Welcome once more to the previews and predictions segment where we strive so hard to bring you for the upcoming matches of the greatest league in the universe. Oh, and FPL Tips. Don’t forget that as well. Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s delve.

“I whip my hair back and forth.”

Arsenal v Fulham

1 January 2019, 15:00 GMT

This is a vital match for both teams. The Gunners look to shrug off a bad December, and an even worse visit to Anfield with a win over second to last Fulham.

This is because a draw or even a defeat gives sixth placed Manchester United the chance to catch them and fourth place Chelsea the extra screw to tighten their place on a Champions League spot.

Unai Emery would look to make changes to his squad, and work extra hard on the training ground to improve finishing and constant creating of space on the pitch.

Ranieri will be looking to build on a hard earned win against Huddersfield and to cause an upset at the Emirates. Expect a do or die performance from both sides.

Prediction: Arsenal should edge this match 2-0.

FPL Tip: Buy/Keep Alexandre Lacazette for this game. Should be introduced to the squad on Tuesday, and is most likely to score a goal.

“Who are you looking at Marcos?”

Chelsea v Southampton

2^ND January, 19:45 GMT

A good game as Chelsea will be looking to cut the gap to the top three, especially after Spurs’ surprise loss to Wolves on the 30^th of December.

Chelsea will be looking to find consistency, a tool desperately needed if they want a Champions League spot next year and to even mount a surprise title challenge.

Ralph Hassenhuttl must be gutted that he has to face so many top sides in the space of two weeks, but will nevertheless try to cause an upset at the Bridge, as the Saints look a new side with the German in charge.

Prediction: 1-1

FPL Tip: Sell Alex McCarthy. He hasn’t kept a clean sheet in quite a while, and don’t expect him to do so when the Saints travel to London.

 

Newcastle v Man United

3^rd January, 20:00 GMT.

If Rafa Benitez wants to keep his credentials as one of the top coaches around, he should at least coax his side into winning, and winning comfortably. Newcastle looked set for a win against the Hornets had it not been that last gasp equalizer from Doucoure.

Now Rafa takes the Toon to a side he knows all to well, a side who he has seen memorable wins against but also a side that has ruthlessly crushed his hopes once before.

Man United look a better team with interim manager Solskjaer at the helm, and are the favorites to win this encounter, but don’t rule out Rafa and Newcastle from taking the game to United.

Prediction: 4-1 to Man United

FPL Tip: Sell all your United defenders and probably David de Gea. They may getting clean sheets in the near future, but not now I’m afraid.

“Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!”

Man City v Liverpool

3^rd January, 20:00 GMT.

The match that might determine where the title heads to. City hope to cut the gap between top-of-the-table Liverpool with a win, but Klopp’s boys will look to preserve their unbeaten status and beat the Cityzens, and put themselves in the driver’s seat of this hot title race.

City have the potential to bring the ball into dangerous areas, and the deadliness of Argentine Sergio Aguero is constant threat, but Liverpool have their troublesome trio, and the Alpine Pele on standby. Expect a real cracker of a match.

Prediction: 3-2 to City

FPL Tip: Buy Mo’ Salah. The numbers speak for themselves.

 

That’s it for now. Happy New Year to all you reading (or glancing through). We appreciate you. We really do. Keep reading.

 

Hellooo everybody. The greatest league in the world has returned and we must give you the deserved previews, predictions and fantasy tips you rightfully deserve. So without further ado: Welcome to PL Analysis’s Previews for Match Day 20.

Fulham v Huddersfield

December 29, 15:00 GMT.

Last v Last but one may be a dull game, but both teams are looking for a place out of the bottom three, with immense pressure on the heads of gaffers Claudio Ranieri and David Wagner.

The Cottagers leap-frogged the Terriers with a narrow draw against Wolves, whilst Huddersfield suffered a 3-1 loss to a seemingly revitalized Manchester United, though it could’ve been a different result if David de Gea didn’t do what he usually does.

Ranieri will be hoping his big man up front Aleksander Mitrovic will be back amongst the goals, and his star midfielder Jean Seri will step up to dictate games like he did back at France. He will also be hoping to count on his defence to be solid.

Wagner will be hoping for a sturdy display from his men, with stars like Depoitre to put on a performance worthy of their fans’ approval.

Should be a great match.

Prediction: 2-2

FPL Tip: Back your bucks on Schurrle (5.7 Pounds). Ranieri will be looking to unlock Wagner’s stubborn defence and the versatile World Cup winning midfielder could do just that.

 

Spurs v Wolves

December 29, 15:00 GMT.

