Chelsea winning streak ends at Tottenham: Premier League predictions

Everton's Ross Barkley celebrates scoring their second goal against Hull City on Saturday, December 31, 2016. Andrew Yates / Reuters

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Peter Powell / EPA

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Ragnar Klavan celebrate after their win over Manchester City on Saturday, December 31, 2016. Phil Noble / Reuters

West Bromwich Albion's Darren Fletcher, right, and Hal Robson-Kanu. Peter Cziborra / Reuters

Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, centre, in action against Middlesbrough. Martin Rickett / AP

Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez skips past West Brom's Caludio Yacob. Andy Rain / EPA

Wayne Hennessey of Crystal Palace. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images

Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen, centre, runs with the ball as Chelsea's N'Golo Kante, right, chases. Adrian Dennis / AFP

Tottenham's Dele Alli. Eddie Keogh / Reuters

Thomas Woods gives his Premier League Round 20 predictions. All times are in UAE (Gulf Standard). Click or swipe through for each match.

Middlesbrough 0 Leicester City 1 | Monday, 4pm

Why? Middlesbrough did well to stay in the game against Manchester United on Saturday and take the lead, but ultimately they offered very little in attack. They don't score a lot — 17 in 22 games makes then the second lowest scorers in the league — and it will cost them on occasions. Leicester, showing signs of a mini revival, can take three points.

Everton 1 Southampton 1 | Monday, 7pm

Why? Two teams who could reasonably have ambitions of challenging for a top-five position, but they each lack consistency at the moment. Everton were lucky to get a point from their visit to Hull. A similar performance would likely result in a Southampton win, but they must surely improve.

Manchester City 4 Burnley 0 | Monday, 7pm

Why? Burnley have been fantastic in their last two games. They took six points from relegation rivals, scored five goals and moved nine points clear of the drop zone. However, their away form speaks for itself — one point and two goals in eight matches. City will be smarting from their defeat at Liverpool and could run riot.

Sunderland 1 Liverpool 2 | Monday, 7pm

Why? David Moyes has demanded answers following what he called Sunderland's worst performance under his management, when they lost 4-1 at Burnley on Saturday. Expect them to give Liverpool a run for their money, but the visitors have the cutting edge.

West Brom 2 Hull City 0 | Monday, 7pm

Why? Hull will find it hard to hit the net against a West Brom side who have been one of this season's star performers. Surprisingly, they have won only four of their nine home games but took six points and scored six times in their last three matches at the Hawthorns.

West Ham United 0 Manchester United 1 | Monday, 9.15pm

Why? Last season, this was a five-goal thriller as West Ham came from 2-1 down to win and end United's Champions League hopes. This time around, though, United are in superb form, defending well and with far more goal threats than West Ham. Away win.

Bournemouth 1 Arsenal 2 | Tuesday, 11.45pm

Why? Jack Wilshere is coming into form for Bournemouth, but unfortunately the midfielder will be unable to play against his parent club Arsenal and that is a blow for the home side. They played some fantastic passing football in their 3-0 win at Swansea and will cause Arsenal some problems.

Crystal Palace 2 Swansea City 0 | Wednesday, midnight

Why? Swansea are in dire form and a change of manager is not going to mend much in the short term. Their primary issue is bad defending — yet again they conceded three goals in a game when they lost at home to Bournemouth. Palace will relish the chance for a comfortable three points.

Stoke City 1 Watford 0 | Wednesday, midnight

Why? Stoke have had tough away assignments in their last two matches — at Liverpool and Chelsea. They conceded four on each occasion, but also performed with character and can take that positive into this encounter with a Watford side who aren't scoring a lot at the moment.

Tottenham 1 Chelsea 0 | Thursday, midnight

Why? This is the game of the round and perhaps the most important match of the season. Every other title contender will be hoping Spurs can halt Chelsea's winning run. Mauricio Pochettino is one manager who should be able to work out a way to combat Chelsea's 3-4-3 formation. This should be a fantastic match to watch. Spurs will sneak a win.

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