Manchester City v Everton
City rounded out 2019 with a 2-0 home win over Sheffield United, although with Liverpool’s victory over Wolves, they failed to close the gap and will enter 2020 14 points behind the Reds, who also have a game in hand.
Pep Guardiola’s side must now almost win their final 18 games in order to become a real threat to Liverpool, and that begins this weekend, when a new-look Everton comes to town.
With Carlo Ancelotti now at the helm of the Toffees, Everton have won two from two, with victories over Burnley and Newcastle, although City represents a different test altogether.
Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have looked impressive under Ancelotti, and the Toffees will go into this clash high on confidence.
Everton have taken three draws from their last four games at the Etihad, although have failed to win in their past eight games away to City.
The Toffees should be able to take it up to City, but Guardiola’s side know what they have to do, and they should be too strong here.
Prediction: Prediction: Both teams to score – Yes @ $1.68
Arsenal v Manchester United
Mikel Arteta’s reign as Arsenal manager hasn’t started as strongly as Ancelotti’s at Everton, with the Gunners only grabbing a point at Bournemouth in the Spaniard’s first game in charge, before a 2-1 home loss to Chelsea on the weekend.
The Gunners will host another top six side at the Emirates this weekend, as the Red Devils come to town, on the back of a couple strong performances.
After losing to Watford two weeks ago, United defeated Newcastle 4-1 on Boxing Day and were too strong for Burnley 2-0 last time out, as they moved into fifth position.
They now sit four points behind Chelsea in fourth, in a race for a Champions League spot that’s likely to go down to the wire.
Arsenal on the other hand are 12th on 24 points, and are closer to the relegation zone (six points) than they are United (seven points).
A win against United could kickstart Arteta’s Arsenal career, although the Red Devils should have enough to grab a point in this one.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.62
Liverpool vs Sheffield United
Could 2020 be the year for the Reds? In just 19 league games time, Liverpool could be lifting up their first Premier League trophy, ending a 30-year drought.
Who would bet against them at the moment, given they enter 2020 with a 13-point lead over Leicester City in second, as well as a game in hand.
They welcome Sheffield United to town on Friday morning, and the Blades will certainly be no pushovers, as they enter the new year in eighth place.
However, Liverpool have now gone unbeaten in their past 50 home games, winning 40 of them and just drawing 10.
Under Jurgen Klopp, the Reds have won all 11 home games against promoted sides by an aggregate scoreline of 33-4, meaning Chris Wilder’s side could be in for a tough evening
Prediction: Liverpool to keep a clean sheet – @ $1.85
