There is no official starting point for the festive football calendar, but Gameweek 17 could be the unofficial start to the Premier League.
We were treated to a proper Carabao during the week, with Tottenham's 4-3 win over Manchester United being among the most similar. There were plenty of goals as eight Premier League sides battled it out for a place in the semi-finals of the competition, and there's plenty to live up to this weekend.
The schedule organizers have democratically opted for a rare split of games over the weekend, with five games taking place on Saturday and Sunday.
Clubs will be desperate to get in on the high stakes, and here's how 90 min PROJECTS Premier League Saturday's Week 17 fixtures to complete.
Some have warned that things will get worse Manchester City before they return to a familiar level, but how far will Pep Guardiola's side fall? Last weekend's defeat in the Manchester derby means they have won just one of their previous 11 games in all competitions.
While Villa Park isn't the fortress it was last season, it's always a tricky place for the big boys to visit. An early start could benefit the visitors as they face one Aston Villa the side that aims to stay and find some stability.
The 15:00 cutoff proposal once again presents unexpected fun Brentfordwho have been almost unstoppable in west London this season. The Bees boast the best home record in the division, and there will be a goal-mouth stock celebration when Nottingham Forest visitation on Saturday.
Newcastle United were excellent in their 4-0 win over Leicester last weekend, with most of their points at St. James' Park. The Magpies are out of comfort at home on Saturday as they visit one Ipswich Town the side are still looking for their first Premier League win at Portman Road since 2002.
Brighton are another side in the midst of a slump, but they have enjoyed their duels with him West Ham United recently and are taking on a flawed Hammers outfit in east London. Julen Lopetegui's job is still not completely secure, despite some positive results.
Saturday's action concludes at Selhurst Park as Arsenal take over Crystal Palace for the second time this week. This should be a worse affair than the five-goal clash we saw on Wednesday, with the Gunners looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after back-to-back draws.
|
Departure Time (GMT) |
rectifier |
PREDICTION |
|---|---|---|
|
12:30 p.m |
Aston Villa vs Man City |
2-1 |
|
15:00 |
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest |
2-2 |
|
15:00 |
Ipswich Town vs Newcastle |
0-2 |
|
15:00 |
West Ham vs Brighton |
1-2 |
|
17:30 |
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal |
0-1 |