Premier League preview: Steven Gerrard returns to Liverpool following Aston Villa appointment

Here are this weekend’s Premier League predictions.

The Premier League returns this weekend as we begin the busy Christmas period and it starts with an emotional return to Anfield for Steven Gerrard.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will continue their new era under Ralf Rangnick, while the race for the title and the top four heats up.

Here are this weekend’s Premier League predictions...

Brentford v Watford

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Brentford are enduring a slightly trickier patch compared to their impressive start to the campaign and have only picked up one win in their last eight league matches.

Meanwhile, Watford have been rather unpredictable under Claudio Ranieri and despite shock wins over Manchester United and Everton, they still sit only three points from the bottom three.

This match is a must-win for both teams and it could easily go either way.

Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Watford

Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves’ season has been much like a rollercoaster this season but have scored only one goal in their last five matches.

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Meanwhile, Man City certainly haven’t been struggling for goals and have won every match since their disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace in October.

I don’t expect Wolves to cause an upset at the Etihad Stadium.

Prediction: Man City 2-0 Wolves

Arsenal v Southampton

Arsenal are in desperate need of three points after suffering three defeats in their last four matches.

The Gunners could be without Emile Smith-Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli but their squad is definitely perfectly capable of bouncing back with a win over Southampton - who are without victory since the start of November.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Southampton

Chelsea v Leeds

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Chelsea have been fantastic for a majority of the campaign but a poor performance against Watford and a defeat to West Ham has raised questions.

Thomas Tuchel is without a number of key players including N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho, while Leeds United are also struggling with injuries.

The Whites’ form seems to have improved lately but the ‘giant killers’ ability they had last season has pretty much disappeared this time round.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Leeds

Liverpool v Aston Villa

In any other circumstances I would expect Liverpool’s match against Aston Villa to be a routine win for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

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However, an emotional return to Anfield for Steven Gerrard almost guarantees a dramatic clash on Merseyside.

I expect the Reds to snatch the three points in another extremely tight fixture - just like their win over Wolves.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa

Norwich City v Manchester United

While Norwich have improved since Dean Smith’s arrival, there is no chance Manchester United are going to slip up so soon into Ralf Rangnick’s rein.

The former Aston Villa boss has taken four points from his two matches at Carrow Road so far but is undoubtedly set for his second defeat since his appointment tomorrow.

Prediction: Norwich 0-2 Manchester United

Burnley v West Ham

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After three matches without a win, West Ham were back to winning ways as they took three points from Chelsea at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Burnley endured a difficult defeat to Newcastle United and will be looking to bounce back.

The Clarets are rather unpredictable and can pop up with a surprise win every now and then and I expect that to happen on Sunday.

Prediction: Burnley 2-1 West Ham

Leicester City v Newcastle United

Newcastle United will be raring to go against Leicester after they picked up their first win of the season.

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Meanwhile, the Foxes are enduring a tricky season and will be lacking in confidence after they were knocked out of the Europa League mid-week.

Prediction: Leicester 2-2 Newcastle United

Crystal Palace v Everton

Crystal Palace looked to be improving until recent weeks where they have failed to pick up a win since the start of November.

Everton have been under a lot of pressure - relieved slightly by their impressive win over Arsenal earlier this week.

This fixture could go either way but I’m not expecting a resurgence from Rafa Benitez’s side.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Everton

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