Last round featured quite a few upsets and plenty of stalemates. There are many teams looking to bounce back this week. Give yourself the best chance to back a winner and read our Matchday 13 preview and predictions.
Welcome to our EPL matchday 13 preview and predictions for this weeks’ upcoming fixtures in the English Premier League. You’ll want to bookmark the CheekyHotPress site and check back each week for the best sports betting odds and latest team news. Give yourself the best chance of backing a winner by reading through our EPL preview and predictions cheat sheet before you bet.
English Premier League Matchday 13 Odds
| Matchup | Home Team | Draw | Away Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wolves vs Chelsea | 2.30 | 3.60 | 1.90 |
| Manchester City vs West Brom | 1.90 | 3.20 | 4.00 |
| Leicester City vs Everton | 2.10 | 3.50 | 3.30 |
| Leeds United vs Newcastle United | 1.75 | 3.80 | 4.50 |
| Arsenal vs Southampton | 2.20 | 3.40 | 3.20 |
| Liverpool vs Tottenham | 1.80 | 3.80 | 4.20 |
| Fulham vs Brighton | 2.85 | 3.25 | 2.50 |
| West Ham vs Crystal Palace | 2.10 | 3.35 | 3.50 |
| Aston Villa vs Burnley | 1.75 | 3.70 | 4.60 |
| Sheffield United vs Manchester United | 7.50 | 4.25 | 1.44 |
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea (Wednesday 4:00 am AEST)
A comparison of recent results and general form suggests a closer encounter than many would have expected a couple of weeks ago. However, Chelsea would not be happy with another below-par performance, so expect them to rebound on Wednesday morning.
Game Preview Takeaways
- After a run of 17 games unbeaten, Chelsea suffered their second defeat of the season last time out.
- After a reasonable start to the season, Wolves have suffered three losses in their last six Premier League matches which have seen them sliding steadily down the table.
- Recent matches between these clubs have favoured Chelsea – two wins and seven goals to two last season. Wolves only success came two years ago with a 2-1 home win.
Wolves Form Guide
After two defeats Nuno Espirito Santo will be expecting his side to put their best foot forward and find their early season form again. Last week’s late loss would have been hard to swallow, as they played well enough to share the points.
Wolves Team News
Wolves will have to rely on the same players who fell at Villa Park last time out, they have shown they are capable, but a recent poor run may not end midweek.
Injuries and returning players:
- Joao Filipe Moutinho is suspended until 21 December.
- Raul Jimenez returned to the training pitch after a head clash with David Luiz; his fractured skull will sideline him until at least mid-January 2021, and maybe longer.
- Jonny Castro Otto suffered an ACL injury that required surgery means he will be unavailable until at least March 2021.
Chelsea Form Guide
It was an off week for Chelsea as they suffered a loss by Everton, and could only draw at home to Krasnodar. Frank Lampard needs to get his players back into the groove and continue the push for the top spot. Chelsea was unable to find a way through the Toffees and will need to up their game at Molineux this week.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea supporters will be hoping that the team’s medical staff clears Christian Pulisic and that he can bring a spark back into the side. They have a virtually complete squad available and will need all hands on deck for this problematic away game.
Injuries and returning players for Chelsea:
- Christian Pulisic had a hamstring complaint and is hoping to be cleared by this game.
- Hakim Ziyech injured his hamstring and out until 26 December.
- Callum Hudson-Odoi should recover from his hamstring injury in time for the Christmas period.
- Marco van Ginkel has returned to training, but unknown when he will be back in the matchday squad.
Wolves vs Chelsea Prediction
The Wolves will need to beware the backlash from a Chelsea side on the back of consecutive below-par performances. The range of stars available to the Blues should see them edge this contest, although probably not with as many goals scored as last season.
Our prediction is a 2-1 win for the Blues, getting them back on track for the top position in the league. Wolves will be left stuttering in the bottom half of the table.
Manchester City vs West Bromwich Albion (Wednesday 6:00 am AEST)
Despite Manchester City’s below-par performances this season, they have the star-studded line up to take all three points at the Etihad. West Bromwich Albion seem unable to muster much for anyone to believe they stand much of a chance this week.
Game Preview Takeaways
- Below expected performances have resulted in two draws and a loss in their last six Premier League games.
- West Brom has only managed three points from the win over the Blades in their last six Premier League matches.
- In the last six encounters between these teams, Manchester City is unbeaten and average three goals per game.
Manchester City Form Guide
The Citizens are unbeaten in their last 6 league and European games. An uninspiring 0-0 draw against bitter rivals United, epitomised their lacklustre displays so far in the league. Pep Guardiola’s men will need to find their spark if they intend on being at the top and challenging for Europe again.
