The League keeps getting better and better as always. Teams are psyching up for this weekends tests as they break again next Weekend for FA Cup fixtures. Every team will play but not all will get what they want in the end...that is beauty of the Premier League.
Here are the Previews and Predcitions for Gameweek 23:
Wolverhampton vs Leicester City
Wolverhampton could not take on the powerful force of The Citizens at The Etihad; leaving them with no points since they started the calendar year. Leicester City are team that are trying to gain momentum and will not make it any easier for the Wolves.
Leicester lost their first game of the calendar year to Southampton. The cunning Foxes drop marginally to 8th; a better position than the first half or the season. The Wolves are strong and they will have to be at their best beat them at Molineux Stadium.
Vote: Leicester City Win
Bournemouth vs West Ham United
Bournemouth are 12th and winless in 5 games; a sure sign that they are staggering in form. They are out of all other competitions; not necessarily a good sign but can give them the opportunity to focus on League. They face West Ham who are beaming with confidence at the moment and will look to take all 3 points from them despite their home advantage.
West Ham’s Derby Victory against Arsenal has sent them racing for the clouds. A necessary win that has kept them in the top 10 on the League. Bournemouth are team that is struggling but they cannot underestimate them when they are at full force.
Vote: West Ham Win
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Liverpool get their first 2019 victory after a slip up from their immediate rivals Manchester. As the League leaders, they will want to maintain their lead by grabbing points from Crystal Palace who have proven in previous encounters to be quite formidable opponents. The Reds will have to be careful.
The Eagles sit a 14th after their defeat to Watford. After a good run of form in the festive period, it is becoming difficult to determine whether they are slipping down the table or slowly catching other teams, though it is certain that they need points. Against the League Leaders Liverpool, it will not be easy.
Vote: Liverpool Win
Manchester United vs Brighton and Hove
Manchester United are brighter than before under their caretaker manager. A solid 5 out of 5 for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side has pushed them up to 6th place under Arsenal by goal difference. They will aim to maintain their good run of form by taking on Brighton and Hove whom they were unfortunately defeated to in their first encounter this season.
Brighton and Hove are holding on. Their last defeat to Liverpool has kept them in 13th place. They do need a win in this calendar and big one against Manchester United as they did earlier this season, will be a mammoth of task considering their recent form.
Vote: Manchester United Win
Newcastle vs Cardiff
Newcastle have dropped to bottom 3 (18th), a sure sign that Rafa Benitez is struggling beam light in these dark days for his side. After having kept themselves in the FA Cup replay against Blackburn, they can surely carry this victory to try and get another against Cardiff.
Cardiff are another team that is heading downward for that dreaded bottom 3. They sit at 17th a point ahead of Newcastle who they face in Gameweek 23. A point can keep them away from that zone and a win will push them away from it but a defeat will drop them into it. This a crucial game for them.
Vote: Newcastle Win
Southampton vs Everton
Southampton’s win against Leicester City carried them out of the bottom of the table but only just. They are in the marginal bottom crunch with Newcastle and Cardiff who face each other in this weekend’s Gameweek. Everton just got their first win of the year and will be looking to add more to their tally. The Saints need to keep marching and marching strong.
Everton are 10th, keeping the pressure on the teams around them for a European spot. They haven't been imprssive in their last 5 games winning only 2 out of 3 which resulted in defeats. The Toffees still have a long way to go as their first step will be to halt the march of The Saints.
Vote: Southampton Win
Watford vs Burnley
The Hornets are surely buzzing and rightfully so considering where they are in the table currently (7th). They still need to keep going as they take on Burnley who have been quite a stiff test in previous years; though they did get the victory in their last League meeting.
Burnley’s last 3 win has kept them slightly away from the bottom 3. They still have a long way to go stay clear for that area and win against Watford would help them greatly but a defeat could drastic. The Hornets will want to “sting” at them if they are not well prepared.
Vote: Watford Win
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Arsenal are slowly drifting away from the top 4 especially after their Derby defeat to West Ham. They are still 5th, ahead of The Red Devils who are only behind by goal difference. A second consecutive Derby game against top rival Chelsea will not be an easy test for The Gunners with their inconsistent from.
Chelsea are still trying to find consistency, though they sit a decent 4th position; a point behind The Spurs and 6 in front of The Red Devils and The Gunners. They face Arsenal who they are winless at The Emirates in their last 2 matches. The Blues will have to be in top form to be able to prevent The Gunners from shooting them down.
Vote: Draw
Huddersfield vs Manchester City
It is difficult not to rule out Huddersfield at this point. The managed to salvage a point for the first time in 9 games. This however is trivial as they still need a win to get the fans and team lifted and push out of the bottom 3. Things will not get any easier against Manchester City, who bullied them in their first encounter at the beginning of the season.
Manchester City are 2nd in the League, trying by all means to keep their title at Etihad. They no they cannot drop any points especially with a consistent Liverpool side that they feel are still a few miles ahead of them. Huddersfield are team that is ultimately down so they will want to keep the pressure on The Reds but taking all 3 points.
Vote: Manchester City Win
Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham are 19th and still winless in 2019. The change in management has not proven any bet yet, but they cannot doubt themselves at all if they want to head up the table. They have lost all Derby games this season this far, with this return Derby game against Tottenham who crumbled them at Wembley earlier on. A win would give them some glimmer of hope.
The Spurs defeat to Manchester United has kept them in 3rd position but only a point ahead of London rivals Chelsea. It is a double battle for them; having to drift away from Chelsea and catch up The Champions Manchester City and possibly League Leader Liverpool. They have to stay focus and this Derby game should not stand in their way.
Vote: Tottenham Win
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