Premier League 21/22: Matchday sixteen predictions

Brentford v Watford - Friday 10th December (8pm)

Harry Reynolds

Brentford have been on a pretty poor run of form for some time now, excluding the win against Everton in their most recent home game. However, they created virtually nothing in that game and relied on a penalty to win, when in reality both sides were devoid of quality. This is a massive game for them and Watford, who despite finding the net a few times recently, are still losing and shipping goals. I’ll go for a draw in this one.

Prediction: 1-1

Ryan Kirk: 1-1

Chris Stott: 1-1

Chris Coughlin: 1-2

Joe Richardson: 1-1

Man City v Wolves - Saturday 11th December (12:30pm)

Joe Richardson

City are quietly going about their business at the moment and churning out the wins. They have recovered well from a couple of poor results at home and you look at them and just have every confidence they will win, despite it being the early kick-off! Wolves have a good defensive record but if they keep City to two, they will have done well.

Prediction: 2-0

Ryan Kirk: 2-0

Chris Stott: 2-0

Harry Reynolds: 3-0

Chris Coughlin: 2-0

Arsenal v Southampton - Saturday 11th December (3pm)

Harry Reynolds

You would have to question Ralph Hasenhuttl’s game management having chucked points away against Leicester and Brighton, particularly the latter. I know he’s not exactly had much backing, but he’s been there for 3 years now and is definitely not taking the team forward. Mikel Arteta has also been incredibly well backed at Arsenal, but they’re still losing games too. It’s three defeats in four for the Gunners, and they just simply didn’t want it as much as Everton did last Monday. They have generally managed to scrape home against poorer sides this season though, so they should just nick this.

Prediction: 1-0

Joe Richardson

Both these sides come into the game still reeling from throwing away all three points last time out. Arsenal in truth were poor against Everton and rode their luck before Demarai Gray’s thunderbolt gave the Toffees a much needed win. For Southampton it was an all too familiar story of losing points from a position of strength. But the situation took an unexpected twist when it was revealed Alex McCarthy was injured and unable to dive for Brighton’s 98th minute equaliser. Ralph Hassenhutl shocked all by calling out his goalkeeper and his professionalism, apparently not aware that McCarthy was seriously injured. He is now out along with backup Fraser Forster, which has forced Saints’ hand in bringing in free agent Willy Caballero on an emergency loan. It’s probably about as good as the club could have done as they look to halt another potentially damaging slide.

Prediction: 2-0

Ryan Kirk: 1-0

Chris Stott: 1-0

Chris Coughlin: 2-0

Chelsea v Leeds - Saturday 11th December (3pm)

Ryan Kirk

A few weeks ago, I'd have said this was a nailed on win for Chelsea and a question of how many they'd score. Maybe it's not so clear now. I still expect Chelsea to win the game but they've been leaky over the last two weeks domestically and abroad and Leeds claimed a vital point against Brentford with Patrick Bamford's 95th minute equaliser last Sunday. Chelsea should still get the three points but it's a big test of character.

Prediction: 2-1

Chris Stott: 2-0

Harry Reynolds: 3-1

Chris Coughlin: 2-0

Joe Richardson: 2-1

Liverpool v Aston Villa - Saturday 11th December (3pm)

Chris Coughlin

How long has it been since the focus of a game at Anfield wasn't about a Liverpool player? Well that's certainly the case on Saturday as Reds' legend Steven Gerrard brings his Aston Villa side to Anfield. The Villains have made a good start under him as well, winning three of their four games so far with the only defeat being a narrow and undeserved loss to Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp said in his pre-match press conference, however, that none of the teams Villa have played are Liverpool to emphasise the confidence the Reds' coach has in getting a result against the former Liverpool captain. It will be an emotional day at Anfield for sure.

Prediction: 3-0

Ryan Kirk: 3-1

Chris Stott: 2-1

Harry Reynolds: 2-0

Joe Richardson: 3-1

Norwich v Manchester Utd - Saturday 11th December (5:30pm)

Harry Reynolds

Naturally, there was a massive overreaction to Ralf Rangnick getting his first win as interim Man United manager last week. However, the problems at the club still remain, notably in defence and midfield. This is another kind fixture for Rangnick though, and after four unbeaten games Norwich were slapped down to earth by Spurs. I don’t see how they can possibly survive with the squad they have, and this should be a routine victory.

Prediction: 0-2

Ryan Kirk: 1-4

Chris Stott: 0-3

Chris Coughlin: 0-3

Joe Richardson: 1-2

Brighton P-P Tottenham

Burnley v West Ham - Sunday 12th December (2pm)

Joe Richardson

The Hammers’ defeat of Chelsea was yet another feather in their cap from a superb season to date. The acid test of their top 4 aspirations will come over the Christmas period, with their squad tested to its maximum. Key defensive injuries may hinder them, but I think they will have too much for Burnley on Sunday.

Prediction: 1-3

Ryan Kirk: 0-1

Chris Stott: 0-2

Harry Reynolds: 0-1

Chris Coughlin: 1-2

Leicester v Newcastle - Sunday 12th December (2pm)

Joe Richardson

Newcastle will see this as a game they can pick up points in against an out of form Leicester side, whose home record in the last 18 months is not good. Being dumped out of the Europa League will be a bitter pill for the Foxes to swallow, especially now their Thursday night trials and tribulations continue in the Conference League. Both these teams are leaky at the back and it could make for an open encounter.

Prediction: 2-2

Ryan Kirk: 2-2

Chris Stott: 1-1

Harry Reynolds: 2-0

Chris Coughlin: 2-1

Crystal Palace v Everton - Sunday 12th December (4:30pm)

Harry Reynolds

I think this game could go either way. Crystal Palace were possibly unlucky at Old Trafford, but that’s now three consecutive defeats for Patrick Vieira’s side. Everton finally ended their losing run against Arsenal, but were heavily reliant on the individual quality of Demarai Gray and Richarlison rather than creating buckets of chances. This will obviously be very tight, but the visitors haven’t lost at Selhurst Park in the entire time since Palace’s promotion in 2013, so it’s a fantastic chance to secure consecutive wins.

Prediction: 1-2

Ryan Kirk: 1-1

Chris Stott: 2-2

Chris Coughlin: 1-2

Joe Richardson: 0-0