Manchester City Team News
The Citizens will be hoping that Sergio Aguero’s gastro attack doesn’t sideline him again, after just returning from injury.
Injuries and returning players:
- Eric Garcia suffered a leg injury, expected to be out until the New Year.
- Sergio Aguero has a stomach bug but is hopeful he will be fit to play.
West Bromwich Albion Form Guide
It is hard for the Baggies, and their supporters, to see where they will be able to challenge the Citizens on Wednesday. A poor campaign so far, with just one win against bottom side Sheffield United, they are perilously close to being written off and heading for the Championship.
West Brom Team News
The Baggies do not have much in the way of returning players to improve their chances at the Etihad. Slavan Bilic may consider starting Charlie Austin, Grady Diangana or Kieran Gibbs for this game, hoping a shuffle might bring him some good luck for a change.
Injuries and returning players:
- Sam Field returned to training after his knee injury and now CoVid-19 negative, probably a week away from a return.
- Hal Robson-Kanu currently has wrist in plaster and unavailable until after 20 December.
- Matheus Pereira suspended for violent conduct red card and out until 27 December.
- Conor Townsend‘s knee injury means he is out until at least the start of the New Year.
- Jack O’Connell out long term.
Manchester City vs West Brom Prediction
A strong Man City squad, with international stars waiting to fill a spot in the starting lineup, means that there is not a lot that West Brom can do to prevent yet another loss. Despite their best intentions and the need for points, an easy Manchester City win is the most likely outcome.
Our prediction is a 3-1 win at home for Manchester City, putting them back on track for their push towards the top of the Premier League. A loss will further cement the Baggies in the bottom two, and the fear of relegation will begin to scare their supporters.
Arsenal vs Southampton (Thursday 4:00 am AEST)
Arsenal is falling far down the table and will need to improve their Premier League form dramatically if they want anything from this game. Southampton will be full of confidence that they can head south with all three points.
Game Preview Takeaways
- Arsenal’s league form leaves a lot to be desired, having gained just four points in their last six matches. Sitting only just above the relegation spots.
- Southampton has accumulated 13 points from a possible 18 over their last six Premier League matches, and sit in 4th on the table.
- Arsenal holds the advantage in recent meetings between the sides, with three wins to just the one win for the Saints. There are usually goals when these sides meet, though, so a high scoring game is a possibility.
- Gunners won this fixture 2-nil back in June (last season) but that Saints side was not hitting the same strides as this high-flying outfit.
Arsenal Form Guide
Four straight Premier League losses at home do not bode well for Arsenal’s chances on Thursday morning. Up against a confident Southampton squad that will be looking to join Spurs and Liverpool at the top of the league with a win. Certainly, Arsenal will need something special to get any points from this game.
Arsenal Team News
With Arsenal’s poor discipline depleting the squad this week, there could be more problems for Mikel Arteta, and his attempts to get his side to reproduce their Europa League form in the Premier League. He does have players returning from suspension and injury but will be concerned that they are match fit to face a self-assured Southampton side.
Injuries and returning players:
- Nicolas Pepe expected to return from suspension.
- Sead Kolasinac expected to play against the Saints.
- David Luiz expected to feature against the Saints after recovering from his head injury.
- Reiss Nelson another player with a slight head knock, likely to be available for the midweek game.
- Thomas Partey thigh injury will probably keep him out for a few weeks.
- Hector Bellerin suspended for one game after collecting five yellow cards.
- Granit Xhaka suspended for three games after a red card for violent conduct.
- Gabriel Martinelli knee injury recovering well and played with the under 23’s in Premier League 2 last week, likely to be back with the first team squad sometime in 2021.
Southampton Form Guide
Apart from the last-minute loss to Man Utd on the back of Edison Cavani’s brilliance, Southampton has maintained their push for a European spot. Playing the high press with confidence, and amassing some stunning possession and passing statistics.
Arsenal will be hard-pressed to outwit them in this fixture. Saints will be looking to join the clubs at the top of the league if the Reds and Spurs draw, and the rest of the matchday’s results go their way.
Southampton Team News
Once again Ralph Hasenhüttl has a complete squad to consider for his team sheet this week. With Danny Ings returning to form and goals to Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond on the weekend, how could Ralph expect anything other than a win against Arsenal.
Arsenal vs Southampton Prediction
It is a difficult proposition for Mikel Arteta to turn Arsenal’s fortunes around, especially against this Southampton side full of confidence and sitting high in the league. A surprisingly easy transition through the Europa League group stage has not been mirrored in the league.
