Watford vs Swansea : Match Preview & Prediction

Team News

Watford
  • Marco Silva may continue with a four-man defence for the welcome of Swansea, with Molla Wague featuring at the back alongside Christian Kabasele.
  • Tommie Hoban, Craig Caithcart, Nathaniel Chalobah, Younes Kaboul, Kiko Femenia and Isaac Success are all sidelined through injury, while Troy Deeney is suspended.
  • Will Hughes, Miguel Britos and Roberto Pereyra are all doubts for the home side.
  • Stefano Okaka has been brought back in from the cold recently and could make his first league start since the 3-3 draw with Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season.
Swansea
  • Kyle Bartley misses out for the away side, while Wilfried Bony and Ki Sung-yueng are doubts for Swansea.
  • Leon Britton could ring the changes from the XI that started the 5-0 loss to Liverpool.
  • Tammy Abraham should start here, while Luciano Narsingh, Nathan Dyer and Sam Clucas may all start.

Match Facts

Swanseahavelost their last 7 away matches (Premier League).

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Swansea‘s last 3 away games (Premier League).

Swanseahaveconceded at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 away matches (Premier League).

Prediction

  • Watford brought a six-match winless run to an end with a 2-1 win over Leicester on Boxing Day. The Hornets are unbeaten in their last three league meetings with Swansea and have won the last two.
  • Swansea lost 5-0 to Liverpool on Tuesday and have now lost seven successive away league games. They haven’t won at Vicarage Road in the Premier League and may struggle to come away with a positive result over the weekend.
  • Indeed, the hosts have the means to pick up all three points.
Prediction:

Watford logo Watford

2

0

Swansea Swansea logo

Bournemouth vs Everton : Match Preview & Prediction

Team News

Bournemouth
  • Charlie Daniels, Harry Arter and Andrew Surman are all doubts for the home side and will be assessed ahead of the welcome of Everton.
  • Adam Federici, Tyrone Mines, Brad Smith, Jermain Defoe and Junior Stanislas all miss out here.
  • Adam Smith is expected to continue at left-back for the hosts, while Marc Pugh could come in for Ryan Fraser on the left.
Everton
  • Ramiro Funes Mori, Seamus Coleman, Maarten Stekelenburg and Leighton Baines are all injured for the visitors, while Ross Barkley is not yet fit enough to feature.
  • Idrissa Gueye, Wayne Rooney and James McCarthy are all doubts for the Toffees.
  • Aaron Lennon, Oumar Niasse and Ademola Lookman could all come into the XI should Sam Allardyce look to change things up.

Match Facts

Bournemouthhaveconceded at least 3 goals in their last 3 matches (Premier League).

Evertonhave kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches (Premier League).

Evertonhavefailed to win 17 of their last 18 away matches (Premier League).

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Everton‘s last 6 games (Premier League).

Bournemouthhavefailed to win their last 8 matches (Premier League).

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Bournemouth‘s last 3 games (Premier League).

Evertonhavescored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches against Bournemouth in all competitions.

Prediction

  • Bournemouth rescued a late draw in contentious fashion on Boxing Day, but the Cherries have now failed to win in eight in the Premier League, which has seen them drop into the relegation zone.
  • Conversely, Everton are on a seven-match unbeaten run, winning four, and have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four top-flight outings. The Toffees have won three of their last four Premier League meetings with the Cherries, though have not won at Bournemouth in the league.
  • However, the Toffees could inflict further misery upon Bournemouth with a victory here.
Prediction:

Bournemouth logo Bournemouth

0

1

Everton Everton logo

Manchester United vs Southampton : Match Preview & Prediction

Team News

Manchester United
  • Marcos Rojo, who made his fifth Premier League appearance of the season against Burnley, is, to his credit, suspended after his fifth yellow card of the season.
  • Victor Lindelof should deputise alongside Phil Jones, with Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly ruled out, while Luke Shaw may also feature again due to Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia’s respective injury issues.
  • Anthony Martial is a doubt for the hosts, while Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick are ruled out.
  • Jose Mourinho could make a couple of changes to his XI here, with Jesse Lingard expected to start, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan may feature here.
Southampton
  • Charlie Austin, Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand are all sidelined for Southampton.
  • Manolo Gabbiadini, Steven Davis, Dusan Tadic and Jeremy Pied could all start at Old Trafford

Match Facts

Man Utdareundefeated in 26 of their last 27 home matches (Premier League).

