This weekend sees another round of Premier League action get underway, with a pivotal clash between Arsenal and Chelsea the headline match from Saturday’s action.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leicester City (12:30pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesBoth sides suffered defeats last weekend and with different tactical styles, this should be a decent game in the midfield scrap.
Wolves like to attack a lot at home and given Leicester’s habit of growing into away games, I am expecting a dominant first half from Wolves but Leicester will be dangerous on counter after break.
In my opinion, Wolves have to be absolutely clinical with their chances because if not, Leicester will deliver a sucker punch and that could be massive in terms of what is a tight midfield battle.
A draw however would be a decent result for both sides here.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Leicester City
Jake predicts: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Leicester City
Result: Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 Leicester City
Bournemouth vs West Ham United
There could well be a thriller at Dean Court because Bournemouth are seemingly descending into freefall whilst West Ham are making progress up the table.
Throw in 15 goals from last three league clashes here plus only one clean sheet from seven league meetings then the ingredients are set for another cracker.
For me, the key player in this match has to be David Brooks, who has been troublesome in and around the box throughout Bournemouth’s last matches with his pace and shot making.
West Ham however have shown a determination in recent weeks to grind out results even from behind, which is bound to help them here even without Marko Arnautovic who is set for a possible £35m move to Chinese Super League.
Moving onto prediction now, I can see Bournemouth winning this if are clinical enough and fans get behind them but West Ham will score for a 13th straight game against them.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 West Ham United
Jake predicts: Bournemouth 1-2 West Ham United
Result: Bournemouth 2-0 West Ham United
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Embed from Getty ImagesJanuary is often a notoriously difficult time for Jurgen Klopp and Crystal Palace could inflict more misery as they aim to make it three wins in last four trips to Anfield.
This Liverpool side however is much stronger and will be wary of a Palace side who have won their last two away games, including at Manchester City last month.
Wilfried Zaha however will be the biggest worry given his pace down both flanks and shooting ability. If the Reds can keep him quiet then they should claim the win but will be a tough ask given their defensive concerns.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace
Jake predicts: Liverpool 3-0 Crystal Palace
Result: Liverpool 4-3 Crystal Palace
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived, Manchester United have been one almighty beast with clinical displays.
David De Gea in particular has rediscovered his top form and an exceptional performance last weekend against Tottenham will only boost his confidence coming into this game.
Brighton meanwhile might be solid against ‘Big Six’ sides at home this season but have lost their two away games at Liverpool and Manchester City.
Unless there’s a case of third time lucky at ‘Big Six’ grounds, I cannot see the Seagulls getting anything here.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Jake predicts: Manchester United 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Result: Manchester United 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Newcastle United vs Cardiff City
Embed from Getty ImagesGiven that a point separate these sides on opposite sides of the drop, victory is a MUST if either side are to survive.
Newcastle might have injury issues all over the pitch but they are still giving games a real good go, and the midweek Cup win over Blackburn will only motivate them further despite needing extra time.
I personally would say that if the Magpies had finished their chances better at Chelsea last weekend, they would be the side above the drop.
Cardiff’s away form is atrocious with just three points from ten away games but are unbeaten in three of their last four league games. With away trips to Arsenal and Southampton to come, this is probably their best chance of getting at least a point otherwise their home record is going to have to be strong if are to avoid relegation.
A draw or smash and grab result would therefore probably suit the Bluebirds but Newcastle should win this battle if are that extra clinical.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-0 Cardiff City
Jake predicts: Newcastle United 1-1 Cardiff City
Result: Newcastle United 3-0 Cardiff City
Southampton vs Everton
After a shock FA Cup exit in midweek, Southampton can push on with their survival bid here.
Ralph Hasenhuttl however need to sort out his defence because they do concede easy clearances, with Derby’s first goal on Wednesday night being the epiphany of atrocious defending as Harry Wilson’s free-kick was allowed to simply breeze in without any real challenge from those near to the goaline.
Everton meanwhile have defensive issues of their own but Ademola Lookman has been trouble against Lincoln and Bournemouth with his pace.
I therefore wouldn’t be surprised if we see a draw but given that Everton have had more time to prepare, I am going for a Toffees win.
Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Everton
Jake predicts: Southampton 1-2 Everton
Result: Southampton 2-1 Everton
Watford vs Burnley
Embed from Getty ImagesWatford are definitely back to their attacking best but Burnley will pose a stern test of the Hornets’ Europa League potential credentials.
One of Watford’s greatest strengths this season for me has been their attacking pace all over the pitch, with Gerard Deulofeu a particular highlight on the right which Burnley are probably going to need to be wary of.
The Clarets however are on the up with Dwight McNeil proving a handful when Burnley are attacking.
Ultimately, defence is something which both sides have struggled in when it comes to clean sheets in past few months. On that note, I am going for a draw here because there isn’t much to separate them on recent form.
Prediction: Watford 1-1 Burnley
Jake predicts: Watford 2-1 Burnley
Result: Watford 0-0 Burnley
Arsenal vs Chelsea (5:30pm)
Contrasting fortunes last weekend means that Arsenal are now six points off the top four and they could well be down to sixth come kick-off, if Man U win in afternoon.
Since their unbeaten run was ended at Southampton last month, we have seen an inconsistent Arsenal side who have at times lacked clinical touch to finish games off.
Chelsea meanwhile seem to be weathering their goal-scoring issues and compared to Arsenal, are much livelier in pace and quality as evidenced by a strong home performance against Newcastle last time out.
Interestingly, this match could also see Petr Cech face his former team for the final time and given that this is a London derby, I expect Arsenal to be fired up that bit more so Cech goes out with one last victory over his former side.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Jake predicts: Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea
Result: Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea
Prediction Wars
With the season nearing half way point, 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 | 152 |
| Jake Self | 157 |
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