against Spurs. It was a great result for David Moyes against one of the league's most in-form sides, but to survive in this league you do need earn a couple of surprise wins against the big teams and I still worry that if Jermain Defoe doesn't score for Sunderland, they won't score at all.  

This is a massive six-pointer at Selhurst Park. Both sides are scrapping for survival and defeat would be a real blow to either side. Unfortunately for David Moyes, I think his troops will be travelling back to Wearside empty-handed on Saturday evening.

Prediction: 2-1 

Everton vs Bournemouth
Saturday 4th February 2017, 15.00

Everton are in fine form, unbeaten in six in the Premier League following a 1-1 draw at Stoke on Wednesday night. Bournemouth lost 2-0 at home to Palace on Tuesday and are now four matches without a win.

The Toffees found themselves a goal down after just seven minutes at the Bet365 Stadium, but fought back well and forced an own-goal from Ryan Shawcross. A point at Stoke is a good result for any team, and Everton are starting to put some pressure on the top six - Ronald Koeman's men have just five points fewer than Manchester United.

Eddie Howe will be extremely disappointed with the Cherries' performance at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday. His team failed to score in a Premier League fixture for the first time since Boxing Day, and he will be devastated to have seen Callum Wilson suffer another season-ending injury this week.

This isn't an easy game for Everton, but they are a solid outfit at home and find themselves in brilliant form. Bournemouth have had a tough last four games, and I think they'll lose again at Goodison Park.

Prediction: 2-0 

Hull vs Liverpool
Saturday 4th February 2017, 15.00

Hull's resurgence under Marco Silva continued with an excellent 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Liverpool put in a really positive performance against league leaders Chelsea on Tuesday night, but ended January winless in the league following the 1-1 draw.  

The Tigers defended like lions against Manchester United, keeping out the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to earn a mightily impressive point. I've been really impressed with Hull under their new boss, and felt they were unlucky to exit the EFL Cup last week against the Red Devils.

Simon Mignolet was Liverpool's first half-villain against Chelsea, falling asleep completely and allowing David Luiz the freedom of his net from a Blues free-kick. However, Mignolet redeemed himself totally in the second half following Wijnaldum's equaliser for Liverpool, diving spectacularly to his right to keep out Diego Costa's penalty. It was a good point for Liverpool against what looks to be the clear favourites for the title, but Jurgen Klopp may feel his side could have actually won the game on the night. 

Mignolet was the centre of attention in Liverpool's clash with Chelsea (Getty Images)

This should be a good game at the KCOM Stadium. Hull have turned a corner under Silva, whilst Liverpool have Sadio Mane back and put in a really good performance against Chelsea. It wouldn't surprise me if this was a draw, but I just fancy Liverpool to nick it here. 

Prediction: 1-2 


Southampton vs West Ham
Saturday 4th February 2017, 15.00

Both of these sides suffered disappointing defeats in Gameweek 23. Southampton lost 2-1 at Swansea on Tuesday, whilst West Ham were battered 4-0 at home to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Southampton are on the slide in the league despite progressing to the EFL Cup final last week. Claude Puel's men have lost five of their last six Premier League matches after defeat at Swansea on Tuesday, although Shane Long kept up his good recent form with another goal at the Liberty Stadium.

West Ham were ripped apart by Manchester City, Jose Fonte enduring a horrible debut at the heart of the Hammers' defence. The Portuguese international conceded a penalty in that one, and it will be interesting to see the welcome he receives on his return to St Mary's on Saturday.

Jose Fonte returns to Southampton on Saturday (Getty Images)

Neither side is in inspiring form of late, and it's 12th versus 11th on Saturday. It should be a close one, and I believe we'll see a draw here.

Prediction: 1-1

Watford vs Burnley
Saturday 4th February 2017, 15.00

Watford ended a run of seven league games without a victory with a magnificent 2-1 win at Arsenal in midweek. Burnley continued their fine home form with a 1-0 win over champions Leicester.

Former Spurs man Younes Kaboul set Watford on their to victory at the Emirates, with influential skipper Troy Deeney doubling the lead shortly after. Walter Mazzarri's men defended well from then on, and managed to see out the game to earn one of the upsets of 2017 so far.

Burnley left it late against Leicester, Sam Vokes' winner coming with just three minutes left on the clock. The Clarets never stop until the final whistle, and I've been so impressed with Sean Dyche and his team in their first season back in England's top flight.

