Premier League predictions for GW 25 as Mourinho’s Spurs face Guardiola’s Man City
After an entertaining FA Cup fourth round, the Premier League returns this weekend as Tottenham prepare to host Manchester City.
Fresh from beating West Ham United in midweek and stretching their lead at the top to 19 points, Liverpool take on Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.
That’s after Leicester and Chelsea continue their battle for Champions League qualification at the King Power. And later, Manchester United host Wolves in a game that could also affect the European places.
On Sunday, Arsenal travel to Burnley before Spurs face off with City.
As ever, two of our writers have predicted the result of all 10 matches below. There are also percentile odds, based on the Smarkets betting exchange, for every result possible in each game.
READ MORE: How the Smarkets betting exchange works
You have to be 18+ to gamble. For more information, go to GambleAware.org. Odds accurate at the time of writing (13:00, 09/01/2020).
Leicester vs. Chelsea
Steve Jennings: Chelsea have picked up some impressive results on the road this season, including victories at Wolves, Spurs and Arsenal. But having missed out on a cup final in midweek, Leicester will be determined to consolidate their place in the top four with a win. Leicester 2-1 Chelsea.
Chris Smith: Chelsea have won just one of their last four Premier League games and really lack consistency. Frank Lampard’s side will need a good result here if they’re to remain comfortable in fourth and gain ground on Leicester, but the Foxes will have a point to prove after their League Cup semi-final defeat. Leicester 2-1 Chelsea.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Only three players have created more chances than James Maddison in the Premier League this season (59).
Smarkets odds
Leicester win: 37.88%
Draw: 26.67%
Chelsea win: 35.71%
Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa
SJ: This is a must-win game for Bournemouth, who simply must start beating the teams around them if they are to stay up. They eased past Brighton in their last home outing, but at their best Villa are more than capable of leaving the Vitality with a point. Bournemouth 1-1 Aston Villa.
CS: Villa are unbeaten in three since crashing 6-1 to Man City and have sealed their place in the League Cup final. Bournemouth will feel a little more confident after beating Brighton in their last league match but whether or not they’re capable of going on a run remains to be seen. Bournemouth 1-1 Aston Villa.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jack Grealish has created 58 chances in the Premier League season, at least 31 more than any other Aston Villa player.
Smarkets odds
Bournemouth win: 45.87%
Draw: 26.32%
Aston Villa win: 27.40%
Crystal Palace vs. Sheffield Utd
SJ: These two are unpredictable to say the least at the moment, though one can easily predict Sheffield United will give any team a game on the road. The Blades are more than capable of beating a Palace side who simply don’t score often enough at home. Crystal Palace 1-2 Sheffield United.
CS: Palace haven’t won a game since Boxing Day and that early season form has really deserted them. Sheffield United remain just a point behind fifth-placed Man Utd and a win here could seriously ramp up the pressure on those above them. Crystal Palace 1-2 Sheffield United.
PLAYER TO WATCH: John Fleck is Sheffield United’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League this term with five goals (level with Lys Mousset).
Smarkets odds
Crystal Palace win: 30.77%
Draw: 31.25%
Sheffield Utd win: 37.88%
Liverpool vs. Southampton
SJ: Surely Liverpool won’t come unstuck in a game like this, will they? Jurgen Klopp’s men are riding a wave big enough to drown any opposition, and Southampton – despite their recent improvement – aren’t a side equipped to end Liverpool’s winning run. Then again, who is? Liverpool 3-0 Southampton.
CS: With just one defeat in their last nine, Southampton are far more dangerous opponents than they were earlier in the season. That said, whether they sweep you away or put in an “ordinary” performance, Liverpool just keep rolling on like a machine. Expect no different here. Liverpool 3-0 Southampton.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Nathan Redmond, who has completed 51 dribbles in the Premier League this season, will look to threaten Liverpool on the counter.
Smarkets odds
Liverpool win: 75.76%
Draw: 15.62%
Southampton win: 8.00%
Newcastle vs. Norwich
SJ: Norwich’s results need to improve if they are to have any chance of survival. Victory at an intimidating arena like St James’ Park would be a huge boost to their confidence, but it’s difficult to see Newcastle missing the opportunity to record a useful home win. Newcastle 2-0 Norwich.
