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Lecce have only scored six goals this season and face a side who have only conceded 7 in Serie A. However, Juventus have faced two challenging road games, first at AC Milan and then in the UCL at Aston Villa, where they managed two shots on target in both games. Motta wasn't able to name a full complement of subs at Villa and the side are missing Vlahovic. Lecce have scored in back-to-back games for the first time this season last week. It would be a major shock, perhaps Lecce could hold their illustrious visitors to a draw, perhaps goalless, but perhaps Juventus might just have enough quality to finally break down their resistance.

Liverpool's last two Anfield meetings have seen them fail to score over 1.5 goals, and this encounter is crucial for both, not only in terms of result but psychologically. If Liverpool can simply win, it could put them 11 points clear. They have conceded, however, to 4 of the current top 7. A 2-1 might appeal more likely as Liverpool have scored over 1.5 goals in 5 out of 6 home games. However, they do come into this game on the back of a challenging midweek fixture against Real Madrid, which was probably mentally draining. Of his 8 meetings against Liverpool at Anfield, Guardiola has seen 5 BTTS/Yes, and of his 4 losses, one was a 4-3, two by 1-0, so 3 by +1 and a 3-1 (+2). This tip is about the enormity of this game for both clubs. A draw would be a psychological fillip for Man City in their current state, while a narrow home win would give Liverpool a huge psychological advantage going into the New Year. It is a different Liverpool, able to dictate possession more like a Guardiola side.

The draw perhaps is the more likely outcome as Sheffield Wednesday's last three losses in the last 11 have come against sides ranked 2, 3, and 5. They have also won 3 of the last 4 on the road against sides in the lower half. Derby are coming off a home defeat to Swansea on Wednesday and with a day's less rest. They will be boosted by the return of on-loan Jerry Yates in attack. The Rams are yet to lose back-to-back at home this season and have only lost back-to-back at home once under Warne. He may shake things up in midfield after Swansea dominated the first twenty minutes or go to a back five after the Rams have only won 1 of the last eight (5D). After Portsmouth, Derby face the sides ranked 7, 1, 5, 4, and 2 in a daunting home fixture list. This game may be about keeping things tight as the Rams' next two fixtures are at Leeds and Burnley. With 1W in 5 at home, they don't look entirely reliable, points may take precedence over performance with the home side needing to grind out a win.

A low-scoring game looks in prospect. The two sides drew 0-0 in a Saturday midday kick-off in their last meeting in L1. The Rams are yet to fail to score in successive home games if correct (Transfermarkt). They also lost the last meeting at Hillsborough (1-0), a game which ended their play-off hopes and was revenge for Wednesday after Derby relegated them. Failing to score in consecutive matches equals Derby's worst sequence. Wednesday come into this match as the form side on the road, netting over 1.5 goals in wins at Coventry, Portsmouth, and Hull. Derby might get a lead here and then be forced to hang on or be pegged back and forced to hang on, be forced to chase a deficit for the second successive home game (1-1 also appeals). The Rams are unbeaten in 5 meetings against sides ranked 12th or below (3W 2D). Wednesday's 3 wins away have come against sides currently ranked 17th; they are winless against sides ranked above 16th (1D 4L), failing to score in 4. It could be very tight as the odds suggest regarding BTTS itself. One goal or an equalizer if Derby concedes may settle this game.

Burton play midweek (posting before result) against Charlton after an emphatic home defeat by Stockport. Tamworth of the National League put Huddersfield out in Round 1, though this time they won't have the benefit of playing at home. However, they have beaten Burton once in the FA Cup when the two sides were competing in the National League. Burton labored past Scarborough Athletic in the first round, a side who play a division below Tamworth. Burton come into this match with the worst home record in L1, although Tamworth have 4 losses in a row in the NL and possess the joint 5th worst away record. However, they can go into this game with all the pressure on the home side. Tamworth (DNB)/double chance also appeals as this match could go all the way to extra time and perhaps penalties.

Tamworth won by this scoreline in their previous FA Cup meeting. The first goal could be vital. If the away side can get it, it will force Burton to chase an equalizer, leaving themselves vulnerable. Or Tamworth take a commanding lead and Burton chase the game. Tamworth do come into this game with an away record that has seen them lose all 7 games to sides ranked 16th and above. Although they have only beaten one top-half side at home, they did go on to beat L1 Huddersfield, suggesting they can raise their game for the big occasion. It could end in a 1-1 draw, low scoring, as Tamworth have only scored over 1.5 goals twice away in 9 away fixtures.

