Predictions: Jack's Round 16 Premier League Picks

This week's fixture list looks like a very fun one to me, as in addition to the first PL Tyne-Wear derby in a long time, we've a top four clash between Palace and City, Villa on the charge, and guaranteed drama at Anfield as Salah vs. Slot continues.

Last round

3/10 and 3.5 points - probably my worst round of the season. I feel like Fulham really let me down as the game was there for them to win against Palace, but in hindsight it was silly to risk going against Everton and Spurs.

Here are my thoughts on Round 16 where I need some big points!

Chelsea vs. Everton

Chelsea are firmly on upset watch here as they've been pretty shocking so far in December which is bringing back memories of their terrible Christmas period last season where Enzo Maresca insisted they weren't in the title race and then lost about 4 on the bounce to prove it. Everton look good at the moment as well, but, they haven't won at Stamford Bridge for a very long time. I'm going with a home win on the basis that Cole Palmer can be the difference in his first home start for a while, but can fully understand why some will pick Everton here. Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Everton

Liverpool vs. Brighton

I'm quite excited to see how this plays out as it tends to be a great game even without the added Salah drama, but I'm really not sure what to predict. There's been quite a lot of 'one step forward, two steps back' with Liverpool this season so I'm wondering if after winning at Inter in midweek, they slip again here against Brighton? I'm worried about losing even more ground on league leaderboards but suggesting Liverpool might not win at Anfield isn't quite the big call it was when they've won just 1 of their last 4 at home. Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Brighton

Burnley vs. Fulham

Fulham have a terrible record at Turf Moor, but this needs to be a win if they're to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle that Burnley already look as if they're losing. Fulham are also going to be quite badly affected by AFCON given how key their Nigerian players have been so far this season, so this is a crucial final opportunity to get points on the board before they depart. Prediction: Burnley 0-1 Fulham

Arsenal vs. Wolves

Arsenal are obviously the team to pick here. I'd be surprised if Wolves manage a goal. Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Wolves

Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City

This will be a test for City and there's arguably more riding on this match at Crystal Palace than there was at Real Madrid in midweek, but I feel they ought to win, particularly after Palace were in Europa Conference League action on Thursday. Clearly, Palace are capable of winning this match just as they did in the FA Cup Final, but City look increasingly well balanced to me. Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City

Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham

I think I'm going with Tottenham here. Outside of the derby at Arsenal which they always looked like losing, Thomas Frank's team are unbeaten on the road in this league campaign and if you can manage a 2-2 draw at Newcastle when out of form, you should be able to win at Forest with a small amount of momentum now built up? Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Tottenham

Sunderland vs. Newcastle

The big match of the weekend. This fixture would have been something to look forward to regardless, but now that Sunderland have been so strong this season, this should genuinely be an excellent watch. Newcastle getting a first Premier League win at Sunderland since the Alan Pardew era while also becoming the first away team to win at the Stadium of Light this season would be quite something for their fans, but the fact that Sunderland are unbeaten at home up to now shows how difficult that will be. Prediction wise, I'm sitting on the fence, but I'm largely just looking forward to watching this. Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle

West Ham vs. Aston Villa

West Ham have been pretty steady of late and it's not out of the question that they take a point here in my opinion, but I don't think you can go against Aston Villa at the moment since they're on an 8-match winning run. Unai Emery deserves immense credit. Prediction: West Ham 0-1 Aston Villa

Brentford vs. Leeds United

Brentford are the more logical team to pick here since this game is at the Gtech. Leeds have had a fantastic past 10 days at Elland Road but winning this match away from home really would be a statement that they'll be just fine this season. Prediction: Brentford 3-1 Leeds

Manchester United vs. Bournemouth

Lastly, I'm backing Bournemouth to win at Old Trafford again on Monday. The Cherries are on a bad run but looked improved last weekend and, most notably, Andoni Iraola has won 0-3 on both of his previous trips to Manchester United. I like how United's attack is starting to look with Cunha and Mount both involved, but defensively they could struggle with Bournemouth's press. Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Bournemouth

Best of luck with your own Round 16 predictions, though it's me that needs some luck at the moment!