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Man Utd‘s last 7 games (Premier League).

Southamptonhavefailed to win their last 7 away matches (Premier League).

Man Utdhavescored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches (Premier League).

Prediction

  • Manchester United were made to come from behind to secure a late point against Burnley on Boxing Day and have since fallen further behind Manchester City in the title race.
  • A 5-2 loss to Tottenham means Southampton have now failed to win in seven Premier League outings, which has seen them drop just two points above the relegation zone. United have lost only one of their last 27 home league matches, so Saints’ task to return to winning ways doesn’t get much easier here.
  • While United have underwhelmed of late, the hosts should win this one.
Prediction:

Manchester United logoManchester United

2

0

SouthamptonSouthampton logo

Top Facts

Frosinone have drawn their last 5 away matches (Serie B).

Venezia have drawn their last 4 matches (Serie B).

Cremonese have drawn 5 of their last 6 matches (Serie B).

Ascoli Picchio FC 1898 have drawn their last 3 matches (Serie B).

Besiktas have won 8 of their last 9 matches against Osmanlispor FK in all competitions.

Boluspor have won their last 4 matches (Cup).

Cesena have won their last 4 matches against Cremonese in all competitions.

Gostaresh Foolad FC have won 5 of their last 6 matches (Persian Gulf Pro League).

Naft Tehran have lost 5 of their last 6 matches (Persian Gulf Pro League).

Sepidrood Rasht have lost their last 3 away matches (Persian Gulf Pro League).

Empoli have won their last 3 matches against Perugia in all competitions.

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Liverpool vs Leicester : Match Preview & Prediction

Team News

Liverpool
  • Adam Bogdan, Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno and Jordan Henderson all miss out for Liverpool through injury.
  • Daniel Sturridge and Mark Grujic are both doubts for the Reds.
  • Jurgen Klopp could make some changes to keep his squad fresh, with James Milner, Sadio Mane, Joe Gomez, Adam Lallana and Dominic Solanke all potentially coming in to start.
Leicester
  • Robert Huth and Danny Simpson are both sidelined for the Foxes.
  • Daniel Amartey is available following suspension, though is unlikely to start here.
  • Adrien Silva will miss his final game before he is eligible to play again.

Match Facts

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Leicester‘s last 5 games (Premier League).

Liverpoolareundefeated in their last 12 home matches (Premier League).

Liverpoolhavescored at least 3 goals in their last 3 matches (Premier League).

Liverpoolhave kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home matches (Premier League).

Liverpoolhavewon 5 of their last 6 home matches against Leicester in all competitions.

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Liverpool‘s last 3 games (Premier League).

Leicester have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches (Premier League).

Prediction

  • Liverpool dispatched of Swansea with ease on Boxing Day to maintain their unbeaten home start to the season. The Reds have a great record against Leicester at Anfield and will look to continue their good form in Saturday’s welcome of the Foxes.
  • Claude Puel’s side have now failed to win in four in all competitions in what has been a disheartening festive period for the former champions. Things don’t get much easier for Leicester here either as they look to bounce back from the 2-1 loss to Watford.
  • Liverpool should make home advantage count with a win here.
Prediction:

Liverpool logo Liverpool

3

1

Leicester Leicester logo

Chelsea vs Stoke : Match Preview & Prediction

Team News

Chelsea
  • David Luiz is a long-term absentee for Chelsea with a knee issue and misses out.
  • Andreas Christensen is a doubt due to illness having missed the win over Brighton, while Charly Musonda has a groin problem.
  • Davide Zappacosta and Danny Drinkwater could come into the XI in place of Victor Moses and Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Stoke
  • Kurt Zouma is unable to face his parent club and with Bruno Martins Indi sidelined and Ryan Shawcross a doubt, Geoff Cameron could partner up with Kevin Wimmer at the heart of the defence.
  • Erik Pieters is a doubt, however, and Mark Hughes will hope to have the defender fit to start.
  • Jese and Glen Johnson are both doubts, while Stephen Ireland is a long-term absentee.

Match Facts

Chelseahavewon 10 of their last 11 home matches against Stoke in all competitions.

