The busy December period is well underway: the last round of group games in the two main European competitions, the Champions League and the Europa League, are this week, and we are just two weeks from the festive period.
Game-week 16 occurs this weekend, with the season’s big success story: Leicester City, leading the way by two points, ahead of Arsenal, with Manchester City and Manchester United rounding off the top four, three points off the lead held by the Foxes. The bottom three consists of Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle United.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Norwich City vs Everton – Carrow Road
The action kicks off with Everton making the trip to Norfolk to play Norwich. The Toffees have drawn three of their last four games, and have a decent record of late against their hosts. But five of the last seven games between these two sides have been draws. I fancy Everton to nick it. Prediction: 1-2
Crystal Palace vs Southampton – Selhurst Park
Two sides languishing in mid-table meet in South London. I can see a comfortable win for the Saints here, as Palace have not beaten Southampton in any of their top-flight meetings, and I can’t see that changing here. Prediction: 0-2
Manchester City vs Swansea City – Etihad Stadium
Manchester City are aiming to get their title aspirations back on track after their loss to Stoke in their last league game. They should do that against Swansea, who have just one win in their last eight. Prediction: 2-0
Sunderland vs Watford – Stadium of Light
The Hornets, fresh from consecutive wins over Aston Villa and Norwich, head to the north-east to take on Sunderland. I believe they will put a dent in Sunderland’s relegation battle with victory here. The Black Cats have turned in a few dismal home performances this term, and even though they are unbeaten in six against their visitors, it won’t help them here. Prediction: 0-1
West Ham United vs Stoke City – Boleyn Ground
Stoke have hit a nice run of form in recent weeks with wins over Chelsea and Manchester City. The loss to Sunderland, 2-0, was a setback, and they may have to settle for a draw here against a West Ham side who have one win and two draws in their last three home games. Prediction: 1-1
Bournemouth vs Manchester United – Vitality Stadium
Manchester United aim to get over the disappointment of their Champions League exit when they head to the south coast to take on Bournemouth. Manager Louis van Gaal seems to have the support of the United board, if not the fans. Bournemouth are now finding out about the harsh realities of the Premier League, with just one home win so far. I predict a narrow United victory. Prediction: 0-1
SUNDAY GAMES
Aston Villa vs Arsenal – Villa Park
I can only see one outcome here, even with Arsenal’s ever growing injury-list. Villa are bottom of the pile, and haven’t won since the opening weekend of the season. Added to that, the Gunners have a fine record at Villa Park, unbeaten in their last sixteen visits. Prediction: 0-3
Liverpool vs West Brom – Anfield
Liverpool are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s surprise defeat at Newcastle United when they host the Baggies. Losing Daniel Sturridge to injury (again) is a blow, but in my opinion, the Reds will be too strong for their visitors. Prediction: 2-0
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United – White Hart Lane
Can Newcastle build on their win over Liverpool? I don’t believe so. Spurs are unbeaten in nine at home, and fourteen overall. The Toon must try to sort out their abysmal away form if they are to have a chance to stay up. Prediction: 2-0
MONDAY NIGHT FIXTURE
Leicester City vs Chelsea – King Power Stadium
Leaders Leicester go into battle Monday night against reigning champions Chelsea. The season’s surprise package against the season’s biggest disappointment. Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes have been playing some fantastic football and clearly do not fear anyone. I fancy them to take some points off the champions and add to the mounting problems at Stamford Bridge. Prediction: 1-1
So that’s my predictions for the Week 16 action. What’s yours?
By Steve Osborne                   @BlizzardSteve75
