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All the big boys return to action in the Premier League, following their assignments in Europe, this weekend. Understandably, this opens up the possibility of a few twists and turns. Given how the league is shaping up, most teams at the top and bottom of the table cannot afford to drop points.
However, the competition is so unpredictable, especially in this particular stage of the season, and it almost feels inevitable that some of these teams would slip up at some point. As such, every gameweek presents teams with the opportunity to capitalise on others falling short.
Leaders Liverpool are back in action in the league after an extended break due to the Merseyside derby against Everton being postponed last week. Meanwhile, resurgent Chelsea clash with Brentford at Stamford Bridge. But the standout fixture of the weekend is the Manchester derby and that's a massive game for both City and United.
Without further ado, let us dive straight into my predictions for all these games and more during gameweek 16 in the Premier League:
Arsenal vs Everton
Arsenal FC v AS Monaco - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c5568-17340023446391-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c5568-17340023446391-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c5568-17340023446391-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c5568-17340023446391-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c5568-17340023446391-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c5568-17340023446391-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c5568-17340023446391-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c5568-17340023446391-1920.jpg 1920w">
Arsenal FC v AS Monaco - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Everton had an unbelievable result in their last game against Wolves, but I'd be shocked if they got anything from this game. When I look back to that Everton loss against Manchester United before the win over Wolves, I worry for them. If they defend like that against Arsenal, it's game over!
If you're Everton, you'd be thinking of getting this fixture out of the way quickly and focusing on the next one. But it doesn't get any easier for them with games against Chelsea and Manchester City to follow. I don't really expect them to get anything from the next three games if I'm being honest.
Arsenal had a really bad result against Fulham in their last league game. That draw has now left them six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Chelsea are also two points ahead of the Gunners now.
Everton players getting an extra week off due to the Merseyside derby being postponed will not matter against Arsenal in my opinion. In fact, I think it's a nightmare for them that the derby did not go ahead as planned. Liverpool were coming off the back of a draw, bit jaded and had Mac Allister suspended. The conditions were also going to be tricky due to the storm so Everton may have sensed an outside chance of getting something from it.
Now they've had to have an extended break after that 4-0 win over Wolves and it won't do them any good. I expect Arsenal to win this quite comfortably.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Everton
Wolves vs Ipswich Town
West Ham United FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/71134-17340030912849-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/71134-17340030912849-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/71134-17340030912849-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/71134-17340030912849-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/71134-17340030912849-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/71134-17340030912849-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/71134-17340030912849-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/71134-17340030912849-1920.jpg 1920w">
West Ham United FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
This is a cup final! Especially for Wolves, who are at home. They must win this game, no excuses. I believe it was the right decision from Wolves to not sack Gary O'Neill after the defeat to Everton. If they had let him go, the new manager would have had no time to prepare for this huge game with so much on the line!
Wolves face another team fighting to avoid relegation in the form of Leicester after this game. So if they beat Ipswich and Leicester, they will be out of the relegation zone. But if they end up losing this game, I'm afraid it's all over for them! I say that because of their fixtures after the Leicester game.
Wolves face Manchester United, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth and Fulham before facing Everton in March. How many points do you expect them to secure during this run? It could all be over by the time they face Everton.
So they must win points while they can and it starts with this game on Saturday. Ipswich have had some bad results in recent weeks. They have lost three games in a row since that draw against Manchester United. And when you look at these three fixtures, they faced Forest, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. These are not the big boys of the division, they were games where they still had a chance. I don't think they've been playing well so I'm backing Wolves to win here.
Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Ipswich Town
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b4fa8-17340037696671-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b4fa8-17340037696671-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b4fa8-17340037696671-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b4fa8-17340037696671-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b4fa8-17340037696671-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b4fa8-17340037696671-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b4fa8-17340037696671-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/b4fa8-17340037696671-1920.jpg 1920w">
Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Leicester City got themselves a phenomenal result during the late comeback draw against Brighton last time out, but I don't see Newcastle not winning this game. It's true that Leicester have four points in two games under Ruud van Nistelrooy and that's a good start. However, it would be naive to think that they will get a result away from home at Newcastle.
I'm a firm believer of the fact that draws don't help anybody in football. If you draw two games, it's two points. If you lose one and win the next, it's more points. Leicester must try to get more points, that's the only way they can stay up in this division.
Newcastle have got no consistency, they are up and down all the time. It shows in the table as well, they are now in 12th-place. I know it's only five points away from the European places, but still you would expect them to be a lot higher. They must start being consistent now. This game presents them with an excellent opportunity to climb up the table and anything less than a win would be hugely disappointing.
