Liverpool thrashed Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield final season, however will Jurgen Klopp’s aspect inflict comparable harm on the Pink Devils on Sunday?
BBC Sport soccer knowledgeable Chris Sutton stated: “I do know some individuals imagine that United can go to Anfield, be cussed and get a outcome.
“However how can they do this, within the type they’re in? Bournemouth slaughtered them they usually did not lay a finger on Bayern Munich in a sport they needed to win.
“It in all probability will not be 7-0 once more, nevertheless it won’t be far off. In reality, a 7-0 Liverpool win is extra seemingly than a United victory.”
Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches once more this season, towards quite a lot of company.
For this weekend’s video games, he takes on darts star ‘Hollywood’ Chris Dobey, who helps Newcastle.
Dobey is ranked seventeenth on the earth and is about to participate within the PDC World Darts Championship, which begins at Alexandra Palace in London on Friday.
Dobey is a lifelong Newcastle fan, who by no means thought-about supporting anybody else.
“There was just one crew for me,” he advised BBC Sport.
“I’m from Bedlington and being fairly native to Newcastle, my entire household supported them, so it was all the time solely going to be a matter of time earlier than I received into it as nicely.
“My first sport was within the FA Cup towards Everton in 1999, after I was eight. My grandad took me to St James’ Park, we received 4-1 and the ambiance was superb.
“Alan Shearer was my hero after I was a child, and he was my favorite participant rising up.
“I used to be a giant fan of Nobby Solano and Gary Velocity too, and with each totally different period you may have somebody new who stands out, however Shearer was all the time the one for me.
“For the time being my favourites are the native lads, actually. It is nice to have some within the crew and doing nicely. They offer 110% they usually know what the membership is about, and the place it needs to be, and likewise what the followers have been by means of prior to now.
“So, it has been nice to see the likes of Sean Longstaff and Dan Burn not simply taking part in, however taking part in exceptionally nicely.”
Newcastle are now not concerned in any European competitors following Wednesday’s defeat by AC Milan, which was their third successive loss in all competitions, however Dobey remains to be hopeful they are going to be again within the Champions League subsequent season.
“We all the time knew it was going to be exhausting to make the highest 4 once more, due to the calls for on the squad from being within the Champions League,” he added.
“However we have really being doing higher just lately than I believed we might, particularly when you think about the variety of accidents we’ve picked up. We’ve got had some actually good wins towards the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United prior to now few weeks… and the draw that ought to have been a win towards Paris St-Germain as nicely.
“These have been three large outcomes earlier than our type dipped a bit, however taking part in the identical crew each week the best way we’ve accomplished is all the time going to meet up with you finally.
“If we get some gamers again, there isn’t a purpose why we won’t make the Champions League locations once more, however I believe we have to spend in January as nicely, simply to get some back-up.
“For the time being we’re combating. We’ve got received 12 key gamers out however we’re nonetheless up there and we’re not out of it, particularly as a result of fifth could be sufficient to qualify this time too.”
Chris Sutton and Chris Dobey have been talking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
When? | End result | Sutton | Dobey |
FRIDAY, 15 DECEMBER | |||
Nott’m Forest v Tottenham | x-x | 1-3 | 1-2 |
SATURDAY, 16 DECEMBER | |||
Bournemouth v Luton | x-x | 2-0 | 2-0 |
Chelsea v Sheff Utd | x-x | 2-0 | 3-1 |
Man Metropolis v Crystal Palace | x-x | 2-0 | 3-0 |
Newcastle v Fulham | x-x | 3-1 | 2-0 |
Burnley v Everton | x-x | 1-2 | 1-2 |
SUNDAY, 17 DECEMBER | |||
Arsenal v Brighton | x-x | 3-1 | 2-1 |
Brentford v Aston Villa | x-x | 0-1 | 0-2 |
West Ham v Wolves | x-x | 1-1 | 2-1 |
Liverpool v Man Utd | x-x | 4-0 | 3-1 |
An accurate outcome (choosing a win, draw or defeat) is price 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
SUTTON’S PREDICTIONS
All matches kick off at 15:00 GMT except in any other case acknowledged.
FRIDAY, 15 DECEMBER
Nottingham Forest v Tottenham (20:00)
After 4 straight defeats, Nottingham Forest stopped the rot a little bit bit with final week’s draw at Wolves, however their supervisor Steve Cooper remains to be beneath strain and it looks like he wants one thing out of this sport.
