Charlie Nicholas’ Premier League score predictions – 27th December

We continue our look at what Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has predicted…

WEST HAM v LEICESTER

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 2-1

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “This should be one where Leicester get back to winning ways. I was ever so disappointed with them in both of those games against Manchester City and Liverpool.

“They went in front against City and did not look brave enough on the ball afterwards. They started to knock it into Jamie Vardy to chase but nobody could get up the pitch to support. Liverpool were magical against Leicester, but they were so poor.

“James Maddison and Dennis Praet were disappointing, Ben Chilwell never got forward whereas Ricardo Pereira did. Brendan Rodgers has a small squad and does not have much room for manoeuvre, but now is not the time to be resting players.

“Are we going to get energy and drive from West Ham? I think we might. It’s for that reason why I find this the hardest result to select. Which West Ham will turn up? If it is an aggressive one, I think it is one which will turn Leicester over.”

 

BURNLEY v MAN UTD

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 1-1

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “This is another intriguing game. Manchester United destroyed Newcastle, but Newcastle gave them a Christmas gift. They were under pressure to deliver results and they got a gift from Newcastle. They will not get this at Burnley.

“Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes will be targeting the centre-backs, who will know they are in for a battle. Scott McTominay is injured again, so who will be holding? Could he play Paul Pogba in that role with Fred? I would not personally.

“Burnley want to get physical so they may struggle. Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood are goal getters and are in form, so why not play them together? All three may not play exceptionally all of the time, but two out of the three may turn up. I do not see United nicking it but I think they will get a draw.”

 

ARSENAL v CHELSEA

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 3-2

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “Chelsea are still up and down, with significant class and real quality. I touched on it last week, but Willian has been class this season – he was left out and they lose at home to Southampton. They are in a better shape organisationally. The movement of Willian, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic will cause problems. They have nice pace and nice balance, while Jorginho and N’Golo Kante have been good when they have time on the ball.

“What changes do Chelsea have to make? They are very limited to the changes they can make – the three at back worked at Tottenham but did not work against Southampton. There are too many mistakes within the defence, but let’s switch it back to Arsenal.

“Granit Xhaka may be off, so he picked what he thought was the best balance in midfield. As much as I like what Matteo Guendouzi has, he has been poor and struggled at times, but he will come good and may come back into the fold at some point. You see that he had to play Bukayo Saka at left-back, but he has done very well considering he is an attacker.

“Alexandre Lacazette is back in the team, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is scoring, but Lacazette was sluggish – he needed that game. Mesut Ozil was subbed but was not finding the space, so you can see why. I enjoyed the desire and a bit of fight from the Arsenal team I saw at Bournemouth. This should lift the big players. He could make a few changes, but my heart is ruling my head here.”

 

LIVERPOOL v WOLVES

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 3-2

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “Wolves are a good side and always do well against top six teams. It is easy to say this with the Manchester City result, but you must have a different mentality at Anfield. They are brave on the ball and Adama Traore at the moment is unreal. They must have been working behind the scenes with him – if they get the final ball right they have got a real player. He is a speed merchant, but when you are a forward, you are concentrating on finishing, but have to adapt the delivery. Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota are decent, combined with a clever midfield to counterattack.

“It will be more of a test than what Leicester was. Liverpool are just gliding along, Mohamed Salah been slightly off, and they haven’t been so glamorous to watch. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have dipped at times, yet Mane has been the best player of the season alongside Kevin De Bruyne. You always have the danger of the front three and the Liverpool midfield is strong too. Their performance at Leicester was breathtaking, but they are at ease with themselves and the 13-point gap they currently hold. It will be another high-scoring affair.”

 

MAN CITY v SHEFFIELD UTD

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 3-1

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “Sheffield United are still unbeaten on their travels – it is a real test of circumstances here. There is an awkwardness about Manchester City at the moment, but they will want to wrap up their first domestic cup and get over the line with that, albeit the Manchester derby in the semi-final.

“They know the title has gone for them, but they will still want to force the issue – it will not drift away for City. Pep Guardiola will not think for a minute that he is just interested in the Champions League and will not detach his side from the domestic league just yet. Why did he take Sergio Aguero off after 12 minutes against Wolves? It may be a reality check on the road for Sheffield United and this will be their first away loss this season. Aguero will be back and could be angry, and hungry, for goals.”

 

What do you make of what Charlie Nicholas has predicted?

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The Premier League highlights for Matchweek 19 can be seen HERE or the Premier League table HERE.

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