MATCHDAY 30 PREDICTIONS by Nessi Nesta

The “long” international break is done and the EPL is back. I will be pitting my wits against our Match day guest El Patron on all the ten fixtures for this weekend.

Liverpool v Everton – Saturday 3:30pm

There has been a Toffees resurgence since the two sides met in December last year. Everton have only lost once in 12 matches since Sadio Mane’s cruel stoppage-time winner left questions lingering over Ronald Koeman’s appointment. Both clubs have injury issues with Seamus Coleman leg break while on national duty dominating the headlines but Klopp’s men are in good form and seem to be built for such fixtures. Everton’s jinx of not winning at Anfield since the turn of the Century does not help their case. It will be an end to end affair with none of the teams sitting back and that’s why am going for a draw.

Nessi’s Prediction: 2-2 El Patron’s Prediction: 2-1

Chelsea v Crystal Palace – Saturday 6pm

I expect Chelsea’s rollercoaster ride towards the finishing line to continue with their 11^th consecutive premier league win when they host Big Sam’s Eagles who has managed to win against Chelsea with three different clubs. A goal this weekend will see Diego Costa reaching the 50^th Premier League goal milestone.

Nessi’s Prediction: 2-0 El Patron’s Prediction: 2-0

Leicester City v Stoke City – Saturday 6:00pm

Everything is looking up for the foxes with three wins on the run. Vardy is firing from all cylinders and he can be impossible to stop once he is up and running. Their only worry is the injuries to Danny Drinkwater and Skipper Wes Morgan.

Stoke City has just done enough this season seating in a cool 9^th where they finished last season and I don’t think they have so much to play for.

Nessi’s Prediction: 3-1 El Patron’s Prediction: 2-2

Arsenal v Manchester City – Sunday 7pm

Arsene Wenger’s men needed the international break more than any other team in the EPL. It would have been an easier fixture for City then. But I expect Sanchez and Co to comeback fighting since Wenger was preaching mental strength throughout his pre-match conference. City has its own concerns with Kevin De Bruyne’s injury the latest of those.

Nessi’s Prediction: 1-1 El Patron’s Prediction: 2-1

Hull City v West Ham United – Saturday 6pm

Don’t know what West Ham United is really about this season. They struggle against all types of opposition while Hull City has been compact and tidy in possession even when Mike Phelan was still charge. Hull City will look at this as a very winnable fixture.

Nessi’s Prediction: 3-1 El Patron’s Prediction: 1-0

Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion – Saturday 6pm

Manchester United will be without many key first team players but I think Chris Smalling will be the most missed against Tony Pulis’ Baggies who play long balls and are excellent set-pieces. Fellaini’s return to fitness is an answered prayer to Mourinho and I am sure he will start in the middle of the park with Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera out. West Bromwich is one of this season’s over- achievers and I don’t think will be putting in so much for much the rest of the season.

Nessi’s Prediction: 2-0 El Patron’s Prediction: 1-0

Swansea City v Middlesbrough – Sunday 4:30 pm

This is a relegation dogfight that pits the Premier league’s worst team in defense against the League’s lowest scorers this term. Paul Clement had steadied ship but his team’s two latest defeats bring them back into the relegation battle.

Nessi’s Prediction: 1-1 El Patron’s Prediction: 1-1

Watford v Sunderland – Saturday 6pm

Try looking for what Walter Mazzarri has done for the seven months he has been at Vicarage Road and you will be hard-pressed to find any. Watford is just strolling through the season meanwhile Sunderland needs to start taking care of such fixtures if they are to stand any chance of staying up come May.

Nessi’s Prediction: 0-1 El Patron’s Prediction: 1-1

Burnley v Tottenham Hostspur – Saturday 6pm

You’ve to be flawless to leave Turfur Moor unscathed. Spurs have managed to win games without the injured Harry Kane but a visit to the Turf poses their toughest test since the Englishman was ruled out.

Nessi’s Prediction: 2-1 El Patron’s Prediction: 1-1

Southampton v AFC Bournemouth – Saturday 8:30pm

This will be an easy one for the Saints who have never lost to Bournemouth at home. The Cherries took care of business in the early stages of the season and are completely safe but there will be some local pride at stake thus expecting a spirited fight from them but it won’t be enough to carry the day.

Nessi’s Prediction: 1-0 El Patron’s Prediction: 2-0