Chelseahavewon their last 6 home matches (Premier League).

Chelseahave kept a clean sheet in their last 3 matches (Premier League).

Chelseahave seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Stoke in all competitions.

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Chelsea‘s last 3 games (Premier League).

Chelseahavescored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches against Stoke in all competitions.

Stoke have failed to win 9 of their last 10 away matches (Premier League).

Prediction

  • A 2-0 win over Brighton means Chelsea have now won their last six home Premier League games, conceding just three goals in that time. The hosts are also unbeaten in their last six home meetings with Stoke, winning five.
  • The Potters have won only one of their last 10 away league games, though four points from the last six available has eased pressure on Mark Hughes. With a raft of defensive absentees, Stoke are expected to struggle here.
  • Indeed, Chelsea should make light work of Stoke.
Prediction:

Chelsea logo Chelsea

3

0

Stoke Stoke logo

Cardiff vs Preston : Match Preview & Prediction

Team News

Cardiff
  • Icelandic international Aron Gunnarsson could be involved after recovering from a serious ankle injury, while Craig Bryson completed his return from injury on Boxing Day, featuring in the Bluebirds’ 4-2 defeat to Fulham.
  • Towering centre-half Sean Morrison is out, with Lee Camp and Kadeem Harris the only other injury concerns for the hosts.
Preston
  • Daryl Horgan will likely retain his spot on the left-hand side of midfield, with Callum Robinson absent from the Lilywhites’ 0-0 draw against Barnsley, while Alan Browne is pushing for a recall.
  • Darnell Fisher is battling to return in time for this clash. Calum Woods remains available to deputise should he be needed.
  • Alex Neil’s squad remains plagued with injuries. Sean Maguire is out with a hamstring problem, while Tommy Spurr, Greg Cunningham and Joshua Earl are also sidelined.

Match Facts

Cardiffareundefeated in their last 8 home matches against Preston in all competitions.

Prediction

  • Neil Warnock received the opposite response to Cardiff’s 2-0 defeat to Bolton than he would’ve hoped for, with his side falling to a 4-2 home defeat against Fulham. Out of the top two for the first time in months, the Bluebirds need to bounce back with a win here.
  • Preston’s play-off hopes remain alive and healthy, with just a four-point deficit left to close. Alex Neil’s side are now unbeaten in eight league games and gathering momentum in their charge for the top six.
  • Fears of a collapse are rife around the Millennium Stadium and Neil Warnock will be feeling the pressure ahead of this crucial tie. Expect a cagey, well-fought affair.
Prediction:

Cardiff logo Cardiff

1

1

Preston Preston logo

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal : Match Preview & Prediction

Team News

Crystal Palace
  • Christian Benteke returns from suspension for the home side and should slot in up front, but Roy Hodgson looks set to be without five injured players on Thursday night.
Arsenal
  • Shkodran Mustafi is expected to replace Nacho Monreal in defence after he was forced off at half-time in Friday’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool, while Sead Kolasinac should also return at left-back.
  • Arsenal have had four full days to recover for this match against Crystal Palace, which should mean few changes from Arsene Wenger.
  • Danny Welbeck may rotate with Alex Iwobi in the front line, but Olivier Giroud is still sidelined.

Match Facts

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Crystal Palace‘s last 6 home games (Premier League).

Crystal Palacehavescored at least 2 goals in their last 6 home matches (Premier League).

Crystal Palaceareundefeated in their last 8 matches (Premier League).

Crystal Palacehave seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 home matches against Arsenal in all competitions.

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Arsenal‘s last 3 away games (Premier League).

Prediction

  • Crystal Palace’s unbeaten run extended to eight games at the weekend but Roy Hodgson would have been disappointed only to have got a point at home to bottom side Swansea. The Eagles could be back in the bottom three by the time this match starts.
  • Arsenal did well to come back from 2-0 down against Liverpool to draw 3-3 on Friday but questions must be asked why they went 2-0 down at home in the first place. Defensive mistakes continue to stifle progress for Arsene Wenger’s side. They could be four points adrift of the top four by the time this game starts.
  • Arsenal have struggled at Selhurst Park in recent games and were thrashed 3-0 on their last visit. This is by no means an easy game for Arsenal despite what the league table might suggest. Everyone else would have played by this match and that will bring additional pressures to both teams. An entertaining game should be in the offing.

