SKY SPORTS pundit and SunSport’s tactics guru DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM returns with his predictions for this week.
He analyses a few festive fixtures, including Manchester United’s trip to the King Power Stadium as they take on Leicester.
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Leicester vs Manchester United
- Jesse Lingard to score anytime – 5/2
- Both teams to score, United to win – 5/2
JOSE MOURINHO will be after a response following their shock defeat to Bristol City in midweek.
The return of Paul Pogba will make a huge difference after his suspension, and what we’ve been seeing recently from Leicester is a style of play that demands greater possession.
Claude Puel wants them to be a bit more patient on the ball, and that could suit United.
I think the visitors will sit back a little bit and allow Leicester onto them, meaning the likes of
Jesse Lingard, who has been in great form, could find himself at the end of the moves.
Swansea vs Crystal Palace
- Loftus-Cheek to score anytime – 10/3
- Both teams to score, Palace win – 9/2
CRYSTAL PALACE are set up for the counter attack very well, so I don’t think they’ll miss Christian Benteke, who misses this game through suspension.
I think Palace will try and expose Swansea because the hosts have to be on the front foot following the sacking of Paul Clement.
The Swans desperately need a win, but I think Palace will just edge this one.
Wilfried Zaha and Ruben Loftus-Cheek play brilliantly together, Zaha drifts out wide which allows Loftus-Cheek to move into that number 10 role.
I wouldn’t be surprised at all if those two would be involved in a goal during this game.
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Stoke vs West Brom
- Rondon to score anytime – 12/5
- Both teams to score, game to be drawn – 16/5
YOU can see that Alan Pardew is trying to make West Brom defensively stronger since his arrival.
They’ve had two clean sheets in the last four games, and they enjoyed a very good second half against Manchester United.
I think Stoke would have preferred this game to be away from home, because there’s a lot of pressure on them at home, so I think they’ll be expected to do all the running which might leave them a bit open at the back.
The energy from the likes of James McClean, James Rodriguez and Oliver Burke should all provide excellent support for Salomon Rondon, who I’m backing to score.
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