BPL PANEL: Chelsea to remain on top… just

(A makeshift choir comprising Aisha Falode, Sunday Omeike and Kayode Tijani ‘sings’ a popular Christmas song)

On the second day of Christmas

My favourite league is on

12 fans are drumming

11 players playing

10 fixtures in all

9th-placed Newcastle

8 United at OT?

7 for Swans over Villa

6 Hammer blows wreck the Bridge

5 Gunners gunning

4 top-four placing

3 Soccer analysts

2 predict score lines

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Welcome to Barclays Premier League Preview!

CHELSEA V WEST HAM UNITED  

Aisha, West Ham last won at Stamford Bridge back in September 2002 when they beat the Blues 3-2, can they achieve the same result 12 years down the line?

Aisha: Jose Mourinho famously said that West Ham played 19th century football after the Hammers frustrated his side in a goalless draw last season at Stamford Bridge. Sam Allardyce has changed tactics so much this season that his side are now fourth on the log playing beautiful football along the way. Chelsea’s impressive 2-0 display over Stoke on Monday night make them my favourite for this. 2-0

Sunday: Will West Ham put up a brave showing or will Chelsea brush aside another top-four wannabe team. Last season, Sam Allardyce packed the West Ham bus in front of Stamford Bridge and escaped with a 0-0 draw‎. This season is a different tale however, with the Hammers posing multiple threats and enterprising attacking displays. However, what Chelsea know how to do is beating opposition to submission and this is the more likely outcome of this Boxing Day match up. Fabregas and Hazard to impress again and I think this is a game for a Diego Costa goal. 2-0

Kayode: Whoa what a game this is! A tough one for Chelsea and if there’s a team that can beat them surely West Ham can. They are difficult to beat, result oriented, focused, lost just four this season and defeated Leicester 2-0 last weekend. Surely, this game is difficult to predict but while it will be very close, I give it to Chelsea. The Blues know it will be war but class will show at the end. 3-1

BURNLEY V LIVERPOOL  

Liverpool have yet to win a Boxing Day fixture under Brendan Rodgers but the last time Burnley were in the Premier League, Liverpool won both fixtures against them 4-0. Sunday, do you see them upsetting Rogers and the Reds?

Sunday: I don’t see it happening because I was very well impressed with the Kop’s display in their hard-fought 2-2 draw against Arsenal. They played like the Liverpool of last season but ‎without a genuine striker. However, Sterling’s pace up front is looking an ingenious tactic. Burnley, on the other hand have an epileptic form and Liverpool’s return to form will give them the day. 0-2

Aisha: Liverpool showed character that has been lacking for much of this season to comeback against Arsenal in the 2-2 draw at Anfield despite being a man down. I think that will give them confidence going into this game. I see the Reds winning 1-2

Kayode: Can the Reds capitalise on their moral boosting last minute goal that earned them a point against Arsenal and get an away win or draw at Burnley? Really difficult to say because this season Liverpool have struggled and still struggling. They are missing some key players, not motivated enough, not well put together and without any player to really lift them. The issue of Balotelli is best left unsaid as it’s been a huge misadventure. It had to take a defender, Skrtel to salvage a point in a game they almost lost at home to the Gunners. What a season the Reds are having. The possibility of finishing in a continental position at season’s end is not impossible but looks very unlikely at this stage. Opponents Burnley are relegation candidates but Liverpool have struggled against worse opponents. Can they get an away win or the full points? Risky but they should win this. 1-2

CRYSTAL PALACE V SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton have won their last five league games against Palace without the Eagles finding the net. Moreover, Palace have never beaten Southampton in the BPL (D4, L6). Kayode, the Saints go marching on?

Kayode: I’ll say yes to that. Thrashing Everton 3-0 just simply signalled the intentions of Southampton not to let off from their exemplary performance from the beginning of the season till they hit a bad patch after losing games to the ‘big boys’. They were in the top-four, actually the top-two four weeks before the bleep but have since proved they are still absolutely in contention for the top four position at the least. They beat Everton in style last weekend and the money is on them to travel to humble the home team Crystal Palace who got walloped by Manchester City. But Southampton can’t underrate a Palace team that will be motivated by home fans and have useful players who are dangerous in their own right if given the opportunity like Fraizer Campbell, Wifried Zaha, Marouane Chamack (injury permitting) and others. 1-3

