🌥 Friday Forecast: City travel to the Bridge and a new man in town | OneFootball

It’s nearly Christmas and you know what that means in the Premier League. Fixtures are coming thick and fast.

We’ve got relegation six pointers, mid-table battles and a title clash guaranteed for goals.

Here’s everything to look out for.

Game of the weekend

Chelsea v Manchester City

It’s pretty clear what the game of the weekend will be.

However, two weeks ago this would’ve been seen as a title clash – perhaps not anymore.

Chelsea have suffered somewhat of a blip under Maurizio Sarri, squeezing a derby win between two disappointing defeats against Tottenham and Wolves.

Meanwhile, the Manchester City train rolls on. After their draw at Anfield, the champions have won seven out of seven, scoring 27 goals in the process.

Can the Blues prove they’re still up to challenging or will City simply highlight the gulf in class?

Either way, we’re expecting an open game with two expansive styles.

Potential upset

Leicester v Tottenham

Yes, we know Spurs are doing well this season. Yes, we know that their away form has been great. But we fancy Leicester to get something here.

Things weren’t looking good for Claude Puel at Leicester but the Foxes are six games unbeaten since October – winning three and drawing three.

James Maddison continues to impress, Papy Mendy and Wilfred Ndidi are forming a strong midfielder partnership and Kasper Schmeichel always performs when needed.

Mauricio Pochettino will enjoy his side going under the radar and they have every reason to be quietly confident.

There’s no doubt they’ll have to be at their best here though.

Easiest three points

Arsenal v Huddersfield

Do Arsenal finally have some steel about them?

An emphatic win against their fierce rivals followed by a point at Old Trafford leaves them in good stead.

The Gunners end an exhausting week at home to Huddersfield and we’re expecting them to win comfortably. Their attacking firepower will prove too much.

This isn’t a gripe on the Terriers who recently put a strong run together with wins against Fulham and Wolves but away from home it’s a different story.

David Wagner won’t be focused with results against the top six.

How they perform against those around them will make or break their season.

We hope to see

Southampton succeed under Hassenhüttl

Southampton have finally made an ambitious appointment after three difficult spells.

Claude Puel had a strong resumé in France but never really clicked; Mauricio Pellegrino was well below par; and Mark Hughes was well … Mark Hughes.

But Ralph Hasenhüttl arrives with a proven track record of Bundesliga success and more importantly – brings a clear playing identity.

The 54-year-old turned RB Leipzig into one of the best pressing teams in Europe and was hugely successful in bringing through young players.

This could be a game changer for them.

Keep an eye on

Callum Wilson

Bournemouth have been one of the surprises of the season and Callum Wilson is a huge part of that.

Only Raheem Sterling (14) has directly contributed to more Premier League goals than Callum Wilson (13) this season, proving that he can provide as well as score.

It hasn’t been easy for the 26-year-old after suffering two cruciate ligament injuries but his senior England call-up proves that hard work pays off.

Should his form continue, it won’t be long before some of the bigger clubs are sniffing around, but the Cherries still have time to enjoy him yet.