Chelsea have drawn 3 out of six matches at home. They haven't been free-scoring, and Cole Palmer hasn't been as sparkling as last season, with a view that he may be carrying an injury. Aston Villa's form has dipped this season, though their last two away matches were at Tottenham and Liverpool. They haven't kept a clean sheet this season away (6), though they have only failed to score once themselves and were perhaps unfortunate against Liverpool. Their form has to turn eventually. It remains to be seen how much their exertions midweek at home to Juventus may have taken out of the team. Interestingly, Emery has met Chelsea on numerous occasions (finals, UEFA Super Cup) but at Stamford Bridge in the PL, his record is 2W 1L & he also managed to get a draw last season in the FAC.

Chelsea could edge this as Aston Villa have conceded over 1.5 goals in each of their last three PL matches. Chelsea have shared three draws at home by this scoreline. However, Chelsea haven't been racking up goals and won at Leicester (2-1); they have only scored over 1.5 goals in consecutive PL games once this season. Chelsea have scored in their last 5 PL games, but failed to keep a clean sheet themselves, as have Villa on the road. Maybe this sequence could end (BTTS/NO). Villa failed to score over 1.5 goals in their last 3 PL games before the draw at home to Palace. For Emery, Stamford Bridge has been a happy hunting ground as Villa boss; he is yet to concede in three visits (2 PL, 1 FAC). Cole Palmer hasn't quite reached the heights of last season. Villa have not looked defensively solid with only one clean sheet in the league.

He has been featuring more regularly this season and may be tasked to defend from the front and make an attacker's challenge. He has been booked twice this season, both away and at London clubs, West Ham (opening day) and Fulham.

Manchester United ought to win, though they are yet to win back-to-back home matches at Old Trafford this season. For Everton, they need to get something from this match before their crunch meeting against fellow strugglers, Wolves. After that, Everton face a Merseyside derby against an in-form Liverpool, a visit to an improving Arsenal before hosting Chelsea, and then visiting Man City before the end of 2024, the current top 4. Dyche's record at OT reads 1W 3D 5L, including his last 4.

Risky choice perhaps, but Man United have not been free-scoring this season and have netted 13 in 12 games, only 3 more than Everton. This United side lacks imagination in midfield perhaps, and Amorim is still getting to know his side as well as utilizing players who were signings by other managers than his own picks. The midfield has a laborious look about it with veterans Casemiro and Eriksen, with Ugarte perhaps adding the energy needed. Everton may be able to compete if they are organized, and they have been more defensively solid, conceding only 4 in the last eight. Their main problem is scoring themselves, as shown last weekend against ten men.

Manchester United are yet to manage over 1.5 goals in consecutive home games this season. Everton conceded a whopping 13 goals in their first 4 PL games, but have managed to concede 4 in the next eight, which offers a glimmer of hope whilst they struggle to score themselves. Everton have failed to score in their last 3 PL H2Hs with Man United (4 is the record) and have only managed over 1.5 goals once in their last ten meetings and twice in 18.

He has been booked against these opponents at OT when playing for Nottingham Forest in a Boxing Day game in 2022. He has also received a yellow card in consecutive home matches for Forest against Man United one as a late sub.

The ex-Gunner may be targeted by the home crowd. As an attacking midfielder, he may also be charged with having to defend more or be forced to help out his midfield. He has been booked once at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during a 3-0 defeat in December 2022. This was after coming on as a sub on '64 and getting booked in the '87 minute. It may not work out as one expects, but Smith Rowe is likely to start the game. This also has the additional factor that it is a London derby, and it won't be lost that the Fulham team has an ex-Arsenal contingent.

PSG have a perfect home record of 6W, though they have played sides in the middle/lower half. They have reached over 1.5 goals in each of those games except for the narrow win against Lens. Nantes are without a win in 9 and have lost their last four, conceding over 1.5 goals in each game. It would be a major shock if PSG drop points here, though they are coming off a UCL game at Bayern. They are struggling in the UCL but have won at Marseille and Angers after a draw and defeat in the UCL midweek.

Bologna are juggling domestic fixtures alongside involvement in the Champions League. They are coming off another home loss in the UCL to Lille in what appears to have been quite an open game in terms of chances, a defeat which leaves them with one point and the threat of elimination. They have only one win at home in 5 (4D). Venezia are bottom and are yet to win on the road. They have lost their last three Serie A games, their joint worst sequence of the season. They did lose only by a goal at Inter. They may need to put a brake on this sequence since their next two away games are at Juventus and Napoli. Their best chance may be if Bologna suffer a bit of a hangover from playing midweek and put in a below-par performance.

