Chelsea win at Manchester United as Liverpool thrash West Ham and Tottenham triumph: Premier League predictions

Following a two-week break for the FA Cup, the Premier League is back with nine games over the weekend. There is also the League Cup final on Sunday, which features league leaders Manchester City up against Arsenal. Here are the predictions. Leicester City 2 Stoke City 0 Saturday, 4.30pm Why? Stoke are still struggling for goals, despite replacing Mark Hughes with Paul Lambert as manager. Leicester are inconsistent, but in Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have two proven match-winners. _____________ Read more _____________ Bournemouth 1 Newcastle United 2 Saturday, 7pm Why? Rafa Benitez has proved excellent at masterminding Newcastle to big wins on their travels against relegation rivals. This could be more of the same as they carry on the momentum of their 1-0 win over Manchester United two weeks ago. Brighton and Hove Albion 1 Swansea City 0 Saturday, 7pm Why? Swansea are in good form and the arrival of Carlos Carvalhal has galvanised the club. Brighton are tough to beat on home territory and Chris Hughton's side can take a big step toward securing their survival here. Burnley 2 Southampton 1 Saturday, 7pm Why? Burnley had a great first half to the season but have not won since December 12 and have picked up five points out of a possible 30. They are still playing well on occasions, as was highlighted by a draw with Manchester City earlier this month. They can return to winning ways against a Southampton side who are still struggling for consistency. Liverpool 3 West Ham United 1 Saturday, 7pm Why? Liverpool are flying offensively at present, averaging two goals a game in 2018 and there is no reason to expect that to change on Saturday with Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah both in great form. West Bromwich Albion 2 Huddersfield Town 2 Saturday, 7pm Why? This probably is make-or-break for Alan Pardew's reign as West Brom. They really cannot afford to lose this game. Huddersfield are not in good form either, but have the forward threat of Steve Mounie to capitalise on West Brom's weak backline. A draw won't do either side any favours but it is the most likely outcome. Watford 0 Everton 0 Saturday, 9.30pm Why? This could well be a tight tactical affair. Watford will want to bounce back after their loss at West Ham and Javier Gracia has already made the side more well organised since taking over from Marco Silva. A point will suit Everton too, with the Merseyside club looking to exploit Theo Walcott's pace against Watford's slow backline. Crystal Palace 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2 Sunday, 4pm Why? Tottenham need to keep the momentum up in their bid to finish in the top four. Palace are a lot more limited without the injured Wilfried Zaha and Tottenham will look to Harry Kane to continue his good form that has seen him score in his past four games. Manchester United 1 Chelsea 2 Sunday, 6.05pm Why? United still have not clicked in terms of a formation with Alexis Sanchez in the side. This will be a close encounter, but if Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante can replicate their form from the draw with Barcelona then they can leave Old Trafford with the three points. League Cup final Manchester City 4 Arsenal 1 Sunday, 8.30pm Why? City may have lost to Wigan but they still should have the confidence to bounce back and win the first domestic trophy of 2018 at Wembley Stadium. Sergio Aguero, Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling will have too much for Arsenal's backline.

Chelsea win at Manchester United as Liverpool thrash West Ham and Tottenham triumph: Premier League predictions

After a two-week break England's top flight is back in action. Bonus prediction on the League Cup final, where Manchester City are backed to beat Arsenal.