The weekend is here and that only means one thing, the Premier League returns!
There are some exciting matches this weekend in the top tier of English football including a TWO Friday night matches to kick us off into the weekend spirit.
Friday 30 December
West Ham v Brentford: 7:45pm kick-off
West Ham will be without defenders Kurt Zouma and Maxwel Cornet as they are both not fit enough to feature.
Hammers forward Gianluca Scamacca and defender Nayef Aguerd both face fitness tests and are unlikely to feature in tonight’s match.
Brentford duo Kristoffer Ajer and Aaron Hickey are unlikely to feature but could be set for return from injury.
Our prediction: West Ham 2-1 Brentford
Liverpool v Leicester City: 8:00pm kick-off
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate returns to action after a World Cup resting period.
James Maddison and Dennis Praet are both ruled out due to injury according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
Leicester City are also without Jonny Evans, Ryan Bertrand, James Justin and Ricardo Pereira.
Our prediction: Liverpool 4-1 Leicester City
Saturday 31 December
Wolves v Manchester United: 12:30pm kick-off
Manchester United captain and defender Harry Maguire is back in action after his illness against Nottingham Forest.
Wolves forward Daniel Pondence is a major doubt after he was forced off in their last game against Everton.
Our prediction: Wolves 1-1 Manchester United
Man City v Everton: 3:00pm kick-off
Manchester City will be without defender Ruben Dias and forward Julian Alvarez.
Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden are poised to start against the Toffees after being rested during City’s 3-1 victory against Leeds United.
Everton duo Conor Coady and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are both set to feature.
Our Prediction: Man City 3-0 Everton
Fulham v Southampton: 3:00pm kick-off
Fulham striker Alexander Mitrovic is set to play despite his ongoing foot injury.
Our prediction: Fulham 2-0 Southampton
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace: 3:00pm kick-off
The Bournemouth squad has been hit with a virus which also affected head coach Gary O’Neil.
Palace duo James Tomkins and Tyrick Mitchell are both suspended for the clash.
Our prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United v Leeds United: 3:00pm kick-off
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson could return to action following an illness.
Jonjo Shelvey is out for up to 8 weeks after a calf injury.
Leeds are without striker Patrick Bamford but Tyler Adams is back after missing out on Wednesday’s game against Manchester City.
Brighton v Arsenal: 5:30pm kick-off
Brighton defender Moises Caicedo is banned after accumulating five yellow cards.
Danny Welbeck is doubted to face his former side due to a muscle injury.
Alexis Mac Allister is set to miss this game due to World Cup celebrations.
Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson are both sidelined again.
Our prediction: Brighton 0-0 Arsenal
Tottenham v Aston Villa: 2:00pm kick-off
Tottenham’s World Cup winner Cristian Romero is set to be welcomed back to the squad after an extended break.
Villa keeper Emi Martinez is also set to return after his World Cup triumph.
Our prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea: 4:30pm kick-off
Forest will assess midfielder Jesse Lingard after he limped off against his former club Manchester United.
Dean Henderson should return to action but Chelsea defender Reece James is out for up to 4 weeks.
Let us know your predictions!
