Premier League Preview

A good effort saw us predict 8/10 last week and move season average up a little. We were close on some correct scores and aside from Bournemouth blowing Leicester apart, it was nearly a perfect week. Let’s see if we can keep the momentum going as SPORTSvox takes a look at the fixtures this week in our Premier League preview.

Fulham v Watford

After conceding 12 goals in 5 games already, there are no signs of Jokanovic changing his approach. His team is slowly coming together after the summer signings and going forward they can be very dangerous. As a fan though you must be wondering at what stage they need to tighten up.

There was no shame in defeat to Manchester Utd for Watford in their last game and they will still feel they have the momentum to get back to winning ways here at Craven cottage. Garcia should be able to field an unchanged side if he chooses and they will be keen to get at the Fulham defense I’m sure.

You would have to think there will be goals in this game and it will be interesting to see how Watford approach the game. It should be entertaining and I do feel that Fulham will definitely improve as the season develops.

Prediction: 2 – 2

Burnley v Bournemouth

Getting into Europe might well turn out to be the worst thing that could have happened to Burnley. The small squad looks a little jaded already and Sean Dyche has a big job on his hands to get anywhere near the 7th place finish of last season. They need to find a goal threat from somewhere, three goals in 5 games isn’t good enough. Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes are not going to strike a lot of fear into most teams and the only positive ta the moment is the form of Joe Hart.

A visit from an in form Bournemouth is not what Burnley would welcome now. They are playing some great football and they will be confident of going to Turfmoor and getting a result. Bournemouth are not a side that settles for a draw and will definitely be on the front foot.

Prediction: 1 – 2

Cardiff v Manchester City

Doesn’t get any easier for Neil Warnock, following Chelsea last week he now has the Champions coming to town. It will be a great atmosphere but I cannot see a team that has had the least touches so far this season over turning City.

City themselves after suffering a shock home defeat midweek against Lyon will be looking for immediate retribution. I would expect the likes of Aguero to come back in and City to have a comfortable afternoon.

Prediction: 0 – 3

Crystal Palace v Newcastle

Zaha is fit, should be an easy three points for Crystal Palace no? They have only scored 4 goals and Zaha has scored three of them. Whether they can continue to be so dependent on him I am not sure.

Jonjo Shelvey has been one of Newcastle’s key players over the last couple of seasons and he should be fit for Saturday’s game. He might bring the key to Newcastle’s improvement that is required. Only 40 shots so far, the lowest in the league, this has to be the area that Benitez will work on.

I feel that Newcastle will have a better showing this week. With Palace losing their opening two home games at home I think both sides will take a point.

Prediction: 1 – 1

Can Hodgson manage to keep hold of Zaha?

Leicester v Huddersfield

After losing the last two games the pressure is now heavily back on Claude Puel getting results. I have been encouraged by some of the football they have been playing but it has to start from a solid base. They will be looking to get on the front foot in this one and should have too much for Huddersfield.

Two goals in 5 games just isn’t enough and Wagner know’s his side must get better. The return of Captain Hogg will make a difference and Huddersfield will not be a walkover for Leicester.

Hard to see many goals in this one, but Leicester should shade attempts.

Prediction: 2 – 0

Liverpool v Southampton

Definitely the team to beat and with Klopp seemingly able to reinvent players as well, they just seem to go from strength to strength. In the case of  James Milner he has been a revelation, add in the talent around him, it gives you a formidable team.

Just as Ings and Long looked like they are building a partnership, its disrupted for this game. Southampton were crying out for more attacking options but they will be without Ings this week as he is restricted from playing against his parent club.

I cannot see Southampton making any headway whatsoever and it should be a very entertaining afternoon for Liverpool fans.

Prediction: 3 – 0

Man Utd v Wolves

Looking forward to this one. It might not be a classic, but both teams are full of confidence and will be looking for the three points. Mourinho got another cracking result midweek and his ‘Big’ players are now starting to step up. Still a little off a title winning side for me but I think they will have enough for Wolves this week.

I love the way Wolves are approaching this season and its refreshing to see the style of football being adopted. They won’t be intimidated going to Old Trafford but it will be a big test to produce their flowing football on the biggest stage.

United to prevail but it will be interesting

Prediction: 2 – 1

Brighton v Tottenham

The ‘Seagulls’ showed great qualities to fightback over the last two weeks but I think they will need a little more than that to overcome this Tottenham side. Outside of Glenn Murray, Pascal Gross was Brighton’s top goalscorer last year and they have missed his finishing abilities.

With Pochettino deflecting things very much on his shoulders rather than the team it will be interesting to see how they respond this week. After the late defeat to Inter, the leaders in the squad need to step up. I cannot see Brighton causing Tottenham too many problems defensively, so its really what Tottenham can do with the probably guaranteed possession.

A day for Tottenham to get back on track

Prediction: 0 – 3

West Ham v Chelsea

As predicted last week the ‘Hammers’ got off the mark at Everton and will be full of good spirits. I think that would have given the fans a big lift and as always in this London derby the atmosphere will be immense. The problem for West Ham is that they are missing some key players and Arnautovic will be a big loss if he doesn’t play.

Sarri opted to rest a few big guns for the trip to PAOK so i don’t think the European impact will have as big effect for them as some others this week. They are looking to extend their perfect start and with the likes of Hazard firing on all cylinders they will be expecting to take all three points back to West London.

Prediction: 0 – 2

Arsenal v Everton

I think you are almost guaranteed excitement at the Emirates this season. With Arsenal being great going forward but a leaky bucket at the back, I think any team will fancy their chances. Torreira has brought a bit of steel in the midfield and with the front men producing 32 shots on target so far this season they will be looking to raise that even further.

I still believe that Everton, when they have their best eleven on the pitch will be very competitive. They are missing some key players at the moment and might find it hard to be competitive in this one.

Arsenal just to edge it for me but it would be no surprise should they scrape a point.

Prediction: 2 – 1

Good luck with your selections and remember to check out the SPORTSvox FanLeague where you can challenge the SPORTSvox team and Harry Redknapp.

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