Week 16 of the Premier League is upon us and the match on everyone’s mind is Manchester United vs. Liverpool. Can the Red Devils rub salt in the wounds of their fierce rivals?
Elsewhere there’s plenty of top games as we are almost halfway through the PL season.
[WATCH: PL TV schedule, Week 16 | Every PL game live online]
After consulting my crystal ball, here’s how I see things panning out…
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Manchester United vs. Liverpool – (Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
Well, this should be an absolute belter. One of the biggest rivalries in world soccer takes place at Old Trafford with both teams heading in opposite directions. United have own five on the spin, while Liverpool are struggling after crashing out of the Champions League. Expect the Red Devils to run riot.
Manchester United 3-1 Liverpool
Burnley vs. Southampton – (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Premier League Extratime)
Saints have been taught a lesson in their last three games against Man City, Arsenal and Man United but they will get back on track here. Burnley are a tough team to play against but injuries are starting to pile up for Sean Dyche’s men. Much-needed away win.
Burnley 0-2 Southampton
Chelsea vs. Hull City - (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
The Blues will be looking to bounce back from that shock defeat away at Newcastle last week. Mourinho’s side may be a little pleased to have that pressure off their back and I expect a fluid display against a Hull side who is in the bottom three and lack creativity in the final third.
Chelsea 3-0 Hull City
Everton vs. QPR – (Monday, 3 p.m. ET, NBCSN)
Without Charlie Austin, who is suspended, QPR don’t have much hope here and they have lost every single away game this season. Everton rested key players for their Europa League clash on Thursday and will be fresh and eager to kick on and get a win to move into the top half. Home win.
Everton 2-0 QPR
Leicester City vs. Manchester City (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Premier League Extratime)
Poor old Leicester. They have lost eight of the last 10 and are rock bottom of the table. I expect Man City to win this at a canter, even though they will be tired after a huge win away in Rome to make the last 16 of the UCL. The Citizens will rotate their squad and pile on the misery for Leicester.
Leicester 1-3 Manchester City
DON’T TOUCH THIS…
West Brom vs. Aston Villa – (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Premier League Extratime)
This Midlands derby will be tight and tense. Villa are unbeaten in five and are tough to beat, while the Baggies are five games without a win. Could go either way, but probably a draw.
West Brom 1-1 Aston Villa
Swansea City vs. Tottenham Hotspur – (Sunday, 11 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
Tight one in South Wales as Spurs are struggling to score goals and the Swans were well below par last week against West Ham. Honors even.
Swansea City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
“SO YOU’RE TELLING ME THERE’S A CHANCE…”
Arsenal vs. Newcastle - (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, NBC)
Coming off the back of beating Chelsea last week, Newcastle will be flying high. As for Arsenal, their players bounced back by hammering Galatasaray in midweek but Arsene Wenger has lost Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey to injury. Should be a cracker.
Arsenal 2-2 Newcastle
Crystal Palace vs. Stoke City – (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Premier League Extratime)
The Eagles played well at Spurs last week and look lively going forward. Stoke is coming off the back of beating Arsenal but the Potters have been so inconsistent this year. Expect the home crowd to make a real difference, as Palace could bag a big win. This will be a really battle at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace 1-0 Stoke City
Sunderland vs. West Ham – (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Premier League Extratime)
Not so much of an upset here, but the Hammers are on a roll and are in the top four. That said, Sunderland are grinding out clean sheets and I fancy them to sneak this one.
Sunderland 2-1 West Ham
