After what can only be described as a below par performance with last week’s predictions, we live and we learn as we head to round two. After scoring 8/30 possible points, it appears this writers luck was saved for the betting accumulator and fantasy football, with both efforts rather more successful than the article predictions.
This week, we have our first head to head with predictions as fellow writer and fellow Murphy; Ethan, gives us his insight into this weekends fixtures, alongside my own. With points up for grabs as well as personal bragging rights, let’s see what we might have in store with this week’s Premier League action.
E – Liverpool 2-0 Burnley. J – Liverpool 4 – 1 Burnley
E – I think Liverpool, who were impressive against Norwich in their last outing, will be too strong for a Burnley side, especially with fans back at Anfield.
J – I can see Burnley scoring. Norwich looked OK at times last week but only really threatened the goal once towards the end. Huntley have more about them but, unlike last season, by no means enough to cause any kind of upset.
E – Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle United. J – Aston Villa 2 – 0 Newcastle
E – Aston Villa, to my surprise, made a poor start to the campaign going 3-nil down to newly promoted Watford last week. However, I think there were signs in the last half an hour to suggest they will be stronger this week, especially will new signings to add into the fold, so an Aston Villa win for me.
J – I’ve said all along that Newcastle are in trouble. Aside from two players there is a worrying lack of quality. Villa should win this with a clean sheet on a comfortable afternoon. The villa back 5 were so good last year and, although I don’t think their record will be as good this year, this time, it will be.
E – Crystal Palace 1-1 Brentford. J – Crystal Palace 1 – 0 Brentford
E – Many people will back Brentford to get all three points in this game, as understandably so. However, I think palace have enough quality and experience to get something from this game, especially with the help of their famous home noise.
J – I just believe that Wilfred Zaha will prove too difficult for Brentford to handle. Whether it’s a penalty or a mistake, I feel the Eagle’s will narrowly take this one, giving Viera his first win as manager.
E – Leeds United 3-1 Everton. J – Leeds United 2 – 2 Everton
E – Let’s face it, Leeds were extremely poor in their loss to Man United last Saturday. However, Marco Biesla’s side have the mark of a team that will quickly move on from this performance and come out fighting. I see them beating Everton, who although won last week were far from convincing.
J – Both teams could get a hatful of goals here. I think Bamford will open his count for the season and Dominic Calvert Lewin could score multiple. I’ll go for a Desmond but either side could win this.
E – Manchester City 5-0 Norwich City. J – Manchester City 4 – 0 Norwich City
E – Similarly to Leeds, I see Man city bouncing back this week with a huge results against Norwich. They have too much quality for the canaries, and with the home advantage I can only see one result.
J – It’s a case of how many, isn’t it? I don’t see Norwich scoring in a month of Sunday’s at the Etihad. I feel they will set up for damage limitation hence only being four for City. Mahrez and Grealish to open their accounts for the season.
E – Brighton 1-1 Watford. J – Brighton 1 – 0 Watford
E – This may be the hardest results to predict. On one hand I see Watford capitalising on a great opening game week and going to the south coast full of confidence. However, Brighton also managed to scrape a late turnaround against Burnley. I’ve gone for a draw in this one which is maybe a cowards way out but I can’t split the two teams.
J – Yeah, this is a tough one, could be a win to either way or a draw, and any of these results wouldn’t be a surprise. Brighton just to hold out, with help from the home fans.
E – Wolves 0-1 Spurs. J – Wolves 1 – 1 Spurs
E – I really fear for wolves this year. They looked poor against Leicester and I just don’t think they’ve done enough recruitment going into this season. Spurs’ shock win over City will lift moods at the club, with Harry Kane’s future still uncertain. A spurs win, but not by much my prediction for this game.
J – Spurs did play well last week. Granted, City weren’t all at it but Tottenham seemed inspired without Harry Kane. Away at Wolves with their fans back is not a test to be underestimated, however. A cagey game to end with the shares spoiled.
E – Southampton 1-4 Manchester United. J – Southampton 1 – 2 Manchester United
E – As much as I personally hate to admit it, United were very impressive against Leeds in the opening game of the season. When you have Pogba and Fernandes playing like that, there are very few teams that could stop them. I see a comfortable United win in this one.
J – Ever the pessimist, I almost went for 2-2 for my team here. United looks strong at times but we shouldn’t forget it was a 10 minute blitz period and there were plenty of holes and mistakes appearing where better teams could punish the reds. Southampton started well but aren’t on of the strongest teams in the league. The home fans could boost the chances of the Saints getting something, but United to win again but in less convincing fashion, than last week.
E – Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea. J – Arsenal 2 – 3 Chelsea
E – There’s not really much more to say about Arsenal. It’s getting to the point when you start to feel sorry for them now, as there just doesn’t seem to be any direction at the club. Although Arsenal love to turn it on against Chelsea, I don’t see that happening this time, predicting this to get much worse at the emirates.
J – For risk of sounding like a broken record, we could see the impact home fans were having for their sides, last week. Now although Chelsea have a far superior team, it doesn’t guarantee victory, as seen at Spurs last week. Chelsea should be too strong, however. Saying that, I would be surprised if the score is overly convincing.
E – West Ham United 3-2 Leicester City. J – West Ham United 1 -3 Leicester City
E – Both teams put in good displays in last weeks opening fixtures. There’s not much to split the two, however I feel like West Ham maybe edge this one. Antonio, Benrahma and co. looked really dangerous against Newcastle and I feel they will be too much for a Leicester side without their star Centre back. A West game win but I’m also expecting goals galore.
J – I called that Newcastle would score twice last week, but just didn’t account for their defence being as shambolic as it was. I honestly believe the Hammers are there to be got at and the Foxes could prove very tricky opponents. Vardy could have a field day and West Ham’s midfield, as good as it was last season, could get shown up by a simply a better Tielemans, Maddison and Ndidi.
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