Tottenham and Arsenal wins ramp up pressure on leaders Leicester City — EPL predictions

As the international break makes way for the resumption of the Premier League, The National's deputy sports editor, Graham Caygill, attempts to predict the results of this weekend's fixtures.

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Aston Villa 0 Chelsea 3

Why? Even without the suspended Diego Costa, Chelsea should have far too much for managerless Villa, and the London side's late surge into the top half of the table should continue here.

Arsenal 3 Watford 1

Why? Watford shocked Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last month in the FA Cup, but lightning will not strike twice for Quique Sanchez Flores's men. Arsenal cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to maintain their outside chances of a first title since 2004, and Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez should have too much quality for Watford's tiring backline.

Bournemouth 1 Manchester City 2

Why? Bournemouth have been one of the success stories of the season, and for Eddie Howe's men to be almost safe with seven games of the season to go is a tremendous achievement. Their defence remains a weakness though, and the quality of Sergio Aguero could be the decisive element.

Norwich City 0 Newcastle United 0

Why? A real relegation six-pointer. Norwich will start the game in 17th, three points clear and two points above Newcastle. This will be really tense, as a defeat is devastating for both sides, so expect a safety first approach and Rafael Benitez will probably settle for a point to take back to Tyneside.

Stoke City 3 Swansea City 1

Why? Stoke are a side in form with only one loss in their past six games, and with Marko Arnautovic continuing to look dangerous in front of goal, Mark Hughes's men should have too much for Swansea.

Sunderland 1 West Bromwich Albion 0

Why? Sunderland have been performing better than their results have suggested of late, with their inability to hold onto leads hurting them. But the goals of Jermain Defoe could be the difference maker in keeping Sam Allardyce's men up, and they should edge out West Brom.

West Ham United 2 Crystal Palace 1

Why? The form of Dimitri Payet has lifted West Ham to the cusp of an unlikely top-four finish, and there is no reason why their momentum should be hindered by struggling Palace.

Liverpool 1 Tottenham Hotspur 3

Why? Liverpool play their best stuff against quality opposition as a rule, but Tottenham are in great form and with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen firing on all cylinders, they should have too much for the Liverpool backline to keep their title hopes on track.

Leicester City 1 Southampton 1

Why? Leicester have been winning narrowly of late, triumphing 1-0 in their past three games, and relying on moments of individual brilliance from the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Shinji Okazaki. They have not been at their best in any of those games, and their luck could run out against impressive Southampton, who should still be on a high after coming back from two goals down to beat Liverpool 3-2 in their last game.

Manchester United 2 Everton 1

Why? Both sides have had disappointing seasons, but United's superior defence and David de Gea should cope with what Everton have to offer, and they are better place to capitalise on their opponent's leaky rearguard.