Premier League Preview

SPORTSvox take a look at the fixtures this week in our Premier League preview. Some interesting match ups and we will be looking to build on our 6/10 from last week.

Cardiff v Newcastle

I don’t think many people will change their lunch plans to watch this one. Nothing that I saw last week would make me change my mind about Cardiff being favourites to go straight back down this year. Ok away from home, but 37% and 1 shot on target isn’t going to keep you in the Premier League. Newcastle faired ok against Tottenham but are still coming together after a summer of frustration for Benitez. Newcastle may sneak this but any Warnock side at home will make it very difficult.

Prediction: 0 – 1

Everton v Southampton

I fancy good things from Everton this season who have often flattered to deceive. Under Silva, with the signings he has brought in, he has already shown he can get players playing. Jagielka’s sending off probably stopped them getting all three points on the opening day at Wolves. Outside of that however Silva would have been very pleased with the first game.
Southampton for me away from the South coast will struggle this season. As predicted last week, not getting the ball in the back of the net is something you associate with a relegation battle. Unless Hughes finds a younger version of himself to lead the line this could be a very long year for the Saints.
Richarlison to shine again and Everton to start their home campaign with a victory.

Prediction: 2 – 0

Leicester v Wolves

It could have been very different at Old Trafford last week had Leicester bought a top quality striker in the transfer window. I thought they played well, 54% possession and 13 shots at goal. Aside from the early penalty could have easily secured at least a point.
Wolves we know like to play football. They twice came from behind against Everton last week, which shows they also have a bit of fight about them as well. Ok Everton played the second half with 10 men, but once the summer signings start to gel they will be a hard team to beat.
If the likes of Maddison can build on his promise form the opening day and Iheanacho finds his finishing boots I think Leicester can sneak this, but it will be tight.

Prediction: 2 – 1

Tottenham v Fulham

The first of this week’s London derbies sees newcomers Fulham travel to Tottenham. Pochetino’s faith in his squad is creditable and they secured a victory against Newcastle. It was hard fought however, Tottenham looked tired in the second half. Three points could have easily been only one in the end. With all the news regarding their stadium off the pitch I think this could be a slightly disappointing year for Tottenham fans.
Fulham were better than the two-nil defeat to Palace suggests. The harsh reality of the Premier League is however, that if you don’t take your chances, points are hard to come by. Only Chelsea and Liverpool spent more this summer. I like the squad as mentioned previously and I think Fulham could trouble Spurs if they stay in the game long enough.
Tottenham’s quality and squad experience should get them through this one. Fulham are still on a buzz from promotion though and if last weeks home defeat didn’t dent their confidence, I think they can sneak a point here.

Prediction: 1 – 1

West Ham v Bournemouth

Although many teams will go to Liverpool and get hammered this season, I didn’t feel there was a lot of fight in the west Ham side. Even when Pellegrini won the Premier League with City, his side was not known for its steel. For all the great signings, this might be the biggest thing that is missing at the Hammers this season. They will need to build that spirit fast an Pellegrini needs to find his best team as there is no easy game as we all know.
Bournemouth are a side under Howe that love to play football. With a couple of additions this year, they look like a side that should avoid relegation. They took care of a stubborn Cardiff side last week and they will definitely be going to the London stadium looking for three points.
I think this should have a few goals in it. West Ham need to get the fans behind them early this season, otherwise it will be a long one. Bournemouth will look to get at West Ham and for me this looks like an entertaining draw.

Prediction: 2 – 2

Chelsea v Arsenal

The biggest game of the week sees two new managers in Sarri and Emery pit their wits against each other at Stamford bridge. For now, Chelsea have managed to keep hold of the likes of Hazard and Willian. Plus with Courtois being replaced the nucleus of the squad remains. Jorginho had an encouraging Premier League debut and they will be looking to make it two wins from two against Arsenal.
For Emery it’s a baptism of fire, having played against the champions last week. Going forward they always carry a threat but you would worry that things don’t seem to have changed that much at the back. I can see more signings in the January window at Arsenal and it will be interesting to see how long the Arsenal fans remain patient with the team.
Its always a competitive match but I think Chelsea will continue their good recent run against Arsenal.

Prediction: 2 – 0

Burnley v Watford

Burnley have already played more competitive games than any other side, having secured a final qualifying Europa league tie this week. For all the good results its putting an immense strain on the squad. We all know how hard it is to then keep this up in the following Premier League match. They are tight at the back and tough to beat at home, but I feel the lack of goal threat could come back to haunt them later in the game.
Watford, tipped by many to struggle this season got off to a good win against Brighton last week. They will need to take points where they can find them this season. I think they go to Turf Moor on a high though and will be looking for a good result. I think they can capitalise on a potentially tired Burnley squad and it would not be any surprise to me if Watford got a result here.

Prediction: 1 – 2

Man City v Huddersfield

The Champions strolled through their opening week against Arsenal. The news regarding De Bryune’s injury puts a cloud over they blue half of Manchester. However, the depth of talent in the squad will not give Guardiola too many sleepless nights.
Its going to be a long season for Wagner and his team. They will need to grab points where they can, but it will not be at the Etihad. They will pin point other key games, a tough start with Chelsea and City in your first two games and Wagner will be looking to maybe experiment here.
It’s a case of how many will City score and who will Guardiola play for me.

Prediction: 3 – 0

Brighton v Man Utd

Brighton host a United side who had a typical Mourinho result in their first game. Not fantastic but three points in the bag and I see it being a similar story here.
Brighton beat United and Arsenal at home last season and they will need to have a repeat of at least the 7 home wins of last season to stay up I feel. I cannot see a repeat of that victory here though, Chris Hughton’s side were poor against Watford and playing United is not the game you want in order to recover.
Mourinho knows that his squad is behind City and Liverpool this season, deep down securing Champions League may be a good result for United. They do have quality as we all know, but their style of play doesn’t indicate they are going to smash any teams 5-0 this year.
A solid United win and Six Points from Six in the bag, there will be greater tests to come.

Prediction: 0 – 2

Crystal Palace v Liverpool

Really looking forward to this one with both sides looking to attack and get on the front foot. Hodgson has managed to keep his shining star this season in Zaha and he will be looking to put Liverpool on the back foot here. The fantastic Palace support will ensure this is a cracking atmosphere and will hope their side can keep Liverpool at bay.
First game, four goals, three points and Liverpool are off and running. The attacking threat they have is immense and it will not be the only time Liverpool cruise to victory this season. For Klopp its about getting consistency and winning those big games. This may not look like on paper but this is exactly the type of game where Liverpool could come unstuck if they underestimate their opponents.
I can see Palace giving this a good go but at what cost? How do you approach playing Liverpool these days, it will be a fascinating encounter with many goals I feel.

Prediction: 1 – 3

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