The top two lock horns at the Etihad as Liverpool take on Manchester City. Harry Redknapp gives his predictions for this weekend’s Premier League action.
Man City 3-1 Liverpool
I can’t wait for the return of the Premier League and what a game to start. Pep v Klopp, two of the best managers we’ve seen. City have looked unbelievable going forward in the last weeks. Six against Bournemouth, four against Chelsea, this side score goals for fun. Pep might be a little worried at the back though, conceding four to Chelsea is very unlike them.
Liverpool’s home record has been fantastic this season. I’ve got a few question marks about them on the road though, they’ve not won away from home in the league since the middle of September. Can they go to Manchester and get a win? I’m not sure.
I’m picking City. I feel like they always win these big home games.
One to watch- Time and time again, Bernardo Silva runs the show in these big games.
Sheffield United 1-0 Bournemouth
A big game near the bottom here. Sheffield United’s form in the last couple of weeks has picked up, and they did win their last home game. That point at Brighton will do them the world of good as well, this side are improving.
Bournemouth got a massive win over Newcastle at home before the break but on the road, they’ve really struggled.
These home fans will be right up for this one. I’m not expecting a classic, this will be last on Match of the Day. I’m saying a 1-0 home win.
One to watch- Cameron Archer has been Sheffield United’s bright spark this season and could be the difference here.
Forest 1-1 Brighton
This is a tough one to call. Forest are never an easy side to beat at home, as Villa found out in their last home game. They’ve got a nice run of games on the way as well; Steve Cooper will be targeting a few wins.
Brighton have now drawn three in a row, all by a 1-1 scoreline. They’ve reverted to the Brighton of old, having lots of the ball, creating chances but not taking them. The break probably came at the right time for De Zerbi’s side.
I can’t split them, I’m going for yet another 1-1 draw for Brighton!
One to watch- Adingra scored last time out for Brighton and he’s been a real bright spark for them this season.
Burnley 1-1 West Ham
This is a big game for Burnley. The form has been awful, they need to start picking up some points. Their fixtures between now and the end of the year aren’t that bad, they’ll hope to use this as a starting point.
I don’t think any club was as badly impacted by the international break than West Ham. Antonio looks like he’s picked up a bad injury, what a blow that would be. Jarrod Bowen pulled out of the England squad; David Moyes will be hoping for good news on those two lads.
For that reason, I’m leaning towards a 1-1 draw.
One to watch- With Antonio out, we could well see Kudus down the middle. This boy is a fantastic talent.
Luton 0-1 Palace
Luton were maybe a little unlucky to not get anything from Old Trafford and been really hard to beat in the last few weeks. The lack of goals in this side is still a major worry though.
With Eze and Olise now back fit and firing, I think we can expect to see Palace pick up a few more wins. They’ve missed that quality, that composure that these two lads bring them.
That extra bit of quality they have means that Palace will narrowly edge this.
One to watch- Michael Olise is a class act. I was surprised Palace managed to keep hold of him in the summer, what a lovely left peg he has.
Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea
This should be good; we’ll see where these two sides are this season. Newcastle have had some terrible luck with injuries of late, they’ll hope to get one or two boys back for this one. We’ve seen the difference in this side, when one or two lads get injured, they don’t have the depth.
Chelsea have been scoring goals in recent weeks. Four at Spurs, four at home to City, Poch is finding a system and an 11 that is working for him. I like the balance of the two wingers, Sterling on one side and Palmer on the other.
I wouldn’t have said this a month ago, but I’m saying it now, 2-1 to Chelsea!
One to watch- I’m surprised Sterling hasn’t been recalled to the England squad; he’s been right back to his best.
Brentford 2-2 Arsenal
This will be an interesting one. Brentford are always a hard side to beat at home, they’ve got a great record against the top sides. Thomas Frank always has his side so well organised and with the pace they have up top, they’re always a threat.
The break probably came at the right time for Arsenal, I think they were still reeling from defeat at Newcastle a few weeks ago. This will be a big away test for them though, make no mistake about it.
I can see this being a good game and can see Brentford getting a point in a 2-2 thriller!
One to watch- I can’t believe I’m picking a keeper here, but it’s got to be Aaron Ramsdale. With Raya ineligible, can the young lad come back in the side, play well and give his manager a big decision to make? I hope so!
Tottenham 2-2 Villa
I’m looking forward to this one. Spurs, I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a team been so unlucky with injuries all at the one time. This is the first real bit of adversary that big Ange has faced, how will he manage his squad?
Villa show no sign of slowing down and a win here would put them above Spurs in the table. At Villa Park, this side will take the game to anyone and really fancy their chances. They drew at Wolves though and lost at Forest, do they have some issues on the road?
We’ll see goals, I’m sure of that. 2-2!
One to watch- I always pick Watkins for Villa so I’ll pick someone else, Douglas Luiz. This fella has been different class this season. He’s so classy on the ball and he’s been chipping in with a few goals as well.
Everton 2-1 Man United
One thing’s for certain, the atmosphere in Goodison will be incredible. When that place gets loud, it’s literally shaking! After the point deduction, the fans will be right behind the team. Sean Dyche might even use this to galvanise his team and use this adversary to bring his squad together, that’s what I’d be doing. I think people are forgetting that Everton have been in good form over the last month as well.
United have been getting wins but the performances haven’t been great. You look ahead at the fixtures on the way, it feels like this month will define their season.
Sean Dyche will really fancy the win here. Everton have had some famous, famous wins over United down the years. I can see another here.
One to watch- It’s got to be Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He’s getting back to the player we all know he can be.
Fulham 1-1 Wolves
Last game up and well, it’s not exactly a thriller is it! Fulham’s recent form isn’t good, I’m sure Marco Silva has got to be concerned. I’d expect Fulham to be quite busy in January, they need more goals in this side.
Wolves went into the break fresh off that dramatic win over Spurs, what a game that was! Gary O’Neil is doing another good job, this side should comfortably stay in the league.
Fulham obviously signed Jimenez from Wolves in the summer but it’s not just happened for the lad. I’m not expecting a lot of goals, 1-1 for me.
One to watch- With Fulham having problems creating and scoring goals, this could be the moment they turn to the former Wolves man, Adama Traore. This boy is something else to watch, so quick and direct.
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