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A look at the latest predictions for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, including those of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham’s.
The final week of Premier League action before Christmas is almost here, and it’s another exciting fixture list, headlined by Sunday’s clash between Tottenham and leaders Liverpool. Elsewhere, Chelsea face Everton in their final trip to Goodison Park, hoping to remain in the thick of the title race.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Chris Sutton
“This is a rematch of Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final, when Arsenal scored from open play. I guess Christmas miracles do happen. Mikel Arteta's side edged that tie and this game is going to be just as close. Crystal Palace are much improved in recent weeks and have really turned a corner.
“I watched the analysis of their win over Brighton on MOTD2 last week, when they were focusing on the Eagles' back three and the consistency of Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah, who have now played together for the past 12 games. So, this is not going to be easy for the Gunners. I expected them to kick on this season but that has not happened - they have only lost two of their first 16 league games, but they only won half of them.
“Arsenal really need a win here, though, and I think they will find a way of getting it. I am going for a 1-0 victory and it doesn't matter if their goal comes from another set-piece, because they all count. As I've said before, a few other teams would love to carry the same threat they do from corners. Prediction: 0-1.”
Paul Merson
“I have to back Arsenal here because their reserves team just beat Crystal Palace in the cup game. That just shows the gulf in class between these sides at the moment. I expect this to be an entertaining game though. Palace will have a go at Arsenal since they are playing in front of their own fans at Selhurst Park.
“The longer the game goes on at 0-0, the tougher it will get for Arsenal. Let's not forget that Palace have recently turned a corner in the Premier League with their draw against Manchester City and win over Brighton. Arsenal have to sort that side out where Gabriel Martinelli plays, they have a problem there and need a solution. Raheem Sterling looks most comfortable when he plays where Bukayo Saka plays, but you can't keep the latter out of the team or switch his preferred position, no chance!
“Martinelli is getting a bit too predictable now and Arsenal must change it up on that side. Leandro Trossard is an option but when I look at him, I think he's more suited to come off the bench. So I'd actually give Sterling a chance on that side. Gabriel Jesus may have scored the hat-trick against Palace in midweek, but I don't see him coming into the starting line-up for this clash. Kai Havertz offers a bit more in terms of holding the ball up and unless Mikel Arteta decides to put the German in midfield, Jesus has no chance. I don't think that will happen either.
“Arsenal need to keep winning if they are to put pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea. I expect them to win but this will not be a walk in the park. Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal.”
Everton Vs Chelsea
Chris Sutton
“The takeover at Everton has gone through now so there will probably be some speculation about Sean Dyche's future, but they would get rid of him now at their peril. Basically, if they want to stay in the Premier League this season then they have to keep him as manager.
“Dyche's Everton side are not tearing up any trees but they showed in the draw at Arsenal how resolute they are - they are awkward and difficult to break down. Even so, you can't back against Chelsea right now, with the confidence they are playing with and the winning run they are on. I've gone for three away wins already this week, which is a bit risky, but this has to be number four.
“In FPL, Cole Palmer has some really hot streaks where he picks up lots of points and also some runs where he is much quieter. I am backing him to come good this weekend in FPL and the real thing and play a big part in another Chelsea victory. Prediction: 1-2.”
Paul Merson
“This is a hard game for Chelsea even though they're flying at the moment. They hold such an advantage in the title race because they play Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League on Thursday, but they can afford to rest all their main players. The only real winners of the Carabao Cup quarter-final games were Chelsea. Now Arsenal and Liverpool have to play two-legged semi-finals in January. Chelsea will be licking their lips because if they can remain consistent, which they have done amazingly well so far, this title race will play into their hands. These extra games could take a toll on their rivals.
“Chelsea's squad depth is really starting to benefit them now. If Arsenal play their best players, I think they have the strongest team in the league. But if they are forced to make changes, it weakens them. Chelsea don't have that problem. They have players who can come in and not weaken the team. That's a huge advantage in my opinion.
“If you ask me if Chelsea are favourites to win the Premier League, 100 million per cent they are not. But they are definitely in it, no matter what their manager says. You can't deny it now. Liverpool and Arsenal have so many big games coming up, especially in the Champions League. The more games you play, the more injuries you could pick up. If Chelsea go out and keep doing what they are doing now, they will push these teams till the end.
“Everton will make life difficult for Chelsea with how they play under Sean Dyche. But honestly, if you're a fan of them, you don't want to be seeing that every week. It's just backs against the wall, they sit back and do nothing. I expect Chelsea to slice them open at some point in this game and it will be a massive result for the visitors at Goodison Park. Prediction: Everton 0-2 Chelsea.”
Tottenham vs Liverpool
Chris Sutton
“Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said this week that management is a harder job than being prime minister and, from my spell in charge of Lincoln, I can testify to that. Postecoglou knows all about the highs and lows that managers can experience from one week to the next, because that has been the story of Spurs' season.
“The same might apply just to this game too. While I think Tottenham will get some joy because it is going to be action packed, Liverpool will not lie down and I fancy them to come out on top. How Spurs deal with Mohamed Salah on the counter-attack is going to be key, but I cannot see them stopping him completely.
“People might look at Liverpool's draw with Fulham last weekend and think it was not a great result for Arne Slot's side but I was there and, honestly, the way they played with 10 men was incredible. They looked like they were the team with the extra man. Prediction: 2-3.”
Paul Merson
“It all depends on what happens with Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United. If they lose, that's another trophy gone and it could be a dire mood heading into the Liverpool game. That could have an impact on Spurs. But then again, it's always weird predicting Tottenham's games because you just don't know how they will turn up on the night. They are so up and down and you can never tell when it comes to them.
“The chasing pack will be looking at this game and hoping Liverpool drop points. By the time Liverpool are out on the pitch against Spurs, Chelsea could be above them, who would've thought that a few weeks ago? It's an interesting mental challenge Liverpool must somehow overcome. Arne Slot rested a lot of players for the cup game. If they had lost that game, it would not have mattered much. No disrespect to the EFL Cup, I won it as a player by scoring in the final and becoming man of the match in it. But getting through to the semi-final is a nightmare for them because now they have to play two extra games in January and that's a huge load on this team.
“If I'm being honest, that win for Liverpool in the cup was not a good result. These games just mount up and it could end up being a problem. When you get to the semi-final, you cannot mug around, you need to play your best team!
“I don't think Liverpool should rush Diogo Jota back into the starting line-up despite him scoring against Fulham. There are a lot of games coming up and the last thing they want is him getting injured again. He's a quality player and proved that when he came off the bench and scored the equaliser last weekend.
“I'm a big fan of Andy Robertson but he has struggled badly this season. There have been quite a few mistakes from him and he's easily getting found out by opponents. Robertson being suspended for this game is an actual blessing because if you left him out directly, he would have been unhappy. Now that he's suspended, it gives him time to work on his shortcomings without feeling dejected about losing his spot.
“Ange Postecoglou prefers the gung-ho approach and if Spurs turn up like how we know they can, Liverpool will have to be careful. I still expect the visitors to get all three points here. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Liverpool.”
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