Ryan Liberty gives us his predictions for the week

Bournemouth v Manchester United

 

Are Manchester United back? Of course, they aren’t, United have a long way to go before reaching the heights they once dominated; of course, it is encouraging to see positive signs every now and again but I still believe it will get worse before it gets better.

 

Bournemouth are a strong side on their home patch and with the likes of Callum Wilson and Josh King on the park they could hurt you. I think United are beginning to put a run together so I’ll go for the away win.

 

Prediction: 0 – 1

 

 

West Ham v Newcastle

 

Newcastle are good on the road; they will likely frustrate West Ham and hope to edge the game by the odd goal. Steve Bruce has done a commendable job at St James’ and kudos to him.

 

West Ham are largely inconsistent – especially at home – and so this could go either way. West Ham have the players, but football isn’t played on paper.

 

Prediction: 1 – 1

 

 

Aston Villa v Liverpool

 

I might get a bit of stick for this, but I could see Villa getting something out of this game. If Villa can dominate the game in the middle of the park, they could cause Liverpool some problems but that is a colossal ‘if’.

 

Nonetheless Liverpool have fantastic players all over the pitch and could hurt you from everywhere, it also has to be said that the culture developing in that side is one of a truly never say die attitude.

 

 

Prediction: 1 – 2

 

 

Arsenal v Wolves

 

Arsenal are in turmoil and as I said last week nothing has changed under their new management. Their game play, inability to finish games off and infamous history with their captains continues to play a role in that club.

 

If I am Wolves, I’d look at this and say let’s have a go, you know the Emirates Stadium will be hostile and the longer it takes Arsenal to get into it the more imposing the fans will become.

 

Prediction: 1 – 2

 

 

Sheffield v Burnley

 

Neither of these teams scream ‘goals’ when you look at them so don’t expect any fireworks on Saturday evening. Both of these managers will pride themselves in their ability to defend and counter, so it’ll be interesting to see who gets the upperhand and is able to impose their game style on the match.

 

I do think the style is played better by Burnley, but Sheffield will relish the match on their home ground.

 

Prediction: 1 – 1

 

 

Brighton v Norwich

 

I really like the look of Brighton this season, they attack with a confidence and aren’t afraid to have a go no matter who the opposition is. Brighton have managed to defeat both Everton and Spurs so far this season and I can see them continuing that trend here.

 

Norwich started out so well and sort of just fizzled away after their shock win over City, I can’t make a case for them here so I’m not going to try.

 

Prediction: 2 – 0

 

 

Manchester City v Southampton

 

I reckon Southampton look to manage this game and avoid another embarrassment. Pep Guardiola won’t take this game easily and nor will he rest players, so they won’t take any prisoners come Saturday.

 

An easy City win loading here, one that almost compels you to put your bond on it.

 

Prediction: 6 – 0

 

 

Watford v Chelsea

 

Another potential banana skin game, don’t get me wrong Chelsea are doing all the right things at the moment and for that you have to credit the manager. This is an incredibly young side and yet they still manage to create special moments and danger around every corner.

 

I still have my doubts about them though and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this end in a draw, but Watford are too inconsistent to get behind at the moment. I haven’t shown Chelsea much respect this season and they definitely deserve more so I’ll go for the away win…

 

 

Prediction: 1 – 2

 

 

C Palace v Leicester

 

If this game was away from home, I’d likely side with a draw or even the Palace upset, I think the Eagles are incredible on the road. The point they earned at Arsenal was impressive and just another example of how good Wilfried Zaha is and could be.

 

Leicester on the other hand are clinical and purposeful about how they go about their business and I can see them causing Palace serious problems when they go forward. I’m going to side with Leicester to just edge this.

 

Prediction: 1 – 2

 

 

Everton v Tottenham

 

Spurs really impressed against Liverpool the other night, if Son Heung-Min scores that second goal when Spurs are up 1-0 the outcome of the game could very well have been different.

 

Everton isn’t as big a club as nor are they as dangerous going forward and so I think Spurs will have too much on Sunday evening. Marco Silva is already under fire and I don’t know where this loss will leave him, but I wouldn’t expect the owners to judge him over this game against the backdrop of their season.

 

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