Premier League Round 16 Predictions!

I managed to maintain my recent momentum this week, scoring 7/10 in the midweek Round 15 with one exact score to get a third consecutive green arrow on the global leaderboard. This weekend's fixture list looks a little tricky though and I am going to take a couple of risks in Round 16 which I don't think will be filled with too many goals.

Here are those fixtures for you along with my thoughts on each game. Let me know what you think in the comments. If you haven't already heard, not only did we maintain our record of a prize winner per round in Round 15, but we gave away a cash prize as Gurcharn Besla nailed 7 exacts in a 10/10 round to win C$850! It's highly likely there'll be another winner this week so make sure you get your picks in..

Bournemouth vs. Liverpool

Obviously I see a Liverpool win being the most likely outcome in this game. However, there are enough factors suggesting I should go for a slight upset that have persuaded me to do so. Lunch time kick-offs are notorious for seeing the big sides play below their usual level and Bournemouth are a decent side. This is the first of three tough games for Liverpool and though I'm not backing Bournemouth to win as they never seem to quite manage to do so as often as they should against the big clubs at home, I think they can get a point. Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Liverpool

Arsenal vs. Huddersfield

Incredible in the North London derby but then slightly disappointing at Manchester United, Arsenal will be frustrated they couldn't finally pick up a win at Old Trafford given how poor the Red Devils are at the moment. That said, this is a nice home fixture to move on to and you can't help but feel impressed with what Unai Emery has done at the Emirates. The Gunners won't lose too many games this year and given how they've performed they could even be competitive in a title race next season. Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Huddersfield

Burnley vs. Brighton

There was a huge win for Brighton over their rivals Palace in midweek - especially since they only had 10 men - while there was a better performance from Burnley against Liverpool but ultimately another loss. I'm going to take another risk here and back the hosts because they're more than due a win and should be motivated by the fact that this is by far the most winnable game they have between now and the end of the year. Brighton have been OK lately and certainly have the ability to grind out a professional win here but they aren't always at it away from home. Prediction: Burnley 2-1 Brighton

Cardiff vs. Southampton

With Mark Hughes gone and an interesting appointment made in Ralph Hasenhüttl, it will be exciting to watch Southampton and see how they fare for the rest of the season. Based on his record in Germany, the Saints can be optimistic of some improved performances and results but I think this game may come slightly too soon for an away victory. If Southampton were at home I'd back the new manager bounce to pick up three points but with that being less of a factor when away, I think Cardiff will be confident and the Saints would do well to hold them to what would be a first draw for Cardiff since August! Prediction: Cardiff 1-1 Southampton

Manchester United vs. Fulham

The pattern of discussing how poor Manchester United are before picking them to win anyway will continue here. United have been even worse against the small teams than they have against the big teams but I just feel Fulham will struggle to score unless Mourinho plays an overly defensive midfield without Pogba, Fred or Mata. The away side will struggle to play out of a United press if there is one enforced so the last thing United should be doing is inviting some pressure that will lead to some balls into the box for Mitrovic. I'm calling a narrow United win as they should break Fulham down and will only change my pick if the team news is especially negative from the hosts. Prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham

West Ham vs. Crystal Palace

Having finally managed to win a couple of consecutive games, there's no reason why West Ham can't keep going here and win 4 or 5 of their next six games. Pellegrini will know this a huge opportunity to start flying up the table and I think they can defeat Palace despite Arnautovic being sidelined with injury. Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Crystal Palace

Chelsea vs. Manchester City

The big game of the weekend. Chelsea looked like they were going backwards after their strong start under Sarri even before Round 15 but that loss to Wolves was a really poor result and this is the last team you want to be facing when in need of a win. If, as is likely, Chelsea's strong unbeaten home run also disappears in this round then the pressure on Sarri will escalate a little further. City would be far more afraid of Chelsea if they still had a big striker like Drogba or Costa but the Blues' defending has been as much of an issue as that lack of a forward this season. It's not often you can pick an away win at Stamford Bridge with much confidence but unless we see an unprecedented drop in performance from Guardiola's side, City will win this game. Prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City

Leicester vs. Tottenham

This match follows Chelsea vs. City on Saturday night and I think it could be equally intriguing. Leicester have put together some solid form and Tottenham will certainly be tested at the King Power. It's only natural for Spurs to have half an eye on the game in Barcelona on Tuesday as they still have a slim chance of progressing but I don't see that being too much of a factor because they know how important this match is in a very competitive battle for a top four spot. They lost this fixture last season but I think they can reverse the scoreline this time around. Prediction: Leicester 1-2 Tottenham

Newcastle vs. Wolves

A very tough match to call. The season form guides of these two sides are almost exact opposites with Newcastle improving a lot lately during Wolves' demise from an incredible start but could the away side's win against Chelsea signal the start of another good run? After Newcastle's poor result in their last home game against West Ham, I think both sides would be fairly happy with a draw here so let's go with that. Prediction: Newcastle 0-0 Wolves

Everton vs. Watford

Everton are the stronger team and need a win in front of their home fans after the derby loss and a disappointing draw with Newcastle but Watford will be right up for this because of Marco Silva. The Hornets' supporters were naturally unhappy with how Silva's exit played out and there's been tension ever since Everton first approached him between the two clubs. At home, I feel the Toffees should be able to win this battle but it will be close. Prediction: Everton 1-0 Watford

Best of luck to you all in R16!