Tottenham ended their very own poor run with a formidable win over Newcastle and Ange Postecoglou’s aspect will likely be on the entrance foot once more right here.
Cooper is aware of what’s coming, however how are his aspect going to deal with ‘Ange-ball’? I’m considering that, whereas Cooper wants a optimistic outcome at residence, he isn’t going to get one.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-3
Dobey’s prediction: Tottenham have simply come off the again of a giant win towards us so they’re favourites right here. Forest have not received of their previous 5 video games however they’re at residence and I believe that may make a distinction – each time I’ve gone to the Metropolis Floor, their followers have been good. They may get their crew up once more right here, and though I do assume Spurs will win, I believe it will likely be tight. 1-2
SATURDAY, 16 DECEMBER
Bournemouth v Luton
I used to be at Previous Trafford final weekend for BBC Radio 5 Dwell and Bournemouth actually impressed me of their win over Manchester United. They have been wonderful.
I do not assume the Cherries are overly bothered about possession, however they’ve a plan that’s working. Their midfield duo of Ryan Christie and Lewis Prepare dinner may be very efficient, and I’m an enormous fan of Dominic Solanke, who leads the road for them so nicely.
I believe Solanke has received an enormous likelihood of going to subsequent summer season’s European Championship – it isn’t a case of claiming England supervisor Gareth Southgate cannot ignore him, extra the case that I do not assume he’ll.
Bournemouth have received 4 of their previous 5 video games and drew with Aston Villa within the different one. I’m anticipating them to gather three extra factors right here, despite the fact that Luton will likely be well-organised and decided.
I even have a whole lot of sympathy for Hatters supervisor Rob Edwards. He has managed nicely and his crew have exceeded expectations by way of their performances, and I do not assume their factors tally actually displays what they need to have picked up up to now.
It is at residence the place Luton have given the massive golf equipment a scare although, which is another excuse I’m backing Bournemouth right here.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Dobey’s prediction: Bournemouth may have an excessive amount of, I believe. They’re taking part in nicely. Luton have given just a few groups a scare and they don’t seem to be taking part in badly both, however they all the time appear to fall on the final hurdle in video games. 2-0
Chelsea v Sheff Utd
After dropping to Liverpool in Chris Wilder’s first sport again in cost, Sheffield United received their ‘new supervisor bounce’ final week once they beat Brentford – now can they observe that up?
The Blades have gotten the worst away report within the prime flight this season, with just one level from seven video games, so you’ll assume not – however then once more they’re up towards a Chelsea aspect, who I’m flawed about most weeks.
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino got here out and stated he needed some new gamers after they misplaced to Everton final week – which is fairly superb when you think about Chelsea’s spending spree final summer season – and it doesn’t seem issues are going to cool down at Stamford Bridge anytime quickly.
I’m nonetheless going to go along with them to win, as a result of they’re at residence to the underside aspect within the Premier League who’ve struggled on the highway, however you possibly can in all probability inform I’m not precisely assured that’s what will occur.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Dobey’s prediction: You by no means know what Chelsea are going to do in the intervening time. I’m going to again them, although, as a result of they’ve misplaced their previous two video games and they should pull one thing out of the bag right here. 3-1
Man Metropolis v Crystal Palace
Manchester Metropolis received again to successful methods towards Luton final week however they’re nonetheless huffing and puffing a bit.
It appears to be like like Jeremy Doku remains to be injured and they are going to be with out Erling Haaland once more too – his dad and half of his household have taken him out of their Fantasy teams – however they need to nonetheless have an excessive amount of for Crystal Palace.
The Eagles have been unfortunate to lose towards Liverpool final day out and can defend stubbornly, so Metropolis must work exhausting to interrupt them down, however I believe they’ll handle it.
I’m really going to go along with Metropolis to maintain a uncommon clear sheet too, which might be their first within the league because the finish of October. I’ve received Ederson in my Fantasy crew so if he does concede once more, I’ll do away with him.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Dobey’s prediction: I watched Palace’s defeat towards Liverpool they usually deserved much more from that sport. Metropolis ought to win anyway however how straightforward they discover it might come down as to if Doku and Haaland are again. I believe they missed them towards Luton… I missed Haaland particularly too, as a result of I would made him captain of my Fantasy crew. 3-0
Newcastle v Fulham
Free-scoring Fulham have became the Premier League’s shock bundle, so predicting this sport will not be as clear-cut because it might need been a few weeks in the past.
