Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 10

Gameweek 9 threw out some strange results, meaning I only achieved three correct results and no perfect scores. I predicted wins for Leicester, West Ham and Liverpool, but I'm aiming for a better return in this weekend's fixtures.

Sunderland vs Arsenal 
Saturday 29th October 2016, 12.30

It's been another difficult week for David Moyes and Sunderland, and it doesn't get any easier in Saturday's early kick-off. The Black Cats lost 1-0 at West Ham a week ago, and were also knocked out of the EFL Cup by the same scoreline at Southampton on Wednesday. Arsenal were held to a disappointing 0-0 home draw by Middlesbrough last weekend, but progressed in the cup thanks to a 2-0 victory over Reading.

A 94th-minute winner from Winston Reid gave West Ham the three points at the London Stadium last Saturday, condemning Sunderland to their worst ever start to a Premier League season. Moyes felt that the Hammers' goal shouldn't have stood due to offside, but West Ham dominated possession and had double the number of attempts to Sunderland, so the Scot can't have too much to complain about. It's been a highly stressful start to the season for the former Everton and Manchester United manager, made worse after he was sent to the stands in the midweek match at Southampton and later charged by the FA for complaints made after a foul which Moyes felt should have resulted in a penalty for his team. 

David Moyes is struggling at Sunderland (Getty Images)

Arsenal could have been top of the table going into this tie, but a surprisingly good performance from Middlesbrough meant the game ended honours even on Arsene Wenger's 67th birthday. The Gunners had their chances, but unusually struggled to find any flow or rhythm in the final third. A draw was a fair result in the end, and leaves Wenger's men in second place in the table, level on points with both Manchester City and Liverpool, behind the men from the Etihad only on goal difference. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a brace in the 2-0 win over Jaap Stam's Reading on Tuesday, and he'll be hoping he's done enough to earn a place in the starting eleven at the Stadium of Light.

A three-goal defeat on Saturday would see Sunderland claim the worst ever start to a Premier League campaign by any club. This is a stat David Moyes will obviously want to avoid, but other results could see Arsenal top the table going into next week's North London derby, which will be a huge motivation for the visitors. Jermain Defoe hasn't scored against Arsenal since 2004 and he will be eager to buck that trend, but I can only see a routine victory for the away side here.

Prediction: 0-3

Manchester United vs Burnley
Saturday 29th October 2016, 15.00

It was the nightmare return to Stamford Bridge for Jose Mourinho last Sunday, going down 4-0 to Antonio Conte's Chelsea. The Red Devils did gain local bragging rights with a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday at Old Trafford, which should provide a much-needed confidence boost. Burnley enjoyed a 2-1 victory over Everton, and Sean Dyche will look to have his team well organised in order for a tough test in Manchester.

United were brushed aside by a rampant Chelsea side on Sunday, a 4-0 humiliation which left the taunts of 'you're not special anymore' ringing in the ears of Mourinho. On the pitch, United were behind after just 30 seconds, Chris Smalling falling asleep to allow Pedro to nip in and slide the ball past David de Gea. Goals from Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante inflicted further misery upon United, and Mourinho was seen apologising to the fans in Wednesday's 1-0 derby success over City. Juan Mata scored the only goal in a deserved United win, and they'll be confident of making it successive home victories against Burnley.

The visitors enjoyed their third victory of the season over Everton at Turf Moor last Saturday, a game which was largely dominated by Ronald Koeman's team, but a result that lifted the Clarets to 14th in the table. Scott Arfield scored a 90th minute winner after Sam Vokes' opener had been cancelled out by Yannick Bolasie, and Sean Dyche will be hopeful that his team can press and frustrate United as they seek their first away points of the season. 

The Manchester Derby was the perfect fixture for Man United after their hiding at Chelsea, and the confidence gained from that result should allow them to dominate and create chances against Burnley. Sean Dyche's team will look to keep it tight and play on the break, but I think ultimately that United will have too much quality for their visitors on Saturday.

Prediction: 2-0  

Middlesbrough vs Bournemouth
Saturday 29th October 2016, 15.00

These two sides meet on the back of 0-0 draws in their previous games, both against the two big North London sides. Middlesbrough took an excellent point at the Emirates Stadium, whilst Bournemouth were held at home to Spurs. Both will be looking to build on good results at the Riverside on Saturday.

Middlesbrough thoroughly deserved their point at the Emirates. They defended well against the in-form trio of Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez, but also carried an attacking threat and created the better chances in the game, going close through Gaston Ramirez, Alvaro Negredo and the impressive Adama Traore. Boro now need to start converting these chances in to goals, and will feel optimistic about doing so against Artur Boruc on Saturday, rather than Petr Cech.

Bournemouth were solid at home to Tottenham last weekend, and were also highly deserving of their point. Both sides hit the bar in a fairly quiet encounter, although Polish 'keeper Boruc made a couple of decent saves to deny Dele Alli and Danny Rose. The Cherries now sit 10th in the table after a good start to the season, and will be aiming to pick up their first away win of the season on Teeside.

This should be a close game, with both sides bolstered after draws against two of last season's top three, and both will fancy their chances of earning three points. Middlesbrough are yet to win at home and Bournemouth are yet to win away, so I wouldn't be surprised if this was another draw for Aitor Karanka and Eddie Howe's teams.

Prediction: 1-1  

Tottenham vs Leicester
Saturday 29th October 2016, 15.00

Spurs entertain Leicester on the back of successive draws, last week's 0-0 at Bournemouth following a 1-1 at West Brom a fortnight ago. Leicester won for the first time since mid-September last week, a 3-1 home success over Crystal Palace, and they meet Tottenham for the first time since beating them to the title last season.

