The Premier League is back and that means Andrew's predictions are, too. Corns got 3/10 last week, which isn't too bad and he's more confident this time around!
Leicester City v. Liverpool
Liverpool enter the weekend top of the league on goal differential against a Leicester side that’s looked just fine even with the departure of Riyad Mahrez over the summer.
Liverpool haven’t reached peak form yet and even with the offense in first gear, they’ve been able to rely on a rock-solid defence to carry them early.
Jamie Vardy’s absence through suspension will be difficult to overcome and even though I think Leicester will be the first side to score against Liverpool, they have too many offensive weapons to be stopped.
Another 3 points for Liverpool leading into the marquee match of the season so far away to Tottenham on the 15th.
Prediction: 2-1 Liverpool
Brighton v. Fulham
Both sides will come into this game thinking all three points are there for the taking.
Brighton may have narrowly lost to Liverpool last week, but they played well and will still have confidence after their home victory over Manchester United a couple weeks back.
Fulham also did well to erase their slow start by steamrolling Burnley 4-2. There’s not much separating the two sides so expect this one to end even as they share the points.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
West Ham v. Wolves
West Ham enter the match in a lonely place as the only side yet to claim a single point.
There’s enough talent that Hammers fans expect Pellegrini to have this team fighting for a spot just below the top six.
Wolves will be feeling motivated after pushing Manchester City hard and earning a well-deserved draw against the defending champions.
The Wolves midfield of Neves and Moutinho will dominate the game, grab three points and add to the mountain pressure facing West Ham.
Prediction: 2-0 Wolves
Crystal Palace v. Southampton
Southampton desperately need to get their offense up and running, but Selhurst Park won’t be the place it happens.
Crystal Palace have been scrappy and tough in their last two games, but still walked away from both without any points.
They’ll turn it around here, getting a goal and holding on for the win against a team that’s not capable of creating enough shots to trouble Wayne Hennessey and the defenders in front of him.
Prediction: 1-0 Crystal Palace
Chelsea v. Bournemouth
Maurizio Sarri’s team are adapting quicker than he or most supporters would have expected.
While some pieces like Alvaro Morata clearly look out of their element, Jorginho’s providing the spark in midfield and Eden Hazard’s form is nearing his best in a Blues jersey.
Bournemouth are coming into the game undefeated, but the competition faced has been average at best and this will be their first true test.
Eddie Howe’s side play an attractive brand of football that’s admirable, but it often leaves them exposed when matched up against top sides and that’ll be their undoing in this one.
Prediction: 3-1 Chelsea
Everton v. Huddersfield
Huddersfield enter the match with the worst goal differential and only have a single goal in three matches so far.
Everton will certainly miss Richarlison, suspended due to an absurdly silly headbutt, but still present enough challenges from the wings to grab a couple goals and add to Huddersfield’s misery.
Prediction: 2-0 Everton
Manchester City v. Newcastle
There’s trouble brewing on Tyneside and it couldn’t come at a worse time as they travel to the Etihad against a Manchester City side stinging from their first dropped points of the season.
Whether Rafa opts to turn to captain, Jamaal Lascelles, or not it won’t matter.
Pep will rally the troops and a highly motivated City side will put Newcastle to the sword early and often.
This game will be out of reach by the thirty-minute mark as City blitz Newcastle and get up by two or three in a hurry.
Prediction: 4-1 Manchester City
Cardiff City v. Arsenal
After an expectedly poor first two games against City and Chelsea, Arsenal were able to successfully brush aside West Ham and claim their first points under Unai Emery.
Arsenal will look at their schedule over the next 4-6 weeks and see plenty of points for the taking if they can settle into a rhythm.
On the other hand, it’s impossible for me to see any spot where Cardiff pick up points in that coming weeks and Neil Warnock seems like the manager most likely to get sacked first.
Emery will continue being ruthless in his team selection, unafraid to shake things up as Arsenal comfortably easy past Cardiff.
Prediction: 2-0 Arsenal
Burnley v. Manchester United
How does one even go about predicting results for this Manchester United side currently?
There’s more than enough talent at Mourinho’s disposal, but he seems more intent on causing controversy and deepening the wedge between himself and Ed Woodward than he does improving the players (most of which he purchased).
If this was the Burnley side of last year I’d pick them in the upset, but Sean Dyche’s side don’t look up to the challenge this time around.
They were cut open and embarrassed against Fulham and even though United is in utter chaos, they should squeeze out a close contest at Turf Moor.
Prediction: 2-1 Manchester United
Watford v. Tottenham
With the emergence of Lucas Moura playing as a strike partner alongside Harry Kane, the talk has quieted considerably regarding Spurs’ inactivity in the transfer window.
There’s a level of cohesion amongst their squad that will make them a serious contender and strong favorite to gain one of the four coveted Champions League places.
Watford have been the surprise team in August and find themselves shoulder to shoulder with Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea at the top of the table.
They will see a considerable jump in competition though this week going to battle for the first time with a perennial top six side.
Even on the road, Tottenham should be considered favorites, but there’s just something special happening at Watford currently and I think they can do enough to hang on and grab a crucial point.
Prediction: 2-2 Draw
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