Burnley are still without a win away from home, though, and Vicarage Road isn't an easy place to play football. The Hornets will be buoyed after their success at Arsenal, so I'm going for a narrow home win here.

Prediction: 2-1  

West Brom vs Stoke
Saturday 4th February 2017, 15.00

West Brom remain 8th in the league after their 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough on Tuesday. Stoke's match with Everton on Wednesday saw the same scoreline, leaving the Potters just a place and four points behind Saturday's opponents.
  
The Baggies found themselves in front early at the Riverside on Tuesday, James Morrison netting his fourth goal of the season after just six minutes. Gareth McAuley fouled Alvaro Negredo in the box just eleven minutes later, but despite Negredo's converted penalty Tony Pulis will have been happy with his team's performance and point on Teeside.

Stoke have drawn their last two matches, both 1-1 at the Bet365 Stadium, but those aren't bad results when you realise that they came against Manchester United and Everton, two of the league's form sides. The highlight of Wednesday's result was Peter Crouch's 100th Premier League goal, a fantastic achievement for the popular striker who celebrated with his famous robot dance.

This is another tight game to call with these two sat together in the league standings. I feel that home advantage will play a big factor, and fancy West Brom to get the job done at the Hawthorns.

Prediction: 2-1 

Tottenham vs Middlesbrough
Saturday 4th February 2017, 17.30

Spurs have drawn their last two league fixtures after a 0-0 stalemate at Sunderland on Tuesday. Middlesbrough picked up a point at home to West Brom in a 1-1 draw but are without a win in their last six league matches.

Mauricio Pochettino will have been frustrated that the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli couldn't break down the Premier League's bottom side, but you can't win every game and it's important that they kept the clean sheet at the other end. Spurs sit second in the league, level on points with rivals Arsenal, and it's important they keep the pace with Chelsea with wins against teams like Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

Alvaro Negredo's penalty earned Boro a decent point against West Brom at the Riverside, but Aitor Karanka knows his side had the chances to win the game. Middlesbrough don't score enough goals, and they're up against the Premier League's joint-best defence on Saturday evening.

This should be routine for Spurs. They will be relieved to be back at White Hart Lane after a couple of away draws and should have no trouble seeing off a struggling Middlesbrough side.

Prediction: 3-0

Manchester City vs Swansea
Sunday 5th February 2017, 13.30

City ended a run of two games without a league victory with a commanding 4-0 win at West Ham on Wednesday. Swansea followed up their stunning victory at Anfield with a 2-1 home success over Southampton on Tuesday night.

Manchester City absolutely blitzed West Ham. Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva were on a different planet, and both scored inside the first 21 minutes as West Ham struggled to keep up. Gabriel Jesus made it 3-0 before half-time with his first goal for the club, and Yaya Toure put the game beyond any doubt with a second-half penalty.

Just like he did at Anfield, Gyfli Sigurdsson netted the winner as Paul Clement's Swansea continued their impressive revival. Alfie Mawson had given the Swans the lead, but Shane Long's equaliser meant the game could have gone either way. Luckily for Swansea, Icelandic midfielder Sigurdsson has a tendency to pop up with big goals, and he did it again as the Welsh club kept themselves out of the bottom three.

Manchester City will have to be a little wary of Swansea, who have already shown up Liverpool away from home in recent weeks. I feel Pep Guardiola's team will be well prepared, though, and should have too much for the visitors on Sunday.

Prediction: 2-0

Leicester vs Manchester United
Sunday 5th February 2017, 16.00

Leicester lost their third straight Premier League match, 1-0 at Burnley on Tuesday night. Manchester United experienced a frustrating 0-0 home draw with Hull on Wednesday.

Leicester are in a relegation battle. They haven't won away from home all season, and allowed Burnley to win it right at the death at Turf Moor in midweek. They are now just two points above the drop zone, and Claudio Ranieri has to summon the spirit he managed to galvanize Leicester at the opposite end of the spectrum last season.

Ranieri needs a result on Sunday - I'm not sure he'll get one (Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho knows his side have to be beating Hull at home if they want to break into the top four, and that result makes this game a little trickier. I expect United to go for the victory, and despite Leicester's struggling season we know what they can do to teams on the break with the likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.

Leicester beat United's rivals Man City 4-1 at the King Power Stadium earlier in the season, and they're certainly capable of hurting the Red Devils. However, Jose will demand a reaction from his players after the disappointing draw with Hull, and I expect him to get his tactics spot on in a United victory.

Prediction: 0-1