Gameweek 17 Predictions
Liverpool 4-0 Watford
Burnley 2-0 Newcastle
Chelsea 3-1 Bournemouth
Leicester 2-0 Norwich
Sheffield Utd 1-1 Aston Villa
Southampton 1-1 West Ham
Manchester United 2-1 Everton
Wolves 1-1 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City
Crystal Palace 1-0 Brighton
Summary
The crazy English Christmas period starts here, with 5 matches in 15 days. Liverpool and Leicester are tipped to pick up easy wins, with Liverpool leaving for the Club World Championships with an 8 point lead. However, should Leicester win next weekend and then beat Liverpool on December 26th on their turf, their lead could remarkably be cut down to just points, with Liverpool having a game in hand.
The two Manchester clubs don’t see action until Sunday, with both facing care-taker managers, as United host a Duncan Ferguson lead Everton, whilst City travel to Arsenal. The weekend also brings up two relegation battles, as Burnley host Newcastle while Southampton host West Ham. The final relegation spot could go to any one of 7 teams, while the bottom spots certainly look like they will be permanently occupied by Norwich and Watford.
Game of the Week: Arsenal vs Manchester City
This weekend’s game of the week focuses on the Sunday afternoon clash between Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Ljungberg appointment on a temporary basis, has really made zero difference to Arsenal, who sit 9th in League, after just one win in their last eight Premier League games. Meanwhile, Manchester City sit 14 points adrift of Liverpool after shock Manchester derby defeat last weekend, meaning their championship chances are virtually over, therefore, it’ll be interesting to see their mindset in this one.
The Gunners have scored in 88% of their league games this season- including scoring in all eight of their home fixtures- while Manchester City have only kept a clean sheet in 31% of their Premier League games this term, conceding in six of their eight away matches. This game seemingly has goals written all over it.
Prediction–
Manchester City have not failed to score away from home in the league for 11 months, and have conceded in over half their competitive games this season, therefore, backing Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score looks a solid pick. Perhaps I’m crazy- especially since I only included ONE Arsenal player and my combined XI, and even that was because Aguero is injured- but I fancy Arsenal to turn up and
