Premier League predictions for all 10 matches in GW 14: Can Ljungberg get off to winning start?
As we roll into December, there is no stopping the Premier League with gameweek 14 heralding in the final month of the decade.
What was looking to a quiet gameweek has been livened up by the departure of Unai Emery as Arsenal manager, with the Spaniard being replaced by Freddie Ljungberg.
His Gunners side travel to Norwich City on December 1, before we get to that, November ends with six games on Saturday.
The early kick-off will see Manchester City looking to put pressure on league leaders Liverpool when they travel to Newcastle United.
Liverpool will not have to wait too long to respond to Man City’s result, hosting Brighton & Hove Albion in one of four 3pm kick-offs. There is also the small matter of a Frank Lampard derby between Chelsea at West Ham at Stamford Bridge, while Burnley welcome Crystal Palace and Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur face Bournemouth. Saturday ends with Southampton vs Watford.
As well as Norwich vs Arsenal, Sunday also sees Wolves face Sheffield United in what could be a key match in the fight for a surprise top six spot. Leicester City will then look to reply to Liverpool and Man City’s results against Everton – with all the pressure on Toffees’ manager Marco Silva. Manchester United also face Aston Villa, looking to improve on their poor start.
As always, we’ve had two members of our team take a look at each game, analyse how they may play out and give their predictions.
Newcastle vs Man City
Harry Edwards: Newcastle may have produced a shock in this fixture last season, but the Magpies were terrible in their defeat to Aston Villa on Monday. Man City weren’t much better in their draw with Shakhtar Donestk, but Pep Guardiola was able to field a slightly rotated XI. Back to full strength, all signs point to a Man City win – even without Sergio Aguero. Newcastle 0-3 Man City.
Ollie Thomas: Newcastle have shown that they’re capable of staying up this season, but only in glimpses. The Magpies can definitely cause Man City problems defensively though anyone can, at the moment. Man City haven’t been at their best recently but they shouldn’t missing out on a victory this weekend. Newcastle 1-3 Man City.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Gabriel Jesus has scored in three of his four league starts this season – can he emulate Aguero’s ridiculous record against Newcastle?
Burnley vs Crystal Palace
HE: Burnley have built a little run of form in the past two games, beating West Ham and Watford 3-0, to move up to seventh. At the same time, Crystal Palace have lost three in a row and are without a win since October 5 – though their past games have been against Man City, Arsenal, Leicester, Chelsea and Liverpool. Roy Hodgson’s side may fancy their chances more against Burnley, but the Clarets have been brilliant at times and should avoid a slip up. Burnley 2-0 Crystal Palace.
OT: Burnley are a team which any promoted side should look up to: they’ve stuck with a style that works, regardless of how glamorous it is, and it’s working wonders for them. Palace’s horrendous run of fixtures is finally over and they’ll be hungry for some points here. The Clarets have only lost to Liverpool and Chelsea at home this season, but Palace have taken points off Man Utd and Arsenal on the road too. Could go either way. Burnley 1-2 Crystal Palace.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ashley Barnes has scored in two of his four Premier League home games against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea vs West Ham
HE: The Frank Lampard derby. Chelsea haven’t been their best at Stamford Bridge this season but will surely welcome the visit of West Ham even without Tammy Abraham. The Hammers are without a win since beating Man Utd in September and Manuel Pellegrini looks on the verge of the sack. Lampard may just send him over the edge, potentially winning back some West Ham fans. Chelsea 3-1 West Ham.
OT: Chelsea gave a great account of themselves against Man City last weekend. Many people were unsure of the appointment of Lampard but not many could have doe a better job than he currently is in the league. Abraham will be missed, however. West Ham mounted a late comeback against Tottenham last Saturday but there are problems in their team which need addressing. Chelsea 3-0 West Ham.
PLAYER TO WATCH: David Martin could be in line to make his Premier League debut at 33 years of age.
Liverpool vs Brighton
HE: Liverpool have looked pretty unbeatable in the Premier League this season, combining a mixture of strong performances with tight wins. But how much will they be affected by Fabinho’s injury? Brighton are certainly no pushovers and may feel confident, but their game plan could play into Liverpool’s hands. Liverpool 2-1 Brighton.
