Predictions for this week

Southampton v Bournemouth

Both sides got good results last time out, if I’m honest I was a little worried about Southampton, but they seem to have turned the corner early. Eddie Howe’s side seems to have goals in them and that could make for interesting watch on Friday night.

I’m going to side with Southampton edging this one – but I expect an exciting game of football to get the weekend underway.

Prediction: 2 – 1

 

Leicester v Spurs

I can understand the comments around whether Leicester deserved something against United last time out but I think the Foxes let themselves down with a lack of attacking quality.

Spurs have issues of their own, twice now they’ve thrown good leads away and you have to say that if Leicester are up for it they could get a result here.

I wouldn’t be worried if I was a Spurs supporter though, they were never really going to challenge for the title, so even with a slow start they still have time to find their feet.

Prediction: 2 – 2

Burnley v Norwich  

I must admit that I love watching Norwich play, they don’t care who or where they play as it doesn’t affect their approach or style of play. Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell seem to link up nicely so you can expect them to drive the team forward yet again.

Burnley seem to be finding their identity again, they are making hard for teams to break them down whilst also offering some quality upfront. I think the home side edges this one.

 

Prediction: 2 – 1

 

Everton v Sheffield United

 

Everton will be a completely different prospect in front of their home support, they were really poor against Bournemouth so you can expect a response. Sheffield are no slouches though, if they are given a sniff in this game you better believe they will take it.

 

Prediction: 3 – 1

 

Manchester City v Watford

 

I don’t think I’d say this anytime soon, but City were terrible against Norwich. Their defensive unit were abnormally poor and with the injuries they are suffering at the back one could only hope for a good response here – lest we have a situation where Liverpool run away with the League.

 

I thought Watford were relatively lucky against Arsenal, but that’s how the game goes. I don’t think City will make as many mistakes so I can’t really make a case for anything beside a home win.

 

Prediction: 2 – 1

 

Newcastle v Brighton

 

Six weeks into the new season and still Steve Bruce awaits his first home win as manager of Newcastle. Both of these sides are scrapping it out at the bottom of the League and so if that win came now, I think it’ll be welcomed with open arms.

 

The Magpies have got to start turning St. James’ into a fortress – especially against bottom of the league sides – if they want to have any hope of staying up.

 

Prediction: 2 – 1

 

C Palace v Wolves

 

Wolves away are aren’t quite the same prospect as Wolves at the Molineux, Palace haven’t really got going this season though, so this won’t be a straightforward selection. Zaha hasn’t really been that effective but Gary Cahill has certainly improved their defence.

 

The Eagles were ripped to shreds last time out by Spurs so a reaction might be likely.

 

Prediction: 1 – 0

 

West Ham v Manchester United  

 

West Ham will be up for this game, they always are when United come around. You would expect with the likes of Felipe Anderson in midfield they’ll back themselves to win the midfield battle and turn the ball over high up the field.

 

United are definitely still in a stage of rebuilding, and whilst their youngsters are undoubtedly talented, they still have a way to go. They managed to grind out a result last time out against Leicester and I think this will be one of those 1-0 games.

 

Prediction: 1 – 0

 

Arsenal v Aston Villa

 

Arsenal couldn’t find that killer blow against Watford last time out and if they make as many mistakes against this Villa side, they could very well find themselves giving up vital points at home.

 

Villa have done well to stick to their identity and remain true to themselves so far this season. They have a young side who look like they relish every single minute in the Premier League which to a large extent is an underrated asset in the modern game.

 

Prediction: 2 - 1

 

 

Chelsea v Liverpool

 

This is a game that will test the managerial maturity of Frank Lampard, if he opts to go the structureless approach and just attack at will the game will open up but that just invites the lethal counterattack of Liverpool.

 

Chelsea have talented youngsters who every week seem to be showing an improved synergy and quality as a team, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get a result here I just don’t think it’s likely.

 

 The murmurs began to get a little louder after the City loss but with just five games in I think it’s ludicrous to already start Liverpool’s coronation…

 

Prediction 1 - 1