PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: GAMEWEEK 7

West Ham v. Manchester United

There’s no way around it: Manchester United is in shambles currently. This week has brought a shock loss to Derby in the League Cup and a row between Pogba and Mourinho that was caught on film and has been making headlines.

West Ham should come in feeling good about securing a hard-fought draw against Chelsea and have more than enough quality to keep this game interesting.

Until United show up on a consistent basis and don’t revert to “parking the bus” every time they take the lead, it’s hard picking them unless they’re playing teams who seem destined for the bottom of the table.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Huddersfield v. Tottenham

It’s been the narrative all season for Huddersfield that it’s not easy to see where they’re going to generate enough goals to survive this season the way they did last year.

Tottenham haven’t exactly inspired anyone with their performances and the World Cup fatigue continues to linger.

This’ll be an ideal game for them to comfortably pick up a victory and hopefully get some rest for Harry Kane once the game is out of reach.

Prediction: 2-0 Tottenham

Wolverhampton v. Southampton

Wolves will be feeling good gathering another point from a top club after looking the stronger side last week away at Old Trafford.

Southampton were brushed aside by Liverpool even though the score didn’t reflect how well the Saints played in the first half.

This will be a close contest where Wolves superiority in midfield once again makes the difference.

Prediction: 2-1 Wolves

Arsenal v. Watford

Arsenal are doing a nice job flying under the radar and picking up points while the media focuses on the two Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Watford started off red hot but have seen their form cool over the last couple weeks. They’re still a quality side that’ll ease into a mid-table position, but Arsenal’s attack is beginning to fire on all cylinders and that’ll be the difference in this one.

Prediction: 2-1 Arsenal

Manchester City v. Brighton

Brighton are one of those teams that will give a scare to top clubs all season with their attitude and desire causing problems before ultimately succumbing to superior opposition.

They’ll make the most of the first quarter of an hour, but Manchester City are still seething from their Champions League loss to Lyon and will look to make another example out of a side they should roll over.

Prediction: 3-0 Manchester City

Everton v. Fulham

Everton looked out of sorts against Arsenal last week and Fulham played well in an entertaining match against Watford.

I expect Fulham to play better at home than away thanks to their brand of football and Everton will step up their game in front of strong home support.

I can’t see much separating these two in this game and think it’ll end with the sides splitting points.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Newcastle v. Leicester City

Newcastle, Cardiff and Huddersfield are locked in a battle for the worst side in the league right now and they all seem a lock to get relegated.

Leicester are a side that are cruising past sides they should beat and struggling to get points off the top clubs.

They’ll make relatively light work of Newcastle even at St. James Park, further increasing the likelihood Rafa Benitez leaves the club before January.

Prediction: 2-0 Leicester City

Chelsea v. Liverpool

Easily the most enticing fixture of the weekend, their match on Wednesday only adds intrigue to what we can expect here.

Both sides will make several changes compared to their League Cup battle and it’ll be the first time we’ve really seen Sarri-ball tested against a fully prepared, top side in the Premier League.

I think this game will play out in a similar fashion to the game Wednesday, but it’ll be Chelsea that go up first before a barnstorming comeback from the Reds.

Mo Salah is due for a game winning late goal to break hearts of the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Prediction: 2-1 Liverpool

Cardiff City v. Burnley

I must admit I did not see Burnley putting four past Bournemouth the way both sides looked coming into that match.

Cardiff were dispatched easily by Manchester City and need to put in a performance that makes up for that embarrassment.

This’ll be an ugly, physical game that suits both teams’ styles. Burnley will be favourites away, but I expect Cardiff to hold on just tight enough to earn a point.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Bournemouth v. Crystal Palace

You know what you’re going to get when you play Crystal Palace as they look to keep the score low, grab a goal and shut things down defensively.

Bournemouth will look to play a more expansive style and after getting dominated by Burnley last week, Eddie Howe will expect a much-improved performance.

He’ll get it too with them playing confidently in front of their home crowd and return to winning way.

Prediction: 2-0 Bournemouth