The Premier League enters its official winter break as fixtures are spread across two weeks. Brand ambassador Harry Redknapp gives his predictions for this upcoming weekend.
Burnley 1-2 Luton
What a massive game, talk about a relegation six-pointer! This looks like more of a must-win for Burnley, they really need to start picking up wins. With a couple of weeks to go in the transfer window, I’m sure Kompany will be looking to bring a couple of bodies in.
Luton’s recent form is good though. They beat Newcastle and then Sheffield United away before that narrow defeat to Chelsea. A win here would at least temporarily put them out of the relegation zone.
Burnley beat Luton earlier in the season, Luton will be up for revenge here. Beating Sheffield United shows that they can go away to a rival and get a big win, I fancy them to do that again.
One to watch- Ross Barkley has been superb this season. This lad’s always had loads of talent, and his quality could be the difference.
Chelsea 1-1 Fulham
Difficult one to call. Both sides were obviously in Carabao Cup action during the week, and both sides got beat. Chelsea might well turn that Middlesborough tie around, but the performance was poor. I just don’t know what to say about Chelsea anymore, it feels like a big couple of weeks for their season and for Poch.
Fulham didn’t play badly at Anfield; they probably should have been a couple of goals up. Marco Silva must have been disappointed to concede two goals back-to-back like that, but Fulham are still in that tie.
Fulham are well-organised and can make things difficult for these top sides on the road. They’ve given Liverpool some tough games at Anfield this season and they got a point at the Emirates as well. I’m going for a draw.
One to watch- Palhinha is a real class act for Fulham. He obviously had his transfer to Bayern collapse in the summer but fair play to the lad, he’s been at his best for Fulham. He’s one to watch in this game and in the last couple of weeks of the window.
Newcastle 1-3 Man City
As it happens, that Sunderland game came at the right time for Newcastle. Winning so comfortably should have galvanised the squad and the fans. I’ve got to say, it looked like a bit of a mismatch at times. I know Eddie wanted to add to his squad, I’m surprised they’ve not done that yet.
Every season they go on a run of wins that leads to them winning the title. This might just be that moment. He won’t start here, but Kevin De Bruyne is back and it’s almost like a new signing for City! Pep’s almost got a full squad of players to choose from, that’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
Going up to St James’ is never easy, but I fancy City here.
One to watch- Phil Foden has been just fantastic of late, an absolute joy to watch. He’s scored some lovely goals, created chances, he could well be the star against Newcastle.
Everton 1-2 Villa
Everton were on such a good run, but that’s now three defeats in a row and all of a sudden, they’ve got Luton breathing down their neck. I still fancy this side to have enough to stay in the league, but they’ll be looking over their shoulder.
I know people will say it’s only Burnley at home, but that was such a huge win for Villa. They had to win that game to keep up this momentum and they go on a run of fixtures that look quite favourable to me. If they can start with a win here, it could be a good few weeks for Villa.
Winning at Goodison won’t be easy, but I think Villa will narrowly edge it.
One to watch- If Villa are to keep this title charge going, they’ll need Ollie Watkins at his very best. I can see him getting on the scoresheet here.
Man United 2-3 Spurs
I think we’ll see a thriller here. Spurs under Postecoglou are always involved in good games and United have already had a few high-scoring games at Old Trafford. United beat Wigan in the Cup but when we last saw them in the league, they lost at Forest and were awful. I’m curious to see how Sancho gets on back in Germany, I still can’t believe how that saga all unfolded!
How will Spurs cope without Son, it’s the big question! They’ll obviously miss their skipper, but it’s up to some of the other lads in the side like Richarlison to step up. James Maddison isn’t too far away from a return, Ange will be desperate to get him back in as soon as possible.
It doesn’t matter who and where they play, Spurs will try and attack. Son might not be there, but I still see goals in this Spurs side, and I don’t trust United at the back. I’m leaning towards a 3-2 thriller!
One to watch- I’m not sure if he’ll start here, but I’m really curious to see how Timo Werner gets on here. He’s got a point to prove after his spell at Chelsea and this might just be a club and manager that suits him. I’ve always liked the lad; he’s got unbelievable pace and energy, but can he consistently tuck them away? We’ll have to wait and see!
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