Premier League Preview

A very troubling week all round in the Premier League. Our poor performance pails in significance to the travesty that occurred following Leicester’s match against West Ham. Terrible scenes and our thoughts go out to all affected. A very bad week prediction wize for us, but if you look deeper into some of the games it was closer than the results suggest. Let’s try and get back on track as SPORTSvox takes a look at the fixtures this week in our Premier League preview.

Bournemouth v Man United

Really hard one to call to kick things off this weekend. Bournemouth, for many punching above their weight at the moment. On reflection however they have played some great football so far this season and have a solid base to work from. Having not conceded for over 270 minutes now, Howe has made Bournemouth a tough nut to crack.

I have found United one of the hardest teams to predict a performance from this season. On Paper they still have so much quality in the side. They only need a couple of them to shine and that gives them a shout in any game they play. Unlike Bournemouth, United are shipping in goals. Seventeen so far this season, very un Mourinho like but they have been picking up a few results more recently.

Joshua King is a loss for Bournemouth but they will still cause United trouble and have taken 14 from their last 18 points at home. United have won their last two at the Vitality however and if they can scrape a win here it will be a big statement for Mourinho. Who turns up will win the day, so a score draw to sit on the fence from us.

Prediction: 1 – 1

Cardiff v Leicester

I am sure as much as everybody will be trying to talk about the football, it will be hard not to talk about events off the field. The result of this match will very much depend on how mentally ready the Leicester players will be. You normally find after tragedies that its either a fantastic performance or very disjointed. I really like Leicester as a team, they have some nice players and play some good football, they do tend to run out of steam however.

It will actually be hard for the Cardiff players as well in this game. Neil Warnock will have a very hard job motivating his players to go on and win the game against Leicester. Stats pretty much go out the window here, Amarty is a loss for Leicester and Cardiff are looking for back to back home wins.

Sometimes you can also over try  and I think Cardiff will be on hand to take advantage in this one. Two very tricky ones to start the weekend.

Prediction: 2 – 1

Everton v Brighton

Two teams showing very good form at the moment. Aside from Everton’s loss to United, they had won their previous three and will be looking to get back to winning ways here. Chris Hughton’s Brighton, three games, three wins, three goals and three clean sheets.

Everton will be missing a couple of key defenders but will hope they will have enough going forward to trouble Brighton. The form of Gilfy Sigurdsson will be very encouraging. the ‘Toffee’s’ will be hoping he can unlock some more doors this weekend.

Brighton who are second bottom for passes completed and joint bottom for shots on target, have made the most of their opportunities. They have an incredible 14% shots to goals scored ratio, thanks mainly to Glen Murray. they will do well to keep that up throughout the season and I think their run will come to a halt here against Everton.

Prediction: 2 – 0

Newcastle v Watford

We seem to say it every week now but Newcastle must start picking up points. I really cannot see that being this week however against a very organised, tough Watford side. Newcastle may have had 27 shots at goal last week but i don’t think that tells the true story. Only six were on target and against a Brighton side who cannot retain the ball this was always going to be the case. Only six goals in 10 games for Newcastle, I cannot see them troubling Watford.

Watford, who have won the last four encounters between themselves and Newcastle will be very upbeat for the trip North. Although they will still be without captain Deeney, Watford have enough of a goal threat to worry the ‘Toon Army’. Watford have been comfortably picking up points against bottom half side and i see that continuing here.

Troubles to continue for Benitez and look for Watford’s Deulofeu to cause lots of problems for Newcastle.

Prediction: 0 – 2

West Ham v Burnley

There is always one side that everyone sees as ‘too good’ to go down. I would put these two sides in that category but for Pellegrini more so than Dyche he needs to get his players back. Several injuries and the worst discipline record in the league has meant the side is constantly disrupted. We all know that consistency is the key.

Consistency has also been a key word at Burnley. After going out of Europe they have been really up and down and have shipped nine goals in their last two games. I wouldn’t read too much into that however. Dyche is shrewd, he would know that the side wouldn’t get much change from City or Chelsea so his key focus would be on games like this one.

I would expect Burnley to turn up prepared and this may be one of their cornerstone performances from the last couple of seasons. West Ham if Arnautovic doesn’t play struggle for goals and I can see Burnley grinding this one out.

