Draws for Man City, United and Arsenal
What you need to know:
But having lost to Man City here last weekend and then to Arsenal at the Emirates in midweek, the hosts are bound to bite back defiantly, and have proved they possess the quality to hurt anyone if they are up for it.
PREMIERSHIP
Newcastle vs Chelsea
The Premiership’s festive feast is upon all you fans and betting types, and I don’t envy you one bit as you try and sift through the mayhem and figure out who is going to get what. I don’t fancy too many of the top sides getting maximum points this weekend for one, but I reckon Chelsea will be one of the few to manage that however tough this trip might be, largely because of Newcastle’s defensive wobbles and the absence of Tim Krul. Away win
Man City vs Everton
The champions have the most lethal finisher in the Premeirship in Sergio Aguero, and such drive from a midfield that is likely to be further boosted by the return of David Silva after a long layoff. Yet I believe that Roberto Martinez can produce a disciplined tactical display to thwart them, while posing a threat of his own. Points to honours even here. Draw
Southampton vs Man United
Man United have won four on the bounce and early season high-flyers Southampton have run into a tough fixture pile-up, giving the visitors a slight edge momentum-wise. But having lost to Man City here last weekend and then to Arsenal at the Emirates in midweek, the hosts are bound to bite back defiantly, and have proved they possess the quality to hurt anyone if they are up for it. Sort of cancels out, doesn’t it? Draw
Stoke vs Arsenal
Like Southampton, Stoke have run into an unenviable fixture mire and were unlucky to leave Anfield and Old Trafford without the rewards their efforts evidently deserved. It doesn’t get any easier with a resurgent Arsenal up next, but back home at the Brittannia they could be a little more fortunate. Just a little. Arsenal’s persistence is a great newfound quality helping them win games late, but Stoke have the size (Diouf, Crouch, Nzonzi), and technique (Bojan, Arnautovic) to breach them too. Draw
Liverpool vs Sunderland
The battling qualities that saw Sunderland stage a most remarkable survival miracle at the back end of last season are slowing beginning to emerge again. But they run into a Liverpool side in midst of a revival of their own, and at Anfield they will be passionately urged on by a loyal following. Home win
BUNDESLIGA
Dortmund vs Hoffenheim
Finally a game Dortmund can and should win, right? Don’t count on it or on me, for I have miserably failed where Jurgen Klopp’s men are concerned, again and again. On this one I come with that huge disclaimer, because my gut feeling tells me they will win and yet my sensible head says the safe thing to do is go for the Over, which is almost a given for every Hoffenheim game regardless of opposition. Home win
Bayern vs Leverkusen
One of the better tests Bayern are bound to get at the Allianz Arena all season, with Leverkusen playing a high-intensity pressing game and some brilliant counter-attacking football under Roger Schmidt. As is expected with this quality of opposition, Pep Guardiola and his charges will rise up to the challenge at both a tactical and technical level, and their better overall quality should prevail. Home win
SERIE A
Fiorentina vs Juventus
Juventus are so dominant in Italy it is freakish, with a formation which gives them solidity at the back, midfielders who are so complimentary and compatible, wing backs who have mastered the art of bombing forward, and forwards who are in the habit of bombing at goal. But Fiorentna have been good over their last three games, and possess one of the few venues that can get the old Lady nervous. Draw
Roma vs Sassuolo
Home win
Napoli vs Empoli
Home win
Genoa vs AC Milan
Away win
Inter vs Udinese
Home win
LA LIGA
Barcelona vs Espanyol
One of several derbies in Europe that are suffering as spectacles because of the gulf in class currently exaggerated by financial muscle (think Juventus vs Torino). Barcelona might have arguably the world’s best academy, but each of Luis Suarez and Neymar cost more than the entire Espanyol squad. I only see the Catalunya derby going one way. Home win
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo
Home win & Over
Elche vs Atletico Madrid
Away win
Bilbao vs Cordoba
Home win
LIGUE ONE
PSG vs Nantes
Home win
Toulouse vs Monaco
Away win
Bordeaux vs Lorient
Home win
Marseille vs Metz
Home win
Evian vs Lyon
Away win
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