5 Premier League predictions: Rashford scores as Manchester derby ends in draw
Matchday 16 of the Premier League is almost upon us with some great fixtures and here are five bold predictions for all the action.
Premier League fans haven’t had long to wait for another slate of games after a full round of fixtures was played in midweek. Chelsea head to Everton for the early kick-off on Saturday while Liverpool travel south to face off Bournemouth as they look to maintain their 8 point lead at the top of the league.
The biggest game of the weekend sees Manchester City host Manchester United in a derby that could put an end to City’s title challenge. On Sunday, Aston Villa host high-flying Leicester and Sheffield United travel to Norwich as they also look to continue their good run of form.
Here are five bold predictions for all the action.
5. Marcus Rashford scores as Manchester derby ends in draw
The biggest match of the weekend sees Manchester City host Manchester United in the later kick-off on Saturday. These teams are not near each other in the table but this derby could determine whether City still have a realistic chance of retaining their title.
Currently, Pep Guardiola’s side are eleven points behind Liverpool and if they don’t win this weekend then it’s more than likely the Merseyside club will win their first Premier League title come May.
Manchester United are a little unpredictable at the moment, best demonstrated by their last two results – a 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa and a 2-1 victory over Jose Mourinho’s rejuvenated Tottenham side.
They will be up for this match after their midweek win and although City are a much stronger side they shouldn’t be afraid of the Champions. City have looked great at time this season but their defense is suspect and has been exploited in each of their past five matches.
Manchester City have had two amazing back-to-back seasons which have seen them dominate the Premier League but this year it seems to be all too much for Guardiola’s side.
Against Newcastle they looked short of ideas and although they comfortably brushed aside Burnley in midweek, the Light Blues are not the same team that somehow answered all of Liverpool’s questions in the Premier League last season.
It’s hard to imagine this game ending without plenty of goals. Both sides are very capable going forward and have pretty unreliable back lines too. Marcus Rashford is in good goal-scoring form and the England striker is definitely the Red Devils’ biggest goal threat.
Gabriel Jesus bagged a double for City in midweek and may lead the line again if Sergio Aguero is still unavailable. United may not win this but they will deny City all three points with the game ending 2-2. Rashford will bag a double for United whilst Jesus and Sterling will find the net for Guardiola’s side in an entertaining draw.