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Manchester United v Manchester City
You have to wonder what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is going to get Cristiano Ronaldo for Christmas because CR7 just keeps saving his manager's job. Manchester United lost 5-0 to Liverpool last time out in the Premier League and were so close to another loss midweek in the Champions League until the Portuguese legend scored a late equalizer. If the Red Devils had suffered defeat against Atalanta their manager would likely have been sacked. Meanwhile, on the other side of Manchester, things just keep rolling for Pep Guardiola's men. Yes, they lost their last Premier League game 2-0 to Crystal Palace, but that was only after a red card sent them down a man. Otherwise, City are 4-1 in their last 5 matches in all competitions including a 4-1 win over Club Brugge in the UCL this week. Both teams are dealing with injury problems but the more crucial one is the loss of Rapheal Varane to United’s backline which will make their already poor defense even more susceptible to City’s attack. United have had City’s number in recent years but the quality on the blue side of Manchester is too strong to not come away with all 3 points.
The Bet: Manchester City to Win
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
Good for a Goal: Riyad Mahrez
Brentford v Norwich City
These two teams last met in the second tier of English football but now they are battling out in the Premier League after earning promotion. Despite entering this season on a level playing field, they are now separated in the table by quite a distance. Brentford have pulled away from the bottom and look to be almost guaranteed to stay up while Norwich have yet to win a game and look to be almost guaranteed to go back down. The Bees are actually coming off 3 consecutive defeats in the Premier League but getting last place Norwich should help their cause, as well as playing at home. Norwich have little hope at the moment of having a successful season and have only scored 1 goal in their past 6 games. The hosts should command this match from start to finish.
The Bet: Brentford to Keep a Clean Sheet
Prediction: Brentford 2-0 Norwich City
Good for a Goal: Ivan Toney
Chelsea v Burnley
This matchup pits a team with only one loss against a team with only one win. Chelsea are on top of the table right now and have been in great form all year under Thomas Tuchel. Their managers strong formation and style of play has seen them be clinical in attack and stout at the backend. Burnley only just picked up their first win of the year in their last Premier League game against Brentford and will need some sort of miracle to even sniff a point in this one. Chelsea are missing some key players, including forwards Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, but their team is built like a machine with plug and play parts and I don’t see them slipping at all here playing at home at Stamford Bridge.
The Bet: Chelsea to Keep a Clean Sheet
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Burnley
Good for a Goal: Kai Havertz
Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton
In a matchday that features the Manchester Derby it’s shocking that this could be the game that is the closest. Crystal Palace have started clicking recently under first year manager Patrick Viera who has his squad playing some solid football. Wolves meanwhile have turned around a slow start to rattle off 4 wins in their past 5 Premier League games. This game is tough to forecast because Palace are a draw happy side, splitting points in 6 of their 10 games so far this year while Wolves play every team close with those aforementioned 4 wins all coming by 1 goal. In the end I think the home field advantage gives Palace just enough to hang with Wolves to end up tied after 90 minutes.
The Bet: Draw
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Wolverhampton
Good for a Goal: Hwang Hee-Chan
Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United
Brighton were impressive in their comeback effort last week against Liverpool. Playing at Anfield they fell behind 2-0 but scored 2 in the second half to split the points. Despite having only 1 win in their past 6 Premier League games, the Seagulls have looked alright and maintained a high level of play. Newcastle has a bit of a good and bad news situation going on. Good news, they were bought by the Saudi’s and will soon be able to spend money alongside the richest clubs in the world. Bad news is they might be doing it in the second tier next year. Newcastle is in dreadful 19th position in the league table and they have yet to win a game. They have sacked their manager Steve Bruce but in not finding a new one over the past few weeks they have failed to address their lack of direction on the pitch. There is quality in this team but without help and leadership they will go nowhere. Brighton should win but I do expect both teams to find the back of the others net.
The Bet: Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Brighton 3-1 Newcastle
Good for a Goal: Callum Wilson