CS: They’re not playing particularly well but one way or another, but Newcastle keep grinding out results. Norwich, on the other hand, are playing reasonably well but keep losing! Steve Bruce’s men should be able to lock out the Canaries at home. Newcastle 1-0 Norwich.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Emiliano Buendia has created an incredible 68 chances and registered seven assists in the Premier League this term.
Smarkets odds
Newcastle win: 43.10%
Draw: 28.57%
Norwich win: 28.57%
Watford vs. Everton
SJ: Defeats against Aston Villa and Tranmere have brought Nigel Pearson’s fine start at Watford to a screeching halt. This is an opportunity, then, for the Hornets to get back to winning ways, but Everton have the quality to snatch at least an entertaining point. Watford 2-2 Everton.
CS: Perhaps the most intriguing part of this one is whether or not Watford fans will still treat this as a rivalry now that Marco Silva is gone? Games between these two are normally entertaining affairs — if Carlo Ancelotti can drum some defensive concentration into his side, they should be good for a point. Watford 1-1 Everton.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored more Premier League goals (10) than any other Everton player this season.
Smarkets odds
Watford win: 34.25%
Draw: 28.99%
Everton win: 36.50%
West Ham vs. Brighton
SJ: It’s tough to make a case as to which side is under more pressure to secure a victory here. Both clubs are hovering far too close to the bottom three and could easily be dragged into the relegation zone. David Moyes will hope home advantage aids his side’s task. West Ham 1-0 Brighton.
CS: There’s no skipping around it, West Ham are in trouble and only find themselves above the relegation zone because those below them are truly terrible. Brighton haven’t won in five and could be leapfrogged by the Hammers if they suffer defeat again here. West Ham 2-1 Brighton.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Robert Snodgrass has created more chances (30) than any other West Ham player in the Premier League this season.
Smarkets odds
West Ham win: 37.04%
Draw: 28.57%
Brighton win: 34.01%
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Man Utd vs. Wolves
SJ: It would be typical of this Man United side to lose at home to Wolves after beating Manchester City, even if they were ultimately eliminated from the Carabao Cup by their neighbours. Wolves have proven their credentials against the top sides and could pull off another win here. Man Utd 1-2 Wolves.
CS: Man Utd will take confidence from another win at the Etihad but don’t believe the hype; they absolutely should have lost that game. Wolves have been inconsistent of late, but Nuno Espirito Santo will have his sights set on leapfrogging the Red Devils with an Old Trafford win. Man Utd 0-1 Wolves.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Raul Jimenez has scored three goals in his last two Premier League games.
Smarkets odds
Man Utd win: 43.48%
Draw: 28.99%
Wolves win: 27.03%
Burnley vs. Arsenal
SJ: Arsenal have struggled to gather momentum under Mikel Arteta so far. But with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back from suspension, the Gunners have a better chance of beating Burnley than they would have without their top scorer. Burnley 0-1 Arsenal.
CS: Back-to-back wins over Leicester and Man Utd have lifted the gloom around Turf Moor and Burnley will fancy their chances against Arsenal. The Gunners, however, are draw specialists this season. Expect them to take a point, even if that’s nowhere near enough to save their faltering season. Burnley 2-2 Arsenal.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Dwight McNeill has completed 50 take-ons in the Premier League this season, at least 31 more than any other Burnley player.
Smarkets odds
Burnley: 24.39%
Draw: 26.67%
Arsenal win: 48.08%
Tottenham vs. Man City
SJ: Spurs were unfortunate not to at least draw when Liverpool came to town earlier this month, but that doesn’t mean facing Manchester City will be an easier contest. The reigning champions will be desperate for goals after drawing a blank in midweek and should edge this one. Totttenham 1-2 Man City.
CS: Sure, City lost their League Cup semi-final second leg against United, but they did the damage in the first leg. Provided they can restore their golden touch in the box, Pep Guardiola’s men should seal victory against a Spurs side they haven’t lost to domestically in their last six meetings. Tottenham 1-3 Man City.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Only Jamie Vardy (17) has scored more Premier League goals than Sergio Aguero (16) this season.
Smarkets odds
Tottenham win: 15.62%
Draw: 20.41%
Man City win: 63.39%
