EPL 2016/17: Gameweek 17 preview and prediction
The hype is real. Boxing day is almost here, which essentially means we are almost halfway through the English Premier League season! While Conte’s genius keeps Chelsea at the top, 6 points clear and of their nearest challengers, Liverpool and Arsenal, it’s quite a battle for the spots within the top 4 with Manchester City only a point behind in fourth position.
The next two games before the end of the year could significantly change the league table around. Here’s a look at the games of the week and score predictions
#1 Crystal Palace vs Chelsea FC, Saturday, 12:30 PM GMT
After recently losing to Manchester United at their home, Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace face yet another huge challenge as league leaders, Chelsea come calling. Chelsea would love to continue their 10-match winning streak which includes a recent 3-1 win over Manchester City.
Despite Hennessey's heroic saves against Manchester United, Chelsea’s attack could overpower the weak and demotivated Crystal Palace defence. Diego Costa leads the goalscorer’s list and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon. Courtois is almost impenetrable in goal, at the moment, and the 3-man defence impressing with every passing game.
Predicted Score: Crystal Palace 0-3 Chelsea FC
#2 Middlesbrough vs Swansea City, Saturday, 3:00 PM GMT
A relegation ‘6-pointer’, Swansea City travel to the Riverside and start the day in 18th position in the league, 3 points behind Middlesbrough. While a win for the Swans won't pull them out of relegation, it’ll leave the difference between either of the teams hanging on mere goal difference.
Expect a close and strong battle, with both teams looking to rub off their recent losses and try to turn over a fresh leaf with some optimism before the New Year.
Predicted Score: Middlesbrough 1-1 Swansea City
#3 Stoke City vs Leicester City, Saturday, 3:00 PM GMT
Oh, how the champions have fallen! Leicester City haven’t had the dream start to the season like last year and have 16 points in 16 games this season, while their opponents Stoke City, are only a little ahead with 20 points in 16 games, which puts them in 12th position.
Leicester’s loss against Bournemouth seemed to be a dismal remainder of their poor run, which would be their seventh defeat in 8 league games.They, though, can surely take some inspiration from the 4-2 win over Manchester City two gameweeks ago.
Stoke City, on the other hand, would be missing their strong midfielder Arnautovic who has been suspended with a 3-match ban. With a possibly fit Kasper Schmeichel returning to his position in the Leicester goal, what remains to be seen is, can Leicester do it on a cold winter afternoon at Stoke?
Score Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Leicester City
#4 Sunderland vs Watford, Saturday, 3:00 PM GMT
For a languishing Sunderland team at the bottom of the table, nothing seems to be going right. Statistically, being at the bottom of the table at the mid-season mark generally ends with the team being relegated at the end of the season (87.5%). With all their hopes pinned on their star striker Jermain Defoe, (who has never scored a PL goal against Watford), the Black Cats have faltered when the former England international hasn’t got his scoring boots on.
Watford, though, have had a decent start to the season and are 11th on the table with 21 points. Troy Deeney is understood to be match-fit and could start against Sunderland, hoping to finally find his 100th goal for the club.
Score Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Watford
#5 West Ham United vs Hull City, Saturday, 3:00 PM GMT
After defeating Burnley in midweek, West Ham would be looking at consecutive wins for the first time this season against Hull City, who are 19th in the table. Slaven Bilic would have to make some very important choices, including playing their star striker Andy Caroll, who just returned from an injury.
Payet’s constant movement and threat from set-pieces could be a worry for Mike Phelan’s Hull City team.
Hull City have been on a downward spiral since their superb start to the season and have not won in the past 5 PL games, the pressure to fight out of the relegation zone is hot. West Ham United, though, have never lost to Hull City at home, and that record could remain the same.
Score Prediction: West Ham 3-0 Hull City