Dave & Em’s Premier League Predictions Week 12

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Matchday 12 Predictions

Below are all of Dave and Emma’s predictions for Premier League Week 12, match by match.

Burnley vs Chelsea

First up is the early game at Turf Moor.

Dave’s prediction: Burnley 0–3 Chelsea

He expects Chelsea to take control and win comfortably. In his view, this is the type of fixture Chelsea simply have to dominate..

Emma’s prediction: Burnley 0–2 Chelsea

Emma agrees on an away win, but goes one goal lower. She notes that Burnley have actually been doing alright at home, but sees a few big problems for them: Armando Broja was stretched off for Albania, which may affect their attacking options.Chelsea should still have enough to control the game.

Both see a clean sheet for Chelsea, just a slight difference in the margin.

Bournemouth vs West Ham

Cherries against Hammers, and the question is whether West Ham can keep their improvement going.

Dave’s prediction: Bournemouth 2–1 West Ham

Dave goes for a Bournemouth win. He points out that West Ham have had a bit of a bounce under their new boss, winning a couple of games and leaving Wolves adrift at one stage, but he still gives the edge to Bournemouth at home.

Emma’s prediction: Bournemouth 1–0 West Ham

Emma almost went for a draw but decided that Bournemouth’s solid structure and togetherness at home would make the difference. Her reasons include:

• Bournemouth are very well drilled and work hard as a team.
• Home advantage should count.
• West Ham are improving, but she does not yet fully trust them away.

Both predict a Bournemouth win, with Emma expecting a tighter game.

Brighton vs Brentford

The Seagulls play the Bees in what could quietly be one of the best games of the weekend.

Dave’s prediction: Brighton 2–0 Brentford

Dave leans on Brighton’s quality and structure. He feels Brentford have done well recently, but Brighton at home should be strong enough to keep them out and score a couple.

Emma’s prediction: Brighton 1–1 Brentford

Emma admits she was torn on this one. She can see Brighton edging it, but Brentford have pulled out some really good results when people thought they might struggle. She goes for a draw, with one goal each.

So, Dave goes for a solid home win, Emma sees it as more balanced.

Fulham vs Sunderland

Fulham host Sunderland in what feels like a big test of momentum.

Dave’s prediction: Fulham 1–1 Sunderland

Dave speaks very highly of Sunderland, comparing them to Wolves under Nuno in their first season up.

Emma’s prediction: Fulham 0–2 Sunderland

Emma is more ruthless. She also felt Fulham were poor against Wolves, which, in her view, said more about how bad Wolves were in that game. She backs Sunderland to take advantage:

• Fulham are short of form.
• Sunderland are confident and free.
• The Black Cats can punish a side that looks shaky.

Both agree Fulham are having problems, but split on whether Sunderland win or draw.

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest

Next up, Forest travel to Anfield to face Liverpool.

Dave’s prediction: Liverpool 3–0 Nottingham Forest

Dave cannot see Forest getting anything at Anfield. In his mind, this is a straight forward home win, Liverpool too strong all over the pitch.

Emma’s prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Nottingham Forest

Emma goes with a similar view, She points out:

• Liverpool really should dominate at Anfield.
• The international break can sometimes throw a spanner in the works, but not enough to change her mind.
• Forest might nick one, but Liverpool will still win by a couple of goals.

Wolves vs Crystal Palace – Rob Edwards’ First Game

The standout fixture for Wolves fans is of course Rob Edwards’ first game in charge, at home to Crystal Palace.

Dave does not reveal his score prediction here, saving it for the separate match preview, which will feature his and Magic Moss’ scores. What he does say is that he is very curious to see what Rob Edwards’ Wolves will look like.

Emma’s prediction: Wolves 1–1 Crystal Palace

Emma really wanted to go for a Wolves win, especially for Rob Edwards’ first game back at Molineux, but she admits she did not, because she did not want to jinx it.

Her reasons:

• Palace are a bogey team for Wolves.
• They are stubborn, awkward and do not go away.
• A draw feels like the safe call on paper.

Dave hints that a new manager bounce is possible and agrees that a win would be lovely. Both stress the hope that Molineux will feel happier, more upbeat, and that everyone gets behind the team and the manager.

Newcastle vs Manchester City

Newcastle face Manchester City in the late kick-off, a game which would once have felt like a huge clash near the top. At the moment, Newcastle are not flying, especially when compared with their rivals Sunderland, who are doing well.

Dave’s prediction: Newcastle 1–2 Manchester City

Dave first toyed with a 2–2 draw, thinking Newcastle might scrap for a point, then changed his mind on the spot and went for a narrow City win.

For him:

• City have the class and experience to grind out games like this.
• They are starting to hit form again.
• They look like the nearest rivals to Arsenal for the title.

Emma’s Prediction Newcastle 1 Manchester City 2

Emma’s views are in line with that. She also sees City as the main challengers to Arsenal and expects their quality to tell.

Leeds vs Aston Villa

Elland Road on a Sunday is always lively, and this one has a lot riding on it for both ends of the table.

Dave’s prediction: Leeds 1–2 Aston Villa

Dave talks with real respect about Leeds at home. He calls the atmosphere raucous and says the fans are proper football people, loud and passionate.

However, he thinks Villa are on a good run and will edge it:

• Aston Villa have momentum.
• Leeds will probably score, especially with that backing.
• From a Wolves point of view, Leeds are a rival in the table, so a Villa win would help create a bit of space.

Emma’s prediction: Leeds 1–3 Aston Villa

Emma goes a step further and gives Villa a two goal margin. She highlights:

• Villa’s better quality in attack.
• The way they are playing at the moment.
• The likelihood that Leeds will still find a goal, but not keep Villa quiet.

Both predict plenty of action and another strong result for Villa.

North London Derby: Arsenal vs Tottenham

One of the biggest fixtures of any season. The North London derby rarely sticks to the form book.

Dave’s prediction: Arsenal 2–2 Tottenham

Dave expects goals and drama. He reminds everyone that in derbies like this, form often goes out of the window. He notes:

• Spurs will do their best to spoil Arsenal’s day.
• Tottenham fans are not exactly happy at the moment, but it is a one off game.
• In that sort of situation, Spurs usually find some fight.

So he goes for a high scoring draw, 2–2.

Emma’s prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Tottenham

Emma sees it differently. She thinks it might actually be tighter in feel, but with Arsenal still coming out on top. She is not convinced by Spurs under their current manager and mentions:

• Thomas Frank had Brentford ticking along nicely, but Spurs are more hit and miss.
• Arsenal have enough to keep a clean sheet and pick them off.
• A solid, efficient home performance seems likely.

While they discuss this, Dave casually waves the camera about to show the sea, and Emma jokes that viewers will be seasick if he keeps that up.

Manchester United vs Everton

The last game of the weekend sees Manchester United at home to Everton.

Dave’s prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Everton

Dave feels that United have started to put a bit of form together, even if it is not always convincing. He fancies them to nick a narrow win.

Emma’s prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Everton

Emma agrees with the overall outcome. She thinks United will edge it. So she goes for a 1-0 home win.

Join In: Share Your Week 12 Predictions

The last message is for you.

Dave and Emma want you to drop your own Week 12 predictions in the comments.

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