Man City v WBA

All eyes will be on an out of form Sergio Aguero when Man City entertain WBA at the Etihad in the first Premier League game of the weekend. However, the Argentine faces fancied opposition given he has scored four in five appearances against the Baggies. It wont be easy though as WBA have kept four clean sheets in their last five games, prompting many FPL managers to stock up on at least one of their defenders. Craig Dawson is proving a popular pick since Pulis switched him to right back and the towering uncapped Englishman is due a goal from a set piece.

Prediction: 2 - 0

Aston Villa v Swansea

With an ever-increasing win ratio, Tim Sherwood will believe he is already the next England manager. As I mentioned in my last blog post, there are goals in this team and they proved that with a 4-0 demolition of Sunderland last weekend. There is a real chance that Benteke could finish the season with a strong run of goal scoring form in this 4-3-3 formation.

Swansea were very unlucky to lose to a deflection against Liverpool on Monday night. The Swans were dominant in the first half but despite their sometimes-exquisite football, they were once again unable to find the back of the net. I expect this to be a low scoring tight affair.

Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle v Arsenal

It seems I can’t write a blog post at the minute without mentioning how dire the Newcastle defence is and now they have lost their captain and only decent centre back Collocini for the next three games. This leaves only Mike Williamson as their sole senior centre half and he would struggle with Championship strikers never mind the likes of Giroud, Sanchez and co. It will be very interesting to see how Carver tries to patch up his paper-thin back line. He could give youngster Lubo Sakta a debut or draft Janmaat into the middle and push a midfielder into the full back role. However, whatever he decides to do, it will not be able to cope with the attacking power of Arsenal who will be angry and hungry given their European exit in midweek. Sanchez is ready to rediscover his world-class form and I think this could be just the game to do it. I expect a Magpie Massacre by Arsenal and a very easy day at the office for their defenders.

Prediction: 0-6

QPR v Everton

In my blog post pre-double gameweek I mentioned the little 4.6m gem that is Matty Phillips and after that goal of the season strike last week, he is no longer an FPL secret with one goal and four assists in his last four games. Everton had a stroll in the park against Newcastle last week and many may have misjudged the 3-0 win as a turning point in their season. However, Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev proved to the football world how pathetic they can defend at times.  This could be a chance for QPR to snatch a much-needed three points if they can take advantage of the tired legs of The Toffees.

Prediction: 2-1

Southampton v Burnley

Saido Mane seems is back to his best with a goal and an assist in his last two games. Former FPL favourite Graziano Pelle was dropped last week given Shane Long a chance in the middle as the Saints grafted hard to a 1-1 draw against table toppers Chelsea. Alderwierld was recalled to the starting 11 after a lengthy injury absence with Yoshida making way. The Belgian is valued at just 4.7m and provides the cheapest option for you to get defensive coverage from one of the best back lines in the country. Given that Burnley have conceded the most headed goals this season, he might even grab his 2^nd goal of the season.

Burnley pulled off one of the shocks of the season with a 1-0 win against Man City but I think they will find in tough against Southampton who will give them a lot more respect than the Champions did.

Prediction: 2-0

Stoke v Crystal Palace

Stoke are having a great season and find themselves ‘top of the midtable’ and they find themselves back at the Britannia on Saturday where they have won five of their last eight games on home soil with their only defeats coming to Chelsea and Man City.

Alan Pardew will want a win in this game as once Newcastle inevitably lose to Arsenal, three points would see his new side leap frog his former side in the league. To grab the win he’s going to need his star players on form, Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon with the latter finding himself in a number 10 role of late.

Prediction: 2-2

Tottenham v Leicester

After his deserved call up to the National team, Harry Kane will be looking to do all he can to try push himself into England’s starting 11 in his last game before meeting up with Roy Hodgson’s selected squad.  Danny Rose has caught the eye of many FPL managers recently with his price increasing from 4.8m to 5m in the last few weeks.  He does like to get forward and has two goals and four assists already this season. Leicester looked doomed this season and I expect a routine win for Spurs.

Prediction: 2-0

West Ham v Sunderland

After angry fans marched out of the Stadium of Light and confronted Gus Poyet the Uruguayan was sacked with fossil man Dick Advocaat his replacement. Sunderland fans have had to endure some very ugly and negative football this season and it is unlikely that will chance from the new man’s old-fashioned style. West Ham are in desperate need of a pick me up having found just one win in their last twelve games and this should provide the perfect opportunity for them to do so.

Prediction: 2-0

Liverpool v Man United

The biggest game of the weekend sees arch rivals Liverpool take on Man United at Anfield in another battle for the top 4. The form guide suggests Liverpool will take the win on home soil but after an emphatic win against highflying Spurs, perhaps LVG has found the magic formula he has been looking for. It is amazing what you can achieve when you play one of the world’s best strikers as a striker isn’t it Louis. It will be very interesting to see whether the Dutchman recalls record signing Angel Di Maria. It was great to see Mata back in the team, as he really is a magic player.

Liverpool were very lucky to grab the win at Swansea but those are the sort of things that happen to you when you are on such a hot streak. Should they avoid defeat on Sunday they will equal the longest unbeaten run of the season with 14 games without defeat. Daniel Sturridge seems to be back fully fit now and is razor sharp whereas Jordan Henderson is really beginning to show some promise adding goals and impeccable passing to his game this season.

Prediction: 1-1

Hull v Chelsea

Chelsea will now have put Europe behind them and after a tough 1-1 draw against Southampton, they will be ready to rediscover their form and destroy Hull City. One reason they aren’t setting the league alight like they were before Christmas is the downturn in form of playmaker Cesc Fabregas. However, history suggests Chelsea fans shouldn’t expect his form to improve anytime soon as in the last six seasons he has scored or assisted 86 goals in the opening half of the campaign but only 33 from New Year’s Day to the end of the season over the same period. I don’t expect Chelsea to concede in this game and with two goals and an assist in his last five games; Ivanovic is the pick of Mourinho’s backline.

Prediction: 0-3