The hectic week of EPL action continues this weekend, with the heavyweight clash between Chelsea and Manchester City the highlight of the round.
Second placed Liverpool are in hot persuit of City and will be hoping the Blues can take some points from their battle at Stamford Bridge.
But first on the agenda for the Reds is securing the three points away at Bournemouth- a task which won't come easy.
And don't forget to keep your eye out for the always hard-fought London derby between West Ham and Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth v Liverpool
EPL Odds: Bournemouth $4.50 / Draw $4.20 / Liverpool $1.62
The round kicks off with Liverpool looking to make it five EPL wins in-a-row against the Cherries on the South Coast.
If they are to continue this streak and keep the heat on Man City, the Scoursers will have to overcome the disadvantage of playing back-to-back away games with only two days rest.
This hands the advantage to Bournemouth, who are coming off three games rest since their last EPL match, which was played at home.
Even for a squad as big and as talented as Liverpool's, they will be hard-pressed to secure an easy three points here.
Jurgen Klopp rotated this squad well to secure a 3-1 win on the road to Burnley during the week.
Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino were on the bench, while Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson were left out of the match-day squad altogether.
While you can expect the former two to start for this clash, minor injury clouds hang over Mane and Robertson.
Their speed down the left flank is a crucial part of Liverpool's attack. Whether they both start and operate at full capacity will go a long way towards deciding the outcome.
Bournemouth meanwhile snapped a four-game losing streak with a much-needed win against Huddersfield midweek.
Callum Wilson continues to score goals for fun, taking his tally to 8 for the season.
Speedy Scot Ryan Fraser also had a performance to remember. He assisted Wilson's opener, as well as scoring a goal of his own.
Fraser has 7 assists this campaign, which is more than any other player in the EPL.
These two will pose a genuine threat to Liverpool's backline.
While their attack is flourishing, it is Bournemouth's defence that is starting to become a concern.
The Cherries have conceded in all of their previous five EPL matches. That doesn't bode well when you're coming up against the likes of Mo Salah.
Centre backs Nathan Ake and Steve Cook will prove critical to the outcome of this match.
Key EPL Stat
Bournemouth are undefeated from 6 of their 8 matches at the Vitality Stadium this season: Bournemouth to win or draw @ $2.10
EPL Betting Tip: Match to end in a draw @ $4.20
Reasoning: The Cherries typically perform well at home and under the guidance of Eddie Howe, find another gear against top opposition.
After the short back up, Liverpool will do well to come away with a point against a fired up Bournemouth.
Mo Salah Source: AAP
West Ham v Crystal Palace
EPL Odds: West Ham $2.30 / Draw $3.30 / Crystal Palace $3.20
Despite lacking the glamour of other London derbies, this clash in the capital is never short of fire and drama.
Expect another gritty and hard-fought derby here, with both sides looking for all three points to put a gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
This fixture shapes up as Crystal Palace's most important game of the season.
After a dominant home win against Burnley, the Eagles soared down to Brighton full of confidence for their midweek fixture.
Palace returned back to London with their tail between their legs, after going down 3-1 to a 10-man Brighton.
This was arguably Crystal Palace's worst performance of the year, with Roy Hodgson disappointed with his side's defence, or lack thereof.
Hodgson has always placed a great deal of importance on defence. Therefore, copping three against a side with 10 players is far from a good look for the veteran manager and his players.
Palace have plenty of quality in their back four, so look for a response here.
Centre back Mamadou Sakho has played for both PSG and Liverpool, while right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is being talked about as one of the best young prospects in the league.
These two will be crucial to the Eagle's chances.
They come up against an in-form West Ham, who have scored 3 goals in their previous two outings.
However, the Hammers will be without star striker Marko Arnautovic, who was recently ruled out with injury until 2019.
While there are plenty of strikers to fill the void at West Ham, this is a significant blow for the East London side.
Especially as there have been rumours circulating that Arnautovic is set for a January transfer to a bigger club.
Manuel Pellegrini will be not only hoping that Arnautovic stays put, but that back-up strikers Javier Hernandez and Lucas Perez can keep West Ham's form going.
Key EPL Stat
The Hammers have won or drawn their previous 6 encounters with the Eagles: West Ham to win or draw @ $1.35
EPL Betting Tip: Total match goals under 2.5 @ $1.80
Reasoning: Expect Roy Hodgson's men to come out and make a statement in defence, in what should be a dour, gritty derby.
Chelsea v Manchester City
EPL Odds: Chelsea $4.33 / Draw $3.75 / Man City $1.80
The game with all the bells and whistles in match week 16 sees Chelsea play host to Man City at Stamford Bridge.
After an incredible undefeated start to their 2018/19 campaign under Maurizio Sarri, the Blues have now lost twice in the space of two weeks following their shock loss to Wolves.
Despite having 71% of the possession, and dominating the shots at goal stat by 17 to 6, the Blues conceded twice in the second half to go down 2-1 midweek.
And this was with a largely full-strength line-up, that saw Hazard, Willian and Kante all play.
This is not the form you want leading in to a match-up with Manchester City.
Pep's Citizens continue to make light work of all opponents who dare to stand in their way.
Since the 0-0 draw with Liverpool on the 8th of October, Man City have won seven straight in the EPL.
With injuries to several key players, it has been Leroy Sane and especially Raheem Sterling who have stood up in the past two months.
Sterling has recorded 8 goals and 6 assists so far this campaign, which would be a phenomenal season's work for most players in the EPL.
He looks to be the danger man once again, given that Sergio Aguero is expected to be ruled out for his third consecutive game.
Chelsea aren't without a hope. As well as Man City's injury concerns, their defence has looked leaky in previous games.
In fact, the Citizens have failed to keep a clean sheet in 4 of their last 5 matches.
If Eden Hazard plays at his peak, he'll be a serious handful for City's defenders.
Whatever the result, this is sure to be a thrilling encounter between two clubs playing terrific attacking football under their respective managers.
Key EPL Stat
The Blues are yet to lose a game at Stamford Bridge this season: Chelsea to win or draw @ $1.92
EPL Betting Tip: Chelsea to win or draw @ $1.92
Reasoning: If Man City are ever going to slip up, it'll be in this game.
After a hectic week with an injury-blighted squad, getting the win at Stamford Bridge may just prove a step too far for the Citizens.
Dec 07, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
Key EPL Stat
EPL Betting Tip: Match to end in a draw @ $4.20
