We are slightly beyond the halfway line of the season and the calendar year is coming to end. Some had a good Boxing Day surprise and others a grief. Teams will be looking to start the year on a high but not all can make that happen.
Here are the previews and votes for Gameweek 20:
Brighton and Hove vs Everton
Brighton and Hove may just be a bit motivated for salvaging a point from Arsenal in their last game, though it has halted them from climbing up the table. They are still a bit sluggish and need to step up their game, especially against Everton who are looking better than the start of the season.
Everton are back in the top of the League (8th). This was they best away victory of the season which may be signs of hope for them to continue trending up. Another away to Brighton and Hove will not be a walkover as they will be looking for redemption by taking on The Toffees head on.
Vote: Everton Win
Fulham vs Huddersfield
Fulham did not perform badly nor great in their last game against Wolverhampton. They moved 1 point above the team they face now but still remain in the bottom 3 of the table. A home win could be key in an attempt to pull out of the that position.
Huddersfield have bad record this season away from home winning only 1 game this far. This is crunch game for them and like Fulham need a victory to try pull out of the bottom of the table.
Vote: Huddersfield win
Leicester City vs Cardiff
The Foxes can truly hold their heads high after 2 successful victories against 2 top clubs; Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. There is still competitive tension around them with other clubs trying to close in on them and edge higher. It will not be a simple game against Cardiff and they will have to keep performing well to try shake off other teams trailing them.
Cardiff managed to salvage a draw against a tough Palace side; a sign of a possible recovery for them. They have difficult contest against Leicester City who are drenched in confidence and will stop at nothing to take all 3 points.
Vote: Leicester City Win
Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton
The Spurs are surely marching on! Manchester City’s defeat and their glorious victory against Bournemouth has pushed them up to 2nd. They looked poised to head for top, but biting Wolves side will be a stiff test for them.
The Wolves may be biting themselves after the game against Fulham but that has not broken their will. Tottenham are team that they have not had the best of confrontations with in past years especially at home.
Vote: Tottenham Hotspur Win
Watford vs Newcastle
Watford suffered a near slip up against Chelsea. It has pushed them down to 10th but still in marginal reach of a European spot. They efforts are still not consistent and this may be costly in the long term of the League. Newcastle are team they should not underestimate.
Newcastle are starting to shake again. Though they hold a decent position away from the bottom 3 (15th) fans and the players feel they could be in a better position. Watford hold dominance over them in all their league encounters. They will need to be a bit daring to grab all 3 points.
Vote: Watford Win
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Liverpool are cruising along. They have opened a 6-point gap between them and The Spurs. This crunch game against the Gunners has never fallen short of excitement. But on a Liverpool perspective they will want to keep pressing for title glory and will not allow the Gunners to shoot them down.
Arsenal are still trying work their way into the top 4. After not firing hard enough to see they game through against Brighton and Hove, they will need have their game faces on against this Merseyside giant that is still unbeaten. They cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to keep up their hopes of making the top 4.
Vote: Draw
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
The Eagles’ flight plan was halted but a stubborn Cardiff side; this has not forced them to land though. This London derby has always been something special to them and with the home advantage they will want to see this game end in nothing but victory for them.
Chelsea had good win against Watford. They retain 4th spot with a slight margin away from Arsenal due to their draw against Brighton and Hove but are still far of reach from the top (11 points). Crystal Palace are a team that has caused problems against them in previous encounters. This Derby will be fairly significant to both their pride and the race to try and get their way up the table.
Vote: Crystal Palace Win
Burnley vs West Ham United
Turf Moor looked like a playing ground as Burnley suffered a terrible defeat to Everton. Dark times have hit Burnley and the fans need something to believe in again. West Ham are a team that have been climbing up and will definately not hesitate to take the fight at Turf Moor like others.
West Ham are way more positive than when they started the season. They sit at 9th thanks to their victory against Southampton and will surely want to take the fight to Turf Moor.
Vote: West Ham Vote
Southampton vs Manchester City
Southampton are 16th which is not great but still show signs of improvement since the start of the season. Their game against Manchester City last month (November) ended in a gruesome defeat and they will surely not make it easy for them; even if they have the home advantage.
The Citizens are surely kicking themselves in the foot after a 2nd successive defeat. They may be slowly losing they chances of retaining the title, but hope is not fully diminished. They face Southampton away. They may not fear The Saints especially from their last encounter but they cannot put their guard down.
Vote: Manchester City Win
Manchester United vs Bournemouth
Manchester United are looking better than ever; though it may be too soon to say. They seem to be looking sharper than before. This will be their home game with their new manger and will want to take on a struggling Bournemouth side.
It has become clear that Bournemouth simply can’t win. They have only won 2 games since November which is evidence that they are struggling to turn their earlier fortunes to victories. Fortune definitely not help them against The Red Devils who are piercing teams away. They need something new.
Vote: Manchester United Win
Last games of the calendar year. Play Ball!