Our prediction is a 3-1 win for Southampton, cementing their spot in the top four and dooming the gunners with an invitation to an early relegation fight. Who would have thought they would be in this position after maintaining their top-flight status for over a century!
Leicester City vs Everton (Thursday 4:00 am AEST)
The foxes are sitting amongst the compact top four, with just a point being off leading the pack. They handed Brighton a thumping on Monday but Everton are also on a high note, having beaten Chelsea, without their talisman Rodriguez. Looking back through the head-to-head statistic, Leciester have a great recent record against Everton at home. They’ve managed three wins in their last five, a feat which took them 16 games to manage.
Game Preview Takeaways
- After a run of 17 games unbeaten, Chelsea suffered their second defeat of the season last time out.
- After a reasonable start to the season, Wolves have suffered three losses in their last six Premier League matches which have seen them sliding steadily down the table.
- Recent matches between these clubs have favoured Chelsea – two wins and seven goals to two last season. Wolves only success came two years ago with a 2-1 home win.
Leicester City Form Guide
The Foxes have won more games than anyone else in the Premier League. Apart from the shock defeat against the Cottagers, their home form has been good, most recently was that easy win over a struggling Seagulls side. So far this season, Leicester have not drawn a match, and should edge this fixture to maintain their push towards bvecoming league leaders.
Leicester City Team News
With Jonny Evans out for his accumulation of yellow cards, Brendan Rodgers’ will need to ensure his defence fills the gap and is able to negate the Toffees star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Injuries and returning players for the Foxes:
- Ricardo Pereira‘s groin problem recovery will keep him out until the Christmas fixtures.
- Caglar Soyuncu had a recurrence of a groin injury, will probably miss the midweek fixture.
- Jonny Evans is suspended for a week after picking up 5th yellow card of the season.
- Timothy Castagne is an outside chance that he will return from a hamstring problem midweek, more likely to be this weekend.
- Daniel Amartey is fit again after a hamstring injury but probably will not feature until the weekend.
Everton Form Guide
A good win against title contenders Chelsea last weekend, the Toffees will head into this game on a high. Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping that his side is beginning a return to the form they enjoyed at the start of the season. Don’t jump the gun though, the Chelsea win was only their second win in eight Premier League fixtures.
Everton Team News
With James Rodriguez and Seamus Coleman likely to be pushing for at least a bench spot, the Toffees will be a stronger outfit for this midweek game. They will need to be strong at the back and take any opportunities that present themselves if they are to be a chance of going back to Merseyside with the points
Injuries and returning players
- Seamus Coleman‘s Hamstring injury recovered well and will likely feature in some way against the Foxes.
- Fabian Delph is going through a slight hamstring strain, with no confirmed return date as of yet.
- James Rodriguez is back training after a minor calf strain, and will probably feature against Leicester City.
- Jean-Philippe Gbamin returned to training after an ankle injury and probably a few weeks off a return.
- Lucas Digne is on a long road back from bad achilles injury and expected to be out until late January 2021.
Leicester City vs Everton Prediction
With the general league form and solid home record for Leicester City, they will likely edge this game and take all three points. Everton can spring a surprise but punters can never be sure which team is going to turn up.
Our prediction is a 2-1 win for the Foxes and keeps them at the top of the table, the Toffees will walk away with nothing to show for their 90 minutes of effort.
Leeds United vs Newcastle United (Thursday 4:00 am AEST)
Leeds are capable of some strong attacking play, but if Marco Bielsa manages to hold them back a touch, and allow his defence to perform, they should be able to match Newcastle. However, Newcastle has shown an ability to defend well and score when needed, and this game could develop into an exciting battle. It is hard to choose who will come out on top, so a draw seems the likely outcome here.
Game Preview Takeaways
- Leeds United have only managed four points from their last six league matches, a 1-0 win against Everton being the only highlight.
- Newcastle have amassed 10 points from 18 to see them firmly placed in mid-table
- The Magpies hold a slight edge in the head-to-head matchups between these sides, and historically the Magpies have had a good time when playing against sides from Yorkshire. The last lost against Huddersfield back in 2017 and have won 12 of the last 13 games against Yorkshire based clubs.
- A win here for Newcastle would be the first time that they’ve won three consecutive Premier League matches since November 2018. Manager Steve Bruce hadn’t won three in a trot since a four-game run with Wigan back in January 2009!
