This week's predictions have a slight twist to them. Andrew Corns, our usual mystic guru has collaborated with our other writer Jake Leach.
There will be a difference of opinion, no doubt. But this way it should open up some debate with us firmly in the second half of the season now!
West Ham United v. Arsenal
Andrew
Arsenal made light work of Fulham and know they can’t afford to waste any points as they race to catch Chelsea for 4th and fend off a surging Manchester United now just three points behind them.
They visit West Ham who followed up their worst performance of the season against Burnley to grab a point in an entertaining clash against Brighton.
The Hammers are comfortably slotted mid-table and honestly don’t have as much to play for as Arsenal or the talent available to keep pace.
They’ll rely too heavily on Felipe Anderson to create chances and even though Arsenal’s back line has its vulnerability, the Gunners’ attacking options are too vast to see anything but a convincing Arsenal win.
Prediction: 3-1 Arsenal
Arsenal came out 3-1 victors when these sides met earlier this season (image via Daily Star).
Jake
Unai Emery's side are coming into this fixture at the London Stadium on the back of a 4-1 home win against Claudio Ranieiri's Fulham.
Many suggest this scoreline didn't reflect the performance of the game and if the Cottagers had taken their chances, the Gunners may have actually lost the game.
The defence remains the problem for Emery and their goals against record this season is appalling.
The Emirates faithful will be hoping owner Stan Kroenke can supply the head coach with funds to assure up the inconsistent defence and prevent the goals flooding against them this season.
West Ham United have recently found a good vein of form under Manuel Pellegrini but the Hammers haven't won in their last two outings after a defeat at Burnley and a 2-2 draw with Brighton.
Because Arsenal's attacking armoury has been superb this season, the Gunners should pick up three points in this one and continue their push for the top four.
Prediction: 3-2 Arsenal
Burnley v. Fulham
Andrew
Burnley opened the season in horrendous form with the added European fixtures negatively affecting their ability to get any rhythm early on.
They do appear to have turned a corner over the last two matches and look more likely to survive the dreaded relegation than they did just a month ago.
They host a Fulham side sitting four points from safety and desperate to close the gap.
Even though Claudio Ranieri has instilled a better sense of defensive organisation and rumoured new addition Gary Cahill will help shore things up, Fulham still look disjointed in several areas on the pitch and relegation is starting to seem like a reality.
Burnley’s incredible home atmosphere and their improved form sees them muscle their way past Fulham.
Prediction: 2-0 Burnley
Fulham won this fixture 4-2 at Craven Cottage earlier this season (image via Getty Images).
Jake
Both of these sides are in a relegation dog-fight in the Premier League this season but both teams are capable of beating the drop zone come May.
It's looking like Burnley are finally starting to improve this season after the hindrance of the Europa League caused the Clarets to plummet very close to the foot of the table.
Sean Dyche is slowly but surely improving results as his hopes to galvanise the squad continues at Turf Moor against the Whites.
Claudio Ranieri has improved the Fulham squad since his arrival in November 2018 and all hopes of survival this season is largely down to the goals of star striker Aleksandr Mitrovic as he hopes to steer the West London club away from the bottom three.
With Burnley being at home, I fancy the clarets to pick up three points as they are slowly starting to recreate form of last season and improve their league position.
Prediction: 1-0 Burnley
Crystal Palace v. Watford
Andrew
Watford travel to London with the opportunity to leap into seventh place depending on Leicester’s result which shows just how well they’ve done under Javi Gracia in his first season in charge.
Crystal Palace won’t be an easy side to come up against though only losing once in their last five and still holding onto the memories of their season defining win away to Manchester City.
This has the makings of a cracking game of football and I am finding it hard to separate the two to pick a winner.
The margins will be thin, and the game will hang in the balance until the end with both sides earning a point.
Prediction: 2-2 Draw
Roberto Pereyra celebrating when Watford beat Crystal Palace aealier this season (image via Getty Images).
Jake
Crystal Palace have had a very average campaign so far but the recent victory over Manchester City at the Etihad will surely be one of the main highlights of their season.
