We’ve made it to the penultimate round of Premier League football before the World Cup takes over. Breathe a sigh of relief.
Unless you’re Chelsea, who just can’t escape bad luck right now. You poor bunch.
Injuries have taken their toll somewhat on a number of sides, but with the break in sight, it’s one final push to pull some form together and take some all important points before chaos descends onto Boxing Day and the subsequent glut of fixtures that will follow.
There’s another 10 fixtures of Barclays to enjoy across gameweek 15 and much like the football schedule, there is very little time to waste. So, let’s get into some predictions.
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
It still feels all a bit gung-ho at Forest despite an exceptional result against Liverpool two weeks ago and a draw with Brighton before that. Getting trounced 5-0 by Arsenal last time out won’t help, but Steve Cooper’s side should benefit from the break – mainly so that they can learn each other’s names.
They host Brentford on Saturday, who have recovered well from being thrashed by Newcastle at the beginning of the month. Thomas Frank’s Bees have established themselves as a seriously competitive outfit who can bring a game to anybody.
A draw wouldn’t be at all surprising.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Brentford
Wolves vs Brighton
After a tough start to life on the south coast, Roberto De Zerbi finally registered his first win as Brighton manager last time out, against none other than Chelsea.
Wolves, meanwhile, still appear to be in freefall with injuries plaguing the squad and no manager wanting to take the job. Steve Davis has his work cut out for him and will have to do without a striker once again, with Diego Costa suspended.
It looks set to be another long weekend for the Wanderers.
Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Brighton
Man City vs Fulham
Those three o’clock kick-offs at the Etihad can get nasty. City love quietly decimating team in that slot.
However, they could be without Erling Haaland once again depending on his assessment on Friday, and Fulham have proven a much tougher nut to crack this season.
In fact, Marco Silva’s side might well fancy their chances – if they get any. Aleksandar Mitrovic is flying and already has nine goals to his name in the Premier League. They’ll give the reigning champions a good run for their money, if nothing else.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Fulham
Jesse Marsch constantly feels one bad result away from extreme pressure at the moment, but after a huge win against Liverpool, Leeds ought to kick on with the quality they possess.
They’ve shown glimpses of just how good they can be this season, with fine results against difficult opposition. But Bournemouth have – for the most part – galvanised under the interim tenure of Gary O’Neil and could smell weakness at Elland Road.
Leeds cannot afford a slip up, here. But with just how streaky they’ve proven, it feels inevitable.
Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Bournemouth
The Toffees boast quite the record against Leicester in recent times, having gone unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with the Foxes.
With Everton showing more defensive resilience this season – and Jordan Pickford playing out of his skin at times – they can prove a tough side to break down. With the Goodison spurring them on in Saturday’s tea time offering, Leicester will have to be at their best.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have managed to turn the tide after a difficult start in recent weeks, setting up what looks to be a well contested stalemate.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Leicester City
An early kick-off on a Sunday feels rather unusual and is guaranteed to either serve up game of the season, or the complete opposite.
Chelsea host Arsenal in what should be a serious test of both sides’ credentials moving forward. Graham Potter has impressed so far at Stamford Bridge, while Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are flying high as league leaders.
That impressive start to the season should see them bring the game to Chelsea, which might actually suit the hosts. Injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James has weakened them considerably, though.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
The Red Devils’ last visit to Villa Park saw an increasingly fragile United outfit inevitably succumb to the powers of a debuting Philippe Coutinho.
And unfortunately for United, their away trip to Villa has once again fallen in line with a feel good arrival, but this time in the form of Unai Emery’s managerial debut for the club. However, United have also come on a lot since January’s 2-2 draw; they’re unbeaten in nine games and incredibly hard to break down.
Villa, meanwhile, come into the game off the back of a 4-0 thrashing against Newcastle and have been incredibly sub-par this season. Despite the absence of Bruno Fernandes, United should be taking three points away from the first of back-to-back games against the Villans.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United
Unbeaten in their last eight games and winning five of those, life couldn’t really be much sweeter for Newcastle right now, who are looking to enter the break in a Champions League position.
Southampton still blow incredibly hot and cold, and lack any real fire power in attack to hurt a side. It’s the complete opposite story for the Magpies, though, who have now scored four or more goals in a game on three separate occasions already this season.
Eddie Howe’s barmy army look set for a fun trip down south.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Newcastle
West Ham can leapfrog Palace in the table with victory on Sunday, well and truly dusting off the cobwebs that surrounded them at the beginning of the season.
Neither side has been able to find a run of consistency in recent weeks, but it has been Palace who have looked more threatening, with Patrick Vieira’s carefully assembled squad packing a punch at full strength.
Off the back of a convincing Europa Conference League victory on Thrsday, though, the Hammers could have the edge in a game that has never finished 0-0 in the Premier League era.
Prediction: West Ham 1-0 Crystal Palace
Closing out the weekend’s action is a matchup that could prove seriously chaotic and all kinds of fun.
You just don’t know what you’re getting from either Tottenham or Liverpool, at the moment. One week it’s brilliant, the next it’s a nightmare. That should lend itself nicely to the afternoon slot on Super Sunday, with Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte’s sides sharing the pitch in north London.
Give us goals, give us scraps, give us drama.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool
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