The games come thick and fast in the Premier League as we march into December and the big game this weekend sees Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium.
Brand Ambassador Michael Owen has again shared his thoughts exclusively with BetVictor on all the weekend action.
Chelsea v Newcastle
Newcastle deserve great credit for coming from two goals down to snatch a point at the Hawthorns midweek, but champions Chelsea cannot be opposed at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues weren’t at their best against Swansea midweek when it looked as if their busy schedule was catching up with them, but they picked up all three points and I think they may have a more comfortable afternoon in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle
Brighton v Liverpool
Midweek super-sub Mo Salah has now scored 12 Premier League goals in his first 14 league games for Liverpool after his midweek brace at Stoke and he is fast becoming Liverpool’s talisman.
Brighton kept a home clean sheet against Palace on Tuesday, but it is difficult to see them keeping this exciting Liverpool team out for 90 minutes and I expect to see the Reds’ Egyptian forward among the goals again at the Amex.
Prediction: Brighton 0-1 Liverpool
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Everton v Huddersfield
Wayne Rooney’s brilliant hat-trick lit up Goodison Park midweek against West Ham but let’s not forget how important Jordan Pickford’s penalty save was early in the second half at two-nil.
Huddersfield were on the receiving end of a 5-0 thrashing at the Emirates midweek, but they were well in the game for the best part of an hour and they will not lie down against an Everton side who still looked vulnerable defensively against a poor West Ham side on Wednesday.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Huddersfield
Leicester City v Burnley
Both sides had terrific wins midweek and the Clarets’ brilliant away form has been one of the stories of the season so far.
That said Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez were at their brilliant best against Spurs at the King Power earlier in the week and I think they may again be the difference between the sides.
Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Burnley
Stoke City v Swansea
Mark Hughes will want to see his side bounce back after their 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Liverpool midweek and they will not be facing strikers of the quality of Sadio Mane or Mo Salah against this current Swansea side.
Swansea defended well as they often do at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, but they have to show more in the attacking third of the field if they are to survive this season – I wonder if they possess the necessary quality to do so.
Prediction: Stoke City 2-0 Swansea
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Watford v Tottenham
Leicester put a dent in Spurs’ top four hopes midweek and Mauricio Pochettino’s side have already lost as many Premier League games (4) this term as they did in the whole of last season.
The Hornets have shipped ten goals at Vicarage Road against the two Manchester clubs in the Premier League this season although they improved in the second half against United midweek. Spurs are relying too heavily on Harry Kane for goals and if there is to be a winner at Vicarage Road, I think it might be the hosts.
Prediction: Watford 1-1 Tottenham
West Brom v Crystal Palace
Palace drew another blank at Brighton midweek and they have now failed to score in their last nine away games in the Premier League. They did at least pick up a point on the south coast, however, and I think they will get another draw, if not a much-needed win, at the Hawthorns.
Alan Pardew might be in charge of the Baggies for the first time at the weekend against his former club and he will be well aware that, after letting slip a two-goal lead against Newcastle on Tuesday, Albion have now dropped ten points from winning positions so far this term.
Prediction: West Brom 1-1 Crystal Palace
Arsenal v Manchester United
Arsenal have won their last 12 home games in a row but I can see United taking at least a point in the game of the weekend at the Emirates.
Mesut Ozil (goal and two assists) was involved in three goals for the first time in his career against Huddersfield on Wednesday and the Gunners will not lack in confidence for what promises to be a cracking game. The Gunners scored five against Huddersfield midweek, but it is worth noting the visitors had their own chances.
United need a big performance from Romelu Lukaku with many United fans suggesting this is a game Jose Mourinho should rest his expensive summer signing and include Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I don’t think the striker should be dropped and am convinced it wouldn’t do Lukaku’s confidence any good if he was left out in such a big game.
A fascinating contest, which could go either way although I am just swaying towards United.
Prediction: Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United
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Bournemouth v Southampton
Bournemouth have lost four of their seven home Premier League games so far this campaign and that is a concern ahead of the visit of Southampton who must have been so disappointed to not take a point at the Etihad midweek.
I expect to see goals at the Vitality Stadium and the Cherries will have to watch out for the power of Southampton in the air. That power was too much for Everton last weekend and they were always a threat from set-pieces at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Southampton
Manchester City v West Ham
Twelve successive Premier League wins for City after Raheem Sterling’s fourth late winner of the season against Southampton midweek and this City side have shown in the last week that they can win, if not ugly, but when not at their brilliant best.
West Ham were dreadful in the first 45 minutes against Everton midweek and it looks as if David Moyes faces another relegation battle on his hands this season.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 West Ham
Michael's Weekend Wager
Man City, Stoke and Leicester at 3/1
Michael Owen is a brand ambassador for BetVictor. For more tips from Michael read his blog here.
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