The English Premier League (EPL) returns with actions after different teams return from the maiden winter break.
Over the years, most teams and coaches have complained of the very tight match schedule of the premier league especially in December. It was claimed that the lack of a winter break does not give players enough rest time and to compete effectively in the second half of the season. Truly, this tight schedule also affects the performance of EPL teams in European competitions featuring teams from other leagues that observe some footballing break in the course of a season.
Returning from the first winter break of the EPL which lasted for 13days, we hope to see stronger legs, refreshed teams, and a rejuvenated spirit to compete for the league trophy, European football positions and avoid relegation. It is also left to be seen if Liverpool will break the 16years unbeaten record of Arsenal’s invincibles by ending the season without a defeat.
To guide your expectations as you watch the EPL games in your most relaxed position this weekend, we bring to you predictions of your favorite EPL teams.
Southampton vs Burnley- Saturday 15th, 12.30 pm
In the early kick-off of today, Burnley will hope to continue their 3 games unbeaten run when they visit Southampton at st.mary’s stadium. Although Southampton enjoyed a productive period between mid-December and mid-January that saw them grab all three points against Chelsea, Tottenham, and Leicester, their recent 0-4 battering at Anfield, defeat in the FA Cup 4th is a call for concern in today’s stake. While these defeats might be against big teams, their record against Burnley is also not convincing. Burnley has taken four points from their last two visits to St. Mary’s Stadium and is unbeaten in six previous games against Southampton. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Burnley also beat Southampton 3-0. Based on these starts and the fine form of Burnley against Leicester, Arsenal and Man united before the winter break, we predict this game to end in a Burnley win or draw (double chance)
Norwich Vs Liverpool-Saturday 15th, 5.30 pm
It hopes to be an exciting game between champions-elect, Liverpool and bottom-placed team, Norwich at carrow road, the home ground of Norwich FC. Liverpool will go into this game hoping to draw closer to ending their 30 years wait for a premier league title, win their 25th premier league fixture in 26 games and continue their unbeaten run. Based on available statistics, Norwich does not stand a chance in stopping them from achieving these objectives today. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Liverpool battered Norwich 4-1. Norwich’s defence which is the worst in the premier league will be playing against the second-best attack with three or more goals scored in 12 separate games this season. Our prediction today is a Liverpool win plus over 2.5 goals.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham-Sunday 16th, 2.00 pm
This fixture holds the promise of being an exciting one with the two teams involved being inconsistent throughout the season, though with the potentials to score a lot of goals. Aston Villa has scored over 2.5 goals in 72% of their premier league games. In their last 12 games at home, Villa has scored an average of 1.83 goals while conceding 1.75 goals on average per 90 minutes. On the other hand, since Mourinho’s appointment as Tottenham coach, Over 2.5 goals have been registered in 12 of Tottenham’s 19 fixtures since Mourinho’s arrival. Thus, our prediction for today is both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.
Arsenal vs Newcastle-Sunday 16th, 4.30 pm
Both teams currently sit in the middle of the table having earned 31 points throughout the season so far. Despite the change of coach from Unai Emery to Mikel Arteta, the general performance of Arsenal in terms of points collected has not improved. Although there seems to be a great improvement in Arsenal’s leaky defence. Newcastle’s greatest tactical strength is their five-man defense most strikers wouldn’t want to play against. It is expected to be a low scoring game, with the two teams tactical strength lying in their defence. Our prediction for this game is a draw.
Chelsea vs Man United-Monday 17th, 8.00 pm
This fixture might define who finishes in the top four at the end of the season. Man United will be visiting Stamford bridge with the confidence of returning to Old Trafford with all three points, having defeated Chelsea two times already this season. Man United defeated Chelsea 4-0 at Old Trafford in the reverse of this fixture earlier this season and 2-1 in the carabao cup game in October. This is not the only concern for Chelsea, as they have kept just three clean sheets in their last 13 games and have recorded one win in the last five games. Considering that Man United have conceded in 10 of their 11 premier league away matches, our prediction for this game is both teams to score.
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