There will be seven games played on Saturday
On behalf of SillySeason, I will attempt to predict the results of the Premier League matches played this coming Saturday. There are six that kick off at the tradition time of 3pm, with one match kicking off at 5:30pm live on Sky Sports’ Saturday Night Football.
Chelsea vs Sunderland
This match is tougher to call than it should be, Sunderland travel to Stamford Bridge knowing a win could pull them out of the bottom three and put them level on points with the hosts.
After their 2-1 defeat at Leicester on Monday, Chelsea are just one point above the relegation zone and Jose Mourinho continues to come under increasing pressure.
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce may fancy his chances of picking up a valuable win, but I believe the Blues will have too much quality for the Black Cats regardless of form.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Sunderland
Everton vs Leicester City
Like the Chelsea vs Sunderland game, this one is also tough to call. However, these two teams are in completely contrasting form to that of Chelsea and Sunderland.
High-flying Leicester visit Goodison Park two points clear at the Premier League summit and have two of the divisions in-form players in top-scorer Jamie Vardy and the influential Riyad Mahrez.
But Everton themselves have one of the league’s current star men at their disposal in Romelu Lukaku, who has scored in seven straight games.
I believe there will be plenty of goals, with Everton’s vulnerability off set pieces being a factor in the result. They have conceded goals off set pieces in their last three games and all of those have finished in a draw.
Prediction: Everton 2-2 Leicester City
Manchester United vs Norwich City
Both teams are desperate for goals and wins as they prepare to battle at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal’s methods have come under question in recent weeks, United have been poor in December – crashing out of the Champions League and struggling to score goals.
On the other hand, Alex Neil’s Norwich gained a confidence boosting point at home to Everton last weekend and might fancy their chances to nick something again in Manchester.
I expect a gutsy performance from Norwich, but United’s quality will just scrape them through.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Norwich City
Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton are in a bad run of form at the minute, with defensive errors being the main factor in their recent demise.
They face Tottenham Hotspur who have been in great form this season, despite Newcastle United ending their long unbeaten run on Sunday.
The Saints will push for the result because they need a big win to kick-start their season, but I think Pochettino will return to haunt his former club.
Prediction: Southampton 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Stoke City vs Crystal Palace
Two teams who are really showing their potential in England’s top flight meet at the Britannia Stadium for what could be a Christmas cracker.
Both Stoke and Palace attracted big talents in the summer, Xherdan Shaqiri and Yohan Cabaye respectively, and they are really showing their worth at the right time of the season.
Stoke recently knocked off Manchester City at home, whereas Palace currently sit sixth and could be eyeing a European spot.
I can’t pick between the two teams, so I’m going to sit on the fence and go for a low-scoring yet entertaining draw.
Prediction: Stoke City 1-1 Crystal Palace
West Bromwich Albion vs Bournemouth
West Brom host Bournemouth following a 2-2 draw at Anfield, where set pieces proved to be a huge weapon for the Baggies.
Tony Pulis’ men are hard to beat at the Hawthorns, but Eddie Howe’s Cherries are in the form of their lives after seeing off Chelsea and Manchester United in the space of a week.
It will be an interesting battle between two teams who have completely different styles of play, but I fancy Bournemouth to channel their momentum and keep their fairy tale alive.
Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Bournemouth
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
A massive relegation six-pointer that is bigger for one team than the other – and it’s live on Sky Sports’ Saturday Night Football.
Aston Villa are desperate for wins, as they are rock bottom of the table with just six points; eight points from safety.
Newcastle had looked equally as desperate until the last couple of weeks. Steve McLaren’s Toon are two points above the bottom three after back-to-back wins against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Geordies have got their tails up and I think they’re on for a big win to make it three in a row.
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-0 Aston Villa
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