This weekend’s Premier League action kicks off with a M25 derby before the relegation battle takes centre stage mid afternoon.
Manchester City can then end the day four points clear of Liverpool in the title race if see off Watford in the evening game.
Crystal Palace vs Brighton & Hove Albion (12:30pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesCrystal Palace should definitely fancy their chances here against a shaky Brighton side, who are close to the drop.
I am expecting Palace to dominate possession given their recent improvement in attack whilst the Seagulls dig deep when defending and try to repeat last weekend’s set piece victory over Huddersfield.
This being a derby though, things won’t go as many expect but anything less than a home win will be disappointing for Roy Hodgson’s men.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Jake predicts: Crystal Palace 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Result: Crystal Palace 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Cardiff City vs West Ham United
This is an absolute must win for Cardiff because if they lose and Southampton beat Tottenham, they will be at least five points adrift of safety.
West Ham however seem back to their strong attacking selves now and will work the Bluebirds open in defence, which makes Sol Bamba’s absence all the more painful as I can see a potential rout if the Hammers turn up all guns blazing.
Home is however where Cardiff tend to fare well so will need to be at the races here, otherwise it will be a crushing defeat.
Prediction: Cardiff City 0-3 West Ham United
Jake predicts: Cardiff City 1-2 West Ham United
Result: Cardiff City 2-0 West Ham United
Huddersfield Town vs Bournemouth
Embed from Getty ImagesI must start by commending Huddersfield for recent performances because they have been solid and pushed the opposition to their limits.
Jan Siewert however has to get them firing in the goals, no matter how unlikely they’re to produce a great escape because the odd goal here and there won’t help them much in terms of confidence.
Eddie Howe meanwhile is lucky to still be in charge of Bournemouth given their freefall form and no points away from home since late October. To his credit though, they haven’t played too badly despite various injury woes and should have Dominic Solanke plus Callum Wilson back this weekend.
If Solanke and Wilson are fit and able to feature then I can see Bournemouth taking a step in right direction, but Huddersfield will be tough to beat given a lack of confidence on their travels.
Prediction: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Bournemouth
Jake predicts: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Bournemouth
Result: Huddersfield Town 0-2 Bournemouth
Leicester City vs Fulham
After suffering 2-1 defeats last weekend under new management, this should be an interesting battle because defence is the big issue here.
Leicester’s big issue at Watford was defending in centre of box from set pieces, although both sides need to improve their marking because three of the four conceded goals between these sides were avoidable if had marked the goalscorers better.
Fulham surprisingly never gave up with their crosses really troubling Chelsea at times, and if do more of that here then this could be another rough afternoon for Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes.
Defence ultimately though is a real issue for both sides so putting my neck out and going for an entertaining draw.
Prediction: Leicester City 2-2 Fulham
Jake predicts: Leicester City 3-0 Fulham
Result: Leicester City 3-1 Fulham
Newcastle United vs Everton
Embed from Getty ImagesNewcastle were disappointing last time out at West Ham whilst Everton had to work for their goalless draw with Liverpool.
I therefore am expecting the Toffees to come here and show their best attack but Newcastle are unbeaten in last four at home and conceded just once.
Given the recent improvement from both teams, it’s tempting to go for an one all draw but the Magpies have had a completely different energy to usual in last few home games, which might give them that extra quality to get the win.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Everton
Jake predicts: Newcastle United 1-2 Everton
Result: Newcastle United 3-2 Everton
Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton were unlucky to not come away from Manchester United with a point last weekend, so now is the time to correct that wrong immediately against another top team.
Tottenham however grinded out a comfortable Champions League win at Borussia Dortmund in midweek, making this a huge ask of Southampton to try and get at least a draw.
Add in their impeccable record against the Saints of one loss in last 13 then it’s hard to see past Spurs, although both sides are out of form which might open up the possibility of a late home winner.
Ultimately I can’t see Tottenham letting their strong head-to-head record slip here if Harry Kane and co can find their best performance.
Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Jake predicts: Southampton 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Result: Southampton 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City vs Watford (5:30pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester City would of been relieved to have this week free after three grinders in seven days, but face a Watford side who could cause trouble.
Given the fact that City had three tough matches in a week of which they dominated each time, I am expecting this week off to have refreshed them energy wise so should see a more ruthless performance than recent.
Watford however will prove a stern test with seven goals scored and conceded in their last three games, and have lost just twice on their travels since Christmas against Tottenham then Liverpool.
In the end, City will do enough to get a comfortable win ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Schalke.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Watford
Jake predicts: Manchester City 2-0 Watford
Result: Manchester City 3-1 Watford
Prediction Wars
With the season past the 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 | 201 |
| Jake Self | 202 |