OT: Liverpool were very fortunate to win at Palace last week but they won’t care as long as they keep winning – which they are. It’s hard to see Graham Potter celebrating his new contract with a win. Liverpool 3-1 Brighton.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Mohamed Salah has scored in each of his last three appearances vs Brighton, including the winner in both games last season.
Tottenham vs Bournemouth
HE: Things are already looking up for Tottenham following the arrival of Mourinho, with two wins of two games. Expect that run to be extended to three against a Bournemouth side inconsistent of late and dropping down the table. Tottenham 2-0 Bournemouth.
OT: Mourinho will be very encouraged with his start at Spurs – there are issues, yes, but he has plenty to work with. Bournemouth have been underwhelming this season so far and will need something special to get a result here. Tottenham 2-0 Bournemouth.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Son Heung-min has scored five goals in six games against Bournemouth.
Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.
Southampton vs Watford
HE: A battle between two sides lacking form in the relegation zone. Neither Ralph Hasenhuttl or Quique Sanchez Flores look safe in their jobs and a poor result could see at least one of them shown the door. Guaranteed last on Match of the Day. 0-0 draw.
OT: Surely no one would have predicted this as a relegation six-pointer at the start of the season? Southampton were so unlucky against Arsenal but will be pleased with a point – they needed it. Flores has not had the desired effect at Watford: his job may be safe for now, reportedly, but he needs results and he needs them now. Southampton 1-1 Watford.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ben Foster has kept three clean sheets this season, making 43 saves, and will be vital if Watford are to get at least a point.
Norwich vs Arsenal
HE: Getting their first win in a while last weekend, Norwich will surely fancy their chances of stringing two victories together against an Arsenal side in turmoil. The Gunners are winless in their last seven games but have made a significant change in sacking Unai Emery. Can they enjoy the new manager bounce under Ljungberg? Norwich 1-2 Arsenal.
OT: Last weekend’s win at Everton was absolutely massive for Norwich: they’ve got the ability to cause teams problems, it’s just a case of making it click. Unai Emery may be gone now but the problems at Arsenal go deeper than him. Expect a high scoring game. Norwich 3-2 Arsenal.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Granit Xhaka made his return to the Arsenal team on Thursday and may be in contention to start again this weekend.
Wolves vs Sheffield Utd
HE: Wolves were exhausted in their 3-3 draw with Braga on Thursday and there may not be a worst team for them to face this weekend – outside of the top four. Sheffield Utd are fully deserving of their place in sixth and will be looking to capitalise on their free week, and the uncertainty surrounding Nuno Espirito Santo’s future. Wolves 1-2 Sheffield Utd.
OT: After a shaky start, Wolves look like the team we saw again last season. Chris Wilder will see Wolves as inspiration for his Sheffield Utd team given how they’ve settled into the league. Should be a great game. Wolves 2-1 Sheffield Utd.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Lys Mousset was key to Sheffield Utd’s draw with Man Utd last weekend and is the club’s top scorer in the Premier League with four goals.
Leicester vs Everton
HE: High-flyers Leicester have been superb this season and don’t look like dropping out of the top four. They should continue their good run with a comprehensive win over a struggling Everton side, maybe calling an end of Silva’s reign. Leicester 3-0 Everton.
OT: Are people starting to consider Leicester as genuine title contenders yet? They’re playing some unbelievable football and are one of the most well-rounded teams in the league right now. Silva’s days are numbered after last weekend, so Leicester are probably the last time he’ll want to play. Leicester 2-0 Everton.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jamie Vardy will be looking to extend his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts with both Tammy Abraham and Sergio Aguero injured. The Englishman has scored in his past five league games.
Man Utd vs Aston Villa
HE: Manchester United were shocked by Astana on Thursday but this is their first team and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have been slowly improving. Aston Villa ended a losing streak on Monday against Newcastle and will be buoyed by Dean Smith’s new contract, but Sunday may prove too tall a task. Man Utd 3-1 Aston Villa.
OT: There are definitely some positives for Solskjaer so far this season – he realises this is a long-term project at Man Utd. Aston Villa’s league position doesn’t reflect how good a side they are and they could cause Man Utd some problems. Man Utd 1-1 Aston Villa.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jack Grealish will be Aston Villa’s best chance of hurting Man Utd have created 31 chances in the Premier League this season. Only three players have created more.
