Premier League Preview

Another poor week unfortunately, many sides letting us down. Only a couple of games where the outcome could have been different, but otherwise a bad performance overall. Some good games this weekend however so small previews on the wider fixture list and an extended feature on the Manchester derby. Mourinho and Guardiola go head to head and we take a deeper look into the stats. Let’s try and get back on track as SPORTSvox takes a look at the fixtures this week in our Premier League preview.

Cardiff v Brighton

Cardiff at home will always pose a tough test to any travelling team. Brighton who went on a great run came unstuck at Everton last week as predicted have a poor away record. Although Cardiff are joint bottom I think they will get something from this one. Not one for the purists and a score draw for us.

Prediction: 1 – 1

Huddersfield v West Ham

David Wagner oversaw Huddersfield’s first goal at home last week and their defense ensured that resulted in all three points. If they show the same fight and tenacity this week they will make it very hard for West Ham. The ‘Hammers’ secured a great win over Burnley last week to ease the pressure on Pellegrini but the fans will expect a result here also. Tough one to call this and it will depend on what sort of side West Ham can field. If Huddersfield can frustrate west Ham for long enough I think they could sneak this.

Prediction: 1 – 0

Leicester v Burnley

Two big players will be missing for Leicester and I think that could play a big part on the result of this game. Without Maguire and Maddison I think they will struggle. Burnley need a result big time and this could be the incentive that they need. for that to happen however they need to defend, thirteen goals in three games is horrendous and will hurt Sean Dyche. This may be the week they rectify recent results and get a point to get back on track.

Prediction: 1 – 1

Newcastle v Bournemouth

My big upset of last week was Newcastle winning at home against Watford. it was a great result for them but for me Bournemouth are set up perfectly to take advantage of a more adventurous Newcastle side. Bournemouth themselves unlucky to lose against United will get right back on track this week and continue their climb up the table.

Prediction: 0 – 2

Southampton v Watford

The ‘Saints’ need a home victory and fast, their lack of goals a constant worry and Watford will be looking to bounce back from last weeks defeat. they will welcome back their talisman Troy Deeney and i think he will inspire the players around him to get a result at St Mary’s.

Prediction: 1 – 2

Crystal Palace v Tottenham

The only London Derby in this set of fixtures see Palace take on Tottenham and the stats don’t ready well for the ‘Eagles’. Tottenham have won the last six meetings between the sides and it would be a brave man to bet against them again this week. Palace haven’t won at home in their last five games, struggling to find the net and lacking the passion that their fans give from the stands. Tottenham are juggling the Champions League endeavors and it will not be easy but I do expect them to have just enough quality throughout the side to come through this one.

Prediction: 0 – 2

Liverpool v Fulham

A ‘banker’ you could say if you look at any related stats. Liverpool have lost once in 54 games against Fulham, they have a tremendous recent home record and will relish the chance to get back on track after their midweek defeat. For Fulham it looks bleak, five straight defeats struggling to keep a clean sheet and against one of the most prolific scoring sides in the league its going to be a long Sunday for them.

Prediction: 4 – 0

Chelsea v Everton

This should be a good test for Chelsea but one I think Sarri and his side will overcome. he has this Chelsea side well drilled and has been able to rest key players in their Europa cup exploits. for Everton it’s about getting that consistency against the top sides. Marco Silva will know this is a big game, he will be looking for a good response from his players but I think Chelsea will have too much in the locker for the ‘Toffees’.

Prediction: 2 – 0

Arsenal v Wolves

This should be a great game for football lovers and it will be interesting to see if Wolves get the lions share of possession against Arsenal. For the majority Arsenal have come through most tests so far this season and this will be another against a talented Wolves side. For Wolves they need to convert better, against Arsenal they know they will get chances so the result of this one is very hard to predict. This could be a very entertaining game and I expect both sides to go for it. I am going for Arsenal to just edge it but I wouldn’t be surprised if Wolves take advantage of any tiredness after the midweek game Arsenal had.

Prediction: 3 – 2

Man City v Man United

Although Pep Guardiola hasn’t been in the Premier League for that long, this week sees him renew an old rivalry that goes back to 2009. At the time Mourinho was in charge of Inter Milan and for Guardiola it was his second season as Barcelona manager. Since then they have met a further 20 times when managing various different clubs. Most recently In the Premier League it has been as managers of the red and blue side of Manchester.

With both sides playing a very different brand of football to each other but still getting the results, this week will be a fascinating encounter. Regardless of the brand of football, both sides have been getting the results in recent weeks. If you add a derby atmosphere into the equation, key moments could define the outcome and decisions of the respective managers during the match will become crucial.

Prediction: 3 – 1