Last time out for Roy Hodgson's men, a very impressive away win at Molineux seen off Wolves as Jordan Ayew and Luka Milivojevic goals ensured three points for the South London side.
Watford were involved in a goals galore thriller last time out away at Bournemouth, as a Troy Deeney inspired performance secured a point for the Hertfordshire club.
The Hornets will be looking for three points as its now no win in two for Gracia's side but the recent good form of Palace may prevent this from happening. Both of these sides are of a similar ilk and a draw is a very likely result as both teams will be looking to cancel each other out.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Cardiff City v. Huddersfield Town
Andrew
Huddersfield are a massive eight points from safety and unlike their magical escape last season, I don’t see a way for David Wagner’s men to dig their way out this time around.
Cardiff are also still very much in danger of going down and will have to scrap and fight for every point in order to survive.
Neil Warnock will use his wealth of managerial experience to keep belief high amongst their supporters who will be rocking for this match.
I anticipate the game will be ugly from start to finish, but Cardiff do just enough to steal three points.
Prediction: 1-0 Cardiff
Jonathan Hogg was shown a red card in the 0-0 meeting already this season (image via Getty Images).
Jake
If you asked someone 10 years ago if this would ever be a Premier League fixture the common answer certainly may well have been no.
Nevertheless, credit to both of these sides for defying the odds and gaining promotion into the 'promised land' but the two sides remain in a relegation battle down at the bottom.
Cardiff have impressed this season as many thought they would not have a chance of surviving.
Neil Warnock has rallied his side to a current 17th place league position, just two points off the dreaded drop but a demoralising 3-0 defeat against Spurs last time out meant Cardiff remain very close to the relegation zone.
Huddersfield are in trouble this season and the Terriers remain rock-bottom of the Premier League and look down and out already with five months of the season remaining.
The recent signing of Jason Puncheon will boost the confidence of the Kirklees faithful but it might take a miracle to get out of this position.
Cardiff have been good at home this season and with the fans' support, the Bluebirds can earn all three points and dampen David Wagner's hopes of survival even more.
Prediction: 2-1 Cardiff
Brighton v. Liverpool
Andrew
Brighton have shown themselves to be a hard-working, quality side that’s in no threat of relegation and should shore up a mid-table position with ease, but this game is all about what kind of response we see out of Liverpool.
Their mental toughness will be put to the test after their first league defeat last Thursday against Manchester City when they had a chance to have a sizeable cushion at the top of the table.
I think they’ll have their hands full against a game Brighton team looking to add to their misery, but the improvements Liverpool have made defensively this season and their knack for scoring even when they’re not in peak form sees them get a scrappy, but relatively easy win.
Prediction: 2-0 Liverpool
Mo Salah scored the only goal in this fixture at Anfield earlier this season (image via Getty Images).
Jake
Brighton are impressing this season and Chris Hughton deserves great credit for sustaining this side in the Premier League.
The goals of Glenn Murray have been a constant helping hand at the top of the pitch for the Seagulls this season and the 35-year-old is defying all the odds by playing consistently at the top level.
Brighton have been impressive at the back this season, due to the likes of Lewis Dunk and co, remaining stubborn and strong at the heart of the defence.
Opponents Liverpool travel to the Amex on the back of their first league defeat of the season, coming after 20 games at the hands of Manchester City.
With Klopp's side remaining four points clear at the top of the tree, the travelling fans will be expecting a win with normal service resuming.
Prediction: 2-0 Liverpool
Leicester City v. Southampton
Andrew
Southampton have improved on the pitch after their managerial change, but results have still been hard to come by and odds favour them to get relegated still.
Leicester are an interesting team this season because they’ve beaten both Chelsea and Manchester City in December and yet fallen at home against Cardiff City.
They did scrap their way to a victory away to Everton last time out and should control the midfield and rely on Jamie Vardy and James Maddison to provide the firepower up front.
This game stays close throughout, but Leicester get over the line with a winner in the final quarter hour.
