The premier league week 12 comes to conclusion with the only game of Super Sunday between Middlesbrough and Chelsea at the Riverside.
A weekend filled with fixtures like this is one you definitely wouldn't want to trade for anything because it promises lots of breath taking goals and not one that comes very often.
Saturday 19/11/2016
Manchester United Vs Arsenal 1:30pm
Its so unfortunate I have to begin my prediction with this fixtures, because it is somehow the toughest of all game to predict for many reasons. First because I am a United fan, secondly the gunners current form, third, Wenger's record against Jose Mourinho, fourth, Arsenal record against United at Old trafford (not a single win in 10 years in the league) and the final one United current crop of players appear weak.
With the above I have no clear direction on how to approach this game. But one thing worthy of noting is that for the first time Jose Mourinho will be managing a weaker team (compared to his previous Chelsea teams) against his arch rival Wenger and not just that he is going to be without a Didier Drogba who usually provides the goal or a Diego Costa who will get one of Arsenal defender sent off.
Arsene Wenger on the other hand will be coming into this one laughing at how mother nature is about to reward him for his patience and providing him with a perfect opportunity to give Jose a dose of his own medicine. Having seen his now "matured" side crush the last team managed by Jose Mourinho 3 - 0 two months ago,sitting two place above the "specialist in winning" and unbeaten in their last 7 matches Wenger will be licking his mouth for this clash. But the big question to be answered is this : will Wenger grab this chance with both hands or will Jose just like the characters in the movie "Now you see me", pull out a final trick and once again out smart the french professor who just marked his 20th year in charge of the Gunners.
Prediction: Manchester United 2 - 0 Arsenal (1x, over 1.5, even number of goals to be scored)
Crystal Palace Vs Manchester City 4pm
After being treated with a mouth watering early kick off attention switches to selhurst park where
Crystal palace entertain the other team from Manchester.
Recently Crystal Palace have been dropping points along the way in games everyone expected them to pick up all three. That have seen them without a win in their last four games which have also help position them on the 16th place on the log, 1 point above the drop zone.
Manchester City will have to over come the disappointment of their last game where they gifted one point to Middlesbrough in the dying seconds of the game if they are to record their first win in the league since October 29 2016.
Prediction Crystal Palace 2 - 4 Manchester City (2, GG, Over 2.5, even number of goal to be scored)
Everton Vs Swansea City 4pm
Everton have found it difficult on their travels as they have now failed to win a single game away from home having just recently lost by 5 goals to nothing against Chelsea. They will be very happy to be back home and not just that they will be playing against the 19th placed team in the league who have a 20% win ratio away from home.
If Ronald Koeman is to revive his team before Christmas then this surely is the best time for him to do just that.
Swansea won this fixture last season 1 - 2 but this time around I see Everton getting this one.
Prediction: Everton 2 - 1 (1, GG, over 2.5, odd number of goals to be scored)
Southampton Vs Liverpool 4pm
St. Mary's stadium is set to welcome back three of its old boys though one of them in the person of Adam Lallana is a major doubt for the game as the Saints play host to the most in form team in the league.
Southampton who in recent time have become a market place for Liverpool to shop for players with the recent acquisition Sadio Mane playing a vital role in the current form of his new club.
Southampton fans may not be happy with the movement of their players to the Red side of Merseyside but financially its a good one for them as they have been able to cash out on some of their players who would have eventually left the club for lesser amount in the future.
Back to the field of play. Southampton will prove to be a stiff opponent for the Reds as they seek to cement their place on the top before Christmas.
Southampton may have defeated Liverpool in this fixture last season coming from 2 goals down to win 3 -2 thanks to a brilliant performance from Sadio Mané
. Maybe for the first time, the home fans will miss his impact and that will prove the cutting edge in this game.
Prediction: Southampton 1 - 3 Liverpool (2, GG, over 2.5, even number of goals to be scored)
Stoke City Vs Afc Bournemouth 4pm
This is a game between a team gaining form and another loosing it. Stoke City have suddenly found their feet in the league this season currently unbeaten in their last 6 games while their opponent have suffered back to back defeat in their last two games.
What makes a team like stoke city not to be among the teams struggling for the top 6 position is because they cannot sustain their form for a long period of time. With that said I see Boutnemouth getting something from this game.
Prediction: Stoke City 2 - 2 Bournemouth (X2, GG, Over 1.5, Even number of goals to be scored)
Sunderland Vs Hull City 4pm
Last weekend was a memorable one for these clubs as they both picked up a long awaited three points, now they have to come face to face with each other in this bottom of the table clash at the stadium of light.
I am one of the few that believes the moment Sunderland pick up their first three points they will be on a little run of form, which will see them sneak out of the drop zone.
Hull City before now have been on a very very bad run of form scoring just 4 goals in 6 matches and conceding 17.
This will be an interesting game more because of the managers who once worked at Manchester United though not together but because David Moyes on his appointment as the United boss didn't want the Hull City manager to be a member of his back room staff a move many believed was a reason behind David Moyes failure at the club.
Prediction: Sunderland 2 - 1 Hull City (1, odd number of goals to be scored)
Watford Vs Leicester City 4pm
Jamie Vardy finally ended his barren form in front of goal with one against Spain during the international break in Wembley. Leicester will be hoping the English man brings that form into this clash as they make a trip to the vintage arena home of Watford.
Leicester City are currently 14th on the table with 1 win in six games which came on the 22nd of October when they defeated Crystal palace.
If the stats are anything to go with, Watford are definitely favourite for this one as they boast of a 47% win ratio at home against Leicester 7% away win ratio.
Prediction: Watford 2 - 2 Leicester (1x, GG, even number of goals to be scored)
Tottenham Hotspur Vs West ham United
Tottenham once again face yet another London team as they hope to extend their unbeaten run. This time they will be playing at home in front of their fans who currently are very proud of the achievement so far being the only unbeaten team in the league.
Spurs will be hoping for inspiration from the fans to turn 1 point into 3. West Ham on the other hand will be hoping to steady their erratic form, as they have tasted victory, defeat and also shared points all in just three games.
Tottenham who have a 70% win ratio at home will no doubt be the favourite for this one and I have no option than to go with them for this.
Prediction: Tottenham 2 - 0 West Ham (1, over 1.5, Even number of goals to be scored)
Sunday 20/11/2016
Middlesbrough Vs Chelsea 5pm
Middlesbrough are finally living up to their billing as the spoilers, they have been able to rub off 2 valuable points from both City and Arsenal. And now they have been handed a more stiffer test in Conte's men as they visit the Riverside.
If Manchester united win then Chelsea are bound to drop point against Middlesbrough, but if Wenger and his men pick up all three points at old trafford then Chelsea will be expected to continue their sweet ride on three points avenue (that is the script).
Since I have earlier gone for a United win , Then I see Chelsea struggling. This fixture is the only game on Sunday for a reason.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 0 - 0 Chelsea (1x)