It's a big game between Pochettino and Ranieri's teams (Getty Images)

Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham are unbeaten in 9 league games this season, their 0-0 draw at Bournemouth leaving them sat in fifth but just a point off the top three and level on points with Chelsea. A draw at the Vitality Stadium last week was a fair result, and was followed by a midweek cup exit at Anfield, but Pochettino heavily rotated his side and won't be too concerned about that result, Saturday's fixture being of much greater significance.   

Leicester looked more like themselves last Saturday as they overpowered Crystal Palace. Ahmed Musa scored his first for the club, as did left-back Christian Fuchs, with a strike from Shinji Okazaki sandwiched in-between. Last season's hero Jamie Vardy was rested after a run of eight games without a goal, and Claudio Ranieri's men didn't miss him as they outclassed Alan Pardew's side to make it 20 matches unbeaten at the King Power Stadium.

The main concern for Ranieri is that his side have lost all four of their away league matches this season, with White Hart Lane a tough place to try and end that run. Spurs will be glad to return home following successive away league draws, and I fancy them to edge a close encounter here.

Prediction: 2-1 

Watford vs Hull
Saturday 29th October 2016, 15.00

Watford are unbeaten in three league matches ahead of this clash against Mike Phelan's Hull following a 0-0 draw at Swansea last time out, whilst the Tigers are on a run of five successive Premier League defeats following a 2-0 defeat at home to Stoke. They did, however, manage to knock-out Championship side Bristol City 2-1 in the EFL Cup at Ashton Gate on Tuesday.

Watford's draw at Swansea was nothing to shout about, but any away point in the Premier League is a decent one for Walter Mazzarri's men and they are sitting comfortably in 9th ahead of the weekend's action. They will fancy their chances of further climbing the table against a struggling Hull side at Vicarage Road.

Hull were second best against Stoke last weekend, a fine brace from Xherdan Shaqiri earning the Potters' victory. Hull have now conceded 19 goals in their past five league matches, and dropped into the bottom three after defeat at the KCOM Stadium. They have managed just three goals in the same period, but will have their tails up after stopping the rot in the EFL Cup, and will be looking to transfer their cup form into the Premier League.

I've been impressed with Watford this season. They are a side with good options capable of scoring goals, and if they can tighten up their defence they could be in for a very decent season. I think they'll trouble Hull's backline, who have already conceded 22 goals campaign, and earn their fourth league victory of the season.

Prediction: 3-1  

West Brom vs Manchester City
Saturday 29th October 2016, 15.00

West Brom's four-match unbeaten run came to an end in a 2-1 defeat at Anfield last weekend. The Baggies were outplayed at times, but kept themselves in it and set Liverpool up for a nervy final 10 minutes when Gareth McAuley scored. Manchester City are without a win in six matches under Pep Guardiola, his worst spell as a manager, and face a tricky test at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

Tony Pulis extended his contract this week until 2018, and his team continues to impress me. They are so organised defensively, and despite being 2-0 down at Liverpool you always felt they had a chance on the break. They did manage to pull one back but didn't have enough on this occasion, but there's a great spirit in the Baggies' camp, particularly when facing one of the big boys.

Pep Guardiola has endured a frustrating couple of weeks, his side held 1-1 at home to Southampton on league duty last Sunday before crashing out of the EFL Cup to rivals Manchester United. City deserved no more than a point against Southampton, a lack of understanding at the back allowing Nathan Redmond to latch on to John Stones' back pass and score, before half-time substitute Kelechi Iheanacho pulled the Citizens back onto level terms. Guardiola's team were second best at Old Trafford in midweek, too, failing to register a shot on target in the 90 minutes.

I don't see this being an easy fixture for Man City, but Liverpool proved that there are ways of breaking down West Brom's resolute defence, and City certainly have enough quality in their squad to win at the Hawthorns. I was tempted to go for a draw, but I think Pep's men will end their winless run.

Prediction: 1-2

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
Saturday 29th October 2016, 17.30

Alan Pardew's Palace are without a victory in three and have lost their last two ahead of Saturday's late kick-off, whilst visitors Liverpool are unbeaten in ten games in all competitions.

The Eagles struggled badly at Leicester last weekend, Yohan Cabaye's 85th minute goal a mere consolation as Palace went down 3-1 to the champions. That followed a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham United, and Palace are without a victory in a month since winning 3-2 at Sunderland. Christian Benteke comes up against his former side since leaving Anfield over the summer, and he'll be keen to show Jurgen Klopp that it was a mistake to let him go.

Benteke will be looking to net against his former side (Getty Images)

Liverpool were excellent in the first half of their 2-1 victory against West Brom, playing the sort of fluid, attacking football that we are becoming so used to under Klopp. They are level on points at the top of the table, and made it 10 games without defeat on Tuesday night in the league cup, a Daniel Sturridge brace helping them on their way to another 2-1 victory at Anfield, over Tottenham. Klopp now has to decide whether to start the impressive Sturridge, or persist with Roberto Firmino as a false nine, who does a great job of pressing and winning the ball high up the park, a trait that Klopp loves in a front-man.

This fixture was marred with controversy last season, ten-man Liverpool coming from a goal behind to win 2-1 at Selhurst Park thanks to a 96th minute penalty winner from Christian Benteke, who is now the main man in Pardew's team. He should cause Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip some problems in the air, but I expect Liverpool to dominate the ball and create enough chances to win the game.

