After Cardiff came from behind to see off Wolves on Friday night to move out of drop zone, the relegation battle intensifies with several teams in action.
Crystal Palace meet Burnley in a pivotal bottom of table clash whilst Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United and Southampton are also in action.
Crystal Palace vs Burnley
Both teams enter this clash in dire form with no win since September, making this a must win if either are to start moving away from drop.
If we get a winner, I am tempted to say Palace because in past two games, they have played well with Tottenham sneaking in a winner otherwise it would of been two points from a pair of 0-0 draws.
Add in Burnley’s solidary six away goals this season then you have to worry about their attacking quality on the road.
I therefore am going to go for a slim Palace win although a goalless draw here wouldn’t be a shock.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Burnley
Jake predicts: Crystal Palace 1-0 Burnley
Result: Crystal Palace 2-0 Burnley
Huddersfield Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Embed from Getty ImagesI can’t wait to see what Huddersfield can do now they have found some momentum, against a Brighton side who struggle on their travels.
With only four points from a possible 21 in their seven away games this season, the Seagulls need to find a way to maintain their home form but apply it to away games.
Otherwise, I can see a comfortable home win coming here.
Prediction: Huddersfield Town 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Jake predicts: Huddersfield Town 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Result: Huddersfield Town 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Leicester City vs Watford
I can see a good battle here because both teams can go seventh, whilst Watford could move into sixth and four points off fifth with victory here.
Leicester have been very consistent at home this season in the league with two wins either side of two losses then a pair of draws. Their last home win however came in mid September so they need to start finding that extra quality if want to start challenging for Europa League placings.
Watford meanwhile have taken eight points from their last nine, having initially won their opening four.
A draw therefore would be a good point for both teams although Leicester are yet to drop a Premier League point at home to the Hornets.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-1 Watford
Jake predicts: Leicester City 2-1 Watford
Result: Leicester City 2-0 Watford
Manchester City vs Bournemouth
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester City are in rampant form whilst Bournemouth have lost their last three by 2-1 results.
Sadly for the Cherries, I cannot see things improving here because Man City are in an entirely different league, as demonstrated by a dominant display last weekend at West Ham as well as in recent home games.
Add in the fact that Bournemouth are yet to beat the Citizens in any competition then I can see one result coming here, although the flanks might be their best hope of creating at least one goal.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Bournemouth
Jake predicts: Manchester City 2-0 Bournemouth
Result: Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth
Newcastle United vs West Ham United
Like Huddersfield, Newcastle have found form but have three wins on the spin as they welcome West Ham to St James Park.
This should be an interesting game because Newcastle tend to deliver from a mix of crosses and set pieces whilst West Ham like to try and stretch defences or play 1-2s in and around box when attacking.
I therefore can see quite a few goals here and West Ham were just simply outplayed last weekend by Manchester City, so a nice draw would be a great way to hit back.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham United
Jake predicts: Newcastle United 1-0 West Ham United
Result: Newcastle United 0-3 West Ham United
Southampton vs Manchester United (5:30pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesThis has to be a must win for Southampton otherwise Manchester United will just steamroll them if on form.
Defeat here would also mark three months since the Saints’ last league victory, which surely will mark the end of Mark Hughes’ tenure as his position most certainly will be untenable given how diabolical their form is.
Although some progress has been made with them taking the lead in last two matches, defence still remains an issue as they blew the lead in both games. That now has to change because if go ahead then give United a sniff from behind, they probably will take it although recent performances show serious issues in their team too.
Realistically, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a bore draw and this match last on Match Of The Day but fancy the Red Devils to just nick it.
Prediction: Southampton 0-1 Manchester United
Jake predicts: Southampton 1-2 Manchester United
Result: Southampton 2-2 Manchester United
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