Dec 14

Matchday 31+ Preview

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Leicester vs Brighton

The second round of post restart fixtures gets underway at the King Power Stadium and with Leicester dropping two points against Watford on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers' men have now only won one of their last six league outings.

They play host to a Brighton side, who found a first win of 2020 on Saturday and after getting the better of Arsenal at the Amex, the Seagulls will be looking to fly high once again.

Prediction: Leicester 2-0 Brighton

Tottenham vs West Ham

Tottenham's hopes of a Champions League return took an almighty dent on Friday night, as a late Bruno Fernandes penalty earned Manchester United a deserved point and one that really does Spurs no favours in the race for the top four.

A race that could be all but run by the end of Tuesday night and if West Ham can repeat their efforts here last season, it would give their survival hopes a massive shot in the arm. That said, Spurs should just edge it.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 West Ham

Manchester United vs Sheffield United

That same point for United last Friday night, didn't do them all that good either and with Chelsea surging clear in fourth, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men will have to keep winning their games and hope a courtroom battle in Switzerland eventually goes their way.

If fifth place is good for enough for the Champions League, it will garner the attention of Sheffield United also. However, after one point from the last six on offer, the Blades have been rather blunted and Chris Wilder's men need a pick me up.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Sheffield United

Newcastle vs Aston Villa

You know strange times are open us when Joelinton scores and with the Newcastle forward finally adding to his paltry tally of a solitary Premier League goal, could this be the ignition spark to his time on Tyneside. Maybe. Then again, a broken clock is also correct twice a day, so let's wait and see.

The Magpies play host to an Aston Villa side, who have once again been let down by their defence and failure to keep their back door shut, saw them throw away a first half lead to Chelsea on Sunday and end up empty handed.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-0 Aston Villa

Norwich vs Everton

Much was made of a fresh start for Norwich last weekend but unfortunately for Daniel Farke's men, it has been a case of more of the same and after a demoralising defeat to Southampton, the Canaries won't be singing a Premier League tune next season.

They play host to an Everton side, who arguably should have come out on top in the Merseyside derby and under Carlo Ancelotti, the Toffees have been playing far better than their current 12th place standing suggests.

Prediction: Norwich 0-2 Everton

Wolves vs Bournemouth

Wolves gave their hopes of a European return next season a massive boost and with Nuno Espirito Santo having the perfect ‘Plan B' in Adama Traore, expect the former Barcelona winger to be unleashed on Bournemouth late on.

Bournemouth failed to turn up against Crystal Palace on Saturday and although other results didn't really go against them, a lack of performance against the Eagles will be of huge concern to Eddie Howe.

Prediction: Wolves 2-0 Bournemouth

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

The title winning party may have been delayed by a few days and depending on whether Manchester City suffer a shock defeat to Burnley on Monday night, the emergency invites may well be printed for the visit of Crystal Palace.

The Eagles are soaring at present and suddenly, Roy Hodgson's men have entered the conversation regarding a Europa League place, something that might just prove to be out of reach come the end of the season.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Crystal Palace

Southampton vs Arsenal

If Southampton were believed to be safe from relegation during the hiatus, their win over Norwich on Friday night means that they are all but assured another stint in the Premier League and credit must go to Ralph Hasenhuttl for such a turnaround after their shocking 9-0 loss to Leicester before Christmas.

Next up they play host to an Arsenal side, who have lost their last two league outings and as well as a pair of poor results, the restart has certainly not been kind in terms of both injury and suspensions.

Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Arsenal

Burnley vs Watford

Burnley look comfortable in mid-table and the question for Sean Dyche is just how much effort do th Clarets put in between now and the end of the season? Too little and they will lose out on increased prize money, too much and they may accidentally qualify for Europe.

The last thing Burnley want is a Europa League return and therefore Watford, might just be able to get something and add points to their somewhat precarious survival tally. This one could be something of a tough watch, you have been warned.

Prediction: Burnley 0-0 Watford

Chelsea vs Manchester City

The final fixture of this quickfire gameweek takes us to Stamford Bridge and it seems as if Frank Lampard is not just settling for a top four finish, he wants his young Lions to now overtake Leicester and secure third place also.

Next up for them is the visit of Manchester City and although they have little to play for, they did look rather ominous against Arsenal. Then again, this London outfit should provide more of a test and it may mean honours even at full time.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Manchester City