Dec 14

Matchday 18 Preview

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Everton vs Arsenal

With four points from the last six on offer, Everton have undergone a resurgence under interim manager Duncan Ferguson. However, with Carlo Ancelotti waiting in the wings, this weekend could be his last bit of official business.

Business that sees a disheveled Arsenal come to Merseyside and after being thumped by Manchester City last week, the Gunners need to hurry up and name a permanent boss of their own.

Prediction: Everton 2-1 Arsenal

Newcastle vs Crystal Palace

Newcastle's recent run of positive results came to an end last weekend, as they were dealt a defeat by Burnley at Turf Moor. This Saturday, the Magpies play host to Crystal Palace and will be looking to return to winning ways.

They play host to Crystal Palace side who lie ninth in the table and with the Eagles unbeaten in their last four league outings, it is fair to say that Roy Hodgson's men are soaring at present.

Prediction: Newcastle 0-1 Crystal Palace

Norwich vs Wolves

Norwich may be a bit of a defensive nightmare at times, but there is no doubting that they are a joy to watch in attack and after holding title chasing Leicester to a draw last Saturday, confidence will be high within the Canaries camp.

This Saturday sees them play host to Wolves and after Nuno Espiritio Santo's men saw their lengthy unbeaten run come to and end last weekend, they will look to bounce back in perfect fashion.

Prediction: Norwich 1-2 Wolves

Aston Villa vs Southampton

It's another relegation ‘six-pointer' this weekend and this time the venue is Villa Park, as Dean Smith's men look to end a barren run which has seen three straight defeats and just one solitary point from the last twelve on offer.

They play host to Southampton and they once again find themselves playing a team situated near the bottom of the table. Which soon means, they are going to have a really tough run of fixtures on the horizon and Saturday is a must win.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Southampton

Bournemouth vs Burnley

This time last week everyone was writing off Bournemouth and after five straight defeats, it is fair to say that many pundits were starting to fear the worst for Eddie Howe's men. However, any talk of a relegation battle has been dampened after an impressive win over Chelsea.

The Cherries will look to build on that, as they play host to a Burnley side who returned to winning ways themselves and they will now look to move further up the table, with a win on the South Coast.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-0 Burnley

Brighton vs Sheffield United

Graham Potter's men will look back on Monday's draw at Crystal Palace and bemoan the fact that they failed to take their chances at Selhurst Park, something that they will not be able to get away with this weekend.

That's because they play host to an in-form Sheffield United and when you consider that the Blades are unbeaten away from home this season, this could prove be a tough task for the Seagulls.

Prediction: Brighton 0-2 Sheffield United

Manchester City vs Leicester

Any realistic hopes that Manchester City had of winning a third successive Premier League title, will have disappeared over the past few weeks. However, their demolition of Arsenal, shows that they are still very much a force to be reckoned with.

A force that will have to deal with the visit of Leicester on Saturday and even though the Foxes dropped two points in their last outing, this has all the hallmarks of an incredibly entertaining clash.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Leicester

Watford vs Manchester United

If it weren't for some sharper finishing, Watford could have given Liverpool a real scare last weekend and although Nigel Pearson overlooked a defeat on Merseyside, he will have at least been given cause for optimism.

He will now hope that the Hornets are ready to sting on home turf and this Sunday sees them go up against a Manchester United side, who only managed a point at home to Everton last weekend.

Prediction: Watford 1-1 Manchester United

Tottenham vs Chelsea

A London derby between Tottenham and Chelsea is always a big clash, but it is fair to say that the magnitude of this one has grown even further. That's because since Jose Mourinho took the reigns in North London, he has made up nine points on his former employers.

Chelsea have lost four out of their last five league matches and although they may be viewed as there for the taking, they tend to be better away from Stamford Bridge. With that in mind, they cannot be ruled out of this encounter.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea