St.Pauli vs RB Leipzig - RB Leipzig to win
St. Pauli have one of the poorer home records in the Bundesliga, as the home side has only picked up seven points from a possible 21, winning twice, drawing once, and losing four. St. Pauli has averaged just over 1 goal per game at home this season, while conceding 2.1 goals per game, and they have won only once in their last five league games, losing twice.
RB Leipzig are unbeaten in their last three meetings against St.Pauli, and the visitors have suffered only four league defeats from 15 this season. RB Leipzig have only lost twice in their last five league games, with notable wins against Eintracht Frankfurt (6-0) & Werder Bremen (2-0).
Newcastle vs Bournemouth - Newcastle to win
Newcastle United are in great form under Eddie Howe despite their early-season struggles, as the Magpies have won their last three games with wins against Leeds United (4-3), Crystal Palace (2-0) and Burnley (1-3). At home, Newcastle United have been excellent with no losses in all competitions since the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal at the end of September.
Bournemouth’s win against Tottenham Hotspur ended their winless run, which dated back to the end of October. The Cherries' away record has been nothing short of abysmal, though, as the away side are without a win on the road since the end of August, where they coincidentally beat Spurs in a 1-0 scoreline.
Manchester City vs Exeter City - Manchester City to win
Manchester City are overwhelming favourites for this fixture and will be looking for a resounding result following their three straight draws in the Premier League. The Citizens are unbeaten in their last 11 matches in all competitions, and this season, Pep Guardiola’s men have only lost two home fixtures in all competitions.
Exeter City are unbeaten in three games; however, the Grecians have been poor on their travels in recent weeks. The visitors for this fixture have lost four of their last six away games, including a 4-0 defeat to Luton Town in the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy.
Stoke City vs Coventry City - Coventry City to win
Stoke City’s two recent victories have both come away from home, as their home form remains inconsistent. The Potters have won two of their last five home matches, with the last two resulting in a defeat against Sheffield United (1-2) and a draw against Preston North End (0-0).
When the two sides met earlier this season, Coventry City found a way to win, securing a late 1-0 win at the Britannia Stadium thanks to Ephron Mason-Clark. Coventry City’s league form might be faltering; however, the Sky Blues have only lost twice in their last seven fixtures.
Fulham vs Middlesbrough - Fulham to win
Fulham are in excellent form, as their recent performances in the Premier League have lifted the Cottagers into the top 10 in the league standings. Marco Silva’s side are unbeaten in their last five matches following their 2-1 win against Chelsea and further wins against West Ham United (0-1) and Nottingham Forest (1-0).
Middlesbrough won their most recent game against Southampton (4-0), however, the visitors have lost three of their last five matches, with defeats to Derby County (1-0), Hull City (0-1) and Bristol City (2-0). Middlesbrough have lost both of their last two games away from home.
Villarreal vs Alaves - Villarreal to win
Villarreal are third in La Liga with 38 points from 17 league games. The key to their success this season has been their home form, which has seen them accumulate 22 points of their 38 in total. The home side have won four of their last five league games with victories against Elche (1-3), Getafe (2-0), Real Sociedad (2-3) and Mallorca (2-1).
Deportivo Alavés are in 13th place in La Liga, with one of the worst away records in the division, having suffered six defeats in eight away matches this season. Deportivo Alavés have lost three of the last five matches with defeats to Osasuna (3-0), Real Madrid (1-2) & Barcelona (3-1).
Tottenham vs Aston Villa - Tottenham to win
Tottenham Hotspur are without a win in their last three matches, following their dramatic defeat away at Bournemouth in midweek. The recent results have increased the pressure on Thomas Frank, as his side has only won once in their last six matches, with further defeats to Liverpool (1-2) and Nottingham Forest (3-0).
Aston Villa faced Tottenham in the fourth round of this competition last season, with the Villains recording a 2-1 win at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side have been in great form with four wins from their last six matches in the Premier League, with notable wins against Chelsea (1-2), Nottingham Forest (3-1) and Manchester United (2-1).
Bayer Leverkusen vs VfB Stuttgart - Bayer Leverkusen to win
Bayer Leverkusen have a tremendous record against the visitors, as the home side are unbeaten in the last 15 meetings between the two sides. The home side has a strong home record this season, accumulating 16 points from a possible 24 available, and the hosts head into this fixture with consecutive wins against RB Leipzig (1-3) & FC Köln (2-0) before the winter break.
VfB Stuttgart’s league form has been rather indifferent heading into this fixture, with the away side having only won once in their last five matches in the Bundesliga. Sebastian Hoeneß's side has endured defeats against Bayern Munich (0-5) and Hamburg (2-1), and has one away win in their last four games on the road.