Prediction: 2-3

Everton vs West Ham
Sunday 30th October 2016, 13.30

Everton will have been disappointed by their result at Burnley, after dominating the game and having enough chances to win. They weren't ruthless enough and Scott Arfield made them pay right at the death to secure a 2-1 win for Burnley. West Ham have enjoyed a change in fortunes, winning successive Premier League matches after last weekend's 1-0 win over Sunderland, and progressing in the EFL Cup after a 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
 
Ronald Koeman's team haven't won in four in the league, but are still sixth and have enjoyed a good start to the season. They are unbeaten at home, and in Romelu Lukaku have a man who loves playing against the Hammers; the Belgian has scored 8 goals in his last 10 matches against them in all competitions, more than he has managed against any other Premier League rival.

Lukaku will be aiming to score against West Ham yet again (Getty Images)

Winston Reid scored a 94th minute winner for the Hammers against Sunderland, a goal which gave Slaven Bilic's side a deserved victory. They were fantastic in their EFL Cup win over Chelsea, Cheikhou Kouyate and Edimilson Fernandes goals enough to see them through to the last eight. West Ham are now looking to make it three league victories on the bounce for the first time since March last season, the third of which came against Everton at Goodison Park in a 3-2 success.

This should be a really close game between two good sides. West Ham's current form is brilliant, whilst Everton have tailed off a little bit after a fine start to the season. However, Goodison Park is never an easy place to play, and I reckon the hosts will return to winning ways on Sunday.

Prediction: 2-1

Southampton vs Chelsea
Sunday 30th October 2016, 16.00

It was another good week for Southampton, who put Europa League defeat to Inter behind them with a brilliant 1-1 draw at the Etihad a week ago before a 1-0 success over Sunderland at St Mary's in midweek to progress to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup. Chelsea will have been disappointed to exit the league cup to West Ham, but had the result of Gameweek 9 and trouncing Manchester United 4-0 last weekend.

Southampton are such a solid side and already look settled under Claude Puel. The Saints have lost good managers in Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman in recent seasons, but always hire well and are in a good patch of form under their new French manager, unbeaten in five league games following last week's 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

Chelsea destroyed Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, embarrassing former manager Jose Mourinho to make it three league wins on the spin. Eden Hazard was unplayable against United, scoring one and creating another; the Belgian really does seem to be getting back to his best under Antonio Conte.

Both sides are in excellent form going into this clash at St Mary's, and both are capable of scoring. I can see Sunday's match being an entertaining draw, with some really good goals.

Prediction: 2-2

Stoke vs Swansea
Monday 31st October 2016, 20.00

Stoke have won two on the bounce heading into Gameweek 10's final fixture, enjoying a comfortable 2-0 win at Hull. Xherdan Shaqiri was unplayable on the day, and it's good to see players starting to help out Joe Allen in the goals department, Shaqiri scoring two brilliant goals. Swansea are without a league victory in 8 matches, but picked up their first point under Bob Bradley in a 0-0 draw at home to Watford.

Stoke have put their early season struggles behind them to move out of the bottom three. They're playing better football and look more like the side that finished 9th last season, with Mark Hughes' job looking a little more safe than in the opening couple of months.

Swansea created the better chances against Watford but lack a clinical goalscorer, and that will be a worry for their new American manager. The performance will please him, as will the clean sheet, but it's goals that matter in this game and he needs to find a way to get his team scoring as quickly as possible.

The Potters are in good spirits going into Monday's clash and will be optimistic of beating a struggling Swansea side. I expect them to make it three wins on the spin at the Bet365 Stadium.

Prediction: 2-0      

    

   

      

   

  
 

Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 9

I correctly called six correct results last week, with one perfect score. Wins for Chelsea, Arsenal, Bournemouth, Stoke and Southampton were predicted, and I also guessed the exact 1-1 scoreline between West Brom and Tottenham. There are some interesting match-ups in Gameweek 9, and below are my predictions for those games.

Bournemouth vs Tottenham
Saturday 22nd October 2016, 12.30

I'm expecting goals in Saturday's early kick-off, as an in-form Bournemouth side host the league's only remaining unbeaten team, Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham. Both sides have taken 7 points from their last three Premier League matches, and both Eddie Howe and Pochettino will be hoping to have made it 10 from four by the time the 3pm's begin on Saturday.

Bournemouth had the result of Gameweek 8, smashing Hull City 6-1 at the Vitality Stadium. Charlie Daniels gave the Cherries the lead after just 5 minutes, but Howe's men were pegged back after 34 minutes by Ryan Mason. From then, Bournemouth were 3-1 up at half time thanks to goals from Steve Cook, on his 200th appearance for the club, and a penalty from Junior Stanislas. Stanislas is in good form, and added another just after an hour for his third in three games, which was added to by strikes from Callum Wilson and Dan Gosling. This was Bournemouth's record Premier League victory, and they were so impressive in midfield against Hull, with trio Jack Wilshere, Andrew Surman and Harry Arter all achieving a passing accuracy of above 90%.

Jack Wilshere will be fired up for a clash with Spurs (Getty Images)

Spurs dropped to third in the table after their 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns last weekend. Former employee Nacer Chadli scored what many thought to be the winner for the Baggies on 82 minutes, but Tottenham kept battling and got back into it a minute before 90, Dele Alli prodding home for his third goal in five league games after good work from Christian Eriksen and Son-Heung min. Spurs played in midweek, drawing 0-0 at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, and so will be looking to return to winning ways this weekend after successive draws.

