Middlesbrough vs Oxford United - Middlesbrough to win.
Middlesbrough are still firmly in the promotion hunt, as the home side is second in the Championship. The home side has won five of their previous six league matches with notable wins against Sheffield United (1-2), Norwich City (1-0) and Preston North End (4-0). Oxford United are in trouble at the bottom end of the Championship, with the visitors six points adrift of safety. Oxford United are without a win in their last four league games with three defeats against Norwich City (0-3), Sheffield United (3-1) and Birmingham City (0-2).
Watford vs Derby County - Derby County to win.
Watford’s league form has taken a drastic downturn, considering their form before the start of the calendar year. The Hornets are winless in their last seven league games, with four draws and three losses. Defensively, the home side has been poor, as Watford have conceded first in six of their previous eight matches in all competitions. Derby County are sixth in the Championship under John Eustace, and the Rams’ league form has reflected their league position. Derby County have won four of their last six league games with wins over Swansea City (2-0), Bristol City (0-5), Charlton Athletic (1-2) and Preston North End (0-1).
Bolton vs Blackpool - Bolton to win
Bolton Wanderers showed great resilience in midweek, rescuing a late draw away at Reading. The Trotters are unbeaten in their last eight matches, with four wins in their last six matches and wins over Barnsley (3-2), AFC Wimbledon (0-1), Burton Albion (2-1) and Leyton Orient (2-1). Blackpool manager Ian Evatt faces a trip to his former employers on Saturday, as his Blackpool side are only two points clear of the relegation zone. The Tangerines have lost three of their last five league fixtures, with defeats to Stockport County (1-2), Luton Town (1-0) and Plymouth Argyle (0-4).
Manchester City vs Newcastle United - Manchester City to win
Manchester City can move within two points of league leaders Arsenal, and the Citizens are strong favourites for this fixture. Pep Guardiola’s men have the best home record in the Premier League this season, with 32 points gained from a possible 39 and have won their last four matches in all competitions. Newcastle United may have won their previous three games across all competitions; however, the Magpies have failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous eight. Eddie Howe’s side have a terrible record away at Manchester City in the league, with their last league win away in Manchester taking place in the year 2000.
Chelsea vs Burnley - Chelsea to win
Liam Rosenior has made a fine start to his Chelsea reign, with the former Strasbourg manager unbeaten in the Premier League since his arrival. Chelsea have won four of their last five league matches with wins over Brentford (2-0), Crystal Palace (1-3), West Ham United (3-2) and Wolves (1-3). Burnley have not beaten Chelsea in their last 12 meetings, and despite the spirited comeback against Crystal Palace, the Clarets are expected to struggle here. Scott Parker’s men suffered an embarrassing 2-1 home defeat to Mansfield Town in the FA Cup, and his side are without a clean sheet in their last 10.
Aston Villa vs Leeds United - Aston Villa to win
Unai Emery's side have made Villa Park a fortress this season, since the home side have the third-best home record in the Premier League, only behind Manchester City and Arsenal. Aston Villa have accumulated 2.15 points per game at Villa Park this season, with a win percentage at Villa Park in the Premier League of 69%. Leeds United have only recorded one away win in the Premier League this season (against Wolves), and since the win in September, Leeds have failed to win any of their fixtures on the road in the league. To provide context, Leeds United have only accumulated 0.62 points per game away from Elland Road this season.
Brentford vs Brighton - Brentford to win
Brentford have been excellent at home this season, accumulating 1.92 points per game and 25 points from a possible 39 at the GTECH Community Stadium. The Bees have won two of their last three league fixtures, with victories over Aston Villa (0-1) and Newcastle United (2-3) and a draw against league leaders Arsenal. The Seagulls have found goals difficult to come by, as the away side have failed to score in their last three and have not kept a clean sheet in their last eight. Statistically, Brighton & Hove Albion have the fifth-worst away record in the Premier League, with only 10 points gained from 12 matches on the road.
Mansfield Town vs Lincoln City - Lincoln City to win
Despite their FA Cup victory over Premier League side Burnley, the Stags have been in poor league form, with no wins in their last six matches. Nigel Clough’s side have lost their last two league games with defeats to Blackpool (1-0) and Peterborough United (1-2). Lincoln City are on the trail of league leaders Cardiff City, as the Imps are in tremendous form in all competitions. The away side are unbeaten in their last 14 matches, while winning five of their last six league games and scoring first in six of their previous seven games.
