Arsenal Premier League title hopes slip, says Sky Sports Premier Predictor

Friday 23 December 2016 11:12, UK
Arsenal's chances of winning the title are now less than one in 10, according to the Sky Sports Premier Predictor.
The algorithm, which predicts results based on form, winning margins, home advantage and strength of schedule, now gives the Gunners just a nine per cent probability of finishing the season as champions.
Back-to-back losses to Everton and Manchester City - who have overtaken them into second place in the predicted league table - have seen Arsenal's chances fall away, having been the predictor's title favourites as recently as mid-November.
Chelsea's 11-match winning streak has also been a big factor. Antonio Conte's side now has a 66 per cent chance of winning the league after gathering a six-point lead over second-placed Liverpool and nine points over Arsenal.
The Blues' last Premier League loss was a 3-0 defeat by Arsene Wenger's team, which spurred Conte to a formation switch - winning every game since.
Chelsea conceded more than a goal a game in their opening six games but in the 11 matches since their switch to a 3-4-3 formation they have conceded just two.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have seen their form drop off over the same period, falling from 2.5 to 1.7 goals scored per game and from 1.2 to 1.5 goals conceded.
Looking forward to next week's post-Christmas matches, Arsenal are expected to beat West Brom at the Emirates, while Chelsea are hot favourites at home to Bournemouth.
Watford start as favourites to beat Crystal Palace live on Sky Sports 1 on Boxing Day from midday, in the Eagles' first match after Alan Pardew's dismissal, followed by Man City at Hull - with the Citizens expected to win comfortably.
Burnley, Leicester, Liverpool, Swansea and Manchester United are all home favourites, while it's expected to be a very tight affair between Southampton and Spurs.
For full festive predictions for this weekend and the season, see below…