Tottenham were 5-1 winners in this fixture last season, but Harry Kane scored a hat-trick that day and he'll still be missing through injury for Spurs this time around. There is so much quality in their squad, though, so I'm backing the away side to win by another comfortable margin on Saturday.

Prediction: 1-3

Arsenal vs Middlesbrough
Saturday 22nd October 2016, 15.00

Saturday's hosts are in unbelievable form, with six straight Premier League victories under their belt following last weekend's 3-2 victory over Swansea at the Emirates. They have seven wins in a row after smashing Ludogorets 6-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday, and have lost just once in 7 months, their opening league game of this season, 4-3 at home to Liverpool. Middlesbrough are without a win in six league games, and face a mountainous task on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal's victory over Swansea a week ago wasn't as easy as many thought, but the Gunners were good enough to gain another six points. Theo Walcott continuted his purple patch with a brace, his fourth and fifth league goals this campaign, as many as he managed in 28 Premier League outings last season. Walcott also scored in the 6-0 rout of Ludogorets in midweek, and Mesut Ozil added to his goal against Swansea with a hat-trick in the Champions League. Middlesbrough will have their work cut out dealing with these two, as well as Chilean Alexis Sanchez.

Theo Walcott is in fine form (Getty Images)

Boro were lacklustre in their Gameweek 8 fixture, a 1-0 defeat at home to Watford. A poor game was settled by a fabulous strike by Jose Holebas, leaving Aitor Karanka's men still in search of their first home league win of the season.

Middlesbrough are really struggling at the moment, and I don't give them much hope as they visit the team with the longest current winning run in the league. I think the Gunners will have far too much for them at the Emirates.

Prediction: 4-0  

Burnley vs Everton
Saturday 22nd October 2016, 15.00

It's two defeats in a row for Burnley going into this one following last Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Southampton. Everton arrive at Turf Moor on the back of successive league draws, so both sides will be looking to return to winning ways on Saturday.

Burnley were well in the first half at St Mary's, with the game 0-0 after 45 minutes, but fell asleep in the second half as some poor defending was punished by Southampton. Former Claret Charlie Austin scored twice against his former side to inflict further misery upon Sean Dyche following a last minute defeat to Arsenal the match before, with only a consolation penalty from Sam Vokes to show for Burnley last time around.    

Everton will be thrilled with their 1-1 draw at Manchester City last week, but owe much to goalkeeper Martin Stekelenburg, who saved two penalties from Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero and made a number of other fine saves to keep Ronald Koeman's team in the game. He couldn't keep out Nolito's equaliser after Romelu Lukaku had given Everton the lead with a fine solo effort; Lukaku now has six goals in his last five Premier League games after 11 games game without one beforehand.

Turf Moor isn't an easy place to visit, as Everton's Merseyside rivals Liverpool found out earlier this season, but Everton are a solid side under Koeman and have unearthed a fantastic central defensive partnership in Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams. I don't think it will be easy for the Toffees, but I do think they'll earn a narrow victory this weekend.

Prediction: 1-2

Hull vs Stoke
Saturday 22nd October 2016, 15.00
  
Mike Phelan's Hull are stuck in a rut at the moment, having lost their last four league games on the spin. They were demolished 6-1 at Bournemouth last week in a horrendous defensive showing, and will be relieved to return to the KCOM Stadium this week in a bid to prevent it becoming five defeats in a row. Stoke arrive in Hull in good spirits, having won their first league game of the season last time out, a 2-0 home victory over Sunderland.

Hull have now conceded 17 goals in their last four league games, a real worry for new permanent manager Phelan. These are the sorts of games you have to win if you wish to stay in the Premier League, but Stoke will be a threat on Saturday following their victory last weekend.

The Potters were fully deserving of their first league success this campaign, Joe Allen hitting a first half brace at the Bet365 Stadium. The Welshman now has four in his past three league games, as well as a goal in the recent international break against Austria, and he will take some stopping as he looks to break forward from midfield.

I can see Mike Phelan setting up his side defensively in a bid not to lose for the fifth time in a row. Stoke are looking for back to back wins, but they need more players to start contributing goals rather than relying so much on Allen and Marko Arnautovic, and if Hull can keep those two quiet, I believe this could be a close affair.

Prediction: 1-1 

Leicester vs Crystal Palace
Saturday 22nd October 2016, 15.00
  
Two of the teams to have lost in Gameweek 8 meet at the King Power on Saturday, Leicester having lost 3-0 at Chelsea and Palace going down 1-0 at home to West Ham.

Leicester were sub-par at Stamford Bridge last weekend as they lost their fourth away league game in a row. The Foxes failed to muster a shot on target, a stat which you could argue came as a result of leaving Riyad Mahrez on the bench. The Algerian scored in a 1-0 midweek victory over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday, a result which leaves Claudio Ranieri's team just one win away from the knockout phase. It's time for Leicester to bring their European form into the Premier League; Ranieri's men have 9 points from 3 games in Europe, and just 8 points from 8 games in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace's five match unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of West Ham last Saturday at Selhurst Park. Manuel Lanzini put the visitors ahead, but Palace had enough chances to level the tie, Christian Benteke putting a penalty horribly high and wide before heading against the post.

Leicester will have been relieved to get their midweek victory in the Champions League after a tough start to their title defence. The Foxes are unbeaten at home in the league this season, and I think that if Wes Morgan and Robert Huth can keep Christian Benteke quiet, the champions should win comfortably here.

