Finally the International break is over and we’re back in action with the Premier League. With most of the teams having not played in GW28, the league table can look a bit deceiving with some teams as many as 2 games behind the rest.
Liverpool vs Everton
The gameweek begins with a cracker of a Merseyside derby with 6 points separating them 2 teams. Everton will be looking to win this game and get a step closer to the top four whereas Liverpool will want to take their confidence from performing in the big games into this fixture and stay in the top 4 ahead of their rivals Arsenal and Manchester United who are breathing down their necks. Will be a closely contested tie but Liverpool having the record in the big games seem to be the favourites to win this one.
STAR MAN: Sadio Mane (9.7m)
The Senegalese midfielder has the tendency to come life in big games and he could torment the Everton backline, especially with the absence of Coleman in the full-back position.
PREDICTION: Liverpool 2-1 Everton
Burnley vs Tottenham
Burnley’s home form has been great so far this season but they have failed to win any of their previous five fixtures, having gained just three points from the possible fifteen available to them. Spurs on the other hand have been very good and are the only team within 10 points of the leaders Chelsea. With Kane missing, Spurs might find it difficult to break open this Burnley defence but should eventually find a way through.
STAR MAN: Dele Alli (8.9m)
In the absence of Kane, he will be the one making the runs from midfield and might be involved in goal mouth action.
PREDICTION: Burnley 0-1 Tottenham
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
The Blues are flying high and according to critics have already won the title with ten games to go. They have lost just one game so far at home this season and against a Palace side that are struggling amongst the relegation scrap, this should be a pretty straightforward victory. Allardyce’s men will make it difficult to score but once the Blues get going, they have the talent to crack open any defence.
STAR MAN: Diego Costa (10.7m)
In the race for the golden boot, Diego has lost some ground on Lukaku and so he will be looking to boost his personal tally and help the team to the three points as well.
PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace
Hull vs West Ham
Under new manager Marco Silva, Hull City’s home form has been immaculate and they surely will put up a fight against a Hammers team that have been disappointing in comparison to recent seasons. This will be a closely fought contest with the Hammers looking to break into the top ten and the Tigers looking to get the three points and move out of the relegation zone that is now becoming very tight.
STAR MAN: Abel Hernandez (5.9m)
His running in behind the defence might cause them one or two problems.
PREDICTION: Hull 1-0 West Ham
Leicester vs Stoke
Leicester City under new manager Craig Shakespeare have been performing very well, having won three games on the spin. The players have responded well to his tactics and the club’s manager switch up and they seem to be out of trouble for the time being. Stoke City on the other hand have had a disappointing campaign and are not where they would have wanted to be come this time of the season. Both of these teams will be looking for the three points and the home team will definitely have the advantage.
STAR MAN: Jamie Vardy (9.8m)
He seems to have found his shooting boots and suddenly looks like a threat going forward for the Foxes.
PREDICTION: Leicester 2-1 Stoke
Manchester United vs West Brom
Man Utd have finally escaped the wrath of 6th place after that away win at the Riverside Stadium and they will be looking to rise further in their quest for a Champions League spot. The Baggies on the other hand secured a surprising win against the Gunners & sit comfortably in 8th. The Baggies have nothing to lose and will definitely want to have a go at a rotated United side.
STAR MAN: Antonio Valencia (5.8m)
1 goal, 2 assists & 3 clean sheets in the last 5 games. The Ecuadorian is on fire and his constant running down the flanks could trouble the not so Pulis Baggies defence of late.
PREDICTION: Manchester United 2-1 West Brom
Watford vs Sunderland
Both these sides are winless in each of the last 4 games and show barely any signs of improvement. Watford on one hand sit 14th but will be looking to reach that 40 point mark as soon as possible, whilst the Black Cats are placed rock bottom and if they don’t start getting things back together, they must brace themselves for at least a year in the Championship.
STAR MAN: Jermain Defoe (7.8m)
Having scored in his latest England call-up, he will be pumped to deliver for the Black Cats as well.
PREDICTION: Watford 1-3 Sunderland
Southampton vs Bournemouth
Both sides sit level on the league table with both of them on 33 points. Southampton are on the back of a disappointing away defeat at the Lane, while the Cherries have been playing some amazing football in recent games. This looks to be an end to end game with both sides having a fair amount of chances to take home the points.
STAR MAN: Dusan Tadic (7.0m)
1 goal and 3 assists in the last 3 games & an ownership of 1.8%; I see just the perfect differential.
PREDICTION: Southampton 3-3 Bournemouth
Swansea vs Middlesbrough
A tie at the very bottom of the league table. Middlesbrough seemed to have completely lost track as they’re winless in each of the last 5 games. Swansea on the other hand are also struggling having lost 2 away games on the trot. It is a must win game for both sides but with the home support behind the Swans, they seem like they’ll be just edging the tie.
STAR MAN: Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.8m)
The Icelandic midfielder blanked last gameweek after delivering in 7 games on the trot. If the Swans are to emerge victorious, he has to step up.
PREDICTION: Swansea 2-1 Middlesbrough
Arsenal vs Manchester City
The best is saved for last as the Citizens travel south to face the Gunners at the Emirates. Arsenal are on a miserable run of form having conceded 3 in each of the last 2 games and ultimately, they lost each of them which has resulted in them being placed 6th in the league. The fans seem angry and the manager’s position is definitely under fire. City on the other hand have drawn each of the last 2 games, and with the pressure teams such as Liverpool and Man Utd are putting on them, it seems to be a must win game for them as well. This game promises to be cracker of a contest with both the sides fighting it out fearlessly for each & every point.
STAR MAN: Sergio Aguero (12.7m)
The perfect game for the little Argentine to prove his doubters wrong.
PREDICTION: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City
Written by FPL Transfer Tips (@FPL_TransTips)
