Dec 14

Matchday 28 Preview

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Norwich vs Leicester

Another dose of Friday night football is on the agenda this weekend, as Norwich play host to Leicester and with the Canaries cast adrift at the bottom of the Premier League table, time is running out for them to embark on a great escape.

Daniel Farke's men were well beaten last Sunday and although Leicester also lost last time out, they will be more than confident of retuning to winning ways and solidifying their current third place standing.

Prediction: Norwich 0-2 Leicester

Brighton vs Crystal Palace

The derby that is not really a derby takes place on Saturday and although Brighton and Crystal Palace are separated by the M23 motorway, there is no doubt that these two sides possess a very bitter rivalry for each other.

Brighton were good value for a point last weekend, although Crystal Palace make the trip to the South Coast having finally ended their barren streak without a win and that may just give them a timely boost for Saturday.

Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Crystal Palace

Bournemouth vs Chelsea

Bournemouth had to deal with not one, but two video nasties last weekend and it was two VAR decisions that played a large part in their defeat to Burnley. However, it would be unfair to level that as the sole excuse for a poor showing at Turf Moor.

This Saturday sees them play host to Chelsea and with them already getting the better of Frank Lampard's men, the Cherries will be hoping to complete an unlikely double in front of their own fans.

Prediction: Bournemouth 0-2 Chelsea

Newcastle vs Burnley

Newcastle will be grateful that they have had at least one purple patch of form this season, because without that they would be a much larger component in the battle to avoid relegation and if Steve Bruce's men don't turn things around quickly, the end to the campaign could become very nervy.

This weekend they play host to a Burnley outfit, who are unbeaten in their last five league outings and suddenly talk of a return to European action next season is becoming just that little bit louder.

Prediction: Newcastle 0-1 Burnley

West Ham vs Southampton

How things could have been different if West Ham's Lukasz Fabianski did not allow the ball to slip through his legs on Monday night and if it weren't for that, there is every chance the Hammers could have ended Liverpool's monster unbeaten run.

The only crumb of comfort is that they did not suffer a heavy defeat and they will look to take that positive performance into Saturday's encounter with Southampton, one that is undoubtedly a must win meeting for the hosts.

Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Southampton

Watford vs Liverpool

Watford failed to do the double over Manchester United last weekend and you would have to say that they made life very easy for the Old Trafford outfit, as their defensive deficiencies were on the show for all and sundry to witness.

If they show those same faults, Liverpool will be more than ready to pounce and when you consider this is a team that is now 44 Premier League games unbeaten, number 45 does not look all that far away.

Prediction: Watford 1-2 Liverpool

Tottenham vs Wolves

The last two showings for Tottenham in both Premier and Champions League have been a bleak insight into the North Londoners end to this season and with no recognised forwards, there is every concern that they will limp towards the end of the campaign.

Which will be good news for Wolves, as they will be looking to further their own cause for continental football next season and that's without their burgeoning hopes of winning the Europa League.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-3 Wolves

Everton vs Manchester United

Last Sunday, Everton were certainly a handful for Arsenal from an attacking point of view, but at the same time they were very much masters of their own downfall and it is for that reason, that Carlo Ancelotti's men came away from the Emirates empty handed.

This Sunday sees them take part in another key battle in the race for European places and with Manchester United winning their last two, they now need to get a genuine run of positive form together.

Prediction: Everton 2-2 Manchester United