Prediction: 2-0

Swansea vs Watford
Saturday 22nd October 2016, 15.00

Swansea gave a good account of themselves in Bob Bradley's first game as manager, but were unable to earn a point as they lost 3-2 at Arsenal. Watford won their third game of the season at Middlesbrough, which sees them sat in 10th ahead of the weekend's action.
 
Bradley will be ruing his side's loss at the Emirates. Swansea put in a good performance for their new boss, but after Granit Xhaka was sent off at 3-2, they had the chance to perhaps salvage a point. Arsenal dug in and hung on for the win, but Bradley will feel confident that his group of players can get themselves out of the bottom three in the not too distant future, and end a run of seven matches without a league victory.
 
Watford's game at Middlesbrough won't stick in the memory for too long, but Jose Holebas came up with a strike worthy of winning any game, and it's finding that quality that has led to the Hornets' promising start to the season. They're not struggling to score goals, and will be looking to build on the clean sheet they earned at the Riverside.

Swansea looked re-energised following Bradley's appointment, and the Liberty Stadium should have a cracking atmosphere in the American's first home match in charge. Walter Mazzarri's Watford have enjoyed a solid start to the season, but they're a little inconsistent, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Welsh side earned their new manager his first Premier League win.

Prediction: 2-1

West Ham vs Sunderland
Saturday 22nd October 2016, 15.00

West Ham won for just the second time this season at Crystal Palace, a hard-fought victory which moved them out of the bottom three. The Hammers are now up to 15th, and Slaven Bilic will be looking for his side to continue to climb the table in the weeks to come. Sunderland are the only side in the league without a victory following defeat at Stoke last weekend, and the future is looking bleak for David Moyes.

West Ham dug deep at Selhurst Park, and were worthy winners at the end of the 90 minutes. Manuel Lanzini's goal was enough to give the visitors all three points, although they were a little fortunate to see Benteke sky his spot-kick following a foul by Angelo Ogbonna. The Hammers hung on for the last 15 minutes after the returning Aaron Cresswell was dismissed for two yellow cards, and will be in high spirits ahead of the visit of the league's bottom side.

Sunderland are desperately struggling after losing 2-0 at fellow strugglers Stoke. You have to wonder who is going to score for the Black Cats if Jermain Defoe is not on song; the Englishman has scored four of their six league goals so far this season, with Patrick van Aanholt netting the other two. Moyes needs to find some more goalscorers in order to get out of his current crisis, and he will hope that Victor Anichebe's experience can benefit his side; Anichebe came off the bench for the last 10 minutes at Stoke and was not risked for the Sunderland Under 23's in midweek, so Moyes could be looking to use a player that he knows and trusts at the London Stadium on Saturday. 

Sunderland want to give David Moyes time to succeed as he did at Everton, but results are everything in this division and he needs to start winning games if he is to prevent relegation this season. The Black Cats just don't look like scoring at the moment, though, and I see West Ham easily making it two league wins in a row.

Prediction: 3-0

Liverpool vs West Brom
Saturday 22nd October 2016, 17.30

Liverpool and West Brom meet at Anfield on the back of draws in both of their Gameweek 8 fixtures. Liverpool drew 0-0 at home to Manchester United in the disappointing Monday night football fixture, whilst WBA drew 1-1 for the third time in a row in the league, at home to Spurs.

Jurgen Klopp will be disappointed at how Monday's game panned out, with Mourinho's United defending very deep and defending in numbers. When the Reds did manage to create chances, they found David de Gea in fine form; the Spaniard produced stunning saves to deny Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho. Jurgen Klopp said in his press conference this week that that match against United was good preparation for Saturday's late kick-off - Tony Pulis is expected to deploy his usual defensive tactics in order to gain a result.

Pulis will be pleased with his side's performance against Tottenham. As you always expect with the Baggies, they defended very well and managed to nick a goal on the break, Nacer Chadli scoring his fourth goal in as many games. However, Pulis will be bitterly disappointed that his side couldn't keep hold of their lead, and allowed Dele Alli to equalise right at the death for Spurs.

Tony Pulis' side will be well organised at Anfield (Getty Images)

Liverpool needed a 95th minute equaliser from Divock Origi to draw 2-2 in this fixture last season, but Klopp's men have come a long way since then and are unbeaten in six league games going into this match. West Brom will be organised and have a game plan, but I think that relentless pressure from the Reds will eventually reap it's rewards.

Prediction: 2-0   

Manchester City vs Southampton
Sunday 23rd October 2016, 13.30

Manchester City are without a win in four competitions going into this one, following a 1-1 draw at home to Everton last weekend before a 4-0 hiding at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday. In contrast, Southampton are four games unbeaten in the league, but lost 1-0 at the San Siro to Inter in Thursday's Europa League tie.

Pep Guardiola will be amazed that his side didn't pick up all three points at Everton. Not only did they miss two penalties, but they also allowed Romelu Lukaku far too much space to crash in Everton's goal in the 1-1. Pep now faces a decision on whether or not to recall Sergio Aguero, who has featured as a substitute in his last two matches, and Vincent Kompany, who didn't make the squad at the Nou Camp despite being fully fit.

Southampton enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 victory over Burnley at St Mary's last Sunday, Charlie Austin scoring his fourth goal in as many games with a brace over his former side, and Nathan Redmond netting his second of the season. Claude Puel's side narrowly lost in Italy on Thursday, and now face another stern test at the Etihad.