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Leicester City
Liverpool vs Fulham
Girona FC vs Liverpool FC - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/fa9bf-17340066371884-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/fa9bf-17340066371884-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/fa9bf-17340066371884-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/fa9bf-17340066371884-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/fa9bf-17340066371884-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/fa9bf-17340066371884-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/fa9bf-17340066371884-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/fa9bf-17340066371884-1920.jpg 1920w">
Girona FC vs Liverpool FC - Source: Getty
I don't think Liverpool played particularly well against Girona but they still won and that's all that matters. It's a good sign for any team and it will be a huge boost for them too. If I'm Liverpool, I would have rather played the Merseyside derby last weekend though. In hindsight, it looks good because they have a game in hand and both Manchester City and Arsenal failed to win. But what everyone needs to understand is that the game in hand does not necessarily mean three points, sometimes we forget that.
Someone has to stop this Liverpool juggernaut and we expect it to happen at some point this season. For now, they look in good shape. Alisson returned to the team after his injury and looked like he was never away during the win over Girona. It just shows how good a goalkeeper he is. Caoimhin Kelleher stepped up so well in the absence of Alisson, but keeping the Brazilian out now will be incredibly tough.
Diogo Jota is also back from injury and given how Darwin Nunez has failed to set the stage on fire in his absence, I expect Arne Slot to trust the Portuguese more. But I still like Nunez as an option off the bench. He can ruffle a few feathers, can be a real handful and is still someone you don't want to play against if you're a defender! I have no doubt that he will have an impact at some point this season.
If Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah end up accepting Liverpool's rumored contract proposals, that's £200 million-worth players extending. It'll give them a massive lift, but there will be more pressure on local boy Trent Alexander-Arnold.
I find it strange because Alexander-Arnold has cost Liverpool no money and whatever they make out of his sale would be a huge bonus. Meanwhile, if Salah and Van Dijk were to leave for free, that would be two players they heavily invested in. Yet, it would still be Alexander-Arnold getting all the stick from the fans!
Liverpool win for me, don't think Fulham can trouble them too much here.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Fulham
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
RB Leipzig v Aston Villa FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a5c6a-17340076272407-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a5c6a-17340076272407-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a5c6a-17340076272407-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a5c6a-17340076272407-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a5c6a-17340076272407-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a5c6a-17340076272407-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a5c6a-17340076272407-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/a5c6a-17340076272407-1920.jpg 1920w">
RB Leipzig v Aston Villa FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Nottingham Forest had a great result beating Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend. Going back to what I said earlier, Forest are a team that don't draw a lot of games and that has helped them in the table. In their last eight league games, they have won five and lost three. Imagine if they had drawn all them games instead? They wouldn't be sitting in fifth-place now! That's my point.
Aston Villa are slowly turning a corner, without being at their very best I must say. This is a hard game for both teams and I don't expect many goals in it either. These two are level on points and have the same number of wins, draws and losses from their 15 games so far this season. A win might go a long way in determining who among these two will push hard for a European berth.
Personally, I would still prefer to use Ollie Watkins as a starter in this Villa side. It's simply because he doesn't have the same impact as Jhon Duran while coming off the bench. He came off the bench against Southampton and did not leave a great impression, looking slightly lackadaisical up front. Duran, on the other hand, has been excellent off the bench and I want him to play that role again.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace
Leicester City FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/d85cb-17340083161978-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/d85cb-17340083161978-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/d85cb-17340083161978-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/d85cb-17340083161978-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/d85cb-17340083161978-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/d85cb-17340083161978-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/d85cb-17340083161978-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/d85cb-17340083161978-1920.jpg 1920w">
Leicester City FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
When Brighton beat Bournemouth a few weeks ago, they moved up to second-place in the table. Here are the results that followed for them - Draw against Southampton at home, 3-1 loss at Fulham and 2-2 draw with Leicester away from home. That sums it up for me. When the pressure is on, they tend to struggle!
I believe Brighton have the edge here, but this is still a massive game where both teams have a strong chance. Crystal Palace looked good in their 2-2 draw with Manchester City. They are showing signs of revival at the moment, with just one defeat in their last eight games.
Since they are at home, I have to go with Brighton here. But there won't be too much between these teams. I do think Palace will avoid relegation at the end of the season though. When I watched that game against City, I saw enough from them to think they will be safe.
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Crystal Palace
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Juventus v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f74d-17340088501494-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f74d-17340088501494-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f74d-17340088501494-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f74d-17340088501494-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f74d-17340088501494-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f74d-17340088501494-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f74d-17340088501494-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f74d-17340088501494-1920.jpg 1920w">
Juventus v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
This has not been Manchester City's biggest game of the season for the last few years, the Liverpool and Arsenal clashes have been bigger. But with how they are playing now, this fixture has suddenly become very, very important.
