Premier League Preview
Everton v Crystal Palace (8pm)
This game could end up being a lot closer than it might appear. Palace have been decent this season, admittedly without yet turning in a stellar performance and without securing a result against a top team. Everton on the other hand, fell apart against Bournemouth last time out. Nevertheless, I can't see Everton making the same mistakes twice and they should have enough to see off Palace.
Prediction: 3-1 Everton
Swansea v Liverpool (12:30 Saturday)
Another game that appears easy to predict on paper. I do feel bad for Swansea who have played much better than their record suggests and their start hasn't been the easiest. Nevertheless, if Liverpool turn up on the day then it should be an easy three points for them, and if they don't then it could be a very interesting game, as Swansea gave Man City a real run last weekend.
Prediction: 3-1 Liverpool
Hull v Chelsea (3pm)
Comfortable back to back defeats for both of these sides against Liverpool and Arsenal have been a bruising reality check. For Hull, shipping nine games in two games after a really positive start has thrown them back amongst the relegation candidates, and reminded them of just how hard the Premier League can be. And for Chelsea, their defeats have illustrated just how much work Antonio Conte needs to do to make this team top four challengers, let alone title contenders. Nevertheless, Chelsea are a better team than Hull, and this is the sort of game that they've been winning this season, so it should be a welcome return to winning ways for Conte's side.
Prediction: 2-0 Chelsea
Sunderland v West Brom (3pm)
Sunderland need points, and quickly, and a home game against West Brom is an opportunity that they cannot afford to pass up. Nevertheless, you would have to say that West Brom are well equipped to travel to the Stadium of Light and at least nick a draw against a Sunderland defence that you have to say surely cannot keep a clean sheet. 1-1 is my money, but a narrow West Brom win wouldn't surprise me either.
Prediction: 1-1
Watford v Bournemouth (3pm)
Watford are a curious case, as they turned in two excellent back to back wins, only to return to their poor form against Burnley. Meanwhile, Bournemouth have won two of their last three games, and seem to be becoming increasingly adept at nicking games like this one. Should be a fascinating game of football. I genuinely cannot say which Watford, or which Bournemouth, will show up. But I think it's more likely that Bournemouth do their thing.
Prediction: 1-0 Bournemouth
West Ham v Middlesbrough (3pm)
Despite a positive start, Boro have struggled to build on their early form and kick on, losing their last three games, admittedly two of them coming against Spurs and Everton. Nevertheless, they seem consistently okay at the back, if lacking a little in goal threat. West Ham on the other hand, consistently seem one moment away from implosion defensively, making this game a very interesting one. If Boro score first, it could be carnage. If West Ham can keep their heads, they have the quality to win the game. I'm going to plump for a bit of both, and say a score draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Man United v Stoke (12pm Sunday)
Leicester and Stoke at home back to back are two results that very much play into United's hands after a sticky patch. They were unconvincing again in the Europa League in midweek, but this Stoke side look extremely vulnerable at the back, and against the big teams in the league in the last six months, Stoke have collapsed. United should win comfortably if they turn up, and scrape a 1-0 if they don't.
Prediction: 3-0 United
Leicester v Southampton (2:15pm)
On balance, I feel as though these two sides are reasonably evenly matched. Southampton have hit form, winning their last two league games, whilst Leicester were looking much improved before they fell apart against United. I think Southampton will edge it though, as they have the solid defence to keep Slimani and Vardy at bay, and with Leicester's defence looking rakey, I think Southampton will score, especially with Austin in good form.
Prediction: 1-0 Southampton
Spurs v Man City (2:15pm)
Well this is the big one. The top two, and arguably the two best teams in the country at the moment going head to head. City are missing Kevin De Bruyne, Spurs are missing Harry Kane and possibly Danny Rose, Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele. Without Dembele and Dier, Spurs are dead in the water before they even begin. If those two play then Spurs have as good a shot as anyone of winning. But the truth is that this City side are just too powerful, just too dangerous and just have too many ways of hurting you. Spurs aren't at their best at the moment, and whilst they've been able to grind out results against the likes of Middlesbrough and Sunderland, that will not work against City. Their only glimmer of hope is that City conceded three against Celtic, but you would not expect Kolarov to play at central defence against Spurs on Sunday. David Silva is the key player for me. If he ticks, City win.
Prediction: 2-1 City
Burnley v Arsenal (4:30pm)
This should be an easy one to be honest. Arsenal turn up, they play well, they win. It should be that simple. The only words I can offer as a crumb of comfort to Burnley is that football produces shocks, like when Burnley beat us at Turf Moor in the early stages of the season. But realistically, this Arsenal side are on a hot streak, Burnley are relegation candidates and it should be as simple as two plus two equalling four, and four is coincidentally also a number that Burnley might well concede.
Prediction: 4-0 Arsenal
The Hard and Fast Section
- Wenger for England manager? Yes please.
- Positive results in Europe for United and Saints.
- Stenson and Rose vs Spieth and Reed. Tasty.
- Big weekend coming up for Lewis Hamilton.
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