The Barclays Premier League resumes this weekend after a week of international fixtures. It is a time when jet-lag and fatigue can take its toll and turn out some unexpected results. The big teams traditionally feel most impact due to having a high number of international players. It is a round of fixtures where form is a less reliable indicator of victory.
On Saturday inconsistant Liverpool will host second placed Tottenham Hotspur. The London club know they must win to close the gap on league leaders Leicester City. The Reds will want to mount a final push for European qualification after a disappointing capitulation in their last league game at home to Southampton which saw them slide down the table.
With four wins in six league games, Mauricio Pochettino's side are in better form than their Merseyside opponents. Spurs could be without key players Erik Lamela and Toby Alderweireld after both withdrew from duty with their international teams. With many of his team in action with England, Pochettino has a good relationship with the national team saying "they hear us". Expect a tight contest in this one.
Liverpool FC vs Tottenham predictions
League leaders Leicester will welcome a hungry Southampton on Sunday for a potentially tricky match-up. The Saints are climbing the table after winning their last two games. Leicester are full of confidence with four wins from five. Star striker James Vardy scored twice for his country over the international break. Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri will hope his top scorer is still firing on all cylinders when his team resume action at the King Power Stadium. Motivated and in-form, Leicester should have enough battle to win this game.
Leicester City vs Southampton predictions
Manchester City will travel to Bournemouth on Saturday short on confidence. Their loss in the Manchester derby was their fourth defeat in six league games. The Cherries are in better form with three wins, two defeats and a draw from their last six and could spring an upset.
Manchester City need a win to fend off up to five teams chasing their fourth spot. The Sky Blues will be boosted by the news that key trio Samir Nasri, Kevin De Bruyne and Fabian Delph are back in training after recovering from injury and should be available. Bournemouth saw midfielder Harry Arter drop out of Republic of Ireland's international squad because of an achilles injury.
Bournemouth vs Manchester City predictions
In Saturday's early kick-off, Aston Villa are surely headed for defeat and relegation. Their woeful run of six straight defeats has seen manager Remi Garde leave the club by mutual consent with the Frenchman winning only two of his twenty league games in charge. Chelsea have also had an awful season after finishing Champions last year. Despite sketchy form, they should have enough in the tank to overturn the relegation favourites.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea FC predictions
Sixth placed Manchester United are finding some form at the right time. With three wins in four league games they are only a point off Manchester City and fourth. They host Everton on Sunday and will fancy their chances. The Toffees have suffered a slump, losing three of their last four. Roberto Martinez's side are languishing in twelfth and underachieving. They look likely to lose star striker Romelu Lukaku at the end of the season to a side who can offer Champions League football.
Manchester United vs Everton FC predictions