With another weekend of Premier League football fast approaching, we predict five things that will happen over the next couple of days.
It once again promises to be a fascinating weekend of action in England, with several mouthwatering matches on the cards.
Liverpool host Swansea City fresh off the back of that memorable win at Manchester City and Europa League victory over Bordeaux, as Jurgen Klopp‘s side keep improving.
Chelsea‘s trip to Tottenham Hotspur and table-topping Leicester City‘s home clash with Manchester United both catch the eye, as the season really starts to click into gear.
Here are five predictions we expect to come to fruition in gameweek 14.
The Firmino Show to Continue
Roberto Firmino produced a performance of sheer class against City, and it was a day in which many of his doubters were silenced.
The 24-year-old is a classy footballer, both on and off the ball, and he will be vital for Liverpool against Swansea, particularly if Philippe Coutinho continues his spell on the sidelines.
The confidence that Firmino will have gained from his Etihad display will be huge, and he has every chance of being the match-winner on Sunday.
Expect the Reds to pick up three points against Garry Monk’s side, and Firmino to steal the show.
United to Spoil Leicester‘s Party
Leicester being top of the Premier League in late November is a commendable achievement but, being brutally honest, their fixtures have been very kind.
The visit of Man United represents their toughest challenge since they lost 5-2 at home to Arsenal in September, and it could be the day their bubble bursts.
Louis van Gaal’s are fairly dour to watch, but their ability to grind out victories is admirable. Their last-gasp win at Watford last week was proof of that.
With Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial fit again, United will have too much for the Foxes, and the defeat may be the catalyst in them slipping down the league table.
Spurs Won’t Beat Chelsea
The London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea on Sunday lunchtime promises to be a very interesting encounter, with many tipping in-form Spurs to heap more misery on the Blues.
Jose Mourinho’s side are showing signs of form, winning three of their last four matches in all competitions, and should never be written off.
Spurs’ record against Chelsea over the years is pretty abysmal, and the loss of Dele Alli through suspension is a big blow.
Whether Mourinho’s men win at White Hart Lane remains to be seen, but on a day when Spurs have a great chance to make Chelsea‘s campaign even more miserable, they will fail to pick up all three points.
Jermain Defoe to Down Stoke
Jermain Defoe may be 33 years of age now, but he still knows where the goal is.
The former England international has been one of Sunderland‘s few bright sparks this season, and his winner at Crystal Palace on Monday earned his side a priceless victory.
Defoe is arguably Sunderland‘s most important player in their quest to avoid relegation in 2015/16, and seven goals in 12 appearances is a very fine return in all competitions this season.
The Black Cats host Stoke City on Saturday afternoon, in what is a very winnable game for Sam Allardyce’s side. Defoe will be vital on the day, and will continue his good form.
Arsenal to Respond in Style
Let’s face it, we all love an Arsenal meltdown, don’t we? No team reacts quite as hysterically as the Gunners when they lose a game.
Last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at West Brom was one of these occasions, with many questioning Arsene Wenger’s lack of summer spending as injuries once again hampered them.
But despite having a reputation for being weak mentally, Arsenal are actually very good at responding to losses. They beat Dinamo Zagreb comfortably on Tuesday, and will see off Norwich City at Carrow Road on Sunday.
They have a huge amount of quality in their ranks, and West Brom aside, their ability to beat lesser teams both home and away is exceptional. They will be back on track come Sunday evening.
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Liverpool take on Swansea City at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, 4:15pm kickoff (GMT), follow This is Anfield for updates throughout the day.
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