Prediction: 2-1 Leicester
Harry Maguire scored a 91st minute winner at St. Mary's earlier this campaign (image via Sky Sports).
Jake
Claude Puel continues to divide opinion at the King Power but the French manager has his side sitting seventh in the Premier League.
Realistically, this is likely to be the highest position the Foxes can finish this season because the money that the top six clubs can unleash.
Jamie Vardy has started to re-find form for the Foxes and summer signing James Maddison is continuing to impress in the East Midlands.
Opponents Southampton, who of course were once managed by Puel, began their Premier League campaign in appalling fashion and sacked manager Mark Hughes early in December.
Since former Leipzig boss Ralph Hassenhuttl took the reigns at St. Mary's, the saints have vastly improved and look a totally different side under the German's leadership.
This game will no doubt be tight as both sides have the ability to punish each others mistake.
Individual brilliance could separate the sides and with home advantage, Leicester are very capable of taking three points.
Prediction: 1-0 Leicester
Chelsea v. Newcastle United
Andrew
Newcastle only sit two points above the relegation zone and even though they’re in a precarious position still, they’ve got enough relative quality and a seasoned manager who should be able to guide them through to safety when all is said and done.
They visit Stamford Bridge and hope to play foil to Chelsea who have Arsenal tugging at their coat tails in the heated race for the final Champions League place.
Chelsea have been very poor in front of goal aside from Eden Hazard and run the risk of dropping more points if they don’t find a way to be more clinical (I’m looking at you, Alvaro Morata).
They’ll have a distinct advantage in midfield with Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic dominating possession and once they wear out Newcastle’s legs, the game gets busted wide open.
Chelsea comfortably see off Rafa Benitez and his men.
Prediction: 3-1 Chelsea
Chelsea players celebrating their 2-1 win at St. James' Park early on in the campaign (image via Sky Sports).
Jake
The Blues last time fell to a disappointing draw with Southampton at Stamford Bridge and this just increased speculation and pressure of the Chelsea board going into the transfer window and securing a star striker.
As a whole this season, Chelsea have impressed spectators as Maurizio Sarri's easy-on-the-eye style of play has caught the eye of many viewers.
Newcastle United failed to really strengthen in the summer window as Mike Ashley once again failed to spend funds on the Magpies' playing squad.
Rafa's men fell to defeat in their last Premier League encounter at the hands of Manchester United but the Toon really had a go at the Red Devils which resulted in respect from the fans.
Even though Newcastle seem to be a constant 'bogey' team for the blues, Chelsea are firm favourites to win because of their superior talent and flowing style of play.
Prediction: 2-0 Chelsea
Everton v. Bournemouth
Andrew
Bournemouth made noise over the weekend in the transfer market adding Dom Solanke (permanent) and Nathaniel Clyne (loan) from Liverpool.
Their defence has been downright bad this season, so you’d expect Clyne to help shore up at least one side of the pitch.
The move to add Solanke and at the fee paid leads me to speculate we could see Callum Wilson on the move sooner than later.
If that’s the case, Bournemouth will see a dip in their goal production at least initially.
Solanke has a nice upside, but Callum Wilson is now a proven goalscorer in the league and losing him would be tough to overcome in the short-term.
They travel to Everton who are a little off the mark sitting in eleventh when most had them pegged to be in around seventh or eighth given their roster and Marco Silva on the touchline.
This game is essentially a coin flip for me and when it’s that narrow, I tend to lean towards them ending level at the final whistle.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
The two sides shared the points in a four-goal thriller at the Vitality Stadium already this season (image via Getty Images).
Jake
This fixture has all the potential to be tight and compact as both teams have similar talent in their arsenal.
In previous seasons, this theory has been thrown out of the window because when these two sides come together there seems to be goals.
Bournemouth are in inconstant form as of late after their superb start to the season has slowly faded away.
New signings Dominic Solanke and Nathaniel Clyne will certainly make the South Coast club stronger as energy and experience will be provided.
Everton are in poor form lately and a recent defeat to Leicester City meant the toffees dropped to 11th place. Because of the history of the results between these two sides, a goal fest is likely to be produced.
