Ryan Liberty's predictions in this weekend's Premier League action
Updated | By Ryan Liberty
The League returns
and with it comes another round of Ryan Liberty’s predictions. Norwich travel
to City, United host Leicester while Watford entertain the Arsenal in what is
shaping up to be a fantastic weekend of Premier League action.
Liverpool v Newcastle
Liverpool look that they could wipe the floor with anyone right now, Newcastle are a better team away from home I think (that Spurs result was fantastic) but I can’t see past a Liverpool win here.
For the punters out there, there isn’t much value on offer for a result, but I would look at under 3.5 goals – given Newcastle’s ability to be very structured at the back.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Manchester United v Leicester
I’m looking forward to this game to be honest, Leicester come into this game as my personal favourites given their recent performances. The Foxes under Brendan Rodgers offer a solid shape as well as retaining their counter-attacking prowess. Whether Anthony Martial is fit will be crucial, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t strike me as a manager that will look to stifle Leicester instead, I think he will want to go toe-to-toe with them in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
Prediction: 2 – 2
Sheffield United v Southampton
Both of these sides have a certain exciting feel about them, Sheffield play with passion and commitment which is directly a result of their manager whilst Southampton offer much of the same.
This is a close game to call and can go either way, so I’ll go for the draw.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Brighton v Burnley
I love watching Burnley play the way they are playing this year. Any young kid who plays football and doesn’t understand what their coach means when they say ‘play simple football, nail the basics and the rest will take care of itself’ should just watch the Clarets play.
Ashley Barnes has proven to be a handful for most teams recently and I think he could cause Brighton issues.
This is another tough game to call, wow what a weekend for predictions.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Wolves v Chelsea
Another absolute cracker of a fixture, Wolves somehow always do well against the big teams. Chelsea are vulnerable at the back and with the personnel, they have commanding their defence I expect Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez to run them ragged.
Tammy Abrahams and Mason Mount are fantastic talents for the future but in the here and now there’s only one winner here.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Tottenham v C Palace
Spurs are just a glorified box of smarties at the moment, aren’t they? They managed to get back into the game against Villa, let it slip against Arsenal, got lucky at City and were beaten by Newcastle.
I’m certainly not convinced by Spurs and if Palace arrive and are up for it they could get something out of the game.
Gary Cahill has improved their defence and we all know what they offer upfront, so is it really such a big shout to back the Eagles to come away with something?
Prediction: 1 – 1
Norwich v Manchester City
I don’t think Norwich can afford to opt for their usual approach against this City side, they enjoy getting at teams and with the likes of Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell you can understand why.
Losing to City – whilst it is, of course, an assumption – isn’t something to be embarrassed by, I think I prefer teams to try and be compact and defensive and as a result stay in the game for as long as possible, but I don’t think Daniel Farke has it in himself to completely change the approach his side has looked to employ.
Prediction: 2 – 5
Bournemouth v Everton
Everton’s home form is reason enough for them to be upbeat about possibly breaking into the top 6, but their form on the road isn’t convincing. Bournemouth are solid at home and with Callum Wilson, Josh King and Ryan Fraser all rearing to go after the international break I think the Cherries edge it.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Watford v Arsenal
The Hornets enjoy getting physical and I suspect they’ll do it against Arsenal come Sunday afternoon. I liked Quique Sanchez Flores and with him coming back in again I think Watford will enjoy the boost.
Arsenal has the firepower upfront to turn most teams over but I’m not sure they have the defensive ability to handle a team that doesn’t let off and will look to be in their faces.
Prediction: 2 - 1
Aston Villa v West Ham
I must say I’ve been incredibly impressed with Sebastian Haller; he has goals in him and brings a serious physical presence to West Ham’s front line. However, other than that I haven’t been too impressed with West Ham, they are far too inconsistent and in my opinion are probably the most overrated team in the League.
Aston Villa are a good side with some good players, Jack Grealish and John McGinn have all the makings of becoming a formidable team and with what Villa pose upfront, there’s a reason for quiet excitement.
Prediction 2 - 1
For more sporting news and views, follow Ryan Liberty here.
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