Predictions for the 17th round of the Premier League, December 20-22
Newcastle vs Chelsea
The 17th round kicks off with a match at St. James' Park, where there is no clear favorite. Both teams alternate between good and poor performances, but they rarely leave the pitch without scoring. We believe they can exchange goals, so we are betting on both teams to score (yes). This bet has won in 8 of Newcastle's last 9 Premier League matches. The encounter with Chelsea should be no exception.
Match Prediction for Newcastle vs Chelsea: both teams to score (yes)
Bournemouth vs Burnley
Bournemouth is struggling to get back on the winning track. Seven matches in a row without a win – this is a prolonged unsuccessful streak for the "Cherries". However, they have at least managed some draws, whereas Burnley has lost all of their last seven matches. Nonetheless, the "Clarets" consistently score away, which has resulted in the both teams to score bet winning in Scott Parker's team's last seven away Premier League matches.
Match Prediction for Bournemouth vs Burnley: both teams to score (yes)
Brighton vs Sunderland
Once again, we believe in mutual goal-scoring. The reason is simple: Brighton rarely keeps a clean sheet at home. In 11 of the last 12 home matches for the "Seagulls" in the Premier League, both teams have scored. Sunderland failed to find the net in their last away match against Man City (0-3), but now the "Black Cats" face a less formidable opponent.
Match Prediction for Brighton vs Sunderland: both teams to score (yes)
Manchester City vs West Ham
Man City is fully engaged in the title race, while West Ham is fighting for survival. Each team has its own objectives, and they will pursue them in the best way they know how. The "Hammers", in Nuno Espírito Santo's style, will lock down defensively, conceding possession to the hosts. This should lead to a large number of set-pieces for the "Citizens", specifically corners. Pep Guardiola's side has taken at least seven corners in each of their last four meetings with the Londoners.
Match Prediction for Manchester City vs West Ham: Manchester City over 6.5 corners
Wolverhampton vs Brentford
Wolverhampton was so close to earning points in their game against Arsenal (1-2) last round that they couldn't believe their luck and ended up losing, scoring two own goals. This could demoralize a team that was already struggling. However, in the 17th round, there are chances, as Brentford performs poorly away and also expended energy in a midweek cup match. Here, we expect a tough battle for points and at least four bookings – this threshold has been exceeded in 8 of the last 9 matches involving the "Wolves".
Match Prediction for Wolverhampton vs Brentford: total over 3.5 yellow cards
Tottenham vs Liverpool
The central fixture of the round, where not everything is straightforward. Liverpool is slightly more stable, but both teams have a significant number of absences. Moreover, Tottenham often takes points from the "Reds" at home. We primarily expect high scoring from this game, as 9 out of the last 10 Premier League meetings between these opponents have ended with a high total. Often, these were real goal fests, with 6-9 goals scored.
Match prediction for Tottenham vs Liverpool: total over 2.5 goals
Everton vs Arsenal
Arsenal played terribly against Wolverhampton (2:1), although they secured three points. The "Gunners" cannot afford such performances anymore, as their competitors are close. Everton was unbeatable at "Hill Dickinson" for a while, but they have already suffered heavy defeats here to Tottenham (0:3) and Newcastle (1:4). We won't risk predicting a rout here, but our editorial team believes in a victory for the visitors.
Match prediction for Everton vs Arsenal: Arsenal to win
Leeds vs Crystal Palace
Leeds, gaining momentum, will face Crystal Palace, who are maintaining a top-5 position. The teams share an interesting fact – in the vast majority of their recent matches, 3+ goals have been scored. We think this head-to-head battle will be no exception. The "Peacocks" play in such a way that any low-scoring outcome would be a miracle.
Match prediction for Leeds vs Crystal Palace: total over 2.5 goals
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Aston Villa is on a nine-game winning streak, just three points behind the leading Arsenal, whom they defeated in the penultimate round (2:1). The "Lions'" successful run could very well continue. The typically unstable Man United concedes a lot and has lost several key players who have left for the Africa Cup of Nations. Additionally, Casemiro will be absent due to an accumulation of yellow cards, and he is a key figure in the midfield. Stopping Unai Emery's squad at their stadium under these circumstances will be incredibly difficult. Let's not forget that the "Villans" are strong in attack, having scored more than one goal in 8 of their last 9 matches.
Match prediction for Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Aston Villa individual total over 1.5 goals
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest
The round will close with teams from the lower part of the table, who had different expectations at the start of the season. In head-to-head encounters, Fulham has a significant advantage, but the "Cottagers" have sent three key players to the Africa Cup of Nations and also played against Newcastle in the League Cup midweek (1:2). Many factors suggest that Nottingham will pick up points.
