Arsenal to upset Liverpool in the Premier League?

Aston Villa v Everton 

Villa haven’t been shy to open the purse this summer but as was the case with Fulham, the quality certainly steps up in the Premier League. I enjoy John McGinn, his clever runs and business on the field makes him an attractive player – and possibly an interesting pick for the fantasy managers out there. I certainly think Villa have a long way to go but I don’t think they will struggle for much longer. 

Everton have largely been quite disappointing this season, something just seems off in that camp really. I don’t expect an exciting game and I can’t really split these two teams. 

Prediction: 1 – 1

Norwich v Chelsea 

I am certainly team Teemu Pukki! I think he’s an incredible talent and a player that could be underestimated by teams during this season. You can expect him to be a handful for Chelsea this weekend and ask big questions of their seemingly fragile defence. 

Chelsea have a high-octane attack but don’t seem to have anything to provide cover at the back. Kurt Zouma can’t be the answer to their vulnerable back line and whilst I don’t doubt that when some of their injured players return (the likes of Antonio Rudiger) a degree of stability will be restored; I think Frank Lampard has a tough season ahead and might very well be sacked by the Liverpool game. 

Prediction: 2 – 2

Brighton v Southampton 

Who amongst us would have backed Brighton over these past two weeks? The Seagulls haven’t looked all that bad, a good game against West Ham only gives them valuable confidence looking forward to their long season. 

The Saints could have won it against Liverpool and probably deserved a draw at the very least. It seems Ralph Hasenhuttl is setting his side up to suck teams in and break with a fast-paced counter-attack – if that’s the case I see them getting results.

Prediction: 1 – 2

Manchester United v C Palace 

Surely if you’re a United fan you’re optimistic about how the team looks to be shaping up? Of course, the 1-1 draw away to Wolves feels like a lost opportunity but they are an incredibly tough team to beat at home. 

If United had drawn 1-1 with Chelsea and beaten Wolves I think the narrative would have been very different which annoys me a bit to be honest. 4 points after Chelsea at home and Wolves away? I’ll take it. 

I can’t see past the United win here. 

Prediction: 2 – 0

Watford v West Ham 

Both these sides have been annoyingly disappointing so far this season – yes partially because they have both costed me unnecessary expenditure at the local bookmaker. West Ham just don’t seem to have an identity whilst Watford have gone from being a competitive side with talented players to a side who just look distracted. 

Don’t expect a spectacle here people. 

Prediction: 1 – 0

Sheffield United v Leicester City 

This on the other hand could be an absolute cracker of a football game. Sheffield United look to be a wild at heart team, really the mavericks of the League, constantly looking to be expressive, fresh and exciting. I’m not really all that confident on their defence but who cares right? It’s exciting football to watch. 

I wouldn’t have been surprised, nor would I have felt that Chelsea would have been hard done by, had Leicester won last week, their movement and pace remains an incredibly asset and their belief to reach a European spot is evident in their game. 

Prediction: 2 – 3

Liverpool v Arsenal

You have got to say that Arsenal have started well, they managed to grind out a victory at St James’ (matching their away record all of last season) but Liverpool are certainly a different kettle of fish. 

Arsenal have improved defensively and say what you want about the man, on his day David Luiz can be an absolute gem. 

Liverpool are strong favourites at the bookmaker’s office and rightly so, they still have an incredibly talented side and enjoy the best defence in the League. That kind of confidence in what is behind you is what I think allows their attacking players to play with such freedom upfront. 

I really hope Unai Emery doesn’t respect this side too much and has a go come Saturday evening, if he does, I think Adrian has an inner Karius waiting to show its man-bun, and with Auba and Laca upfront I think the Gunners could get a result! 

Prediction: 2 – 1

Bournemouth v Manchester City 

Playing at home I think Bournemouth show a bit of courage and have a right go at City, do I expect them to win? Of course not, do I expect them to get relegated this year? Of course not, therefore what have they got to lose? 

I guess the issue is teams that choose to entertain an open game with City get put to the sword quickly, ask West Ham… 

Prediction: 0 – 4

Tottenham v Newcastle 

I’m not too sure about what to say in respect to Newcastle, they always flatter to deceive at the beginning of the season (even with Rafa there) so why is so many fingers being pointed at Steve Bruce this early on? I think their supporters can be better really. 

Spurs would have enjoyed their result against City, and I think they collect all 3 here at a canter. 

Prediction: 2 - 0

Wolves v Burnley 

Burnley aren’t a terrible side, I quite enjoy their approach to their games to be honest, but this is Wolves at home, and I will back them against anyone there. Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez seem to have goals in them, and I’m intrigued to see how their partnership grows this year. 

Prediction 2 - 0