Premier League predictions: Will Leicester see off Liverpool to stay ahead in the title race?

We're still feeling the effects of deadline day, but football waits for no one and there's a full round of games this midweek 

 

 We meet again: Leicester and Liverpool played on Boxing Day and reconvene on Tuesday

After transfer season , it's time to refocus on actual football.

That will come as good news to most right-minded people, especially after a deadline day that delivered so little in the way of excitement.

Stoke, Watford and Newcastle were the biggest movers and shakers on Monday, splashing the cash to boost their squads... but the big boys of the Premier League stayed relatively quiet.

Now, there's a full midweek schedule to get our teeth into, with a number of intriguing games.
So without further ado, let's get predicting...



 

Leicester vs Liverpool

Claudio Ranieri's men remain top of the pile - but the next month will be a real test of their credentials.

After the visit of Liverpool, they travel to Manchester City and Arsenal and if they're still leading the way after those games, you have to fancy them to go on and win it.

Liverpool will make it tricky for them - but must find the perfect balance between defence and attack.

They were wide open at Norwich, scoring five and conceding four, but haven't found the net in their last two games after tightening up at the back.


 

Arsenal vs Southampton

It's three matches without a Premier League win for Arsene Wenger's men - and they need to get back to winning ways here.

The returns of Alexis Sanchez and Francis Coquelin will be a welcome boost for the Gunners, with both coming through the FA Cup win over Burnley unscathed.

Southampton meanwhile have risen up the table quietly after winning their last three, including the impressive victory at Old Trafford last time out.

Charlie Austin will be closer to full fitness but even if he is firing, Arsenal will probably have too much.

Prediction: 2-0

 

Norwich vs Tottenham

Can Mauricio Pochettino's men go on and win the Premier League title?
Tottenham have been a joy to watch this term and have bounced back from the shock defeat to Leicester with four wins in all competitions.

With Dele Alli and Harry Kane in their current form, you'd expect them to have too much for Norwich, who remain a shambles at the back.

Steven Naismith was their main January signing but Alex Neil will hope fellow new boy Timm Klose can improve things at the other end.


 Forward thinking: Harry Kane will be hoping to maintain his form for Spurs

West Brom vs Swansea

West Brom continue to have the quintessentially West Brom season: losing enough games to leave fans slightly worried but winning enough so they probably shouldn't.

Swansea, however, should be really worried. They spent money in January but all of it on what look like gambles rather than sure things and are right in the midst of a relegation battle.

The visitors don't score many while the hosts don't concede a great deal either. Unders.

Prediction: 0-0

Ian Walton/Getty Images Grinders keepers: Tony Pulis' men can eke out a point

Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth

The high-flying Eagles aren't quite so high-flying right now and need a win - and a goal scored by one of their own players - badly.

Their visitors this week, the Cherries, are in slightly better shape and come into the game off the back of three wins in five.

With both teams not the heaviest of scorers this one will be decided by the odd goal. And new boy Emmanuel Adebayor will get it.

Prediction: 1-0

Crystal Palace FC Remember me? Adebayor is back in business

West Ham vs Aston Villa

Deadline day came and went without barely a whisper at Villa Park. Remi Garde is reportedly unhappy at the lack of activity at the club, and you can understand why.

On the field, Villa have improved slightly of late – they haven't lost in three in the league – but face a tough assignment against a talented Hammers side. If Dimitri Payet decides to turn it on for the TV cameras again, this will only go one way.

Prediction: 2-0

Paul Gilham Magic man: Payet will be plotting a path for the Irons

Manchester United vs Stoke

Despite a win and an improved performance in the FA Cup against Derby last weekend all is still very much not well at Old Trafford with boss Louis van Gaal still seemingly hanging by a thread.

Stoke, on the other hand, are enjoying a splendid season but come into the clash fresh from two defeats.

Mark Hughes, and £18m signing Giannelli Imbula, will be full of confidence for better at OT where a visit no longer holds the fear of old.
Prediction: 1-1

New face: Imbula should line up in the Stoke midfield

Sunderland vs Manchester City

Back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Swansea lifted spirits at the Stadium of Light, but a great deal of work remains to be done... as the defeat to Spurs and the home draw with Bournemouth proved.

There could be a few new faces on display against Manchester City, but this is unlikely to be a happy debut for the likes of Wahbi Khazri and Dame N'Doye: with Sergio Aguero fit and firing, City will take some stopping.

Prediction : 1-3

Everton vs Newcastle

Considering the players at Roberto Martinez’s disposal this season, Everton are badly underachieving; six wins in the Premier League is dire for a side whose fans could rightfully be expecting their side to challenge for the top four.

The defence is nothing like the unit it had been under David Moyes and they’re nervy at Goodison Park, but fortunately they have Romelu Lukaku. Newcastle, with new attacking talent in their ranks, should have no fear and goals look likely.

Prediction: 2-2

Watford vs Chelsea

Chelsea’s players look much happier under Guus Hiddink and their performance at MK Dons showed players beginning to enjoy their football again. Cesc Fabregas is finding form, Diego Costa is menacing again and Eden Hazard has finally found the net.

Watford have impressed so far and in Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney will ask questions of the Blues defence. However, Hiddink’s side could well pinch it.

Prediction: 1-2