GW14 Premier League Preview: Festive Football is Upon Us!

Welcome back to the ever-present Premier League Preview. We are now into the month of December which means only one thing: a huge amount of festive football. Just like opening Christmas, but it be every day, the Premier League will be unwrapped quicker than ever in a congested but sensational time of the year. So, kick back, grab a hot chocolate and start your Christmas wrapping, whilst I take you through 3 games to keep an eye on this midweek.

The Meaty One:

Arsenal vs Manchester United 20:15 KO 04/12

Two Premier League giants go head-to-head in an absolute classic of a fixture. Arsenal come into this game in fine form following a precarious period of the season. Suffering a four game winless run, they've bounced back winning their last two, scoring 8 goals in that time!

The return of Martin Ødegaard has been central to Arsenal's revival. The Gunners are a completely different side when he starts. His creativity and leadership is undeniable. In his last three Premier League games for the club since his return to the side, his influence has been evident. 12 key passes, 2 assists and a goal, the Norwegian has resolved Arsenal's poor attacking form. This brings out the best in players such as Bukayo Saka, Havertz and the team as a whole.

Manchester United are beginning to enjoy life under Ruben Amorim following his awkward draw with Ipswich in his first game in charge. A 3-2 win in the Europa League, reinforced by a 4-0 win over Everton will get Old Trafford bouncing again. Yet, United fans ought to be cautious. In all 3 of his games in charge, United have been fortunate of their opponents' poor finishing in front of goal. Ipswich and Everton sit 20th and 17th for xG, and both sides enjoyed spells of chance creation against The Red Devils. Amorim will be concerned that Arsenal could get at his new side.

I always love this fixture and, taking place at the Emirates, Arsenal will have the home crowd on their side. United have looked better under Amorim of course, but they've been lucky to get their results as a result of some bad individual defending and awful finishing. They won't be able to get away with this against Arsenal. Amorim may opt to go more defensive as a draw would certainly be a great result for the Portuguese.

Jack's Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United

The Goals Fest:

Bournemouth vs Spurs 20:15 KO 05/12

Two xG monsters meet on Thursday which could be a spicy affair. The Cherries partook in an exciting match against Wolves last week, seeing Justin Kluivert to become the first player in the Premier League to score a hat-trick of penalties! Bournemouth took advantage of Wolves' rash defending, pouncing on every mistake they made with high pressing. The Cherries will be excited by the prospect of playing an open Spurs side.

Spurs continue their very inconsistent form. Since GW6, Spurs have been unable to win successive games in the Premier League, a frustrating stat for Spurs fans. Despite going 1-0 up against Fulham, The Cottagers were the more dominant side. Spurs had moments to nab goals, but Fulham fully deserved their equaliser and were unlucky to not go on to win the game if it wasn't for the plaudits of Spurs 2nd choice keeper Fraser Forster.

This match will be hard to predict but will most certainly have one prime component: goals. Both sides have scored a combined 48 goals from 48.9 xG. Bournemouth should analyse the Fulham game with great intent. Going against what might've been expected, Fulham did not sit back against Spurs, giving The Lilywhites less time to set up their direct counter attacks and increase the likelihood of mistakes. Whilst Spurs are a better quality side than Wolves, Bournemouth should look to employ the same approach made against Wolves on Thursday. They could be feasting if Spurs aren't careful. This match will likely be decided by individual moments - both good and bad - I feel.

Jack's Prediction: Bournemouth 3-2 Spurs

The Six-Pointer:

Ipswich vs Crystal Palace 19:30 03/12

My final selection, one match for each day, culminates in a crunch six-pointer which could be pivotal come the end of the season. 19th takes on 17th in a game which could push the victor as high as 15th and out of the relegation zone.

After their strong performance against Manchester United, Ipswich would have been wanting more as they narrowly lost against an in-form Nottingham Forest side. The story of their season, The Tractor Boys were quite exposed and didn't convert good chances in front of goal. This will hurt them as the season progresses and something that must be rectified against relegation rivals.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will be feeling a bit happier following only one loss since their victory against Spurs in GW9. In their game against Newcastle, The Eagles were by far the better side, limiting Newcastle's creativity and attacking with intent. In hindsight, they should've won the match as chances were falling aplenty. Against Ipswich, Glasner's men should feel they have a crucial opportunity to secure their second victory of the season.

Both Ipswich and Crystal Palace have only garnered one victory this season (both against Spurs for goodness sake). This game is vital for each of their survival hopes as both sides will be eager to start converting their chances. Both have been woeful in front of goal, scoring just the 24 goals between them. So, I do not expect an enthralling affair, likely a cagey one with neither side being able to hold on to the ball. But, the home crowd may be the key for Ipswich.

Jack's Prediction: Ipswich 1-1 Crystal Palace