Charlie Nicholas’ Premier League score predictions – 31st December

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

MAN CITY v EVERTON

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 3-0

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “Everton are showing some good signs for Carlo Ancelotti. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has found a goalscoring reputation. It was so attack-minded with Theo Walcott and Richarlison alongside Calvert-Lewin, with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Tom Davies in behind them.

“The defence is not the best so they have to be on the front foot, but good luck with that at Manchester City, with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero in attack. Man City are in the mood to get back to second and get the belief back that they can close the gap a little. Ancelotti will change his style to accommodate the game, but this will be a convincing Man City win.”

 

NORWICH v CRYSTAL PALACE

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “It is another good game for Norwich, with another opportunity to earn more points. Crystal Palace are well-drilled and could have won at Southampton. Norwich are vulnerable at the back and vulnerable to the counter-attack, but Onel Hernandez looked lively against Tottenham, and the midfield looked dangerous. I am edging towards Norwich here, and they may start to close the gap to the teams outside the relegation zone.”

 

WEST HAM v BOURNEMOUTH

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “We discussed on Soccer Saturday some time ago about how many points Manuel Pellegrini needed over the festive period, but it never really mattered. I expected them to get something against Leicester with the changes they made, but I am delighted that David Moyes is back in the game.

“For what reason he got 18 months I don’t know? Is it money, or does he need to prove he can still do it at this level? West Ham fans are not happy, but Moyes needed West Ham to survive when he took over for the first time, first and foremost, and he succeeded in doing that. It is about survival again, they are not going away from the position they are in and will be dragged further into this.

“Eddie Howe admitted that it is toughest time he has had since becoming Bournemouth manager. The West Ham players will be lifted. Mark Noble, Declan Rice and Michail Antonio will be looking at Moyes, he will put his arm around them and say that they are better than their position suggests. If he can get something out of Sebastien Haller, Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson, then they have a very promising squad. I am going for West Ham to put Bournemouth in some bother.”

 

ARSENAL v MAN UTD

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “I cannot give up on them, but Arsenal can’t buy a win at the moment, although it does seem more promising. There is more fight in there, no confidence, but there is a shape and a tendency to go and try to squeeze the ball. Chelsea are good at keeping it, but they have not quite got the balance of attack right. Mesut Ozil is playing better, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still scoring goals and Bukayo Saka has been class at left-back despite being an attacker. You cannot plan for the Bernd Leno howler, but the defence was better but still vulnerable, as were the midfield protectors.

“Man Utd are getting good results, while the counter-attack is so dangerous at the Emirates. I am going to stick with Arsenal, as they can get at the full-backs and defence. It seems more pleasant to watch but the table looks awful for Arsenal.

“They need a win and it is not about closing the gap to the top four as that is fantasy for them this year. Mikel Arteta started with a draw and a harsh defeat so it is time for them to get a win. Man Utd will be very dangerous on the counter-attack, but Reiss Nelson has been decent, and Arteta could give Nicolas Pepe a start. He may just be ready to come and do something.”

 

LIVERPOOL v SHEFFIELD UTD

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 2-0

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “Sheffield United tasted their first away defeat of the campaign at Man City. Liverpool know how to get the job done at the moment and Anfield is the place to be. We always mention the front three but the full-backs are such a threat when they get forward and put in some of their deliveries. The signs are promising all over the park, even through midfield and with the rotation. Sheffield United are only a small group and will have tired legs. The high-press takes a lot out of them and it will be more Liverpool ruthlessness here.”

 

What do you make of what Charlie Nicholas has predicted?

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