Leeds United Form Guide
Coming off back to back defeats, the Whites urgently need some points to bring them back into the safe zone. The Whites scored first in both those losses, and Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping his defence can hold out better this week, starting with their defence of set pieces, where they are joint worst in the premier league.
Leeds United Team News
Little change to Marco Bielsa’s choices for this game, with his treatment room still fairly busy. He will be hoping that star striker Patrick Bamford can rediscover his touch and start to convert the chances he has been given each week.
Injuries and returning players for Leeds:
- Diego Llorente is expected to be sidelined until the end of the year with a muscle problem.
- Adam Forshaw recently suffered a setback in his recovery from the hip injury that has seen him sidelined all season following his surgery in early 2020.
- Jay-Roy Grot going through problems with his recovery from knee surgery will see him unavailable to join the squad for some time.
- Robin Koch had surgery following a knee injury and will probably be out until March 21.
- Gaetano Berardi‘s ACL damage means he is unlikely to play for some time.
Newcastle United Form Guide
The Magpies are feeling pretty good at the moment after consecutive wins. It may be that the extra week off between those games helped, but you take what you can in every game. Steve Bruce will be delighted at the return of Dwight Gayle, which looks as if it could be the catalyst for a resurgence in their fortunes.
Newcastle United Team News
Steve Bruce will be buoyed by the possibility of a couple more of his players leaving the treatment room and being available for this match. He will be expecting a good result from this game, riding a wave of confidence following the Magpies recent wins.
Injuries and returning players:
- Martin Dubravka‘s recovery from the injured heel is not progressing as hoped, likely to be on the treatment table for some time.
- Paul Dummett suffered further damage to his already injured hamstring means he will be a few weeks from a return to 1st team football.
- Ryan Fraser‘s hamstring tear healed and expected to face the Whites.
- Jamaal Lascelles recovered from his thigh injury and hoping to be playing against the Whites.
- Allan Saint-Maximin‘s training injury still not quite right, so doubtful for a couple of weeks.
Leeds United vs Newcastle United Prediction
A combination of both teams 90-minute form and home ground advantage should mean an exciting mid-table battle at Elland Road on Thursday morning. Both teams can score, but are also vulnerable at the back, hence our prediction that goals will be scored but points shared.
Our prediction is a 2-2 draw, a point for both sides which won’t change much in their league positions.
Liverpool vs Tottenham (Thursday 6:00 am AEST)
Home ground advantage versus current form makes this a difficult result to pick. Fence sitting seems to be the best answer and a share of the points.
Game Preview Takeaways
- Although unbeaten in six league games, the Reds are on a small run without gaining maximum points, a draw against Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as Fulham, were a surprise and meant valuable points dropped.
- Four wins, plus draws against Chelsea and Crystal Palace have seen Spurs sitting on top of the league.
- Spurs have not beaten the Reds in the last three seasons, close games usually ending up with a Reds win.
Liverpool Form Guide
Current league form is not what Jurgen Klopp would have expected, after last season’s triumph’s. 4 draws which he would have expected at least 6 extra points from, will be of concern, if he wants to push for consecutive titles.
Liverpool Team News
The Reds have plenty of defensive injuries, and Jurgen Klopp is having to rely on his up and coming youngsters to fill the void. A positive report card so far but there are problems which may be exposed by Spurs midweek.
Injuries and returning players:
- James Millner, Joe Gomez, Thiago Alcantara, and Xherdan Shaqiri all remained on the injury list and will not be available.
- Naby Keita – Outside chance of a quick return to the squad
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in the squad match fit.
- Diogo Jota ruled out due to a knee injury, will miss out least two months.
Tottenham Form Guide
Jose Mourinho has his Spurs side flying high at the top of the league. He will be full of confidence heading to Anfield on Thursday and aiming for maximum points with Harry Kane and Heung Min Son spearheading the drive towards the title, goals should come and, if fit to play, the returning Gareth Bale gradually finding his form, the omens look good.
Unfortunately for the ‘Special One’, he has not beaten Reds’ coach Jurgen Klopp in an away game in all five fixtures (drawn two, lost three) it will be interesting to see if the feat will continue.
Tottenham Team News
Jose Mourinho has most of his international stars available, Erik Lamela is the only player that is a major concern at the moment for Spurs.
Liverpool vs Tottenham Prediction
Both clubs have formidable strike threats, and goals should be expected. Defensively Spurs probably hold the edge, but are known to make some elementary mistakes. An exciting game with plenty of goalscoring chances is to be expected, but no clear winner can be predicted.
Our prediction is a 2-2 draw, which will not satisfy either Mourinho or Klopp, and could allow the clubs around them to move up in the heavily congested top six.