Both sides are out of form at the moment, having lost their last three, so a stalemate could be possible. However, Brest are coming off a loss at Barcelona. They have been combining Ligue 1 with involvement in the UCL up till the loss to bottom side Montpellier. The two sides have actually played and lost to two of the same opponents (Nice and Monaco). Strasbourg are yet to win on the road in Ligue 1. That run may continue, though they have visited four of the current top six. Brest have been conceding with regularity, over 2.5 goals in their last three matches, all three away, however. They lost at home LTO but are yet to lose back to back since Feb '23. Strasbourg failed to score at St Etienne but have managed to net in 5/6 away matches so far. They don't look entirely dependable. Eric Roy is yet to lose in 3 H2Hs against Strasbourg, though Brest are yet to win back to back in Ligue 1 H2Hs since returning to the top flight (won LTO at Strasbourg).

Struggling Crawley have already beaten these opponents by a surprise 3-0 scoreline. Lincoln played midweek, losing narrowly at Wrexham, which followed after their home defeat to in-form leaders, Wycombe. It means that Lincoln are coming off playing the top two League 1 sides. This may lead to fatigue against a side who may be below them but have had a free week to prepare. It does not necessarily mean things might work out that way, as sides can often respond. The other argument is that Lincoln come into this game having faced much sterner opposition. Crawley beat Rotherham last weekend and have kept back-to-back clean sheets in 3 out of 4 League 1 games and drew with Huddersfield, who are 5th and above their opponents. Crawley haven't won back-to-back at home since August, but they have the incentive of being at home and getting a lucrative draw if they progress to the 3rd. A difficult week for Lincoln could get worse.

Exeter come into this game on the back of a challenging midweek home fixture against Birmingham. Chesterfield, under the wily and experienced Paul Cook, come into this game a league below but in 7th and on the back of a free week, allowing them to concentrate on this match. Chesterfield boast the best offense in L2 and the 4th best away record.

Barcelona have a record of 30W 3D 2L against these opponents who lie 17th, just outside the relegation zone. Shocks do happen, such as an unlikely draw perhaps, but Las Palmas' two victories on the road have come against sides ranked 13th and below. They have conceded over 1.5 goals in 6 out of 7 away games, though they have only lost by a margin of 2 goals or less in those five losses and lie 12th in the away table. Barca are without a win in two after a defeat at Real Sociedad and dropping points at Celta Vigo. With their next home game, after the match at home to Leganes, against Atletico Madrid, they may need to make sure they get back to winning ways here.

Anderlecht warmed up for this tie by putting six past Gent on Sunday, making it 15 goals in the last three games, though two were against sides at the bottom. Porto come into this match after the international break and on the back of a heavy loss at arch-rivals, Benfica, as well as losing at Moreirense in the Taca de Portugal. H2H, Anderlecht have faced them four times across the decades and won each encounter at home, though the last was back in 2000/01. Anderlecht have only ever lost one to Portuguese opposition at home.

Swansea may carry a hangover from Sunday's thriller, and the Rams take a lead. But if Williams changes things around utilizing options off the bench, that may bring Swansea back into the game, and the balance may swing in the away side's favor. It may be the Welsh side's turn to celebrate a late winner.

Leeds have netted over 1.5 goals in 7/8 home games and over 2.5 goals in 3/8. Luton have lost their last four away games and conceded at least over 2.5 goals in three out of four. They may put in a vastly improved defensive performance after the heavy loss at Middlesbrough, and be difficult to break down, but eventually Leeds' pressure may tell, though they might have to be patient. A narrow win to nil is also possible if Luton opt to put men behind the ball and play on the counter.

Arsenal have only kept one clean sheet this season at home (against Wolves), whilst Nott'm Forest have scored in all five away games. Perhaps they are due a blank, but they can go to the Emirates with nothing to lose, having already gained a famous win at Anfield. In 7/8 meetings, and all 4 meetings at the Emirates as a coach, Nuno has seen his visiting team score. It may be tempting fate, but Forest play on the counter-attack and could cause an Arsenal side yet to hit their straps this season problems.

Barnsley have won their last three at Oakwell and scored over 1.5 goals on each occasion. Wigan have failed to score in 3 of their last four away games. With Reading, Birmingham, and Wrexham due after this fixture, they may want to capitalize here before that run of challenging games against promotion rivals.

Barnsley have scored over 1.5 goals in their last three home wins and 5 in 7 home fixtures. They face a side who are the second lowest goal-scorers in the division and who have failed to net in 4 out of 7 away games.

Tight game in prospect. The main reason for this pick is that Bournemouth's midfield appears to have more experience in contrast to the potential of Brighton's young players. With Lewis Cook appearing to recover from the injuries that have hampered his career, and Ryan Christie, who is in his prime (29), their know-how may give the home side a slight edge. Though Brighton have been boosted by the return of record signing Matt O'Riley, it may take him a few more games to get up to speed.

Burton have only failed to score twice in 7 home games, but have conceded over 2.5 goals 3 times against sides ranked 14th and above. Stockport have only 1 loss on the road at 6th placed Lincoln and are unbeaten in 5 games against sides ranked 7th and below. They have only kept two clean sheets but may put in a professional performance here. Their two away wins this season have been to nil.