With Liverpool up against Arsenal and City travelling to a new-look Southampton, Tottenham will look to make mincemeat of Wolves, but Pochettino’s men shouldn’t approach the game too easily.

Wolves has had a habit of frustrating the big sides this season: Drawing with Everton, Man City, Man Utd and Arsenal, beating Chelsea and narrowly losing to Spurs and Liverpool.

Nuno Espirito’s men like to press high and pass with purpose, and with players like Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho who have the creative touch and Jiminez a decent striker, expect Lloris and his back four to be greatly troubled. However Spurs are in good form, with Son, Kane and Eriksen consistent and the whole team working together as a unit.

With both sides known for playing attacking footy, expect a crackling match.

Prediction: 4-2 to Spurs.

FPL Tip: Buy/Keep Heung-Min Son (8.7 Pounds). The South-Korean is expected to keep his blistering form up, so expect him to be amongst the goals or setting them up during the match.

 

Liverpool v Arsenal

December 29, 15:00 GMT

If both managers are not kicking water bottles or running to play ring around the roses with their goalies, then we should expect a match involving drama between the players.

Liverpool are still unbeaten as we enter the second half of the season, and will be looking to not drop any points as they chase their very first PL Crown. Arsenal will be looking to break free of their recent slump and return to winning ways, as recent results have cost them a much deserved place in the top-four.

Liverpool will be depending on Mo Salah to deliver the goals and a sturdy defence to keep out the likes of top-scorer Aubameyang and Lacazette. Arsenal will be backing their two strikers to flourish and Mesut Ozil to man up and adapt. The Gunners will also count on Sokratis to sort out his defence and keep out Liverpool’s magical three. (And Big Shaq).

A smashing game to the end the year.

Prediction: 2-2

FPL Tip: Buy Aubameyang. (11.5 pounds). We fancy Auba to be the striker to trouble Liverpool’s defence. Take this risk and reap the rewards. Ugh. That sounds like a quote from a motivational book.

 

Crystal Palace v Chelsea

December 30, 12:00 GMT.

London derby calls and our eyes are urged to watch. Chelsea look to go on a run with their opposition lacking the quality to disturb them.

Despite Morata and Giroud’s bad form, Chelsea have Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian, a front three capable of tearing up defences, a reasonably good midfield and a defence beginning to gel.

Crystal Palace, after their stunning win against City last week will be looking to upset yet another big side, as they look towards safety amongst opponents who all have the same goals. Good game beckoning.

Oh, and one more thing. Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha, please don’t go to China.

Prediction: 2-1 in favor of the Blues.

FPL Tips: Buy Hazard (11.0 pounds). The Belgian just scored his 100th and 101st goal, and will be expected to turn up against Palace.

 

Southampton v Man City

December 30, 14:15 GMT

FourFourTwo says City would have been wishing for Mark Hughes to be in charge of the Saints for a little bit longer. They’re not far wrong, as the Saints look completely different under Ralph Hassenhuttl, playing without fear and taking the game to their opponents.

Key players like Holjberg and Danny Ings seem better, which is a worry for Guardiola’s men, who are in a rut, largely due to the unavailability of Fernandinho.

City, even without the Brazilian, would be hoping to win nevertheless, to keep things close with Spurs and Liverpool.

De Bruyne is gaining fitness and Aguero has returned to the squad, so expect a die-hard performance from the Sky-Blues.

Prediction: 3-2 to City.

FPL Tip: Buy Kevin de Bruyne (9.7 Pounds). Should expect a Raumdeuter performance from the Belgian maestro, with at least an assist to help better his team.

 

Man Utd v Bournemouth

December 30, 16:30 GMT

Ahh, its nice to see Man Utd playing attacking football that you’d associate them with in the distant past. Pogba playing with much more freedom, Victor Lindelof playing like the center-back he was highly rated as back in Sweden, and the English academy graduates playing the United way.

Though its only been two games, Solskjaer deserves the credit of gelling the team, giving everyone a chance and allowing them to play good football without cannon-balls tied to their legs.

They should be looking to put on a show against the Cherries, but Eddie Howe’s men are an unpredictable bull, and can take the game to others when they so please.

With Brooks and Wilson on the Cherries’ side, expect a game full of goals.

Prediction: 3-1 to Man United.

FPL Tip: Buy Pogba (8.0 Pounds). Shame that only a week ago we tagged him as inconsistent. Pogba seems back to his best and back him to put on a classy show at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Merry Christmas. Keep on reading. Try saying that with an Elvis-like voice while you are at it.

 

Merry Christmas folks. Apart from the church services, the sweets overload, the never-ending arrivals of “long-lost” relatives, and the bombardment of Christmas memes and pics on your Whatsapp, there is one more thing that is unavoidable when it comes to this time of the year.

