Manchester City end Chelsea streak, Everton frustrate Manchester United: Premier League predictions

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Ahead of the latest round of Premier League fixtures, Thomas Woods offers his predictions.

Manchester City 2 Chelsea 1

Why? Chelsea's seven-game winning run has been spectacular, but City away is sure to be the toughest game they have faced all season. Their three-man defence hasn't been severely tested and City have so much creative talent that they should be able to pick a way through at least once or twice. Don't forget, as well as he is playing, David Luiz is still a mistake waiting to happen.

Crystal Palace 1 Southampton 2

Why? These are Alan Pardew's last days as Crystal Palace manager. A run of six straight defeats and no clean sheets in 20 league games is just not good enough. They won't stop Southampton scoring and Pardew won't be able to keep his job.

Stoke City 2 Burnley 0

Why? Stoke have a point to prove after their last home game, a poor 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth. We've seen two sides of Burnley recently: a 4-0 thrashing at West Bromwich Albion where they offered little, and a fighting performance in the 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City, where they probably deserved a point. On the road, though, they don't tend to do well.

Sunderland 1 Leicester City 1

Why? Leicester haven't won in eight games and the idea that they might be involved in a relegation fight this season is becoming more realistic by the game. That said, they face a team who, despite winning two of the last three games are still three points from safety. Despite Victor Anichebe's recent goal rush, Jermain Defoe remains Sunderland's chief goal threat.

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Swansea City 1

Why? Harry Kane should have a field day against Swansea's centre-backs, who struggled to contain Christian Benteke last week and let in four against one of the league's least prolific strikeforces. That said, Tottenham's defence has become more penetrable in recent weeks. Swansea should be able to grab a goal at least.

West Bromwich Albion 0 Watford 0

Why? Two decent defences collide and that will be the dominant theme. You can see Watford sticking Troy Deeney alone up front and settling for a point and West Brom could struggle against a team that sits back.

West Ham United 2 Arsenal 3

Why? Arsene Wenger's visitors have plenty of firepower and an issue at rightback while West Ham can't keep clean sheets. This game screams goals, in keeping with last season's 3-3 thriller, but the better side should be able to keep their noses ahead, especially as West Ham have relied mostly on Michael Antonio and Dimitri Payet for goals, with their strikers underperforming.

Bournemouth 1 Liverpool 2

Why? Even without Philippe Coutinho, expect Liverpool to get past Bournemouth. In terms of quality in attacking areas and players who can pick out key passes, Liverpool are a cut above Bournemouth. In Coutinho's absence, Roberto Firmino should take on more responsibility and is a good shout to find the net.

Everton 1 Manchester United 1

Why? United keep coming up against teams out of form and failing to capitalise. Everton have won one in eight but expect them to rise to the challenge here. United's Marcos Rojo against Romelu Lukaku already looks like an unwinnable battle for the Argentine and one reason why Everton can hope to get at least a point.

Middlesbrough 2 Hull City 0

Why? Middlesbrough have a striker in Alvaro Negredo who traditionally scores in spurts. He netted twice in his last match — his first goals since the opening games of the season — and this should be the start of a run. The Spaniard has a tasty matchup in front of him as Hull have not kept a clean sheet all season.