Every team will have enjoyed the first-ever winter break. Some clubs even traveled to warm destinations for training after enjoying some rest. With a chance to rest and prepare like never seen before this will be an exciting round of games to watch. The fixture list has plenty of mouth-watering matches for us to enjoy, so let’s predict how they will play out.
Wolves vs Leicester (Friday, 3 p.m. EST)
A matchup between two teams battling for European positions will have everyone in attendance excited for this one. While Leicester might be sitting comfortably in third by eight points they can’t afford slip-ups and give other teams hope.
It will be fascinating to watch how Leicester deals with the pace of Adama Traore. He may not have the best finishing touch, but the foxes will want to limit his chances. Both teams have excellent strikers in Jamie Vardy for Leicester and Raul Jimenez for Wolves. In the end, I give Wolves, their tactics, and the home fans of Molineux the edge over Leicester.
Prediction: Wolves 2, Leicester 1
Southampton vs Burnley (Saturday, 7:30 a.m. EST)
Even though the Saints have lost consecutive matches against Liverpool and Tottenham, they played really well and should be confident heading into this matchup against the Clarets.
After both clubs have recovered from slow starts and are sitting mid-table, a loss will have them feeling nervous again and only seven points from the drop. Burnley manager Sean Dyche always has his team set up properly and will give the playmakers of Southampton problems. In what will be a tightly-contested game, I’ll give the Saints the edge late as the home crowd pushes them over the line.
Prediction: Southampton 3, Burnley 2
Norwich vs Liverpool (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. EST)
This game could also be called bottom feeder versus league leaders. A 55-point gap separates these two clubs in what will surely be a one-sided affair. Norwich has played sloppy football out of the back end all season, which is a bad recipe against a high-pressing Liverpool side.
Liverpool has massive advantages at all positions and will be too much for Norwich to handle. Playing at home won’t help much, as this one could be over by halftime.
Prediction: Liverpool 5, Norwich City 1
Aston Villa vs Tottenham (Sunday, 9 a.m. EST)
Tottenham seems to have found a way lately without Harry Kane, scoring five goals in the last two games. They’ll hope that wasn’t a fluke and it continues as they fight for European football next year. Aston Villa won’t be a pushover though, as they fight for league survival. Plenty of playmakers are on the field as Spurs have Dele Alli and Son Heung-Min while Villa counters with Jack Grealish.
With every point meaning so much to Villa, this game could be defensive as points against top clubs could be the difference between you and your fellow league strugglers’ survival.
Prediction: Tottenham 1, Aston Villa 1
Arsenal vs Newcastle (Sunday, 11:30 a.m. EST)
At the moment, neither of these clubs scare anyone. New Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is still discovering what works best for everyone. Steve Bruce, Newcastle’s boss, usually sets his team up so well defensively that the offense is limited.
The winter break will have been good for both teams, as they were provided the time to work on tactics. At this point in the season, both teams know they won’t be competing for any trophies, so building towards next season is the priority.
In a matchup that will be fought hard until the end, I’ll give Arsenal the edge as their powerful frontline finds a late winner
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Newcastle 1
Chelsea vs Manchester United (Monday, 3 p.m. EST)
Don’t expect to find any friendly exchanges when these teams meet up. With so much at stake, this one should be fascinating. Both are aiming to claim a spot in next season’s Champions League and know this matchup will play a huge role in deciding that.
United have already beaten Chelsea twice this season and another would see them climb within a game of fourth-place Chelsea. Winning the midfield will be key which puts N’Golo Kante and Jorginho against Fred and Andreas. Whichever side wins this matchup could win the game.
Prediction: Chelsea 2, Manchester United 2
Who will score a stunner? Will VAR play a role? Which sides claim the points? Enjoy another week in the Premier League!
Follow Jason Mattis (@LockoftheDay1) on Twitter for more Premier League content.
