Andy Gray and Richard Keys, who front beIN Sports’ Premier League coverage, discuss the Boxing Day calendar of Premier League fixtures with pressure mounting on the shoulders of Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
The duo offer their predictions for all the week’s action.
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Manchester United v Stoke
AG: I can’t see any respite for Louis Van Gaal. United look short of confidence and the behaviour of the manager is not going to make things any better. 1-2.
RK: I think Stoke will beat them and that should be that for Van Gaal. 1-2.
Chelsea v Watford
AG: Chelsea had a good result last week but to be honest it wouldn’t have mattered who was in charge because Sunderland were awful. The players will want to impress Guus Hiddink and although Watford might make it difficult, they will win this 2-0.
RK: Watford were magnificent against Liverpool last week and they can get something here. 1-1.
Liverpool v Leicester
AG: Jurgen Klopp will have been so disappointed with Liverpool’s performance against Watford that he will be demanding a reaction, I know it’s risky to bet against Leicester at the moment but it’s at Anfield and I think Liverpool can win this. 1-0.
RK: Right now, Leicester City are a better team than Liverpool and I can’t see any sign of them slowing up but I do see Jurgen Klopp’s side settling back into what they are – very ordinary. I can see Leicester’s form continuing. 1-2.
Man City v Sunderland
AG: Sunderland have dropped back into the bottom three and are struggling for goals. Sam Allardyce has got a massive job on and he won’t get any joy here. 3-1.
RK: I would love to see Sunderland come away with something and if City don’t show them respect, they might but I’ll say 2-1.
Southampton v Arsenal
AG: Form says Arsenal all day long. Southampton created plenty of chances against Spurs last week but Tottenham’s finishing was more clinical so they paid the price. If they can convert their chances this can be the surprise result of the weekend. 2-2.
RK: I tipped Arsenal to win the title this season and they have put themselves in a position to do exactly that and this is a real opportunity to put their foot on the gas. Southampton are struggling and I think Koeman will be out the door at the end of the season. 0-2.
Aston Villa v West Ham
AG: Villa need to start winning and this is a wonderful opportunity. West Ham are a threat but Villa got a spirited draw against Newcastle last week and they can win this. 2-1.
RK: I fancy Villa to start improving as we move into the second half and West Ham, who have injuries to key players, are nothing special at the moment. 2-0.
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
AG: Bournemouth will have plenty of confidence after their run of wins but I can’t see that continuing against a Palace side that thrives away from home. 0-1.
RK: Winning three on the bounce is huge for Bournemouth but four consecutive wins in the Premier League is extremely difficult and, as Andy says, Palace are good on the road. 1-1.
Tottenham v Norwich
AG: Tottenham have ambitions of top four or even better and the way they are playing, that is definitely possible. They are much better than Norwich and have home advantage. 3-0.
RK: Some people see Spurs as title contenders and I can’t disagree and Norwich are inconsistent. They were great last week but they aren’t good enough to win this. 3-1.
Swansea v West Brom
AG: Tony Pulis would take a point right now and Swansea are struggling to get their act together. This has got 1-1 written all over it.
RK: The Baggies are not going to beat any of the big teams or lose badly to anyone but they will nick draws here and there. Yes, 1-1.
Newcastle v Everton
AG: Everton are decent away from home and although Newcastle are looking much better, I think my old team can win this. 1-2.
RK: Everton are flattering to deceive with two wins in ten and Newcastle at home are good enough to get at least a draw, and possibly a win. 1-1.
