Predictions for the 16th round of the Premier League, December 13-15
Chelsea vs Everton
One of the first matches of the round will take place at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea will host a direct competitor. This is Everton, which is only one point behind the Londoners and has won 4 out of the last 5 matches, whereas the "Blues" have secured only one victory over the same period. But all streaks eventually come to an end – both successful and not. Everton's last two visits to Chelsea ended in defeats with a total score of 0:7, and we believe the hosts will be stronger once again. It's time for Enzo Maresca's team to get back on the winning track.
Prediction for Chelsea vs Everton: Chelsea to win
Liverpool vs Brighton
Once again, we have table neighbors who, judging by their names, shouldn't be. But the fact is, Liverpool is having a poor season, with only one win in the last five Premier League rounds. Despite this, during the week, the "Reds" visited Inter and defeated the Milanese in the Champions League (1:0). Even in the last Premier League match against Leeds (3:3), they controlled the game up to a certain point until Konate blundered. These defensive errors prevent Arne Slot's team from consistently collecting points. A bold Brighton can take advantage of this and upset Alisson. Therefore, we expect both teams to score, which has happened in six consecutive head-to-head encounters.
Prediction for Liverpool vs Brighton: both teams to score (yes)
Burnley vs Fulham
We move to Lancashire, where local Burnley will play against Fulham. The hosts continue to struggle, having lost six matches in a row. Only hopeless Wolverhampton is doing worse. However, Fulham is not shining either, sitting in 15th place in the table. We do not see the visitors as clear favorites, so we suggest betting on both teams to score. The "Clarets" have not scored in their last three home matches, but in the last six head-to-head meetings at Turf Moor, we have seen goals from both sides. Since Fulham has conceded in all their away matches this season, the likelihood of this trend continuing is high.
Prediction for Burnley vs Fulham: both teams to score (yes)
Arsenal vs Wolverhampton
Arsenal has squandered a comfortable lead and now leads Man City by only two points, so the "Gunners" will not have an easy walk to the long-awaited championship. But the upcoming match should be just that. Wolverhampton has lost nine matches in a row. In the last round, they scored their first goal under Rob Edwards, but ultimately still suffered a heavy defeat against an inconsistent Manchester United (1:4). We believe it will be extremely difficult for the "Wolves" to count on both points and a goal at the Emirates.
Prediction for Arsenal vs Wolverhampton: both teams to score (no)
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Arguably the most high-profile fixture of the round. Crystal Palace is on a three-game winning streak, while Man City has won four in a row. Both teams are in the top 4 of the Premier League and played European matches midweek, which drained their precious energy. This is more relevant for the "Citizens," who battled Real Madrid at the Bernabeu (2:1). Considering they have dropped points in 3 of their last 5 visits to Selhurst Park, Pep Guardiola's men are in for another tough evening in London. Therefore, we suggest betting on the visitors receiving at least two yellow cards. The "Sky Blues" have hit this mark in 6 of their last 7 away Premier League matches.
Prediction for Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: Manchester City over 1.5 yellow cards
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham
Nottingham will host Tottenham at the City Ground, and this is a match with no clear favorite. Bookmakers slightly favor the hosts, but we have arguments in favor of the "Spurs." Firstly, since the start of the season, Thomas Frank's protégés have lost only one away match – to Arsenal (1:4). Secondly, they played their European match two days earlier than the "Foresters," which means they should be fresher. Overall, two consecutive clean-sheet victories boost optimism. So we believe in the visitors.
Prediction for Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham: Tottenham will not lose
Sunderland vs Newcastle
Sunderland suffered their first heavy defeat of the season in the last round, losing to Man City 0:3. In the 16th round, the "Black Cats" have an easier opponent and will play at home, where they have not yet lost this season. Newcastle currently looks more confident, but after their trip to Leverkusen, they will be tired, which will benefit the hosts. In this situation, a bet on both teams to score seems optimal, as this regularly occurs in the "Magpies'" away matches and the "Black Cats'" home games.
Prediction for Sunderland vs Newcastle: both teams to score (Yes)
West Ham vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa looks formidable. With a victory over Arsenal (2:1) in the last round, they reduced the gap to the "Gunners" to three points, and on Thursday, by defeating Basel (2:1), they extended their winning streak to eight matches. West Ham, on the other hand, hasn't shown anything interesting in terms of football but consistently picks up points, avoiding defeat in 5 of the last 6 rounds. Nuno Espírito Santo has restored the "Hammers'" confidence. Considering the above, we also expect both teams to score here. Moreover, this bet has won in 11 of the last 12 head-to-head meetings between the teams.
Prediction for West Ham vs Aston Villa: both teams to score (yes)
Brentford vs Leeds
A matchup with many intriguing parallels. Brentford lost away to giants in the last two rounds, while Leeds, on the contrary, took points from two top teams at home. Now they switch roles – the "Peacocks" will travel to visit the "Bees" – and this is very important to consider when choosing a bet. Keith Andrews' team is fourth in the league for home game results, while Daniel Farke's squad is second to last. Brentford scored three goals in 4 out of their last 5 matches at their home stadium, so our confidence in the hosts is quite justified.
Prediction for the match Brentford vs Leeds: Brentford's individual total over 1.5 goals
Manchester United vs Bournemouth
Bournemouth is in crisis – Andoni Iraola's team has gone six matches without a win. MU, on the other hand, is gradually improving its position and is situated right near the top five. However, there is no stability in the "Red Devils'" game – it's no coincidence they even conceded against Wolverhampton (4:1), who have completely forgotten how to direct the ball into the opponent's net. Looking at the results of the recent head-to-head meetings between the teams, we understand that it won't be easy for the hosts. There is a high probability that Ruben Amorim's proteges will concede, resulting in the total over being hit in their match once again. This has happened in 6 out of the last 8.