Aisha: The Saints are back to winning ways after a miserable couple of weeks. Their 3-0 triumph over Everton last week was a big surprise but I fancy their chances when they take on Crystal Palace. 1-2

Sunday: It is good for the league that Southampton finally won a match and it’s a confidence shot. Palace, on the other hand, are blowing hot and cold while star man Yanick Bolasie is either jaded or being stifled by the opposition. The Saints might look to have an upper hand in this fixture, but Palace are a formidable opposition on home soil. 1-1

EVERTON V STOKE CITY  

Everton have lost only two of their 12 Barclays Premier League meetings with Stoke City (W5 D5 L2). Aisha, the Toffees to bag all three points?

Aisha: One could be tempted to say that but something went horribly wrong for them against Southampton last time out. Stoke didn’t fare better against Chelsea either. I believe Everton will be stronger at home so I predict a Toffees win. 3-1

Kayode: Home team Everton surely know nothing is guaranteed in this game as opponents Stoke City will fight like their lives depends on it after losing to Chelsea in a crunchy game on Monday. Everton can’t be happy with their placing just below the mid table and their season has not really been inspiring. Everton were badly beaten by Southampton in their last game and have had a run of poor form of late and you have to feel they lack the cutting edge this season. They face a very tough Stoke City still smarting from the loss to Chelsea. Stoke might just be too determined for the hosts. 1-2

Sunday: Everton were disappointing in all area of the pitch last time out but they don’t have bad games at a stretch, and playing at home would do them a good lift. Stoke City were lethargic against Chelsea even though they held the ball well, they did not penetrate the Blues as I would have expected but that was down to Chelsea’s marvellous defensive display on the night. They tend to perform better away from home but Everton desperately need a win to improve on a season that has been dragging all along, and their forwards need to find their goal scoring form again. Home support gives them the edge. 2-1

LEICESTER CITY V TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR         

Leicester have won only one of their eight BPL matches on Boxing Day but Tottenham on the other hand are unbeaten in their last nine Boxing Day matches. Sunday, Spurs all the way?

Sunday: It is no news that Leicester are the most off-form team in the BPL. Although they have been looking out of their breath in the league, they still manage to put in an effort at home. Tottenham are also on a winning streak but their performance is not yet top notch, and they have Harry Kane’s determination upfront to thank. I fancy Nigel Pearson’s men to steal a point. 1-1

Kayode: For Leicester United it’s simple: only a miracle can save them from relegation! They are sitting at the bottom of the table, won an appalling two games, losing eleven games and looking doomed. For opponents Tottenham, it might look easy but remember he who is down needs fear no fall. So Spurs will do well to not underrate Leicester here. Spurs won at home weekend 2-1 against Burnley with goals from Kane and Lamela and they can repeat same or better even nick a win if they take it seriously enough and the motivation in chasing the pack for a continental spot at the end. Lamela shone brightly in the Burnley game, scoring his first ever BPL goal – a stunner – and he will desire more against Leicester. Manager Nigel Pearson is the man under the most pressure now and it will continue after this game unfortunately. 1-2

Aisha: It’s been a season of ups and downs for Tottenham. Leicester on the other hand seem to be going in just one direction – down. I believe Spurs will win this. 0-2

Let’s go on a brief commercial break.

Merry Christmas!

MANCHESTER UNITED V NEWCASTLE UNITED     

Manchester United have conceded once in their last four home matches, losing only one game in the process. Newcastle have won two away games, scoring eight goals conceding 14. It points to a home win for your team, Kayode?

Kayode: Yes, but it will be a cracking game! Newcastle shocked Chelsea, rubbishing their unbeaten run. Newcastle then easily lost to Arsenal. Manchester United are gradually getting their acts together and stabilising, but then hitting a brick wall in the away trip to Aston Villa where an uninspiring game saw them fail to win their seventh straight BPL game. That’s been the fortune of both teams. Newcastle are not consistent and that’s been their greatest undoing. Blowing hot and cold and losing games they should stroll through and winning games you think they can’t win. Losing at home to Sunderland just illustrates the team we are talking about: INCONSISTENCY INCORPORATED (general laughter)! Even coach Alan Pardew finds it difficult to understand how to stop the rot, as Newcastle have won just only one of their last six games in all competitions, not forgetting the embarrassing thrashing at the hands of Tottenham in the League Cup. However, Manchester United will really be very wary of the threat of Newcastle who thrive on big games like this. But United will be absolutely fired up for this and need it to boost morals. Will Falcao again start and show what we have been missing? Will United be fired up like they have been? United have the team to do just that and I don’t see Newcastle stopping them at Old Trafford. 2-1

