It’s been a fortnight since the last Premier League action, a gap filled by what can only be described as a disappointing and slightly dull international break. This weekend’s action will be the first since the transfer window slammed shut just over a week ago, and a number of players will be looking to make their debuts this season. These are the predictions for the coming weekend:
Manchester City v Liverpool
Liverpool certainly impressed against Arsenal two weeks ago, but City won’t roll over as easily. Both of these sides are significantly better going forward than they are defensively, so expect goals. Both are still unbeaten in the league so far. Liverpool will not have Philippe Coutinho available following the closure of the transfer window. The Reds’ front three have been in scintillating form so far this season, but they might just have met their match when it comes to City’s array of attacking talent.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Liverpool
Arsenal v Bournemouth
After a quite frankly disgraceful showing at Anfield a fortnight ago, Arsenal will be looking for some improvement when they welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates. Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain has left the club since then, and Alexis Sanchez was denied his desired move to Man City. However, you still get the feeling that this Gunners team should have enough to get past Bournemouth, who are still without a point this season.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Bournemouth
Brighton & Hove Albion v West Brom
It’s been a tough start to life in the Premier League for Brighton, having been convincingly beaten by Manchester City and Leicester in their first two games, they finally picked up their first point against Watford before the international break. However they look in trouble going forward, and are still yet to find the net this season. Not a great time to be coming up against a Tony Pulis side. West Brom look like a solid side yet again, and will certainly fancy their chances against a struggling Brighton side.
Prediction: Brighton 0-1 West Brom
Everton v Tottenham
After earning just the one point in their opening two games at Wembley, Tottenham may be happy to be on the road again. They may, however, be unsure what to expect from this Everton team, who have hit the headlines in recent days after Wayne Rooney was charged with drunk driving. The Toffees put in a timid performance at Stamford Bridge last time out, and will be hoping for more at home to Spurs.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Tottenham
Leicester City v Chelsea
It has been a frustrating week for Leicester having missed out on the signing of Adrien Silva by just 14 seconds having already lost Danny Drinkwater to Chelsea. No one can be sure which Riyad Mahrez will turn up, after the Alergian international left his country’s training camp to finalise a move away that never materialised. Chelsea’s demise has been greatly exaggerated in the media, and the Blues still look like a real force at the top of the Premier League, having won their past two matches.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-3 Chelsea
Southampton v Watford
Two teams who look very unpredictable at this stage of the season. Southampton still look like they’re trying to find themselves under Mauricio Pellegrino, and have already been involved in two goalless draws thus far. Watford on the other hand look like a real threat going forward, but another side shaky at the back, and may be once again after the ridiculous red card picked up by Miguel Britos against Watford.
Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Watford
Stoke City v Manchester United
This could be United’s toughest test of the season so far. Jose Mourinho’s side have been imperious in their opening three games, and will hope for more of the same against Stoke. However the Potters impressed in their last home game with Arsenal, and will hope for a similar performance to try and keep the Red Devils quiet.
Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Manchester United
Burnley v Crystal Palace
Two teams who have had a contrasting start to the new campaign. There is speculation that this could be Frank de Boer’s last game in charge of Palace if they lose, while Burnley come in to the match in good form having picked up points at both Stamford Bridge and Wembley. Palace will hope that the signing of Mamadou Sakho will have a similar impact as last time round, but you get the feeling they could need a whole lot more.
Prediction: Burnley 2-1 Crystal Palace
Swansea City v Newcastle United
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this game is a potential Swansea debut for Euro 2016 star for Renato Sanches, who joined on loan from Bayern Munich on deadline day. Newcastle finally picked up their first victory last time out with a 3-0 win over West Ham, but there is still uncertainty over the future of manager Rafa Benitez given a lack of transfer activity.
Prediction: Swansea City 1-0 Newcastle United
West Ham United v Huddersfield Town
The two surprise packages of the season so far, for two very different reasons. West Ham have been all over the place in their opening three games, despite bringing in a wealth of Premier League experience over the summer. Huddersfield on the other hand are flying, and will look to pile more pressure on Slaven Bilic. It’s one of those games where anything could happen.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Huddersfield
Main image credit:
Embed from Getty Images
