Saturday’s Premier League fixtures see top of the table Arsenal take on a Newcastle side woefully bereft of confidence in one of the game’s big fixtures with both sides in need of points to take momentum into what could be a massive calendar year for each.
Andy Gray and Richard Keys, who front beIn Sports’ EPL coverage discuss this and the weekend’s other matches.
– Premier League: January transfer window watch
– Serie A: January transfer window watch
– Bundesliga: January transfer window watch
– Ligue 1: January transfer window watch
– La Liga: January transfer window watch
Arsenal v Newcastle
AG: Arsenal can give themselves the perfect start to the year today by beating a mediocre Newcastle 3-0.
RK: If Arsenal want four or five goals they can get them but they probably won’t get that many so I’ll go with Andy on this. 3-0.
Leicester v Bournemouth
AG: The next few weeks will tell us how good Leicester really are and although Bournemough have had some great results I can’t see them getting anything here. 1-0.
RK: I have been really impressed with what Bournemouth have achieved of late with three wins and a draw but I think Leicester will be too good for them. 2-0.
Watford v Manchester City
AG: This is a classic game when City have to step it up if they want to win the title and I expect them to do exactly that. 1-2.
RK: City haven’t won on the road since September and we talk about them being title contenders; it’s ridiculous. They should win this but Watford won’t be intimidated. 1-1.
West Ham v Liverpool
AG: Although Liverpool won 1-0 at Sunderland I wasn’t convinced by their performance. They got the job done but that was it. West Ham did well to beat Southampton last time out so I can see this ending 1-1.
RK: Andy Carroll, if he gets the chance, would like to score against his old team but neither of these sides impress me at the moment. Yes, 1-1.
Man United v Swansea
AG: Because United have got to win sometime soon at home I have to go, without total conviction, for them to win. 2-0.
RK: If United fans are happy with 0-0 draws now then it is a sad state of affairs and I did not see the vibrant team people were raving about against Chelsea. Alan Curtis is doing a good job as Swansea but they won’t win at Old Trafford. 1-0.
Norwich v Southampton
AG: Every time I watch Southampton I see a good team playing decent football but letting games slip away like they did at West Ham when it should have been done and dusted by half time. However, I think they will respond by beating a struggling Norwich side, 1-2.
RK: Norwich are staring relegation in the face. In a straight fight I don’t think they are good enough to beat the Saints. 1-2.
Everton v Tottenham
AG: Everton are good going forward but a bit soft at the back and are conceding too many goals. Tottenham will fancy this but I think Everton will get something. 2-2.
RK: Everton’s record is not very good at the moment with three wins in 12. They are playing well but not winning, and Spurs are. 1-2.
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
AG: To have Palace sitting in fifth place is a credit to Alan Pardew who has done a terrific job. They have new investment and with money to spend Palace could be really strong in the future. I remember playing against Terry Venables’ Palace in the 1980s and this lot are up there with that team. 1-1.
RK: Palace were poor against Swansea but I don’t think Chelsea are good enough yet to go to Selhurst Park and win. Again, I have to agree with Andy. 1-1.
Sunderland v Aston Villa
AG: There’s not much to choose between these two teams, but Sunderland are struggling for form at the moment and Villa should edge this. 0-1.
RK: Sunderland were woeful against Liverpool. They are in deep trouble and will have to buy in the January transfer window. Villa are desperate for a win and they will get it. 0-2.
West Brom v Stoke
AG: Stoke beat Manchester United and then Everton so you would think they would go to West Brom and win but football’s not like that. 2-1.
RK: Stoke have been playing brilliantly recently with their front four playing really well. They are full of confidence and although the Baggies are a dogged team they should win this. 1-2.