That is partly as a result of it could be straightforward to doubt Newcastle in the intervening time – they have been out on their ft towards Tottenham final weekend and gave the whole lot in defeat to AC Milan on Wednesday.
However I’m nonetheless going with Eddie Howe’s aspect to return out on prime. They play Chelsea within the Carabao Cup quarter-finals subsequent week however now they’re out of Europe, they’ll focus on the league. They need to, actually.
And, at residence, they’ve nonetheless been spectacular with seven wins and just one defeat within the league up to now this season – that late turnaround against Liverpool in August. This may not be straightforward, however the crowd will assist them right here.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Dobey’s prediction: Fulham have been taking part in nicely – I watched them just lately towards Liverpool, and no means did they need to lose that one, after which they smashed West Ham on the weekend too. However I can by no means again towards Newcastle, can I? And our type at residence has been very robust. We’ve got been strong at St James’ up to now, though we’d want the followers to be the twelfth man to get us over the road. 2-0
Burnley v Everton (17:30)
Unai Emery and Postgecoglou have made a huge effect as managers within the Premier League this season, however Sean Dyche is true up there with the job he’s doing at Everton.
Dyche has not accomplished it differently, however his achievements are particularly spectacular when you think about what he has needed to deal with – the stress ranges and all of the negativity across the membership in addition to their factors deduction. He did nicely to maintain them up final season too.
Now he’s going again to his outdated membership with an Everton crew that has an id and is taking part in nicely. Jarrad Branthwaite’s suspension is a blow however I nonetheless assume the Toffees will make it 4 wins in a row with out him.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Dobey’s prediction: Everton are on a very good run of type, beating us after which Chelsea as nicely. I’m going to go along with Dyche to get one other win, towards his former crew, though it will likely be shut. Burnley are taking part in nicely beneath Vincent Kompany, however they’re simply not getting the outcomes they want. 1-2
SUNDAY, 17 DECEMBER
Arsenal v Brighton (14:00)
The underside line is that Brighton play within the Europa League on Thursday night, which makes this journey even tougher for them when going to Emirates Stadium is tough sufficient anyway.
Arsenal will really feel exhausting accomplished by after their defeat at Aston Villa. They created sufficient adjustments to win that sport and, with Brighton leaking objectives the best way they’re, I can see them doing the identical right here. Solely this time, they’ll take them.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-1
Dobey’s prediction: Like us, Brighton have needed to cope with European soccer and some accidents, however they’ve not been doing badly. Arsenal have simply been that kind of crew this season the place they’ve been fortunate late on in video games, and I’m going to say they’ll nick this one on the finish too – Leandro Trossard with the winner, towards his outdated crew! 2-1
Brentford v Aston Villa (14:00)
Aston Villa are superior at residence, however not so good on the highway – they’ve solely received three of their eight away league video games up to now this season.
In the event that they need to be within the combine for the Champions League locations and even do the unthinkable and problem for the title, they’ve to begin successful extra away, in video games like this one.
Brentford are lacking Bryan Mbeumo up entrance however they’re nonetheless streetwise, so it is a critical take a look at.
I’m going for Villa to cross it with a slim win, with Ollie Watkins to get their purpose.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-1
Dobey’s prediction: I’m going to go for the plain outcome right here. Mbeumo’s absence is a giant loss for Brentford and Villa will likely be too robust for them. 0-2
West Ham v Wolves (14:00)
West Ham are within the Europa League on Thursday too, needing to beat SC Freiburg to prime their group.
That definitely will not assist the Hammers. David Moyes has been defending his lack of substitutions throughout video games however I simply marvel if fatigue will play an element right here.
Wolves are a good crew however this smells like a draw to me.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Dobey’s prediction: It is a powerful one to name. West Ham will need to bounce again from their 5-0 loss at Fulham however Wolves will make it tough for them. 2-1
Liverpool v Man Utd (16:30)
With the attacking gamers that Liverpool have gotten, I’m completely sure that they’ll win. I actually do not assume United have an opportunity.
The accidents that defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw suffered towards Bayern are a blow for Erik ten Hag’s aspect and, on the different finish, they barely carry a menace.