Prediction: 0 – 1

Arsenal v Liverpool

The big game of the day sees Jurgen Klopp’s men travel to the Emirates. this will be a true test for Arsenal and be a good measure of how far they have come under Emery. Arsenal have been very effective this season and have one of the best shots to goals ratio’s in the League. What will still be a concern though is the 13 goals they have conceded in the ten games so far. Against a team like Liverpool they will need to try and be a little tighter.

Although Liverpool will be missing a few players, Henderson, Keita, definitely out, they have a great record to call upon against Arsenal. An average of over three a game against Arsenal in their last five is amazing and are undefeated in their last six meetings.

Should be a great game, I don’t think Arsenal will sit back which should lend itself to an open encounter. if they are going to win the title, Liverpool must win these games. Even though I don’t fancy them to win the league I think they will get through this one and dent Arsenal’s momentum.

Prediction: 1 – 3

Wolves v Tottenham

The late, late game sees Nuno Espiroto’s side entertain the gutless Tottenham, according to Gary Neville. Ok it’s been blown up a little but if Tottenham are to ever win the title they need their best players playing every week.

Wolves have just stuttered recently and the lack of ruthlessness in front of goal as mentioned by SPORTSvox previously is costing them dearly. Just nine goals from 145 shots isn’t exactly the best return and this will need to improve in order to beat Tottenham.

Tottenham, who lost against City in the Monday night game, recovered with a good win midweek at West Ham. this will be a lot tougher however and their squad looks very depleted by injuries. It will be interesting to see how Pochettino sets his team up and they may look play on the counter a little more potentially.

If Wolves can find a bit of form in front of goal I feel they could nick this but a score draw looks a fairly safe prediction.

Prediction: 1 – 1

Man City v Southampton

The first Sunday game sees the Champions take on Southampton at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne unfortunately will not be appearing following another injury. He is likely to be out for at list six weeks. But as we have said many times before city have great depth at their disposal.

He probably won’t mention it but I think Guardiola will be most pleased with just conceding three goals so far this season. Yes they won the league last year but they were still a little susceptible at the back. No longer, the introduction of the keeper and the likes of Mendy at the back mean they are a completely different proposition.

For Mark Hughes and Southampton its not a game they will have ear marked for points. I am sure they will look to keep it tight and try and nick what they can but only one result here for me.

Prediction: 2 – 0

Chelsea v Crystal Palace

I have been really impressed with Sarri’s Chelsea so far this year. Some of their football has been great and that’s reflected with them being top of the passes (7135) completed so far this season. They are also sharing the goals and when Hazard hasn’t been playing have still got the results which will be pleasing. I think Sarri wants trophy’s and i cannot see any let up on all fronts for Chelsea.

For Palace Zaha should be fit which is always key to how Palace play normally. They haven’t won in their last five games now which will be worrying for Hodgson but they do have a good recent record against Chelsea. They have won two of their last three encounters, but I expect that to be different this week.

A lack of goal threat for Palace and confidence sky high for Chelsea, I can only see one outcome. Look for Barkley to continue his impressive form and Chelsea to come out on top.

Prediction: 3 – 0

Huddersfield v Fulham

If there was ever a game where Huddersfield are going to get off the mark and score at home this season, it’s this one. Despite their dreadful points tally, you could argue that Huddersfield are playing a little better than the results suggest. they will definitely be looking to take advantage of the worst defence in the league.

Fulham have let in 28 goals in just 10 games and this is a proper case of too many changes spoiling the unity at Craven Cottage. Jokanovic has a massive job on his hands, if he is given that long, to turn things around. In my mind the players are there at his disposal but you cannot expect to stay up shipping that many goals each game.

A massive six pointer whatever happens, Huddersfield welcome back a few players this week and have always been tough to break down at home. The records suggest Fulham should have the upper hand, having not lost in their last eleven meetings against Huddersfield. Going on current form however I cannot see them taking three points here. A Monday night in Huddersfield, how many of Fulham’s new recruits will fancy that?

Wagner will have his team ready and I think they will sneak it, just.

Prediction: 2 -1