Prediction:

Crystal Palace logo Crystal Palace

2

3

Arsenal Arsenal logo

Newcastle United vs Manchester City : Match Preview & Prediction

Team News

Newcastle United
  • Jonjo Shelvey returns from suspension but may have to settle for a place on the bench here.
  • Paul Dummett was an unused substitute against West Ham on Saturday but will lack match fitness to start here.
  • Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jesus Gamez are the only injury concerns for the home side.
  • Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden were both left out of the squad in the 3-2 win away to West Ham and will push for recalls here.
Manchester City
  • Pep Guardiola will make changes to the side that comfortably beat Bournemouth on Saturday.
  • Vincent Kompany may not be risked given the sharp turnaround between matches, while Gabriel Jesus is expected to replace Sergio Aguero in attack.
  • David Silva returned after a two-game absence and will retain his place, while Kevin De Bruyne may be given a rest.
  • Bernardo Silva, Danilo and Ilkay Gündogan will push for starts on Wednesday night.
  • Eliaquim Mangala was fit enough to make the bench at the weekend and should start on Wednesday night.

Match Facts

Man City have won their last 17 matches (Premier League).

Man City have scored at least 2 goals in their last 12 matches (Premier League).

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Man City‘s last 7 games (Premier League).

Man City are undefeated in 20 of their last 21 matches against Newcastle in all competitions.

Newcastlehavelost their last 4 home matches (Premier League).

Man City have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches (Premier League).

Newcastlehave seen under 2.5 goals in their last 4 home matches against Man City in all competitions.

Prediction

  • Newcastle moved out of the bottom three courtesy of a 3-2 win away to West Ham on Saturday. Before that, they had lost eight of their last nine. That should give Rafa Benitez’s side some confidence ahead of this daunting fixture.
  • Manchester City are storming their way to the title and have now won their last 17 Premier League matches in a row. They have kept clean sheets in four of their last six visits to St. James’ Park, to increase their chances of winning even further.
  • With changes expected from both managers, it’s hard to predict outcomes during the hectic festive period, but it would be a shock if City didn’t pick up all three points and close in on Bayern Munich’s record of 19 straight wins in Europe’s top five league history.
Prediction:

Newcastle United logo Newcastle United

0

2

Manchester City Manchester City logo

AC Milan vs Inter : Match Preview & Prediction

Team News

AC Milan
  • Gennaro Gattuso will make a change to his usual 4-3-3 starting lineup despite recent poor performances.
  • Suso is available in the cup after missing the last Serie A game due to suspension.
  • Patrick Cutrone is expected to start ahead of both Nikola Kalinic and André Silva in attack.
Inter
  • Luciano Spalletti will rotate here with Miranda and Danilo D’Ambrosio not at full fitness, while others, including Borja Valero, may benefit from a rest.
  • João Cancelo might get a rare chance to start at left-back, with Yuto Nagatomo on the opposite flank.
  • João Mario is set to play behind the lone striker, who will be, with no doubt, Mauro Icardi.

Match Facts

AC Milanhave seen over 2.5 goals in their last 4 matches against Inter in all competitions.

AC Milan have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 matches against Inter in all competitions.

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in AC Milan‘s last 3 games (Coppa Italia).

AC Milanareundefeated in 9 of their last 10 matches (Coppa Italia).

Inter have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches against AC Milan in all competitions.

Prediction

  • Milan have lost two Serie A games in a row and have been overtaken by Atalanta and Fiorentina in the table. They are still in the running for European qualification, but their main goal now should be to do well in the cups since their primary target of a top-4 finish has been already missed.
  • After a tremendous start to the season, Inter have started to slow and possibly find their place just behind the two title contenders Napoli and Juventus, but their campaign overall should be considered a success given the pre-season predictions.
  • While the two sides both seem to be on a poor run of form, Inter will be more satisfied with their achievements so far. Their one-goal victory in the league derby was closer than it could have been and the Nerazzurri are favourites to beat their rivals again to get back on track.
  • Of course, if Milan fans were to pick any game for their team to turn things around this season, in would be a knock-out derby against Inter, which could either help or put additional pressure on the Rossoneri.
Prediction:

AC Milan logo AC Milan

0

2

Inter Inter logo