United can solely win by taking part in counter-attack however for that to work their forwards might want to supply way over we have seen from them just lately.
Perhaps Antony will chop inside and bend one into the highest nook this time, however I doubt it – he hasn’t scored but this season.
It’s attainable we are going to see some extra brilliance from Alejandro Garnacho, and his tempo might trigger Liverpool issues down their proper aspect.
However I do not actually know whether or not Rasmus Hojlund is any good or not, as a result of the service he will get is non-existent.
In United’s midfield I’ve watched Sofyan Amrabat carefully prior to now couple of video games – I used to be at Previous Trafford to see them play Bournemouth and Bayern – and he isn’t a participant who will get the ball on the half-turn and begins off passing strikes.
Scott McTominay can nick a purpose however it isn’t such as you ever see him actually stepping into pockets of area and opening up groups.
Going ahead, the mixtures are simply not there within the United crew. They’ve solely scored 18 objectives in 16 league video games this season, they usually simply do not carry a large enough menace.
United nonetheless have not crushed anybody within the prime half of the desk, both. How can they win this sport? There may be simply no means, except some big refereeing selections go their means.
Liverpool aren’t simply within the prime half, they’re a prime crew and they’re in prime spot – and they will spank them.
Sutton’s prediction: 4-0
Dobey on the title race: I believe it is a four-way title race between Man Metropolis, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa too. Due to what Leicester did in 2016, you possibly can’t rely Villa out.
I had a glance this week and Villa’s subsequent 11 league video games give them an amazing likelihood of taking most factors, based mostly on present type anyway. I do not assume they will drop away. I do have just a few associates who’re Villa followers although, so I will get some stick in the event that they do go on to win it!
Out of the 4 groups up there now, although, I’d in all probability decide Liverpool to be champions. A technique or one other, they’ve simply been getting outcomes, with late objectives in the event that they’ve wanted them. They’ve not being taking part in brilliantly, however they’re simply doing sufficient – if they’ll maintain doing that, they’ll win it.
Dobey’s prediction: That is the kind of sport the place you assume United will flip up, however after seeing them lose 3-0 at residence to Bournemouth, I simply cannot see them stopping Liverpool at Anfield. 3-1
How did Sutton do final time?
Sutton led his visitor, Vigil star Dougray Scott, 30-20 going into the ultimate sport of final weekend – Tottenham’s 4-1 win over Newcastle.
Whereas Sutton wrongly went for a 3-3 draw, Scott picked up 10 factors by by backing Spurs to win 3-2.
That meant they each received three appropriate outcomes from 10 matches in week 16, with no precise scores, and ended up tied on 30 factors every.
Anthony Joshua | 150 |
Eddie Hearn | 130 |
CBeebies presenter Rhys Stephenson | 120 |
Barry Cannot Swim | 110 |
Anish Kumar | 100 |
Fabian Edwards, Joelah from 1Xtra, KSI, Midas the Jagaban | 90 |
Chris Sutton | 81 (common after 16 weeks) |
David Earl, Keke from 1Xtra, Jazzie Zonzolo | 70 |
Tommy Fury, Joe from Nothing However Thieves | 60 |
Gabe of Jamie Johnson FC, Tash from The Soccer Academy | 50 |
AEW wrestler Claudio Castagnoli. Tom Ogden and Joe Donovan from Blossoms | 40 |
Vigil star Dougray Scott | 30 |
Willie J Healey | 20 |
Suggs | 10 |
Chris Sutton | 1,290 |
Friends | 1,220 |
How did you get on?
You nearly received Aston Villa’s win over Arsenal proper, with 34% of you backing Villa… however 35% of you went for a draw, with an additional 162 votes making the distinction in a complete end up of greater than 50,000.
It was an analogous story along with your prediction for Tottenham’s victory over Newcastle. The stats confirmed 38% of you backed Spurs, and one other 38% went for a draw. On nearer inspection, 375 extra of you went for a draw, once more from round 50,000 complete votes.
You were not fairly as shut when it got here to calling Bournemouth’s win at United, or Sheffield United’s victory over Brentford, nonetheless. Solely 13% you bought these appropriate.
=1. Chris | 3/10 |
=1. Visitor | 3/10 |
=1. You | 3/10 |
*Win, draw, loss prediction based mostly on highest % of vote for every match.
1. You | 89/160 |
2. Chris | 84/160 |
3. Friends | 80/160 |