The tie of the round takes place at Stamford Bridge
The Christmas and the New Year period in the Premier League gives us extra games and extra goals every year.And this time,the Holiday period is turning out to be a crucial one for nearly all the sides,after all the title race has seemingly etched closer than ever. Only 3 points separate first placed Arsenal and fourth placed Liverpool,who were edged out 2-1 by Manchester City two days ago.Experts also believe that even eight placed Tottenham Hotspur stand some kind of chance to somehow win the title this season.And this weekend of the Premier League guarantees all the excitement and drama which perfects your day as some very crucial games are scheduled to be played.Let's take a look at the game by game guide-
Cardiff City v Sunderland
Goals have been meagre and far and few for both these sides.Both of them have scored 4 goals in their previous six matches and with Cardiff having sacked Malky Mackay yesterday,it will be tough for the interim manager to get the combinations right.But lack of goals looks set to provide an extra spark to this intriguing game as both teams look to avoid relegation.Cardiff suffered a 3-0 loss to the Saints in midweek following a 3-1 loss to Liverpool ,while Sunderland picked up 3 crucial points on Wednesday by upsetting 5th placed Everton,only to see other relegation battlers pick up their victories.The game would be a tough one to predict and chances will be quite evidently pretty less,considering their goalscoring records in the past few weeks
Prediction -Cardiff 0-1 Sunderland
When the Blues host the Reds on Sunday afternoon, both sides will want to finish the year with a big statement.A defeat on the hands of Chelsea will mean something bad for Liverpool and the title race and Chelsea will certainly look forward to pick up much needed 3 points.Chelsea come into the match on the back of a hard fought 0-0 at the Emirates and 1-0 victory against Swansea. Liverpool, meanwhile, have lost their first spot in the table after the 2-1 defeat in an exciting encounter at the Etihad Stadium. But,Liverpool have looked a much better side than Chelsea this season and Chelsea have their strikers like Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres to blame for this.Brendan Rodgers is likely to feature the same starting XI which impressed at the Etihad Stadium and will hope his on-form striker, Luis Suarez, can score his 20th goal of this campaign. Liverpool has won three out of their last five games at Stamford Bridge and only lost one.
Prediction -Cardiff 0-1 Sunderland
Newcastle United v Arsenal
This game has produced 11 goals in the last 2 meetings and who can possibly forget Arsenal's 7-3 win over the Magpies last season.Alan Pardew's side desperately need to win this tie as if they succumb to a loss,then the likes Manchester United and Tottenham will overtake them ,if they win their games.The same is the case with the Gunners,who also need to win to ensure the fact that other title rivals are kept at bay.Newcastle have managed to beat Chelsea,Spurs and Manchester United this season and they would definitely look to earn another big scalp by beating Arsenal ,come tomorrow.Yohan Cabaye has been a key figure for the Magpies,who had hammered Stoke City 5-1 in the midweek even after going 1-0 down.Arsenal recovered from a goal down against West Ham to beat them 3-1 day before yesterday,thanks to a brace from Theo Walcott.The game would be open and chances will come both ways,but conversion rate will be a key factor for the sides,who will fight out a close game at the St.James' Arena.
Prediction -Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal
Norwich v Manchester United
We have already seen these two face off this season in the Capital one Cup when United emerged victorious after trouncing the Canaries 4-0.That was at Old Trafford,but this time both of these sides will meet at Carrow Road in Norwich and at a time when both have differing fortunes and fates.Manchester United came back from 2-0 down to beat Hull City 3-2 day before yesterday,following an own goal from youth product James Chester.Norwich City have seen Fulham beat them 2-1 in their previous game at Carrow Road and will look to bounce back and jeopardise David Moyes' position as a Manchester United manager.United will have to replace their full right side as Valencia is suspended following a red card and Rafael is out injured.Nathan Redmond can be a threat for the centre backs as he possesses the ability to cut inside towards the final third and make runs like those of Gareth Bale.
Prediction -Norwich 1-3 Manchester United
Chelsea v Liverpool
When the Blues host the Reds on Sunday afternoon, both sides will want to finish the year with a big statement.A defeat on the hands of Chelsea will mean something bad for Liverpool and the title race and Chelsea will certainly look forward to pick up much needed 3 points.Chelsea come into the match on the back of a hard fought 0-0 at the Emirates and 1-0 victory against Swansea. Liverpool, meanwhile, have lost their first spot in the table after the 2-1 defeat in an exciting encounter at the Etihad Stadium. But,Liverpool have looked a much better side than Chelsea this season and Chelsea have their strikers like Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres to blame for this.Brendan Rodgers is likely to feature the same starting XI which impressed at the Etihad Stadium and will hope his on-form striker, Luis Suarez, can score his 20th goal of this campaign. Liverpool has won three out of their last five games at Stamford Bridge and only lost one.
Prediction - Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool or Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool
Other matches and their predictions-
Everton 2-1 Southampton
Manchester City 4-0 Crystal Palace
Tottenham 2 -0 Stoke City
West Ham United 2-1 West Brom
Hull City 1-1 Fulham
Aston Villa 1-2 Swansea
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