Predictions: Jack's Round 17 Premier League Picks

This weekend's Premier League round will determine who is top of the table at Christmas which probably isn't as significant as we all like to make it out to be, but it'll be a nice feeling for the supporters of either Arsenal or Manchester City nevertheless.

Before I crack on with my (usually incorrect) predictions, a reminder that the rounds come thick and fast after Christmas, starting on Boxing Day, so don't get caught out and miss picks!

Also, AFCON begins this Sunday. Click here if you fancy making some predictions for that as well.

Last round

5/10 is celebration worthy in comparison to my previous rounds but sadly it wasn't a great round given the scores many other Superbru players put up! My Brighton gamble didn't pay off and nor did my Bournemouth pick, but how fun was that game to watch at Old Trafford? Getting picks wrong hurts a lot less when there's a 4-4 to enjoy.

Here are my thoughts on Round 17.

Newcastle vs. Chelsea

This is a difficult one to start with where you could probably persuade me either way. Chelsea are the team in better form and they're a different side to the one that lost recent away games now that Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo should both start, but Newcastle are strong at home and Chelsea's recent record at St James' Park is horrendous. The Magpies were awful last week but with a response needed I can see them getting the better of Chelsea again. Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea

Bournemouth vs. Burnley

You can point to a few things about Bournemouth at the moment including their winless run and tendency to struggle in the more favourable home matches where they have to break teams down, but I'm not picking Burnley to beat them away. Bournemouth are a far stronger side and should get the job done. Prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Burnley

Brighton vs. Sunderland

You can never really count on Brighton and this is clearly going to be a challenge for them after Sunderland's huge victory last week, but I'm going with another home win. Sunderland (understandably) haven't been as convincing on the road and it should be the Seagulls creating the lion share of the chances. Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Sunderland

Manchester City vs. West Ham

City are on the charge at the moment and it's hard to see West Ham stopping them. The three draws West Ham have put together on the road in recent games have each been good results but I think they'll be overwhelmed at the Etihad. Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 West Ham

Wolves vs. Brentford

This could be Wolves first win, couldn't it? But who is brave enough to pick it? After a decent showing at Arsenal last weekend, this is probably in the top 3 or 4 home fixtures Wolves could wish for given Brentford's away form, but I'm still not sure I can back them. I expect this to be tight and likely settled by a single goal and if that's the case, it's still more likely to be Brentford that nick it from a set-piece or moment of magic from Mikkel Damsgaard, in my opinion. Prediction: Wolves 0-1 Brentford

Tottenham vs. Liverpool

To me, it feels like things are aligning for Liverpool to put Thomas Frank under massive pressure here. Things will have calmed a bit in the Reds' camp with a few unbeaten games and Mo Salah now at AFCON, whereas Tottenham undid pretty much any goodwill they'd earned with supporters for the Brentford win by being played off the park at Forest last week. If Liverpool get a goal or two up in this match the fans could really turn, particularly if Spurs are offering as little in attack as they have in other 'big' games so far this season. Prediction: Tottenham 1-3 Liverpool

Everton vs. Arsenal

Everton away would usually be a really tough fixture for Arsenal to have after last week's slightly worrying display against Wolves, and it could still be, but when you see the players Everton are going to be missing I think this will be an away win. I'm not really sure how the hosts are going to hurt Arsenal's defence even with Gabriel still out. Prediction: Everton 0-2 Arsenal

Leeds vs. Crystal Palace

This is an awkward one but I'm going with Crystal Palace. I just wonder if Leeds aren't quite so strong in this home game now that it's not quite as 'big' an opponent as they've faced in their last two, and Oliver Glasner has made it easier to have some confidence in the Eagles squad holding up by finally rotating fully in the Europa Conference League. Ironically, that was arguably too much rotation since they've missed out on a top 8 finish in that competition but the point still stands regarding freshness for this fixture. Prediction: Leeds 0-1 Crystal Palace

Aston Villa vs. Manchester United

Aston Villa are obviously on the charge at the moment and this feels like another fixture where team news is significant. Manchester United will be without their AFCON players as well as Casemiro, and while I'm very interested to see how Ruben Amorim sets up without them (we even saw an unprecedented Amorim back 4 at times during the Bournemouth game!), his dependence on those players so far this season makes me think they're going to struggle to adapt quickly enough in a match as difficult as this. Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United

Fulham vs. Nottingham Forest

Finally, I'm wondering if we might see a draw in this final game. Fulham are decent at home and have been playing some good stuff in attack of late, but they had the midweek Cup fixture to contend with and their Nigerian players are going to be a big miss. I'm not really sure what to say about Nottingham Forest as they've been so up and down. Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Best of luck with your own Round 17 predictions!