I can see this game being closer than some may think, both teams having tough away fixtures in Europe in midweek. City will be looking to bounce back from their humbling in Barca, but not many teams can deal with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar when they're at their best as they were on Wednesday night. Southampton have lost on their last six visits to the Etihad, and I think that'll be seven after a close affair on Sunday.

Prediction: 2-1  

Chelsea vs Manchester United
Sunday 23rd October 2016, 16.00
  
Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time as United manager on Sunday to face a Chelsea side that have won their last two matches. The Red Devils come into this showdown on the back of two successive draws, with Mourinho looking to exact revenge on the club that sacked him in December last year.

Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge with United (Getty Images)

Chelsea were fantastic in their 3-0 victory over Leicester last Saturday, with N'Golo Kante running the show against his former side. Goals from Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses saw Antonio Conte's Blues climb to fifth in the table, but they face a much tougher test in the form of Mourinho and Manchester United on Sunday.

United defended expertly at Anfield, and could allow the likes of Philippe Coutinho to shoot from range with David de Gea between the sticks. De Gea will be busy again on Sunday, with league top scorer Diego Costa looking to add to his seven league goals this term.

Mourinho's men were emphatic 4-1 winners over Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday, with Wayne Rooney returning to the starting lineup. Paul Pogba scored twice in that game, and Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard also scored in an impressive display. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Jose deployed the same team that started at Anfield in an accomplished defensive performance, and I can see him playing for a repeat of Monday night's scoreline.

Prediction: 0-0



  
   

  



   

 

  

Premier League Predictions - Gameweek 8

The Premier League returns on Saturday after a disappointing international break, and there are some intriguing fixtures to look forward to. I had a good week of predictions last time out (Gameweek 7), calling six correct results and two perfect scores. I predicted wins for Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, and draws between Sunderland and West Brom, Watford and Bournemouth and Leicester and Southampton. The two perfect scores were the 1-1 draw between Sunderland and WBA and the 2-2 draw between Watford and Bournemouth. Here are my predictions for Gameweek 8:

Chelsea vs Leicester
Saturday 15th October 2016, 12.30

This should be a really entertaining game to kick off the weekend's action. Claudio Ranieri visits his former side with his current champions sat in 12th place, whilst Antonio Conte's team are in 7th position, ending a run of two defeats in a row last time out.

That victory for Chelsea came at Hull, goals from Willian and Diego Costa in the second half giving the Blues all three points. This will be a victory welcomed by Chelsea fans following defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal in the league going into the game against Hull, and it was a change in formation that helped changed fortunes for Conte. The Italian chose to play three at the back, the formation that allowed him to be so successful as manager of both Juventus and Italy, and it certainly benefited his current side. Victor Moses was deployed as a right wing-back in his first start for Chelsea since 2013, and his performance had Conte singing his praises in what he felt was an 'incredible' performance.

Leicester come into this match on the back of a 0-0 defeat with Southampton, a game in which they struggled to gain a foothold and could have easily lost on another day. The Foxes now have just two wins from their first seven league games, and they're not finding it as easy to supply Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, who lit up the league last season. Indeed, Vardy had just one touch in Southampton's penalty area before being withdrawn on 66 minutes by Ranieri. 

It will be really interesting to see how N'Golo Kante plays against his former side on Saturday. He's settled well into Chelsea's midfield, but left a gaping hole in Leicester's. I think that the change to three in defence for Chelsea will benefit them greatly in the weeks to come, and I think they'll defeat the champions comfortably in Saturday's early kick-off.

Leicester received a guard of honour at the Bridge last season (Getty Images)

 
Prediction: 2-0   

Arsenal vs Swansea
Saturday 15th October 2016, 15.00

Francesco Guidolin became the first manager to get the sack this season, following a 2-1 defeat at home to Liverpool two weeks ago. That defeat left Swansea winless since the opening day and sat in 17th position in the table. Guidolin was sacked on his 61st birthday, and replaced by former USA manager Bob Bradley, who left French second division side Le Havre to take over at the Liberty.

Bob Bradley takes charge of his first Swansea game (Getty Images)

Bradley's first game in charge of the Swans couldn't be much tougher. Arsenal have won five games on the spin following a 1-0 win at Burnley a fortnight ago, courtesy of a controversial 93rd minute winner from Laurent Koscielny. The ball appeared to go in off his arm, but that won't bother Arsene Wenger in the slightest, as he celebrated his 20th anniversary at the helm of the Gunners with all three points. They now sit 3rd in the table, and have a kind run of fixtures before the North London derby on November 6th. Wenger will be hoping his side can keep up their good form and momentum as that rivalry approaches.

I think the appointment of Bradley is a risk by Huw Jenkins and Swansea. Although an experienced manager, we've seen struggling teams appoint men without Premier League experience before, and it often ends badly for them; Remi Garde at Aston Villa last season springs to mind.   

Hopefully Bob Bradley can have a positive effect on a decent group of players at Swansea, and get points on the board quickly. This is such a tough place to start though - Arsenal are flying, and I can see them making the American's first match in charge one to forget.

Prediction: 3-0   

Bournemouth vs Hull
Saturday 15th October 2016, 15.00

Bournemouth are in decent form going into this game, unbeaten in two following a good win at home to Everton and an entertaining 2-2 draw at Watford in their last match. In contrast, Mike Phelan's Hull City have lost three games in a row following a 2-0 defeat at home to Chelsea a fortnight ago, and face another tricky test at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Eddie Howe will be pleased with how his side attacked Watford two weeks ago. They were twice in front at Vicarage Road thanks to goals from Callum Wilson and Josh King, and managed to score two goals in a league game for the first time this season. However, they were pegged back twice by the Hornets, and allowed the home side to make it 2-2 just three minutes after taking the league, so Howe will have been working on his side's defensive organisation during the international period.  