Prediction: 3-2 Everton
Difference of opinion: Jake, you make great points regarding the recent results between these two clubs producing fireworks. Even with Bournemouth being as out of form as they have been under Eddie Howe for quite some time, I just can’t get past Everton’s dreadful efforts in front of goal in their last two matches against sides of equal quality to both Bournemouth and themselves. Marco Silva still seems to be having trouble getting the team balance right and with neither side impressing much lately, a winner looks unlikely to me. – Andrew
Tottenham v. Manchester United
Andrew
This is the pick of the bunch and the game with the most at stake at the top end of the table.
Manchester United enter the weekend in superior form but have had an easy patch of games following the firing of Jose Mourinho.
Liverpool’s loss to Manchester City saw Spurs slip back into third, but also finds them only six points from the top and creates real motivation for them to come in try to take the game to United.
This should be a highly entertaining game with both managers letting their players go out and play expansive football.
I see United getting out to an early lead with Paul Pogba again pulling the strings behind the white-hot Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, but Spurs will get a foothold in the game, fight their way back and ultimately end the game with each team earning a well-deserved point.
Prediction: 2-2 Draw
Jake
this will certainly be the highlighted fixture of the weekend as both of these sides are in brilliant form and the caliber of both teams Is of the highest order.
Pochettino's men look to do a league double over United and continue their supposed push for the Premier League title.
The biggest story leading up to this encounter is most definitely Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as the temporary United boss is set for his toughest challenge yet.
This match could defy the true capabilities of the Norwegian boss and test where his Man United side are at, with the jury still out for Ole and critics suggesting the former United treble winner hasn't had a true challenge yet.
There would be no better way to silent these doubters with a win against Spurs at Wembley and enhance the clubs position of finishing in the all important top four.
This one could go either way as both teams have superstar players but Spurs may just edge the victory because of their sheer current form and trust under Pochettino.
Prediction: 2-1 Spurs
Difference of opinion: Jake, there’s still just something about the way Spurs play at Wembley that doesn’t fully convince me they can beat this Manchester United team with the shackles off following Solskjaer’s appointment. This will be United’s chance to have a defining victory akin to their victory last season at the Etihad when rivals, Manchester City looked to win the Premier League crown. I think the game ends in a draw but if forced to pick a winner, I actually favor United to get the job done. - Andrew
Manchester City v. Wolverhampton
Andrew
When these teams first played all the way back in week three, Wolves stunned City with a draw and set a marker early on that they weren’t your run of the mill newly promoted side.
They’ve played quite consistently given this is their first season back in the Premier League, but know they’re traveling to the Etihad at the worst possible time.
Manchester City’s season looked like it was starting to slip away until their huge win over Liverpool that saw them shrink the gap to only four points.
From this week on, every game is going to feel like a final for both Liverpool and City with the experience edge going to Pep Guardiola and his team.
They have the luxury of being able to rotate through their deep squad and not seeing a noticeable drop off in quality which will be important for them having so many matches in January through various competitions.
Wolves never seem to be too far out of a game even if they go a goal or two behind, so they’ll give City a proper test, but fall just short.
Prediction: 2-1 City
Wolves held Manchester City 1-1 at Molineux in August (image via Getty Images).
Jake
Manchester City will be In magnificent character and confidence after their most result Premier League victory over title challengers Liverpool at the Etihad.
The tremendous win puts the Citizens back in hot-pursuit of the title after they cut the deficit to four points.
Pep is desperate to retain back to back Premier League titles which means his side will be in Sixth gear when Wolves come to town.
Nuno Espirito Santo's men are in inconsistent form as of late after a disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace meant they couldn't back up another win after turning over Spurs at Wembley in magnificent fashion.
Manchester City can afford no more slip-ups this season and for this reason they will be hoping a repeat of this reverse fixture will not reoccur, after Wolves managed an impressive 1-1 draw.
Wolves will up defensively but City's ability to unlock defences should see them through this game.
Prediction: 3-0 City