So sit back, relax and get a preview of the selected matches you can binge watch this upcoming Wednesday.

Ho, ho, ho, and to all FPL players worldwide, some tips for the selected matches will be provided. Yeah, I know. I’m nice like that.

Leicester v Manchester City

15:00 GMT

This should be an absolute cracker. Leicester would be on a high after their win against Chelsea, with key players such as Kasper Schmeichel and Jamie Vardy seemingly back in top form.

Vardy has a knack for scoring against the big six, his lightning pace and his small frame might be a problem for which ever defenders Guardiola picks for this game.

City should have learnt a valuable lesson from their shock defeat against Crystal Palace, and will not want to slip even further behind Liverpool in this hot title race in which Spurs have suddenly become contenders.

The arrival of Kevin de Bruyne should add some creativity in the Sky Blues midfield and the probability of Fernandinho being reintroduced or Phil Foden being named in the line up is likely. Expect a lively match come Wednesday.

FPL Tip: Buy: James Maddison (6.8 pounds)

Maddison creativity in midfield should be crucial in a game where Claude Puel is unlikely to sit back and allow City to press forward. His assist last Saturday should have won over the doubters. Plus, he’s cheap.

Prediction for this match: I’d say a 3-1 victory to the Cityzens

“Spotted your mum eh, Virgil?”

Liverpool v Newcastle

15:00 GMT

A return to Anfield for Rafa Benitez, a man loved by the Kop, won’t change the fact that the Toon might be massacred by the leaders come Wednesday.

Liverpool look like a well-oiled machine at the moment, with Alisson protecting their goal, Van Dijk a towering beast of a defender and their front three preying on frightened defences.

Klopp might be tempted to rotate due to the fixtures rolling thick and fast, but still expect a good win for the Reds.

However, though as good Virgil is, the Dutchman might finally meet his match in the form of Salomon Rondon, a bulky striker who can hold up play better than most and scores some beautiful headers.

If Rafa gets his tactics right, Newcsatle might take the fight to Anfield.

FPL Tip: Don’t be assured about any Liverpool midfielders and Liverpool full-backs you own. Klopp might rotate, so it might be safe to bench Fabinho, Robertson and co.

Predictions: A 4-1 win for L’pool.

 

Spurs v Bournemouth

15:00 GMT

Spurs are on a roll so far. Their 6-2 trouncing over the Toffees announced them as a potential title threat and they will certainly won’t hope to slip up against the Cherries.

Harry Kane, their “deadly” striker, is amongst the goals again, Christian Eriksen, a force to be feared and Son, just magical.

Their defence however, hasn’t been at their absolute best, especially with the absence of Jan Vertonghen, something Eddie Howe will be keen to exploit.

Callum Wilson has recovered from his earlier niggles, and David Brooks is improving steadily, so expect a fine match from the Wembley.

FPL Tip: Sell Dele Alli. His hamstring might be a problem to Mauricio Pochettino and your mini-league.

Prediction: Spurs to win 3-2

Man Utd v Huddersfield

15:00 GMT

Solskjaer will be looking to build on his fine victory in Wales. He delivered what Manchester United have been craving for for years, fluent attacking football from the first minute.

Fans will want this mentality to continue when Old Trafford welcome the Baby-faced assassin to OT on Wednesday afternoon, with his troops set to face a much stiffer test against a team which possess better defensive capabilities, topped with a good keeper in the form of Lossl.

However, with Pogba, Lingz, Rashford, and Tony Martial seemingly back to form, expect an exciting match at Manchester on Wednesday.

FPL Tip: Buy Marcus Rashford (7.0 pounds). Solskjaer style of football suites Marcus playing in the middle and expect him to reap rewards on Wednesday.

Prediction: 3-0 to Man United

Watford v Chelsea

19:30 GMT

To crown it all off, The Hornets welcome the Blues to Vicarage Road, a match set to be a deciding factor to whether Maurizio Sarri can handle the festive period.

Players haven’t really been consistent during the past 30 days, with names including David Luiz, Jorginho, Kante, Giroud, Morata and Willian.

Watford will be a stern test to the Blues, with arguably the Leagues best keeper this season in goal, Doucoure marshalling the midfield and Troy Deeney back to full fitness.

Can Sarri and his men deliver what Chelsea needs? Or will Watford gain an extra three points as they hunt for a place in Europe.

Prediction: 1-1

FPL Tip: Buy Ben Foster (4.5 pounds). With Chelsea lacking the clinical edge in the final third, count on the English stopper to hand you some needed points.

Merry Christmas to you all! Ho ho ho from Sergio and us! Keep reading.