Premier League predictions: Chelsea win again, Liverpool back to full firing power

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Predictions for the Premier League’s return to action this weekend. Click or swipe through for each match-up.

Chelsea 3 Swansea 0: Saturday, 7pm

Eleven wins and one defeat for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this season. Although Swansea did win away at Liverpool recently, this is a different situation. Chelsea, with no European distractions, could easily go unbeaten at home for the rest of the season.

Crystal Palace 1 Middlesbrough 0: Saturday, 7pm

Palace are desperate for a win and the visit of Boro’s misfiring attack gives them the perfect chance. Sam Allardyce’s side are in shocking form — six defeats in seven games — but they have match-winners in the likes of Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha. It is time for them to start producing.

Everton 4 Sunderland 0: Saturday, 7pm

It is hard to see this going any other way but a big Everton win. They have scored 10 in their last two home games and Sunderland just let in four at home to Southampton. Everton striker Romelu Lukaku netted four in his last game at Goodison Park and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him grab at least a couple here.

Hull 1 Burnley 0: Saturday, 7pm

Tricky one to predict this. Burnley have yet to win away this season, but they are 10 points better off than Hull in the league. It will be tight, but this newly-improved Hull side will make the most of home advantage.

West Brom 2 Bournemouth 0: Saturday, 7pm

West Brom’s home record has laid the foundation for their superb season. Seven wins from 12 games is as good as Manchester City and better than Manchester United. Bournemouth are six points clear of the relegation zone, but could get dragged into trouble. They’ve not won in 2017.

Watford 1 West Ham 1: Saturday, 9.30pm

Four wins in seven games and suddenly West Ham are in the top 10 after looking like relegation candidates earlier in the season. Only two points separate ninth to 13th – Stoke, West Ham, Southampton, Burnley and Watford – and it is a fair reflection of those mid-table teams. Very evenly matched.

Tottenham 1 Stoke 0: Sunday, 5.30pm

Tottenham have stuttered in the past few games with just five points from a possible 12, but they can get back on track here. After struggling in the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, expect Harry Kane, fresh from an FA Cup hat-trick, to make the most of more comfortable surroundings and be the game winner.

Leicester 0 Liverpool 3: Tuesday morning, midnight

Liverpool will be a different side with Sadio Mane back and he should bring the best out of Philippe Coutinho, who hasn’t been the same since his return from ankle injury, and Roberto Firmino, who has only three goals in 18 games in all competitions. Against the struggling champions, the old Liverpool will return.

Bonus prediction: EFL Cup final: Sunday, 8.30pm

Manchester United 1 Southampton 1 (United win on penalties)

Cup finals are great equalisers. League form can go out the window and, although United’s 16-match unbeaten league run makes them favourites, Southampton showed what they can do with the right tactics and application when they saw off Liverpool in the semi-final. If it does come down to penalties, United will have more composure.

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