Premier League predictions: Gameweek 17's Saturday fixtures

There's no official starting point for the festive football calendar, but Gameweek 17 may well be the unofficial beginning in the Premier League.

We were treated to some proper Carabao in the week, with Tottenham's 4-3 victory over Manchester United being of the most bonkers ilk. There were goals galore as eight Premier League teams faced off with a place in the competition's semi-finals at stake, and there's plenty to live up to this weekend.

The schedule-makers have democratically opted for a rare even split of fixtures over the weekend, with five games taking place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Clubs will be desperate to enter the festivities on a high, and here's how 90min projects Premier League Gameweek 17's Saturday matches to pan out.

Saturday 21 December

Some have foreshadowed things getting worse for Manchester City before they return to a recognisable level, but how far are Pep Guardiola's side going to slump? Last weekend's defeat in the Manchester Derby means they've won just one of their previous 11 games in all competitions.

While Villa Park isn't the fortress it was last season, it's always a tricky place for the big boys to visit. An early kick-off may benefit the visitors as they face an Aston Villa side aiming to steady themselves and find some consistency.

The 3 pm blackout slate once again features surprise entertainers Brentford, who've been near unstoppable in west London this season. The Bees boast the best home record in the division, and there's bound to be a feast of goal-mouth action when Nottingham Forest visit on Saturday.

Newcastle United were brilliant in their 4-0 win over Leicester last weekend, with the bulk of their points arriving at St. James' Park. The Magpies are without home comforts on Saturday as they visit an Ipswich Town side still hunting their maiden Premier League win at Portman Road since 2002.

Brighton are another side in the midst of a slump, but they've enjoyed their duels with West Ham United in recent times and are taking on a flawed Hammers outfit in east London. Julen Lopetegui's job is not yet completely safe despite a couple of positive results.

Saturday's action concludes at Selhurst Park as Arsenal take on Crystal Palace for the second time this week. This should be a cagier affair than the five-goal encounter we saw on Wednesday, with the Gunners looking to return to winnings ways in the Premier League following back-to-back draws.

FULL MATCH PREVIEWS

• ASTON VILLA VS MANCHESTER CITY
• BRENTFORD VS NOTTINGHAM FOREST
• IPSWICH VS NEWCASTLE
• WEST HAM VS BRIGHTON
• CRYSTAL PALACE VS ARSENAL

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