A detailed insight of the Premier League games to be commenced the coming weekend.
Sunderland vs Liverpool
Sunderland host Liverpool at the Stadium of Light looking to bounce back from the 3-2 defeat against Manchester City. The Black Cats lie just 3 points above the drop zone, and would try not to repeat the last ditch escape of last season when they finished with just 38 points to their name. Since Gus Poyet took over in October 2013, they have only come from behind to win once in 51 Premier League matches, meaning the Wearside will make sure they don’t allow Brendan Rodgers’ men to race into the lead.
Prediction : Sunderland 1-2 Liverpool
Burnley vs QPR
Strugglers Burnley will face fellow promoted side QPR at the Turf Moor. Lying 19th in the table and two places above their Saturday’s opponents, The Clarets might see themselves out of the drop zone with a win, provided other results fall in their favor. Despite their struggling campaign, Sean Dyche can rely on his strike pair in Ashley Barnes and Danny Ings. The duo were influential in their sides’ promotion, and have scored 9 goals between them since returning from their injuries. The Lancashire clubs’ survival heavily depends on the English duo.
Prediction : Burnley 1-0 QPR
Chelsea vs Newcastle
The reverse fixture that ended Chelsea’s unbeaten run, Newcastle will be out to repeat a similar feat, this time without a manager. The Blues on the other hand look unstoppable, topping the league table. Expect Jose Mourinho’s men to make light work of The Toons, as any repeated blunders from his are bound to be not welcomed by the Portugese.
Prediction : Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle
Everton vs Manchester City
In the pick of the bunch of the weekend encounters, Everton will face joint leaders Manchester City, Having finished 5th last season, the spirit in Roberto Martinez’s side looks to have swayed somehow. City, although made to toil by their previous opponents Sunderland, grinded out a result against them. Presume Manuel Pellegrini’s charges to win this one, en route to their title defence.
Prediction : Everton 1-2 Manchester City
Leicester City vs Aston Villa
Rock-bottom side Leicester welcome 12th placed Aston Villa hoping to win their first win in 15 games. The Foxes have bolstered their squad with record signing striker Andrej Kramaric (subject to work permit) and experienced stopper in Mark Schwarzer. Nigel Pearson faces a daunting task of leading his side to survival, and with a win at home against the Villains, the Englishman can convince the King Power faithful that he is the right man for the job.
Prediction : Leicester 1-0 Aston Villa
Swansea City vs West Ham
Two sides full of confidence, lying in the top half of the table will face off at the Liberty Stadium. The talking point of the fixture will be Swansea striker Wilfried Bony, who is poised to join defending Champions Manchester City. The departure comes as a big blow for the Welsh side. West Ham on the other hand have been prolific this season, competing with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham for an unlikely Champions League spot.
Prediction : Swansea City 1-1 West Ham
West Brom vs Hull City
West Bromwich Albion look to be oncourse for another last ditch survival this season, after managing to finish just above the drop zone in the previous one. The Baggies have just 19 points from 20 games, that saw the dismissal of manager Alan Irvine. With another struggle in hindsight, the Baggies hierarchy installed ‘Survival Expert’ Tony Pulis as the new manager. Expect the Welshman to pull another miracle starting from a win against Steve Bruce’s disappointing Hull
Prediction : West Brom 2-0 Hull City
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
Crystal Palace, another team with a new manager, will take on a spirited Tottenham Hotspur side. Having lured Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, Palace will be hoping to perform last years feat to survive in the country’s top flight, but will have a difficult evening against Mauricio Pochettino’s charges.
Prediction : Crystal Palace 1-3 Tottenham
Arsenal vs Stoke City
Arsenal’s struggles continue as their search for even a Champions League berth seems to be hitting snag with every passing week. They face a Stoke side, who have revived themselves in recent weeks, which will further worry Arsene Wenger. Expect the Potters to go put a fight against the Londoners.
Prediction : Arsenal 2-1 Stoke City
Manchester United vs Southampton
The Red Devils grinded out a 1-2 win in the reverse fixture at the start of December. The Saints having won 3 out of their 4 previous games, lie comfortably in the 4th spot, and will look to make life difficult for Louis van Gaals side, who only have a point apiece In the last two.
Prediction : Manchester United 1-0 Southampton