Aisha: Manchester United’s six match winning streak was halted by Aston Villa last week while Newcastle haven’t been able to sustain the momentum after beating Chelsea. I can’t see beyond a comfortable win for the Red Devils at Old Trafford. 3-1

‎Sunday: Another home game, another three points for the Red Devils. Van Gaal’s side has made Old Trafford a fortress and off-form Newcastle shouldn’t pose much threat. I was pretty disappointed in Newcastle losing a fourth straight Tyne-Wear derby and Pardew is returning to being hated by the Geordies. Falcao should continue his scoring streak. 3-1 

SUNDERLAND V HULL CITY    

Hull City have won only three points from the last six games on the road with three draws while losing the other three. They are placed 19th on the form table and the overall league table just above Leicester City. Sunday, it’s safe to say Sunderland will add to the misery of Hull City. No?

Sunday: Although Sunderland won the bragging rights at the derby last weekend, they still go about their business the same way: stifling the opponent before settling down to an attacking rhythm.‎ Hull are in search of a win and would be very pleased to secure at least a point to give them some confidence in an unusual relegation struggle. 1-1

Aisha: Sunderland’s late win over Newcastle at Saint James’ Park is the kind of result that motivates any team. I see them beating Hull City 1-0

Kayode: Hull City are desperate! Will they return to the Championship where they came from? Losing at home to Swansea was indeed a disaster and the omens are not looking good. The faces of the home crowd after the loss at KC Stadium spoke volumes. The Tigers are struggling and injuries, as well as suspensions, have made things worse. Second from bottom of the table is destabilising enough but the statistics makes the situation worse: in October when Hull beat Crystal Palace, they have failed to win any game in TEN BPL matches,  getting just four points in thirty possible points. Injuries and bookings also means captain Curtis Davies and Jake Livermore are not in contention to play. It’s indeed a real Boxing Day for Hull, the prospects are indeed bleak. 1-1          

SWANSEA CITY V ASTON VILLA    

Wilfried Bony has now scored 20 Premier League goals in 2014, more than any other player in the league. Sunday, do you see him increasing his tally against Villa?

Sunday: He could score but Swansea are trying to prepare for his absence due to the AFCON tourney. But their style remains the same and with Gomis in the side, they still won away from home in the last round. Aston Villa have Benteke back but still are not safe on the defensive front. It is a home fixture and the Welsh team normally win comfortably ‎against bottom half sides. This fixture to bear similar fruit for the Swans. 2-1

Kayode: Swansea got a great win on the road against Hull City last weekend and will really be glad they did. It was very valuable and can they consolidate on it against an Aston Villa team that most believed got a raw unfair deal of having Gabriel Agbonlahor sent off unjustly in the inspiring home draw with a Manchester United team who were the favourite to win despite being the away side? Ki Sung Yueng was the hero against Hull with a deflected goal so who can move Swansea closer to the top four in this game? Maybe Jonjo Shelvey who is having a lovely season or Bafetimbi Gomis, both denied by the woodwork in the last game? And there’s also top scorer Wilfried Bony who started from the bench last weekend, though they have stars on injury list like Gylfi Sigurdsson, Leon Britton and Jefferson Montero. So who wins this? Aston Villa are no team to underrate. Christian Benteke can destroy any team and his 18th minute strike against United spoke volumes of how clinical he is. Leandro Bacuna can also take big chances too and there are other decent players like Fabian Delph. This is a game of winner takes all as both needs the three points for different reasons: Swansea to attempt at finishing among the top four while Villa won’t want to be sliding down the log. Swansea should capitalise on home advantage. 2-0

Aisha: The Swans flew high last week to beat Hull City away from home while Aston Villa were impressive in the 1-1 draw with United. But I believe Swansea will be the better team at home and will win this 2-1

WEST BROMWICH V MANCHESTER CITY   

Manchester City have won their last six matches, keeping four clean sheets in the process. Aisha, can West Brom stop the champions picking all three points at stake?

