Another week of football action, here's Ryan Liberty's predictions
Updated | By Ryan Liberty
Ryan Liberty returns
with his latest predictions on a tantalising weekend in the Premier League.
Does Liverpool retain a start without blemish? Who will reign supreme in north
London? You can follow Ryan here…
Southampton v Manchester United
I’m not sure I have anything positive to say about United right now, not one of those forward players had even a reasonably good game against Palace, Jesse Lingard brings an energy but past that what else is there right now? I’m not sure he’s a 10 either. Martial looked to take a knock so without him united really are now relying on the bare minimum.
Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba in midfield don’t seem to enjoy a connect, McTominay needs to be better on the ball and Pogba cannot get away with giving away possession so easily.
I’m not all that confident going into this weekend to be honest. Southampton have a real intense energy and will look to play high octane football in front of their home support, for the neutral this might be the game of the weekend in terms of excitement, for a Saints supporter it might be interesting but for the rest: nerve wrenching.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Chelsea v Sheffield united
Chelsea know that they have defensive issues at the back but going forward they were really good last weekend. Pedro is looking more and more like the Spanish king he once was, Tammy Abraham could be to Chelsea what Rashford is at United and I think Frank Lampard deserves more patience from Chelsea supporters – Yes, I know, I’ve eaten the slice of pie already.
Sheffield should look to make this as scrappy as possible, if they can I think they could have a shout, but I can’t see past the Chelsea win.
Prediction: 2 – 1
C Palace v Aston villa
Palace have been really unpredictable this season, they’ve gone to United and come away with all three points but who saw that coming? I don’t even think they did to be fair!
Gary Cahill’s inclusion was fantastic, the experience and composure he brings to the back was immediately seen. Roy Hodgson will know how to use that win to galvanise his side.
Villa have done well so far; I really enjoy watching their football and I will maintain that on their day they could shock a couple sides.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Leicester v Bournemouth
These are the games will Brendan Rodgers would have pencilled in as ‘winnable’ games. Leicester will try and dictate the ball attempting to turn the game into an open and pacey affair.
Bournemouth have the quality to get something out of this game, but I think their usual approach of sit-in and counterattack will play too far into the hands of the Foxes.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Manchester City v Brighton
I can’t make a case for anything past a City win here. The likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva as options for the midfield, the pace they possess out-wide and the likes of Sergio Aguero upfront how do you prepare to play City?
I think Brighton’s best approach would be to park a train and hope for some degree of lapse in concentration and every inch of luck on their side. Maybe then they can restrict City to a respectable win…
But really you can’t see past a home win, for the betting man out there I would put the school fees on this one.
Prediction: 4 – 0
Newcastle v Watford
What a result for Newcastle! Unfortunately given the situation with the ownership of the clubs as well as the way Rafa Benitez was handled you can somewhat understand why the fans are as disgruntled as they are even with such a massive win.
Watford have largely disappointed me so far this season, they just don’t look like the Watford we saw time and time again last season.
Prediction: 1 – 0
West Ham v Norwich
I really enjoy watching Norwich play, they are another team who are defensively vulnerable but going forward they look like they could cause top sides real problems. I love Teemu Pukki – not only because of the points being racked up on FPL – but his movement is world class.
West Ham are also a team with a lot of quality going forward but a couple mistakes waiting to happen at the back. Neither side have a defensive prowess about their midfield or backline so there should be goals galore here.
Prediction: 3 – 4
Burnley v Liverpool
Could this be a banana skin game for the Reds? Of course, Liverpool are brilliant going forward, but I’m not convinced their defensive ability is as good as it was last season. I don’t trust Adrian at all and even their adored centre-back looks to be having a couple nervy moments.
I think Burnley will want to press Liverpool once that pass is made into midfield and upfront, they won’t be bothered about the backline having the ball and to a certain extent welcome the long ball.
Don’t get me wrong, Liverpool turned Arsenal over, but even still I think there were times in that game Liverpool looked to be exposed.
Prediction: 0 – 1
Everton v Wolves
This could turn out to be a really awkward game to be honest. Wolves have looked to be playing so well but then against Burnley looked set to lose before dragging themselves over the line.
I don’t understand Everton’s approach to games and whilst I would usually back the Toffee’s at Goodison Park, I think the away win/draw option for the punters out there is viable.
Prediction: 1 - 2
Arsenal v Spurs
Arsenal were ok against Liverpool; they didn’t do anything to justify getting something out of the game, but they weren’t the usual Arsenal either. I was surprised that Alexandre Lacazette and didn’t play but I guess whatever approach the gaffer was going for didn’t allow for the Frenchman’s inclusion.
I can’t see how Spurs will threaten Arsenal, they have been a bit all over the place and its only the 4th week of the season. I agree with reports out of England saying Spurs are out of the race, five points after three games is massive and to say otherwise is ignorant.
Prediction 3 - 1
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