Another weekend is approaching, and it seems as if my tips are becoming more and more sound after last week’s predictions. As the Premier League returns so do my terrible tips.
Southampton vs Bournemouth
A derby of sorts to kick things off on Friday night at St Marys as Southampton take on Bournemouth. The Saints have improved of late, but will be without new star man Moussa Djenepo, who of course got injured as soon as I put him in my fantasy team. Bournemouth looked good against Everton, and I think their rapid counter attacks will trouble Southampton’s slow centre-halves.
Southampton 1-3 Bournemouth
Leicester City vs Tottenham
Leicester have made a solid start to the season but surprisingly lost out to early strugglers Manchester United last weekend. Spurs had a tough game in midweek which they managed to Spurs up, having been two up against Olympiakos. That long travel plus an early kick off away at Leicester is a recipe for disaster for Pochettino’s men, I think they’ll lose this one.
Leicester 4-2 Spurs
Everton vs Sheffield United
The toffees have won all three of their home games so far but were also awful against Bournemouth last week. I think they’ll go into this game against Sheffield United expecting another home victory, but the Blades are full of fight and have already picked up away points at Chelsea and Bournemouth. Excuse the pun but I think the Blades might just nick this one.
Everton 0-1 Sheffield United
Manchester City vs Watford
I’m sure you’re all aware of Manchester City’s loss at Norwich last week in the most surprising circumstances. Will that give Watford hope for this game? Maybe. Will they get anything from Manchester City? No. The game last week was just a fluke, City are still incredible and will have far too much for this awful Watford defence.
Manchester City 5-1 Watford
Newcastle United vs Brighton
Probably the most baffling choice for an evening TV game ever. Brighton have faltered after a promising start, whilst Newcastle already look set for a season of struggle under Steve Bruce. Regardless of form, this is the type of game that Newcastle lose 9 times out of 10. I wouldn’t expect too many goals, however.
Newcastle 0-2 Brighton
Crystal Palace vs Wolves
I said it in pre-season, but I think Wolves will be lucky to finish top 12 this year. They don’t seem to have enough squad depth to cope with the Europa League and domestic games, and they’re premier league form is seriously damaged as a result. If Palace were playing away, they’d win this one, but since it’s at home, I think we can expect a bore draw between two struggling teams.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Wolves
West Ham vs Manchester United
This is a game that the Manchester United of old probably would have relished, but their current squad looks like it will struggle to win any games at the moment. They did manage a win against Leicester last weekend, but West Ham have started well, and I think they will definitely cause a lot of problems for this Manchester United side.
West Ham 3-1 Manchester United
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Villa have been unfortunate not to take more points in their games thus far, but if you’re going to stay up you need luck on your side. Arsenal is never an easy place to go, and I expect a response from Emery’s side after their collapse at Watford last week. Aubameyang and Lacazette will be licking their lips ahead of this one.
Arsenal 5-0 Aston Villa
Chelsea vs Liverpool
Saving the best till last as Chelsea face Liverpool on the Sunday evening. Both sides lost out in the Champions League in midweek, but Chelsea also managed to lose emerging star Mason Mount to a nasty looking injury. Liverpool have been an irresistible force so far in the Premier League, and I fully expect them to continue their form at the no-longer-feared Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea 1-4 Liverpool