Aisha: Even without a striker, Manchester City easily dispatched Crystal Palace 3-0 last weekend. The champions will be too strong for West Brom. 0-2

Kayode: Man City demolished Palace with a brace by Silva and Toure’s 80th minute goal – a resounding victory in spite of playing without a traditional striker and completely dominating the game. City have sent a really strong warning to Chelsea: make any mistakes and lose the top spot. But how much will they miss their injured strikers – Sergio Aguero, Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko?  West Brom will be at home and will be really desperate after losing away to QPR. On their day they can really turn it on with the likes of Lescott and Varela capable in front of goal. But looks like City are so fired up and can’t afford to even drop an away point here. 1-2

Sunday: The manner in which West Brom capitulated at QPR was monumental, and if they can’t deal with Charlie Austin they won’t fare any better against the multi-faceted threat of Silva, Yaya Toure, Nasri, Milner et al that City would parade. Manuel Pellegrini’s boys are hitting form at the right time and a dismantling of Alan Irvine’s boys is on the card. 1-3

ARSENAL V QUEENS PARK RANGERS

QPR have the worst away record in the league losing all eight of their away matches while only scoring three goals. They also have the worst overall defensive record in the league conceding 32 goals, three more than anyone else in the BPL. Sunday, tipping the Gunners to win this is as easy as ABC right?

Sunday: A London derby it is but without any flavour. Arsenal are languishing in mid-table and are looking a shadow of their usual self. But a home fixture against the BPL’s worst traveling team in QPR will afford the Gunners a chance to put some much needed points on the log, regardless of the fact that Charlie Austin – QPR’s 11-goals machine – will possibly rattle their defence. 3-1

Aisha: Arsenal will be kicking themselves for not leaving Anfield with all three points against Liverpool last weekend. QPR have managed to get themselves out of the relegation zone but they are very far from safety. They will fight hard at the Emirates but Arsenal are desperate for points and should win 2-0

Kayode: Gunners were really just minutes away from a famous victory at Anfield, so their last outing was a painful rather that sweet draw. Of course Arsenal are top four contenders but still so very far from being BPL title contenders at Christmas. Saying Arsenal cannot win the title is no expert opinion. They now meet a QPR team fighting for their life in relegation waters but Arsenal will do well to remember that QPR won their last game at home, beating West Brom 3-2 with Charlie Austin in superb form as he converted two penalties and scored another goal as they came back from two goals down to get their fans celebrating. Joey Barton is also in form though Brown Ideye is yet to justify his price tag and more is expected from Craig Gardener. Now it’s the Emirates fans that will be in frenzy so, can the Gunners be motivated to win this? Yes I think so, but it will be dramatic. Arsenal will be coming into this knowing it’s not over till it’s over, so they will do well to finish this off in time so as not to be shocked by a very unpredictable QPR. 2-0

There are games on Sunday. Here’s the fixture:

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

Southampton v Chelsea

Aston Villa v Sunderland

Hull City v Leicester City

Manchester City v Burnley

Queens Park Rangers v Crystal Palace

Stoke City v West Brom

West Ham United v Arsenal

Newcastle United v Everton

Monday Night Football                                

Liverpool v Swansea City

Bye for now!

WEEK 17 PREDICTIONS

MATCH	KAYODE	AISHA	SUNDAY	RESULT
Man City v Crystal Palace	3-1	3-0	3-1	3-0
QPR v West Brom	1-2	1-1	2-0	3-2
Hull City v Swansea	2-2	2-2	2-1	0-1
Aston Villa v Man United	1-3	1-1	0-3	1-1
West Ham v Leicester	3-1	2-1	2-0	2-0
Tottenham v Burnley	2-1	2-0	3-1	2-1
Southampton v Everton	2-1	1-2	2-1	3-0
Newcastle v Sunderland	2-0	2-0	2-1	0-1
Liverpool v Arsenal	1-2	1-2	2-2	2-2
Stoke City v Chelsea	1-2	1-2	1-1	0-2

PUNDITS LEAGUE TABLE

PUNDIT	WK 17 CORRECT RESULT (1PT)	WK 17 SCORE (2PTS)	WK 17 TOTAL POINTS	CUMULATIVE POINTS
Sunday Omeike	6	4	10	112
Aisha Falode	5	4	9	100
Kayode Tijani	5	2	7	80