Everton v Liverpool (Saturday, 12:45pm)
Roberto Martinez's first Merseyside derby promises to be a cracker. David Moyes' final two derbies ended in draws last season. At Goodison Park the game ended 2-2 while the reverse fixture at Anfield was goalless.
Everton generally have played well this season but were held by Crystal Palace last time around and the Eagles arguably had the better chances against them.
Meanwhile Liverpool thrashed Fulham in their previous league game and they are really starting to look like a team. They also did well to respond from their defeat at Arsenal too.
But both teams have attacking mindsets and usually do not sit back to get a draw. While both teams should be going for the win, I see this one ending all square.
Score: 1-1
Arsenal v Southampton
If someone told me this was going to be a massively important game for Arsenal's title hopes, I would have simply refused to believe it.
That is all the more credit to Mauricio Pochettino's Southampton who have had a brilliant start to this campaign.
They outclassed a consistently good Hull side at St Mary's two weeks ago and showed how good they can be. England's Adam Lallana did well against Chille and Germany and shall be determined to continue the form which got him an international call up in the first place.
Arsene Wenger will know the Saints have beaten Liverpool and drawn against Manchester United, who beat them two weeks ago thanks to former Gunner Robin Van Persie.
Arsenal themselves are still top of the league but they didn't create too much at Old Trafford which will frustrate them. They have still had an impressive start to the season.
I back the home team to win but nowhere as heavy as the meeting here last year.
Score: 1-0
Fulham v Swansea
Rene Meulensteen coming in behind the scenes will add a different atmosphere around Craven Cottage. This couldn't come at a better time as Fulham are in free fall at the moment.
Against Liverpool they were awful, which is obvious for everyone to see. I understand the firepower they have got but they cannot get gritty and Martin Jol's side lack determination to see out the game.
This fixture, while more winnable, is not easy is it? Michael Laudrup's side were robbed in their draw against Stoke two weeks ago as Charlie Adam's penalty was very harsh. You may as well block the ball with your face and it is now a penalty.
Still, coming from 2-0 down to be leading 3-2 especially after a European game is something worth pointing out.
As I said with the Sunderland v Newcastle game, I can literally see this one going any way possible. Fulham need a win, both teams could cancel each other out and Swansea could have too much from the home team. They have won their last two visits there after all.
Score: 1-1
Hull v Crystal Palace
I have to say I am surprised that Crystal Palace haven't appointed a new manager yet although apparently Tony Pulis is in advanced talks.
I still think they will go down but at the same time they can still get out of trouble.
In fairness to them, their 0-0 draw with Everton last time around was a good point for them and they can take some positives from that.
Hull were outclassed last time at Southampton but Palace are a team I expect them to beat, especially at home.
And they have made a better start than I thought they would. We will just have to see if they can keep it going.
Score: 2-1
Newcastle v Norwich
Newcastle's inconsistency must baffle their fans. They lose the Wear-Tyne derby to Sunderland and then beat Chelsea and Tottenham.
The Chelsea win was a team performance while the Spurs win was solely down to Tim Krul who simply could not be beaten.
He really proved what a good keeper he is and Alan Pardew will be hoping he has more days like that where he keeps out practically everything.
Chris Hughton will hope differently however on his second return to St James' Park especially after a much-needed win against West Ham where were outplayed in the first 45 minutes.
Norwich still do not look like scoring too often which will still be a worry for Hughton and they needed a penalty to get off the mark against West Ham.
Even though the home side have been beaten by teams they should be beating, I still feel they have an overall stronger squad than the Canaries.
Score: 2-1
Stoke v Sunderland
Gus Poyet arriving has presented a renewed optimism on Wearside. They have now won all three of their home games against Newcastle, Southampton and now Manchester City.
However, as many will tell you, it is away from home they obviously struggle. There were positives from their last away game at Hull as with nine men they still gave it a go and, considering the game could have got much worse, that is impressive.
Stoke themselves, similar to Norwich, cannot score many goals but did get three last time at Swansea even though they got very lucky thanks to a very controversial penalty.
I do think there will be goals in this match strangely. Sunderland have only just kept their first clean sheet and Stoke cannot score. Interesting stats don't you think?
Score: 1-1
West Ham v Chelsea (Saturday, 5:30pm)
How West Ham fans would love a repeat of last season's home win against the Blues. Sam Allardyce certainly wouldn't mind it that is for sure.
I have been underwhelmed by the Hammers start to the season. The obvious problem is their lack of a centre forward. Look at the first-half against Norwich two weeks ago where they dominated but only scored one goal and were later punished.
They should not get as many chances against Jose Mourinho's side but you never know in football. Chelsea have conceded two goals in their last two league matches however.
They were lucky in my opinion to get a draw against West Brom as they were outplayed and outperformed in the majority of the game - particularly in the second-half.
It wouldn't surprise me if West Ham did get something out of the game but I think they away side will just edge this latest London derby.
Score: 1-2
Man City v Tottenham (Sunday, 1:30pm)
Man City should get some comfort given that they are at home again this time but they seriously need to sort out their away form after their latest (and fourth consecutive) 1-0 loss at Sunderland.
They can challenge for the title but their 100% home record has kept them just about in distance.
Manuel Pellegrini I will give credit for dropping Joe Hart recently even though he actually did play pretty well in England's loss to Germany to be fair to the guy.
Andre Villas-Boas is under a bit of pressure after their somewhat undeserved defeat to Newcastle. Tim Krul was in inspired form that day so any team would have found it hard to get past him on his day.
But Tottenham have found it difficult to find the back of the net this season and the sale of Gareth Bale maybe starting to affect them.
Against Crystal Palace, Swansea and Hull they only won 1-0 because of a penalty. Against Cardiff it took them until stoppage time to beat them.
City here for me.
Score: 2-1
Cardiff v Man Utd (Sunday, 4:00pm)
Cardiff have this game and this a home match against Arsenal so these games are coming thick and fast for them.
Cardiff have a strong resilience under Malky Mackay and did win their last home game against South Wales rivals Swansea.
But David Moyes' Manchester United, understandably bouyed by their win against Arsenal before the international break, should have too much for them.
Man Utd can still retain the title but I think their squad currently isn't strong enough. I do think they will leave Wales will three points however.
Score: 0-2
West Brom v Aston Villa (Monday, 8:00pm)
Here we are with a Midlands derby to cap off the return of Premier League football.
West Brom, as I said, were unlucky not to win against Chelsea which is saying something. They played extremely well at Stamford Bridge and a controversial penalty denied them a famous win.
Aston Villa finally got off the mark twice against Cardiff and both sides will have optimism after recent results.
I fancy West Brom as it is at the Hawthorns. If Christian Benteke is kept fit for Paul Lambert, then a win seems more likely.
Score: 2-1
No comments:
Post a Comment