If Manchester City were a book and you were reading about them winning the Champions League, going on incredible runs and then suddenly you turn to this new chapter where they have just one win in 10 games while losing seven of them, you'd be throwing that book in the ocean!
We never thought this would be possible. It has never happened before. We've all seen City before and if they were a goal down with just 20 minutes left to play, we would still back them to win. But that's not the case with them anymore.
Manchester United are 13th in the league now. They failed to even lay a glove on Arsenal and losing at home to Nottingham Forest after that was a stinker. After this game, they face Tottenham in the EFL Cup quarter-final and that's another big clash for them.
If Ruben Amorim wants to win this game, he must opt for a front-three with the likes of Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Everybody is exposing City through counter-attacks and this trio can hurt them with their pace.
There are rumors about Amorim approving the sale of Rashford ahead of the January transfer window. I'm not sure who buys him though. His wages are through the roof and it's not justified at all in his performances! It will be difficult to get rid of him. Manchester United are in disarray and them selling one of their highest-paid players? It doesn't make sense to the buyer. If it's PSG, why don't they just sign whoever United want to replace Rashford with? That's a much better deal.
Manchester City will be careful about dipping into the transfer market in January to find a replacement for Rodri. I have a feeling they will wait for Mateo Kovacic to return to full fitness and assess whether he can do the job in midfield. Since FFP is always a concern, they just can't go and buy anyone. When Rodri returns and plays every game next season, they will have to pay £250,000 every week for this signing even when he's not playing.
Like I said, if United can hurt City with pace, they have a chance in this game. They must not sit back and go into a shell while trying to defend all the time. They must take the game to their rivals. I still think City hold the edge here though.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f424-17340115274146-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f424-17340115274146-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f424-17340115274146-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f424-17340115274146-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f424-17340115274146-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f424-17340115274146-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f424-17340115274146-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7f424-17340115274146-1920.jpg 1920w">
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
It all depends on what happens with Tottenham against Rangers in the Europa League. I was watching the Chelsea game and I predicted them to pull off a comeback against Spurs after half-time. I wasn't surprised at all by how Spurs blew their lead and ended up losing that game!
Now that's a huge problem for Tottenham because they are now slowly becoming a team that is entertaining without getting the results they actually need. Spurs will play exactly like Southampton in this game. But this might suit Ange Postecoglou because they have better players compared to their opponents.
I expect this game to be very open with both teams having a real go at each other. Spurs could win simply because of the quality they have in their ranks compared to Southampton.
Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea vs Brentford
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7986f-17340118868625-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7986f-17340118868625-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7986f-17340118868625-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7986f-17340118868625-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7986f-17340118868625-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7986f-17340118868625-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7986f-17340118868625-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/7986f-17340118868625-1920.jpg 1920w">
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Brentford are Chelsea's bogey team. It's incredible how they have won in each of their last three games against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge! Based on current form, it's impossible for Chelsea to not win. Brentford have a terrible away record in the Premier League this season, that form is extreme and it's not at all ideal. They are top of Liverpool and Arsenal on home form, but behind Everton, Leicester and Wolves when it comes to away form. How is that even possible?
There is no doubt that Chelsea are now in the title race. Some people might say no, but you look at their upcoming fixtures and there are plenty of winnable games. Chelsea are not involved in the Champions League and they have a completely new team just for the Conference League!
They have a fixture near the China border in Kazakhstan this week, it's miles away and it will be freezing cold there. But the advantage they have is that none of their senior players will be involved, they can afford to rest and focus on the Brentford game.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Brentford
Bournemouth vs West Ham United
West Ham United FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League - Source: Getty" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/0ffde-17340126431601-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/0ffde-17340126431601-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/0ffde-17340126431601-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/0ffde-17340126431601-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/0ffde-17340126431601-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/0ffde-17340126431601-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/0ffde-17340126431601-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/0ffde-17340126431601-1920.jpg 1920w">
West Ham United FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
I'm going to say that the win over Wolves was a bad result for West Ham and that's only because it keeps Julen Lopetegui on the job! I'm sure most West Ham fans feel the same way as me. It prolongs his stay and that's not very promising for West Ham if I'm being honest.
I can't seem them beating Bournemouth here. Five out of six games West Ham play after Christmas are all London derbies. I'm not sure how they will fare in all of them. This could end up being a very difficult run for Lopetegui, maybe the one that finally costs him his job.
Michail Antonio, I just want to say I'm really glad you got out of that car alive. That looked really scary and it's going to be a battle for him to return to the pitch now. If he plays again, it's an absolute bonus but the main thing is that he got out alive. He's had a great career, what an unbelievable player for West Ham. He works on his own mostly, puts in a shift every single game and no defender would ever want to go up against him on his day. I wish him well.
Prediction: Bournemouth 3-1 West Ham United
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Edited by Paul Merson