Another weekend of Premier League actions is upon us, with all the top teams and Manchester United back in domestic action. Stay tuned for my best tips on how to most likely lose all of your money.
Brighton vs Tottenham
With Tottenham fresh from their worst ever European defeat in the week, Pochettino will be wanting to put things right when they take on Brighton in the early kick off. However, Brighton have had a promising start under new boss Graham Potter, and don’t have to deal with the physical and mental toil of having shipped seven goals in their last fixture. Spurs look like a team of individuals at the moment, and this is a game I think Brighton will win.
Brighton 2-0 Tottenham
Burnley vs Everton
Only one winner in this game for me. Burnley are strong at home, and Everton are awful wherever they play at the moment. Burnley fought back to draw with Aston Villa last week, whilst Everton were comfortably dispatched by Manchester City. Marco Silva’s seems to be on the verge of the sack, so anything other than a win could see him lose his job in this one. Still, I think Burnley will have too much for the Toffees at Turf Moor.
Burnley 2-1 Everton
Liverpool vs Leicester
This looks like the game of the weekend on paper. Liverpool are, of course, still on that ridiculous winning run, whilst Leicester sit third after an impressive start. This is where I think Liverpool’s run will finally come to an end, as Brendan Rodgers visits his old side with a side full of confidence (and character). The Foxes looked very strong last week in their win over Spurs, whilst Liverpool stumbled to a 4-3 win over Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday night. Similar to Spurs, I think the lack of break in between games could affect Liverpool, and Leicester have a good chance of upstaging Klopp’s side in Anfield.
Liverpool 2-3 Leicester
Norwich vs Aston Villa
Two newly promoted teams who have both struggled early on. Norwich’s win over Man City has glossed over a fairly shaky start, but this game represents a real opportunity against a Villa side who’s only win came against fellow relegation candidates Everton. Norwich have favoured a very attacking approach even against the larger teams, and although it has backfired at times, I think it will prove effective against this shaky Villa defence.
Norwich 3-1 Aston Villa
Watford vs Sheffield United
Watford were the first team this season to sack their manager, and if they continue at this rate, they will probably be the second as well. The Hornets sit rock bottom of the Premier League after seven games, one of which included the embarrassing 8-0 defeat at Manchester City. Every factor seems to point towards an away win, as although Sheffield United might not have as talented players as Watford, there is no doubt that Chris Wilder’s squad is one which works as a team, the same of which cannot be said for Quique Sanchez Flores’ outfit right now. Of course, my predictions are rarely good, so you can all expect a resounding home win.
Watford 4-0 Sheffield United
West Ham vs Crystal Palace
Very rarely do I see a Premier League game involving West Ham and automatically think this is one they are going to win, but this seems to be the case for the Hammers in their Saturday evening tie against Palace. Pellegrini’s side sit in 5th after a promising start to the season, whilst Palace have risen to 9th after a poor start. Both sides are in form, and although it’s a game I expect West Ham to win, there is no doubt that Palace are away day specialists.
West Ham 0-2 Palace
Arsenal vs Bournemouth
I’m writing this just as Arsenal are wrapping up another confident win in the Europa League against Standard Liege, with their youngsters playing some impressive and exciting football. Unfortunately for the Gunners, Granit Xhaka will no doubt be back in the side for Sunday’s game against Bournemouth. Bournemouth have had a decent start to the season and will fancy their chances at an Arsenal side that could be so good if not for their defence, and midfield, and maybe their attack. I expect there to be a few goals in this one, but Arsenal should edge it.
Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth
Manchester City vs Wolves
If for some reason you’re just reading this for the predictions, then you shouldn’t need me to tell you that Manchester City will beat Wolves. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are struggling with the demands of domestic and European football and have to travel to City following a long trip to Turkey in mid-week. Get Aguero and co in your fantasy teams for this week, because I expect Wolves to take a battering.
Manchester City 6-0 Wolves
Southampton vs Chelsea
Southampton have been fairly poor so far this season, with star signing Che Adams yet to adjust to the demands of the Premier League. The Saints couldn’t even beat ten-man Spurs last time out, so Frank Lampard’s Chelsea, in theory, should have no real trouble getting past Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men. This is the sort of game prime Rickie Lambert would have been perfect for, but alas, he’s now retired and overweight.
Southampton 0-2 Chelsea
Newcastle vs Manchester United
Our weekend finishes with an enticing tie between two teams who are battling it out to see who can make people forget about their former glory. United, fresh from another impressive 0-0 draw at AZ Alkmaar, so beautifully described on Twitter as a team that sounds like a WiFi password, will not relish a trip to St James Park to take on Steve Bruce’s men. This game will make us all remember how good prime Andy Carroll was, as he will score a hattrick and then get himself injured for the next 12 months. #Oleout
Newcastle 3-0 Manchester United
