Premier League Gameweek 12 Preview

The Premier League returns from the international break and gets set for an uninterrupted run through to 2025 with plenty of games and stories between now and the new year.

Liverpool lead the way and face bottom club Southampton this weekend, while Manchester City aim to stop their winless run against Spurs and Ruben Amorim starts life as Manchester United boss at Ipswich.

Leicester City vs Chelsea

The weekend action begins with Chelsea visiting Leicester City in the early match on Saturday. The Blues are making good strides under Enzo Maresca and can close to within a point of Manchester City in second if they win here.

Chelsea have three wins from five on the road, while Leicester have just one home league win from five. The Blues will bid to make it four wins in their last five visits to the King Power, but may not have it all their own way against a Foxes outfit who have scored in all bar one of 11 Premier League games.

Tip: Chelsea to win and BTTS vs Leicester @ 7/4

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

Few would have predicted this Emirates clash would pit fourth against fifth in late November, with Arsenal and Forest separated only by goal difference, but that is the case. The Tricky Trees have yet to taste defeat in five away games, including inflicting Liverpool’s only league reverse at Anfield in September.

The Gunners haven’t won in their last four games in the Premier League and Mikel Arteta will be desperate to stop that rot. His side could do with grinding out a win and, given Forest’s approach on their travels, that might be exactly what is asked of them.

Tip: Arsenal to win and Under 2.5 goals @ 9/4

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur

Man City are on a four-game losing streak in all competitions – the first time Pep Guardiola has endured such a streak of defeats (excluding shootouts) in his managerial career.

It’s a testing time for Guardiola and Spurs, beaten only three times in the last eight head-to-heads, present another real test.

City have kept only one clean sheet in five Premier League home games and that was against rock-bottom Southampton. Spurs know the best way of getting joy is to have a go, and that’s exactly what boss Ange Postecoglou relishes.

An attacking approach is fraught with danger, however, and the Lilywhites may be exposed at the back as they slump to a fourth successive reverse on the road in all competitions.

Tip: Manchester City to win and BTTS @ 6/4

Southampton vs Liverpool

League leaders Liverpool go to basement club Southampton on Sunday afternoon and it’s hard to envisage anything but a comfortable away win.

Saints were dealt a blow last time, losing at Wolves to make it nine defeats in 11 for Russell Martin’s side.

The Reds under Arne Slot have nine wins from their 11, meanwhile, and have conceded only six goals. Liverpool have won four of the last six meetings on the south coast and should notch another St Mary’s victory with something to spare.

Tips: Liverpool -1 vs Southampton @ 8/11

Ipswich Town vs Manchester United

The Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United starts with a trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich.

Kieran McKenna’s side have played well but are ultimately not winning enough and they are yet to get three points at home despite games against Fulham, Everton and Leicester.

The Red Devils have kept three clean sheets in their five away games. They enjoyed an upturn under caretaker Ruud van Nistelrooy and, with their new boss in the dugout, should make a bright start to their new era.

Tip: Manchester United HT/FT vs Ipswich @ 8/5