Huddersfield may edge this contest as they have won their last three at home and netted over 1.5 goals on each occasion. Charlton lost LTO at Exeter and lost three of the last four on the road. Their two away wins have come at sides in the lower third. Charlton's bright start (3W) has given way to a slump that has seen 2W in the next 11, and they are without a win in 4. However, if correct, they are yet to lose three in a row away to Huddersfield and are currently on their worst ever sequence of results (4L in a row). Huddersfield are yet to share a draw at home.

Huddersfield have won their last three at home. Charlton are in need of a result to kickstart their promotion challenge after a slump of only 2 wins in 11 games and winless in 4. The Addicks are yet to fail to score in consecutive away games this season.

Luton ended the international break on a real low as they crashed to a heavy loss at Middlesbrough, which has put coach Edwards under pressure. They have won their last match at home but are yet to win two in a row. Hull lost last time out at Oxford but are yet to lose back-to-back on the road or three games in a row in the league this season and are now seven without a win. Luton have faced three of the current top four away table sides and gained a point and two losses. Hull have picked up more points on the road (8) and lie 8th in the away standings. Luton suffered defeats before the last two international breaks and bounced back with a win at Millwall and a home derby win against Watford. Two managers under pressure may lead to a nervy contest and mistakes. The first goal could be vital here. Hull have relinquished the lead in recent games against Derby, Burnley, and Portsmouth, and if they take the lead here against opponents with low morale, they may capitalize this time.

According to 11v11, Luton have kept successive clean sheets in their last two meetings with Hull: a win at the K-Com and a goalless draw at home. Hull, if correct, browsing 11v11, are yet to go three games without scoring against Luton. Luton, for their part, are yet to fail to score in successive home games. Browsing last season, Hull won at two of the relegated PL teams: a win at Leicester in September and then a win later in the season at Southampton.

A game that could go either way with both managers under pressure. A draw, maybe low scoring, probably looks the most likely call, but the first goal could be vital. Hull won by this scoreline in 2006, and both their away wins have come against sides in the lower half by a 3-1 scoreline. They are missing Belloumi. Luton have conceded over 1.5 goals at home 4 times in 7 matches. Hull remain unbeaten in 4 matches, home and away, against sides in the lower third.

Mansfield are without a win at home in two after a home defeat to Stevenage and a creditable draw against 2nd placed Birmingham. They face Huddersfield, Rotherham, Bolton, Lincoln, and Wycombe at home following this fixture, four of whom are challenging for the play-offs and promotion. So this is perhaps the most winnable home fixture in the next few weeks. Rovers' 5 losses on the road have all come against sides in the current top half. Mansfield are currently 7th.

Mansfield have only failed to score once this season at home in 7, though they have only kept one clean sheet themselves. Bristol Rovers have only kept one clean sheet and have conceded over 1.5 goals in 4 out of 7 away games. Clough won his last meeting against these opponents by the same score.

Browsing 11v11, November has not always been the kindest month when Derby have visited Deepdale (4L historically). This game does have the look of a hard-fought draw. However, Preston drew LTO against Sunderland at home, and this game may end up being about 3 points rather than the performance as they face WBA and Leeds next at Deepdale. Preston should be boosted by the return from suspension of Osmajic in attack. Derby did win LTO on the road at erratic Coventry. Much depends on the return of key loan midfielder David Okoh. The Rams should be competitive in midfield, but the physical nature of this scrap could see the likes of Goudwijn struggle to impose himself.

One goal may settle this encounter as new boss Gareth Ainsworth may opt to make Shrewsbury hard to break down and attempt to frustrate their opponents. Ainsworth went on record that the Shrews' fans may have to suffer pain and be patient, and he could not have asked for a tougher first assignment. He may try to adopt a tactical shape and ask his side to defend for long stretches, as he has been used to as Wycombe manager in the Championship, facing sides with much bigger resources. Northampton grabbed a late equalizer against Blues, and perhaps sides are adapting their tactics as the away side only had 22% possession. Shrewsbury have 3 losses in a row on the road, failing to score in the last two and have failed to score in each of their last 4 losses.

A surprise goalless draw appeals, but going for Birmingham to win by a narrow margin. Four of Shrewsbury's five home losses have been by a margin of two or more goals, so Gareth Ainsworth may attempt to frustrate the division's big spenders by frustrating them, perhaps in the same manner as Northampton did by conceding possession and being hard to break down. Birmingham's resources may eventually break their opponents down and see them perhaps net a second as well, but going for Ainsworth to come out of this game with a morale victory of sorts by avoiding a heavy defeat and producing an organized performance.