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Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri called this Premier League’s season a crazy one. If someone told You just a year ago that Arsenal would be clear favourites in a match against the fallen giants Chelsea, who are so close to the relegation zone, You would certainly call him crazy. Yet, this is the reality in the season 2015/2016, a season in which Leicester City are engaged in the tittle chase; a season in which Bournemouth record back-to-back triumphs against Chelsea and Manchester United, but then lost to WBA, a season in which everybody can beat anybody, and in which nobody is safe. Matchday 23 is upon us and You can be certain that one or two unexpected things are about to happen. The battles are intensifying on both ends of the table, almost every team are in desperate need of points, but, unfortunately, only some of them will be lucky enough to actually earn them.
Saturday
12:45 GMT Norwich City vs Liverpool
After a disappointing derby against Machester United (1-0), Liverpool are heading to Norwich, looking to get back to winning ways. Carrow Road is rather lucky for Jurgen Klopp’s side, since their last defeat there was twenty two years ago (W5 D1). Alex Neil’s men suffered a massive blow against Burnemouth (3-0), they are on a three-game losing streak in all competitions, but in the Premier League they are unbeaten in the last five home fixtures (W3 D2), with just two conceded goals in the spell. Efficiency is a problem for both teams, since the Reds score a goal per game on awerage in away fixtures this term, while the Canaries have a slightly better percentage at Carrow Road. Bearing in mind that Norfolk-based team have been really tight in defense lately, I do not think we will see much goals on Saturday lunchtime.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals
15:00 GMT Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur
Crystal Palace suffered a hammering last Saturday at Etihad (4-0), which was their third defeat in a row, and now they await yet another top-flight team a week later. Alan Pardew’s charges are facing serious problems in front of opposition goalkeepers, since they failed to score in five consecutive Premier League matches. Additionally, the Eagles did not score in four of their last five clashes with the Spurs. On the other hand, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are coming to London full of confidence, as they have finally beaten Leicester (2-0) and are through to the FA Cup Fourth Round. The Spurs are unbeaten on their travels since August (W4 D5). Their defensive line is keeping things tight in the back, since they rarely concede more than once per game, while in-form Harry Kane (12), Dele Alli (5) and Christian Eriksen (4) continue to terrorize opposition goalkeepers. I expect a tough encounter, but I also expect a win from the visitors.
Tip: Away win
15:00 GMT Leicester City vs Stoke City
15:00 GMT Manchester United vs Southampton
Special: Man Utd to win is 7/1
15:00 GMT Sunderland vs Bournemouth
Sunderland will host yet another relegation six-pointer this Saturday afternoon when Bournemouth are coming to town. Sam Allardyce’s charges are fighting hard to avoid relegation and are well aware that this is a must win situation if they plan to get out of the red zone. Much will depend on the veteran Jermain Defoe, who already put 5 goals to his name in 2016. The fact is that Big Sam knows how to win this matches, he already managed to defeat Aston Vila, Swansea and Newcastle and will be looking for a poker of wins against the struggling sides. Bournemouth’s last-week triumph against Norwich (3-0) gave them some breathing space, but they are still very close to the spotted line. The Cherries have failed to score in their last two away Premier League matches, efficiency is a problem for Dorset-based team when on their travels, as well as a rather drafty defense, but, truth being told, Eddie Howe’s men boast a 2-2-1 record in previous five fixtures on the road. I think we are up for a close game, but I will give a small advantage to the home team.
Tip: Home win
15:00 GMT Watford vs Newcastle United
Watford will be looking for a hat-trick against Newcastle, since they already managed to defeat them twice already this term, in the Premier League (2-1), and in the FA Cup (1-0). In the league, Quique Sanchez Flores’ team are on a five-game winless run, the Hornets lost all three matches in 2016, while netting just two goals. Odion Ighalo (13) is still to score in the New Year, while Troy Deeney (6) put one to his name in the FA Cup, coincidentally, against Newcastle. Watford need to find their winning form as soon as possible if they plan to stay in the safe zone. Steve McClaren’s side recorded a much needed triumph against West Ham last weekend (2-1) after that magnificent draw with Manchester United (1-1). But, these good results might not count for much, if the Geordies fail to continue the run against the Hornets. Truth being told, the Magpies are pretty toothless when it comes to away fixtures, with just 6 goals in last sixteen games. If we add the fact that the Hornets recorded six clean sheets at Vicarage Road this term, it becomes obvious we will not see a lot of fireworks in this clash.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals
15:00 GMT West Bromwich Albion vs Aston Villa
WBA are hoping to continue their home winning run in the derby clash against the drowning Aston Villa and would not mind if the result from the reverse picture should repeat itself. The Baggies are an entirely different team when they play at the Hawthorns. Tony Pulis’ charges scored at least a goal in nine consecutive home fixtures in all competitions, and, bearing in mind that they will host the Villans, who failed to keep a clean sheet in their last ten away encounters, it seems that the Baggies will continue their scoring run. Remi Garde is starting to put pieces together at Villa Park, his team managed to go four games in a row without a defeat in all competitions. Newertheless, the situation is far from good, the Villans need a serious run of good results if they plan to stay in the Premier League. They have not won a game on their travels since the beginning of the season, but managed to score at least a goal in eight of their eleven away games. I believe both teams will continue their good trend and score at least a goal each in the forthcoming fixture.
Tip: Both teams to score
17:30 GMT West Ham United vs Manchester City
Special: Man City to win is 8/1
Sunday
13:30 GMT Everton vs Swansea City
16:00 GMT Arsenal vs Chelsea
Special: Back Arsenal at 8/1 or Chelsea at 12/1
