Another weekend of Premier League kicks off at the Etihad as Manchester City meet Everton before attention shifts to the relegation fight.
Fulham, Huddersfield and Newcastle are amongst those in action at bottom whilst Tottenham aim to move five points clear in race for third if beat Burnley.
Manchester City vs Everton (12:30pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter last weekend’s shock defeat at Chelsea, Manchester City need to quickly find that extra edge because Everton will be a difficult side to break down in a game which could be decisive entering the festive period.
Man City were dominant against Chelsea and now aided by returns of Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne, they shouldn’t waste as many chances they did.
Everton however are dangerous when on attack but need to be more polished when finishing off chances. Their biggest strength however is Andre Gomes who has been instrumental in creating attacks forward from central midfield, which is something that City should watch out for when defending.
In end, I can see a home win here because the Citizens have more depth available compared to Everton, and can go top before Liverpool face Manchester United on Sunday.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Everton
Jake predicts: Manchester City 2-0 Everton
Result: Manchester City 3-1 Everton
Crystal Palace vs Leicester City
Both teams haven’t really shown any winning instincts in recent weeks, which is concerning when teams around them are producing the points through wins.
I therefore am struggling to really expect anything from this match but Palace have shown improvement in their play during last few matches.
Leicester however have developed a habit of trying to grind out points and were stronger than Spurs at times during their clash last weekend. Now, they need to turn that strength into consistency throughout play if want the wins.
Ultimately though, I am finding it tough to see past a draw here.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Leicester City
Jake predicts Crystal Palace 0-2 Leicester City
Result: Crystal Palace 1-0 Leicester City
Huddersfield Town vs Newcastle United
Embed from Getty ImagesGiven the recent improvements in both teams, I can see this going right down to the final whistle.
Huddersfield have found their goal scoring boots in recent weeks and gave Arsenal a right going at before losing focus briefly, which handed the Gunners the win. If can show more of that quality but keep focus here then they might get a victory on the counter.
As for Newcastle, that type of play is a huge weakness for them as Wolves exposed last week on several occasions. Other than that, they were solid but need to finish their chances better if are to avoid relegation.
I therefore can see an entertaining draw coming here although if Huddersfield score first, they probably will try and hold out at 1-0 which is risky.
Prediction: Huddersfield Town 1-1 Newcastle United
Jake predicts: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Newcastle United
Result: Huddersfield Town 0-1 Newcastle United
Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley
Burnley will be buoyant by recent performances but this is a tough ask at Wembley.
Tottenham are in strong form and have already won three home games against clubs currently sat in bottom half. Add in the form of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dele Alli then its hard to see what the Clarets can get from this game.
I therefore am backing Tottenham to win this rather comfortably.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Burnley
Jake predicts: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Burnley
Result: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Burnley
Watford vs Cardiff City
Embed from Getty ImagesIt seems to be a case of two halves for Cardiff because they are doing a splendid job at home but struggle on their travels.
This trip to Watford therefore could be very tricky but the Bluebirds should take hope from Huddersfield, who were in worse form when came here on this weekend (one round later) last year and won.
Do that then they have a fighting chance of ending their poor away run because Watford are hardly in strong form themselves, with just two points since beginning of November.
A draw therefore would be the likeliest scenario on paper but I am going to go for an away win here.
Prediction: Watford 0-1 Cardiff City
Jake predicts: Watford 2-1 Cardiff City
Result: Watford 3-2 Cardiff City
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Bournemouth
After making bright starts, both teams have dipped in just over the past month.
Wolves have however found some momentum with 2-1 wins in their last two outings against Chelsea and Newcastle. In the latter game, they were amazingly quick on counter attacks which is something which Bournemouth must be wary of.
For me, Bournemouth have to assert their authority here and remain solid at back otherwise it will be a home win.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Bournemouth
Jake predicts: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Bournemouth
Result: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 Bournemouth
Fulham vs West Ham United (5:30pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesThis should be a good game because both sides are hardly stable at the back, so should see plenty of goals here.
Fulham have made fantastic organisational progress in midfield and attack under Ranieri but defence remains worrying as they continue to leak goals.
As for West Ham, they have found momentum with one defeat in last seven league games despite keeping only one clean sheet in that time.
Given the contrasting form of both sides, I am going for a Hammers win but Fulham should sneak a goal here.
Prediction: Fulham 1-3 West Ham United
Jake predicts: Fulham 1-2 West Ham United
Result: Fulham 0-2 West Ham United
Prediction Wars
With the new season underway, so is Prediction Wars between me and Boro Rants writer, Jake Self.
Rules remain the same as last season and goes as follows alongside latest standings;
Correct score – 3 points
Correct result – 1 point
Incorrect result – 0 points
| Name | Points |
| James Gregory | 110 |
| Jake Self | 115 |
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