Premier League Round 19: Boxing Day predictions!

We've reached Round 19 of the Premier League meaning we'll be halfway through the season once each of the games in this round have been played and it certainly seems as if this campaign will remain interesting throughout in terms of the title race, battle for top four and relegation fight. This round is of course also the Boxing Day round meaning we're about to enjoy a LOT of football taking place all over Europe. I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas.

Round 18 wasn't a bad one for me as I was back on green arrows on the global leaderboard after getting 6/10 in a tough round that saw the average bru manage 4.7. My 6 included a bold exact for Southampton's win at Huddersfield so let's hope we can now build on that in Round 19..

Fulham vs. Wolves

If Fulham are to stay up, this is the kind of game they need results from at home. Wolves weren't clinical enough against Liverpool and paid for it. They now face a far weaker side but seem to perform better against the big clubs than they do the smaller teams. This is a big opportunity for Ranieri's Fulham and I think they can get something after their clean sheet at Newcastle. Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Wolves

Burnley vs. Everton

The pressure is now growing on Everton as Marco Silva isn't having quite the effect expected and conceding 6 goals in a home game just isn't good enough no matter how you look at it. I'm backing them to beat Burnley because they need a response and Burnley have been average all season but I'm not overly confident. This could be scrappy. Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Everton

Crystal Palace vs. Cardiff

What an incredible result for Palace at City in R18. Roy Hodgson and his players (especially Townsend!) deserve all the credit they've been getting. It's not always easy to follow up such a big result but Cardiff are poor on the road and the Eagles must be absolutely bouncing. Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Cardiff

Leicester vs. Manchester City

Like Palace, Leicester had a monster result last time out. Winning at Stamford Bridge is always tough so that was an unexpected three points that will ease the pressure for them in this other very tough fixture. It's probably not the best time to play City as they need a response but surely Guardiola's side will feel a little wobbly having now lost twice? This is a huge game for them but I expect them to show the composure required. Prediction: Leicester 1-3 Manchester City

Liverpool vs. Newcastle

I wasn't sure we had a title race even with Liverpool's excellent start as City are so strong but after what happened in the last round we definitely do. The Reds should win this and if they do it's quite an achievement to reach the halfway point unbeaten. Their game against City at the Etihad will be huge but if they maintain the lead they currently have on the table then the pressure is all on Man City. That's some big motivation. Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle

Manchester United vs. Huddersfield

Old Trafford will have some atmosphere for the Solskjaer return, even more so now that they've destroyed Cardiff in his first game. Huddersfield won't be looking forward to this as they have very little chance. Expect more free flowing football from the Red Devils during their favourable run of fixtures but it's from mid January onwards that will really test OGS. Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Huddersfield

Tottenham vs. Bournemouth

Tottenham are looking really good and this fixture shouldn't give them too many difficulties on Boxing Day. Scoring 6 at Goodison Park is very impressive and whilst this won't be as much of a hiding, it's very unlikely Bournemouth will get anything from the game. Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Bournemouth

Brighton vs. Arsenal

Not an easy game for Arsenal, especially when they have Liverpool away three days later. Brighton will be right up for this as they always are for the games against the big teams at home and they could really do with a win. Arsenal have been winning lots of away games by a single goal so I'm backing them to grind another one out at the Amex but very nearly picked a draw. Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Arsenal

Watford vs. Chelsea

It's feels like one step forward, one step back for Chelsea at the minute and without greater consistency they'll struggle to get a top four spot. They now find themselves needing to win two tricky away games between now and the new year as they've struggled in the past at both Vicarage Road and Selhurst Park. Under the lights on Boxing Day, Watford will fancy this. I think the Hornets will enjoy a lot of early pressure but I just question whether or not they'll be clinical enough to take advantage. If as I suspect, they don't, Chelsea should go on to win this game. Prediction: Watford 0-2 Chelsea

Southampton vs. West Ham

The toughest game to call is saved until last! This looks incredibly even. Southampton have now won two in a row under Hasenhüttl after losing his first game as manager and West Ham had won four on the bounce before losing to Watford last week. This is a tough game for the Hammers after losing that streak and I think Saints could even be slight favourites given their home advantage and new manager. I'm going for a draw and I'm not sure either team would be too unhappy with that. Prediction: Southampton 1-1 West Ham

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Best of luck to all and let me know how your own predictions compare in the comments. The tricky Round 18 was the first round of the season that didn't see a winner in our Exact Score Challenge so let's hope someone manages 5 or more exacts in this round to get us back on track!