Hull haven't won in five since taking six points from their opening two games, losing four and drawing one since. They were second best against Chelsea, which is to be expected, and the positive for the Tigers is that they've already faced Leicester, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their opening seven, and given all but Liverpool a reasonably good game. Phelan will be optimistic that a change in fortunes could be on the horizon on his visit to the south coast this weekend. 

On their day Bournemouth are a very good football team, and we're starting to see the quality of summer signings Jordon Ibe and Jack Wilshere. The Cherries hit the woodwork three times in the second half in their last match at Watford, showing that they're creating the chances needed to win football matches in this division. Hull have shown that they are capable of giving any team a test, but I just fancy Bournemouth to edge this one, with home advantage being a key factor.

Prediction: 2-1  

Manchester City vs Everton
Saturday 15th October 2016, 15.00

Manchester City's winning run came to an end at White Hart Lane last Gameweek, Tottenham taking all three points in a hard fought 2-0 victory. This ended a run of six straight league victories for City, who also suffered their first defeat under Pep Guardiola. Everton visit the Etihad Stadium on the back of a 1-1 at home to Crystal Palace, meaning they sit 5th in the table.

City played their part in a thoroughly entertaining game against Tottenham last time out, but were deserved losers at the end of the 90 minutes. An own goal from Aleksander Kolarov 9 minutes in gave Spurs the momentum, and Dele Alli rounded off the win with a fine goal. City could have eventually lost by three goals, but Claudio Bravo made a good save to keep out Erik Lamela's penalty, and Pep will be disappointed at how his team was outrun, out-fought and out-thought in midfield. 

Everton's draw with Palace was a fair result. After taking the league through Romelu Lukaku's free kick, his 65th Premier League goal and 5th already this season, Palace slowly edged their way back into the match, equalising through Lukaku's Belgium teammate Christian Benteke. Ronald Koeman was later relieved to see the linesman's flag up against Damien Delaney, an exceptionally close call, and will be content with the point that his side earned.  

City's loss against Tottenham should act as a bit of a reality check, but Spurs are a very good team and I expect City to be back to their best on Saturday. Sergio Aguero picked up a knock whilst on international duty for Argentina, but he played later in the week and Pep will be relieved that his talisman is fit for a tough test at the weekend. Everton have made a really positive start to the campaign, but not many teams are going to take points from the Etihad this season, and Everton are one of those teams for me.

Prediction: 3-1   

Stoke vs Sunderland
Saturday 15th October 2016, 15.00

The division's bottom two meet at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon, both looking for their first Premier League success of the season. They are the only two teams in the league not to have won a match in their opening seven, but Stoke will be feeling optimistic here after a brilliant 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in their last game. Sunderland also drew 1-1 in their previous match, at home to West Brom, but sit bottom of the table with a point less than Saturday's opponents.

Stoke did very well to stay in their match against Manchester United. Lee Grant was outstanding in goal, and although he could do nothing to keep out Anthony Martial's effort, he kept Stoke alive until the very end, with Joe Allen tapping home an equaliser on 82 minutes. Allen now has three goals in his last three games for club and country, but suffered a hamstring injury on Wales duty and could be a doubt for this game. 

Sunderland dominated possession in their game against West Brom, but fell behind against the run of play to a Nacer Chadli goal. Like Stoke, however, the Black Cats were beneficiaries of a late goal themselves, substitute Patrick van Aanholt scuffing in an 83rd minute leveller for David Moyes' side. That draw ended a run of three straight defeats for Moyes, but he will know his side need to start turning draws into wins very quickly indeed.

Stoke suffered a run of four straight defeats before draws in their last two matches lifted them off of the foot of the table. A win against Sunderland will put them four points ahead of the visitors come the end of play, and I believe that they'll win this six-pointer.

Prediction: 2-1  

West Brom vs Tottenham
Saturday 15th October 2016, 15.00

West Brom go into this game on the back of their 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light, whilst Spurs visit the Hawthorns buzzing off of their 2-0 win against league leaders Manchester City.    

West Brom only had 44% of the ball against Sunderland, but managed 17 efforts on goal, with 7 of those on target. They only managed to convert one, Nacer Chadli's first half goal his third in four league games; he only managed the same amount in 30 matches for former side Tottenham, who he'll be looking to keep up his excellent form against on Saturday. That point means West Brom have now drawn their last two and are unbeaten in three, and sit in 9th in the table ahead of Saturday's action.

Chadli will be looking to net against his former side (Getty Images)

 Tottenham Hotspur ended Manchester City's winning streak in a match which really showed their title credentials. Kolarov's own goal was followed by a brilliant team move rounded off by Dele Alli, who was on form for England over the international break too, again scoring his team's second goal in a 2-0 win over Malta. The only negative for Spurs was that Erik Lamela and Son Heung-min appeared to argue over who was taking the penalty that Alli won at 2-0 up, Lamela eventually seeing his effort saved by Claudio Bravo. However, Tottenham thoroughly deserved their win, and are now on a four match winning run in the league, as well as the only remaining unbeaten side.

West Brom are a very difficult team to beat under Tony Pulis, and are in the top half on merit. Despite Tottenham's fantastic form, I can see Pulis' side defending well as usual, and I'm going to go for a risky draw here.      

