3 bold Premier League predictions: Troy Deeney scores as Watford beat Tottenham

2. Miguel Almiron leads Newcastle to victory over Chelsea

Saturday’s other big game sees Newcastle host Chelsea at St. James’ Park. The Magpies are another side that were touted for relegation this season but they’ve exceeded expectations so far and if they continue to perform at their current level then relegation won’t be a thought come April.

Chelsea have done very well in Frank Lampard’s first season in charge but it sometimes feels like this success is exaggerated because of the transfer ban which was imposed upon the club for last summer’s transfer window.

This meant Lampard had to field more younger players than he might have wanted to but he still had some great players at his disposal including N’golo Kante, Cesar Azpilicueta and Willian. The former England international has done a brilliant job but we shouldn’t get carried away with the achievements of this Chelsea squad as it’s not as limited as many say.

What has been very impressive from Chelsea is their away record. The Blues have won seven matches on the road this season, equal with Leicester and Manchester City and only two behind runaway leaders, Liverpool. Surprisingly the London club have struggled more at home otherwise they may be battling with Manchester City and Leicester for 2nd place.

This weekend’s game is very hard to call. Newcastle are fiercely resilient at home and Chelsea are impressive on the road. That suggests that this game could come down to individual quality more than the general play of one side. Both sides have match winners within their squad but Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron has started to shine of late.

From a neutral’s perspective, the Paraguayan attacker has been a disappointment since he signed from Atlanta United last season due to his lack of goals and assists. However, in all those games where Almiron was neither assisting nor scoring, the South-American was becoming a fan favorite for his high work rate and his willingness to attack.

Consequently, when Almiron netted his first Premier League goal against Crystal Palace, the whole of St. James’ Park (and probably Newcastle) jumped for joy. Since then the Paraguayan playmaker has kicked on netting in both FA Cup matches against Rochdale as well as last weekend’s game against Wolves.

Almiron provides an energy and attacking spark that this Newcastle team desperately need at times. The goals he’s scored of late have given him more confidence to lead this team at the front — something that record signing Joelinton has struggled to do.

This confidence was on show in the FA Cup replay against Rochdale when he was making good runs, demanding the ball despite defensive pressure and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Almiron’s confidence and ability will help Newcastle to a big win over Chelsea this weekend. The Paraguayan may not find the back of the net but he will be incredibly influential in all that Newcastle do as they beat Chelsea 2-0.