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%.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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