With less than 24 hours separating 2 gameweeks, we are back yet again but this time with the 1st Double Gameweek of this season & there couldn’t be a better day than New Year’s Day to have it. So sit back, crack open a cold one & go through our analysis of each and every fixture of the upcoming gameweek, along with the players that could make the difference.
Happy New Year & May your Arrows be Green!
Brighton vs Bournemouth
Brighton seem to defend very well on their home turf and do not concede very often but they also do have the problem in scoring that crucial goal. Bournemouth are on the back of an impressive victory over Everton and will be looking to add to that.
STAR MAN: Pascal Gross (5.9m)
He has been quite often the man to lead his team to victory and might be needed on this occasion as well.
PREDICTION: Brighton 1-0 Bournemouth
Burnley vs Liverpool
Burnley are very good at home and they have had an impressive season so far conceding the fourth least goals in the league so far. Liverpool on the other hand are a master of cracking open such defences with their amazing attacking front four. Should be a tight game to watch though.
STAR MAN: Philippe Coutinho (9.2m)
The Brazilian must be itching to spread his magic on the pitch sooner rather than later.
PREDICTION: Burnley 1-2 Liverpool
Leicester vs Huddersfield
Leicester are always a threat at home with both Mahrez and Vardy in form and Huddersfield are not the best defence away from home. Definitely looks like the foxes can get the needed three points.
STAR MAN: Riyad Mahrez (8.5m)
Key attacking element in the Foxes front and he will certainly be involved in some goal mouth action.
PREDICTION: Leicester 3-1 Huddersfield
Stoke vs Newcastle
Stoke City are in a bad run of form and so are Newcastle United which makes the contest all the more interesting as a win could lift the teams above the relegation zone. This should be a very evenly contested game.
STAR MAN: Xherdan Shaqiri (6.1m)
He has to be the man to weave his magic and register for the Stoke side.
PREDICTION: Stoke 2-1 Newcastle
Everton vs Manchester United
Everton were upset last gameweek after a defeat away from home against the Cherries. They will be looking to get back on track here at home against the Red Devil’s side who are certainly there for the taking. United will surely put the pressure on the home side but will find it difficult to break down that Allardyce defence.
STAR MAN: Wayne Rooney (7.5m)
Wayne Rooney against his former club? Why not!
PREDICTION: Everton 1-0 Manchester United
Southampton vs Crystal Palace
Southampton are on the back of an impressive draw against the Red Devil’s and likewise are Palace who should’ve taken all three points last gameweek against Manchester City. Both teams will be looking to go at it again and register a victory.
STAR MAN: Shane Long (5.4m)
He can be a nuisance up front and could cause the Palace defence problems.
PREDICTION: Southampton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Swansea vs Tottenham
Carvalhal’s reign at the Liberty Stadium kicked off with a nail biting win against the Hornets. This week they come up against a Spurs side that have yet again picked up some momentum with 2 wins on the trot. Pochettino will be looking to get back into the Top 4 again, and for that such games are a must win.
STAR MAN: Harry Kane (12.9m)
A Hattrick of HATTRICKs…!?
PREDICTION: Swansea 0-3 Tottenham
West Ham vs West Brom
The Baggies come into this fixture in the back of a controversial penalty decision that got them a point from the Emirates. Similarly the Hammers were also part of a high scoring draw at the Vitality & will be coming into this game with the desire and hunger which along with their firepower upfront will be enough to get them the 3 points.
STAR MAN: Marko Arnautovic (6.9m)
The Austrian is in red hot form and seems a must own for this double gameweek.
PREDICTION: West Ham 2-0 West Brom
Manchester City vs Watford
The Citizens come into this game after an unexpected draw against the Eagles, and they will be in a mood to make amends as they couldn’t increase that massive lead at the top of the table. City are simply scintillating as it stands and we definitely can’t see them faltering in this one.
STAR MAN: Raheem Sterling (8.8m)
His movement is something that could trouble the Hornets defence line.
PREDICTION: Manchester City 4-0 Watford
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Wednesday night sees 2 league giants going head to head in a London derby. Chelsea seem to be on a roll with 2 back to back wins. On the contrary, Arsenal are still struggling to break down sides like West Brom. Both side are raring to go and will be looking for nothing less than the 3 points, but with the attacking form the Blues are in, it seems like they’ll just be edging this tie.
STAR MAN: Eden Hazard (10.8m)
Rested against Stoke, the little Belgian will be raring to be unleashed.
PREDICTION: Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea
Tottenham vs West Ham
Pochettino’s side will want to continue mounting the pressure on the Top 4 sides after their recent slump & home fixtures like these seem to be a great opportunity to do so.
STAR MAN: Hueng-Min Son (8.0m)
4 goals and 4 assists in the last 6 games. He is someone to keep an eye on.
PREDICTION: Tottenham 3-2 West Ham
Written by FPL Transfer Tips (@FPL_TransTips)
