Premier League Predictions: Carrick set for a tough opener

Nick is pulling further ahead in our Premier League predictions leaderboard thanks to two correct scores in our last batch of scoreline picks. Myself and Simon will be hoping for storming selections when the midweek action for Gameweek 21 gets underway.

Find our latest predictions below.

Man United vs Man City - 1-3 @ 12/1

Michael Carrick's first game in charge of Manchester United is a big one as they host Manchester City at Old Trafford. Given City's recent form, this will be a very tough game for Carrick to start off with, and I can't see anything other than an away win here.

It's just a case of how big the victory is. I fancy a 3-1.

Nick: 1-3

Simon: 1-2

Chelsea vs Brentford - 2-2 @ 12/1

Chelsea are without a win in their last five league matches, and I think the Blues will be in for a tough test when Brentford make the short trip to Stamford Bridge. The Bees are fifth in the table and have won four of their previous five outings in the top flight.

Liam Rosenior is in need of a positive start in the league, and I think a point against an in-form Brentford side wouldn't be the worst outcome.

Nick: 2-1

Simon: 2-0

Premier League Odds

Leeds vs Fulham - 2-2 @ 14/1

After losing a thrilling contest at Newcastle United last time out, Leeds United will look to start building another unbeaten run when they entertain Fulham at Elland Road.

The hosts are unbeaten in their last four home appearances in the top flight, while Fulham have won three of their past four road trips in the league. Both teams have been in decent form of late, and I reckon they will cancel each other out.

Nick: 1-2

Simon: 2-1

Liverpool vs Burnley - 3-1 @ 10/1

After three consecutive draws in the Premier League, Liverpool are in need of three points. They have an excellent chance of that as they host struggling Burnley at Anfield.

The Clarets are 12 matches without a win, so this is an opportunity Liverpool cannot afford to miss.

Nick: 4-1

Simon: 3-0

Sunderland vs Crystal Palace - 0-0 @ 15/2

Sunderland remain unbeaten at home, and Crystal Palace will be hoping to change that at the Stadium of Light this weekend. Palace are winless in seven Premier League games, and they suffered a shock FA Cup defeat against Macclesfield last time out.

The home side have also drawn four of their previous five fixtures in the top flight, and I am drawn to a goalless stalemate on Wearside.

Nick: 1-1

Simon: 2-1

Spurs vs West Ham - 2-0 @ 8/1

Thomas Frank is in need of a win when Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham United this weekend. Spurs are winless in four, and they have already been knocked out of the FA Cup, having lost at home to Aston Villa last time out.

Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo is also under pressure, with West Ham without a win in their past 10 league appearances. I fear for Frank if Tottenham can't win this one.

Nick: 2-1

Simon: 3-1

Forest vs Arsenal - 0-3 @ 10/1

Nottingham Forest were able to end a four-game losing streak in the top flight by beating West Ham. But now they face a tougher test as they welcome league leaders Arsenal to the City Ground.

The Gunners have won five of their last six league games, and I think they will have too much for Sean Dyche's side.

Nick: 0-2

Simon: 1-3

Today's Football Fixtures

Wolves vs Newcastle - 1-3 @ 12/1

Basement side Wolves are on a three-game unbeaten streak for the first time this season, and they will hope they can keep it going when Newcastle United travel to Molinuex.

After faltering in the home leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City in midweek, the Magpies will be seeking a response in the West Midlands. Eddie Howe's side are hoping to make it four wins on the spin in the Premier League, and with their attacking resources, they should accomplish this.

Nick: 2-3

Simon: 1-1

Villa vs Everton - 2-1 @ 7/1

After a goalless draw at Crystal Palace, Aston Villa will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Everton at Villa Park. The two sides played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture back in September, but the Villans have grown a lot since then.

Villa have won each of their last eight home matches in the top flight, so I am anticipating that this trend will continue against the Toffees.

Nick: 3-1

Simon: 1-1

Football Odds

Brighton vs Bournemouth - 2-2 @ 10/1

Brighton's form has been up and down throughout the season, but they head into Monday's home clash with AFC Bournemouth on a three-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League.

The Cherries secured a long-awaited victory against Tottenham on their last league outing, and they will hope to build on that in Sussex. Both teams have quality in attack, but their recent form suggests that if both are at their best, a draw seems the most likely outcome.

Nick: 3-3

Simon: 2-1

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