Prediction: 1-1  

Crystal Palace vs West Ham   
Saturday 15th October 2016, 17.30

Palace are in very good form going into this London derby, unbeaten in their last 5 matches, winning 3 and drawing 2 of those. Their most recent result was a solid 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, and they actually had enough chances to win that game. West Ham also drew 1-1, at home to Middlesbrough, which ended a run of four straight defeats for Slaven Bilic's men.

Alan Pardew's Palace are currently 8th in the table, and just two points off of both Chelsea and Manchester United. After losing their first two matches the Eagles are unbeaten since, helped largely by the goals of Christian Benteke. The former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker now has three goals for Palace, and he equalised for them against Everton in the last match. Benteke was also on red-hot form for Belgium, scoring a hat-trick against Gibraltar, as well as the fastest-ever World Cup qualifying goal, after just seven seconds.

A draw for West Ham was probably fair against Middlesbrough last time out. Boro took the lead through Cristhian Stuani, but the Hammers responded well, equalising through an unbelievable solo goal from Dimitri Payet just six minutes later. Payet has continued from where he left off last season and in the Euro's, and the only other man who can say that for West Ham is Michail Antonio. It's now time for the rest of the team to step up and try and shift themselves out of the bottom three.

There is a lot of creativity in both of these sides, and Palace will again look to utilise the aerial prowess of Benteke. Although they've had a miserable start to the season, I really do think the tables will turn for West Ham soon, but Selhurst Park is a tough place to win at at the moment, so I think it'll be honours even in Saturday's late kick-off.

Prediction: 2-2

Middlesbrough vs Watford
Sunday 16th October 2016, 13.30

Super Sunday kicks off at the Riverside, with both sides entering this fixture on the back of draws in their last matches. Boro earned a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium which ended a run of three defeats in a row for Aitor Karanka's side, and Watford drew 2-2 at home to Bournemouth.

Middlesbrough's biggest problem at the moment is conceding goals. They have the ability to score them, with both Alvaro Negredo and Stuani enjoying good starts to the season, but they conceded just 6 minutes after taking the lead at West Ham, and if they don't start becoming harder to break down defensively, they will find it very difficult to win matches in this division.

Watford are scoring a lot of goals themselves, and are the top scorers of all ten teams currently in the bottom half of the table. A 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth is a decent result when you consider the fact that they were behind twice in that match, Troy Deeney and Isaac Success netting the equalisers for the Hornets. That was Deeney's 99th goal for the club, and the skipper will be looking for his century on Sunday afternoon.

Both of these sides are capable of scoring goals, but both are leaking them far too easily at the moment. Middlesbrough have some very talented players on their day, so I think that Walter Mazzarri would be happy with a point here.

Prediction: 1-1    

Southampton vs Burnley
Sunday 16th October 2016, 16.00

Southampton are unbeaten in three following their 0-0 draw at Leicester, and they were the better side in terms of chances created, Charlie Austin hitting the post with their best effort on goal. Burnley were defeated 1-0 at home to Arsenal, conceding in the 93rd minute at Turf Moor.

There's not really much to say about the Saints' 0-0 at Leicester, except that any point against the Premier League champions is a very good one. They're a hard team to beat, unbeaten in six in all competitions, and will be looking to get another 3 points on the board before facing Inter Milan at the San Siro on Thursday in the Europa League.

Burnley were desperately unlucky to gain nothing from their match with Arsenal. They deserved a point from that game, but were a little naive to concede so late to Laurent Koscielny. Shaun Dyche will be pleased with how his side played, though, Michael Keane hitting the bar for Burnley with their best opportunity. Keane was called up to the England squad after Glen Johnson withdrew due to injury, and has been heavily linked with a January transfer to Chelsea.

Burnley are a well drilled outfit, and they will be organised and disciplined at St Mary's. However, I think Southampton posses enough attacking quality to break them down, and I see this being a home victory on Sunday.

Prediction: 2-0

Liverpool vs Manchester United
Monday 17th October 2016, 20.00

What a game to close Gameweek 8. Manchester United visiting Anfield is one of the highlights of the season for any fan, and this promises to be one of the more exciting fixtures of recent years.

Liverpool go into this game of the back of four victories in a row following a 2-1 victory at Swansea before the international break. The Reds responded well to going a goal down, Roberto Firmino equalising before winning a penalty, converted by James Milner in the 84th minute. Adam Lallana limped out of that game and is a doubt for the visit of United, as is Gini Wijnaldum, injured on international duty for the Netherlands. Jurgen Klopp might therefore be tempted to put in Daniel Sturridge, who scored in England's 2-0 victory over Malta.    

Jose Mourinho will have endured a frustrating fortnight waiting for this match, following a 1-1 draw at home to lowly Stoke in their last game. The Red Devils were the better team and had plenty of chances to win the match, but only managed to beat Lee Grant once on what was a frustrating afternoon for United and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in particular. United now sit 6th in the table on 13 points, 3 fewer than Monday's opponents, and 3 fewer than they themselves had at this stage last season under Louis van Gaal.     

I'm expecting fireworks in this game. The crowd at Anfield will be right up for it, and the travelling United fans will do their bit in what promises to be a fantastic atmosphere. The football should be just as good, and although United will be tough opposition, I fancy a Liverpool side on their own turf who have already beaten Arsenal, Leicester and Chelsea this season. 

Rooney scored the only goal at Anfield last season (Getty Images)

       
Prediction: 2-1