Brentford vs. Aston Villa (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Aston Villa will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they head to the Brentford Community Stadium on Sunday to take on Brentford.
The visitors, who are currently 12th in the table, suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Boxing Day, while Brentford lost 1-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday.
We say: Brentford 1-1 Aston Villa
Brentford have not lost to Villa in any competition since February 1953, and the points were shared in a 1-1 draw earlier this season. Villa will fancy their chances of returning to winning ways here, but we believe that Brentford will have enough to secure a share of the spoils in front of their own supporters.
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Everton vs. Brighton (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion's 2022 campaigns begin with an afternoon Premier League encounter on Sunday at Goodison Park.
The Toffees have not played since holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw on December 16, and ironically, the Seagulls played out the same result with Thomas Tuchel's side last time out.
We say: Everton 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Goodison Park has not been kind to Brighton in recent memory, although Everton's two week-long break may work against them if rustiness comes into play.
The expected return of Calvert-Lewin will aid Everton's prospects of breaking down a stubborn Seagulls backline, though, and we have confidence in the Toffees' ability to nick the odd goal and start 2022 as they mean to go on.
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Leeds vs. Burnley (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Seeking to end a run of three straight defeats in their first game of 2022, Leeds United prepare to welcome fellow strugglers Burnley to Elland Road on Sunday.
The Whites have seen their recent clashes with Liverpool and Aston Villa postponed due to COVID-19, while Sean Dyche's men lost 3-1 against Manchester United on Thursday.
We say: Leeds United 1-0 Burnley
Even if Bamford is only fit enough to turn out for 45 or 60 minutes on Sunday, the England international's comeback will certainly aid Leeds' prospects of a priceless three points in this basement battle.
Burnley did not simply roll over against Man United, but their away-day struggles and COVID-related absences will likely hinder their chances of a positive result as they begin 2022 on the back foot.
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Southampton vs. Newcastle (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Since this article was published, this game has been called off due to a coronavirus outbreak in the Newcastle squad. A new date for the game will be confirmed in due course.
Two sides rocked by absences in the double figures will aim to kick off 2022 on a high note this Sunday, as Southampton play host to Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The Saints held Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw in their midweek contest, while Eddie Howe's side saw their proposed meeting with Everton called off.
We say: Southampton 2-0 Newcastle United
Without Wilson and Saint-Maximin leading the charge, Newcastle have lost a good chunk of their attacking bite and are facing an uphill battle even against this depleted Saints backline.
Hasenhuttl's side are not without their own selection concerns, but they tend to turn up the heat in front of their own supporters and can prolong Newcastle's away-day misery with a professional victory here.
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Chelsea vs. Liverpool (Sunday, 4.30pm)
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Second meets third in a tantalising opening to 2022 at Stamford Bridge, as title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool prepare for battle in the capital.
Thomas Tuchel's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, while the Reds were sunk by Leicester City in a 1-0 defeat.
We say: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool
The confidence levels in both camps are far from 100% right now, but the Blues' depleted and potentially youthful defence is sure to work in Liverpool's favour on Sunday.
The importance of securing all three points before Salah and Mane jet off to AFCON cannot be understated for the Reds, and we expect Klopp's side to earn the latest in a long line of positive results at Stamford Bridge to inflict more damage on their rivals' title chances.
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> How Liverpool could line up against Chelsea
> How Chelsea could line up against Liverpool
