5 bold Premier League predictions: Aubameyang helps Arsenal beat Spurs

5 bold Premier League predictions: Aubameyang helps Arsenal to north London derby victory

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on February 4, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

2. Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool held on return to Southampton

Virgil van Dijk’s move to Liverpool was arguably the biggest of the January window. While it wasn’t a surprise to see the Dutch center-back move to Anfield, the £75 million fee led some to question the signing.

This weekend, van Dijk returns to St Mary’s for the first time since his move, and he’s certain to be greeted with a hostile reception from the Southampton fans, as have his new teammates, Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana, in the past.

The center-back was desperate to leave the Saints, and went so far as to stop playing in order to push the move through. That should give an already desperate team extra motivation on Sunday, and Liverpool could struggle.

Southampton are still in the thick of a relegation battle — they’re only two points above the drop zone — but haven’t lost in six matches, and haven’t lost to Liverpool in the last three matches between the sides at St. Mary’s.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are still vulnerable at the back, as they proved again last week in a 2-2 draw with Spurs. Southampton can exploit that frailty as they continue their climb away from the relegation zone. Getting one over on one of their ex-players will only make it sweeter.

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