By Britwatch Team
- Premier League match-week 17 Preview and Predictions
- Niall takes on Neil in our Premier League prediction contest
It is mid-week mania in the Premier League as we hit a quick turn around from match-week 16 to 17, and of course our football team is here to break down the action.
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Burnley vs Stoke (Tuesday, 19:45)
Niall: Burnley have looked really good this season. Their defence is solid and the attack is doing enough to get them victories. They are riding high on confidence at the moment, and in front of their home fans I cannot see them losing to an out of form Stoke.
Prediction: Burnley 2-0 Stoke
Neil: After the hosts took the scalp of Watford at the weekend, the Clarets will be in confident mood of adding a second win on the bounce versus a Stoke side reeling from a 5-1 drubbing at Spurs on Saturday. Burnley are quite unpredictable at home, but are firm favourites despite the Potters being potential coupon busters. I can’t see that happening here.
Prediction: Burnley 2-0 Stoke
Crystal Palace vs Watford (Tuesday, 20:00)
Niall: Despite losing away at Burnley over the weekend, I still see Watford taking this. The Hornets are not in the best of form, but these are the sorts of games they have done well in this season. Palace are on a good unbeaten run, but I think that will come to an end here.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-3 Watford
Neil: The Hornets themselves travel across London to face Crystal Palace, who are unbeaten since early November. There is genuine belief now that the Eagles can avoid the drop to the Championship, but this will present a tough task to a Watford side bouncing on the road – for the most part. I do think the visitors will just edge this, but it will be a tight affair at Selhurst Park.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Watford
Huddersfield vs Chelsea (Saturday, 20:00)
Niall: Huddersfield have generally done well at home this season. They have given Manchester City a tough game and defeated Manchester United. They will be tough opposition for the defending champions, but I think the quality of Chelsea will be the deciding factor in the end.
Prediction: Huddersfield 0-2 Chelsea
Neil: This clash represents a significant mark in both side’s seasons ahead of the festive schedule. The Terriers will be buoyed after breaking their winless streak versus Brighton, whilst the Blues will look to bounce back after their shock defeat to West Ham. The hosts have beaten Manchester United at home this season and came within minutes of taking a point versus their city-rival champions elect opponents a few weeks back. The hosts will prove game opposition, but Chelsea should get across the line here.
Prediction: Huddersfield 1-3 Chelsea
https://britwatchsports.com/chelsea-2017-2018/
Swansea vs Man City (Wednesday, 19:45)
Niall: Swansea may be in a buoyant mood after recording a much needed Premier League win against West Brom, but they will likely be dragged back down to earth when they welcome Man City to the Liberty Stadium. The Citizens will comfortably record their 15th straight win here and it will probably be very comfortable.
Prediction: Swansea 0-3 Man City
Neil: After the Swans recorded a rare Premier League win, City arrive in South Wales off the back of a Manchester derby win. Having taken a deserved 11-point lead at the head of the table, the Citizens may take the foot off the gas somewhat, but unfortunately for the hosts, will surely have too much.
Prediction: Swansea 1-4 Man City
https://britwatchsports.com/manchester-city-2017-2018/
Newcastle vs Everton (Wednesday, 19:45)
Niall: Newcastle are in freefall at the moment, and against Everton they will look to steady the ship just like the Toffees have done in recent weeks. Everton look much more solid under Sam Allardyce and I think they will edge an out of form Magpies.
Prediction: Newcastle 0-1 Everton
Neil: The Magpies have now lost the last two league games and face an Everton side who have steadied the ship well taking seven points from their last three. After snatching a point in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, the Toffees may well fancy their chances on the road but as is will probably have to settle for another away point.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Everton
Southampton vs Leicester (Wednesday, 19:45)
Niall: This has close game written all over it. Two mid-table sides who look fairly safe in their position, this could very well be a draw. Leicester have built up some good form in recent weeks, but Southampton are difficult to beat. I think it will be a 1-1 draw.
Predicton: Southampton 1-1 Leicester
Neil: Taking a point against Arsenal over the weekend, the Saints again play hosts this time to the flying Foxes. With Charlie Austin back in the goals for the hosts, Southampton have been able to add an attacking dimension to their game. Leicester have never had that problem and there will surely be goals once more here. I am plumping for a scoring draw however.
Prediction: Southampton 2-2 Leicester
https://britwatchsports.com/southampton-2017-2018/
Man United vs AFC Bournemouth (Wednesday, 20:00)
Niall: Manchester United will be looking to respond positively after their derby day defeat on Sunday. Bournemouth are neither here or there at the moment, and whilst they can be a troublesome opponent, I feel United will run out victors.
Prediction: Man United 3-1 Bournemouth
Neil: The Red Devils will be licking their wound after derby-day defeat and entertain a Cherries side having lost just once since late October. The pressure will be off the visiting side having began to pull away from the drop which could play into their hands, but I do think United will have enough to take the spoils.
Prediction: Man United 2-1 Bournemouth
https://britwatchsports.com/manchester-united-2017-2018/
Liverpool vs West Brom (Wednesday, 20:00)
Niall: Liverpool will look to get back on the winning track after letting a goal lead slip against Everton on Sunday, and they should do it against an out of sorts West Brom. The Baggies even lost to struggling Swansea at the weekend. I think Liverpool may be okay in this one.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 West Brom
Neil: The Reds will still be kicking themselves after giving up two points via Wayne Rooney’s late penalty at Anfield and as the Baggies make the trip to Merseyside winless under new boss Alan Pardew, will be looking to make an example of the visitors. Mo Salah now has an extraordinary 19 goals this term and providing he is not rested, the Egyptian will surely make it number 20 in a comfortable home win.
Prediction: Liverpool 4-0 West Brom
https://britwatchsports.com/liverpool-2017-2018/
Tottenham vs Brighton (Wednesday, 20:00)
Niall: Tottenham returned to winning ways against Stoke over the weekend, but I think that Brighton may be a tougher test. The Seagulls are good at home and have proven difficult to beat the Amex. Tottenham may have beaten Stoke, but it is too early to say they are back, and I would not be shocked if Brighton get something from this.
Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Spurs
Neil: Spurs returned to their free-scoring ways at home to Stoke over the weekend, but the visit of the Seagulls is likely to provide a sterner test for a home side still without two of their starting XI defensive line. Harry Kane will be looking to add another brace to his tally this season, but Brighton are more than capable of finding the net themselves. Spurs however, should have enough to notch the win, but it may be a nervy evening at Wembley.
Prediction: Brighton 2-3 Spurs
https://britwatchsports.com/tottenham-hotspur-2017-2018/
West Ham vs Arsenal (Wednesday, 20:00)
Niall: It was quite the weekend for West Ham as they defeated Chelsea at the London stadium. Can they do it again in a London derby? Arsenal’s confidence took a hit against Man United, Arsene Wenger even admitted as much., but their record against West Ham is good and I think they will edge this one.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Arsenal
Neil: The Hammers having taken their first win under David Moyes will host a Gunners side who are beginning to creak once more without the services of Shkodran Mustafi in defence. West Ham have become a fitter side under the Scot and will be tough for Arsenal to crack. So much so in fact, that I can see another share of the spoils in a consecutive capital derby.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Arsenal
The Premier League continues on December 12th
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