2018-19 Premier League: Week Eight – Saturday

With this weekend seeing the final round of Premier League matches take place before October international break, this is a pivotal weekend as teams look to head off on a high. 

Without any doubt, Manchester United vs Newcastle United is the biggest match with both clubs locked in different civil wars so expect fireworks from Saturday’s action on Week Eight. 

Burnley vs Huddersfield Town

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With the international break coming up next week, this is a huge match for Huddersfield if they’re to kick start their season. 

Burnley meanwhile have found their feet after a slow start but now need to push on if are to prove that last season wasn’t just an one off.

Focusing on the game, both meetings last season finished goalless but given Huddersfield’s defensive issues, I cannot see anything other than a home win.

Prediction: Burnley 2-0 Huddersfield Town

Jake predicts: Burnley 2-0 Huddersfield Town

Result: Burnley 1-1 Huddersfield Town

 

Crystal Palace vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Crystal Palace definitely need to be at their best here against a Wolves side who are flying high and look strong when on attack. 

To me, Palace lacked any real desire for much of last Monday’s match against Bournemouth. Well that has to change because they need to start scoring at home because otherwise they are in for a relegation scrap if don’t find any form soon. 

Wolves meanwhile are the exact opposite with their spirit and attacking performances, particularly down the flanks which I can see being a big issue for Palace to cope with all match. 

Although the Eagles need a win here to raise belief of the home faithful, I can see Wolves delivering the goods here.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Jake predicts: Crystal Palace 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Result: Crystal Palace 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

Leicester City vs Everton

With European football qualification the aim, Leicester really need to win games like these because Everton too are after the same target. 

Both sides have been fairly prolific in front of goal this season but Everton aren’t the best discipline wise and have seen three red cards just in this fixture alone, never mind the two this season for Richarlison and Phil Jagielka. 

Leicester meanwhile are doing a decent job and the last time they had 12 points after seven games, we saw them spark into life with a 10 match unbeaten run and eventually become Premier League champions.

Although that is unlikely this time around, I still can see them feeling the positives of that achievement and James Maddison’s first call-up for England will only give them further confidence in what they’re doing and ability to win here. 

Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Everton

Jake predicts: Leicester City 3-1 Everton

Result: Leicester City 1-2 Everton

 

Tottenham Hotspur vs Cardiff City

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Despite a midweek defeat to Barcelona, Tottenham will of learned invaluable lessons against one of Europe’s giants and there is no better time than to put those lessons into practice than against Cardiff. 

I imagine that the Bluebirds will be hoping that Spurs are experiencing fatigue from six matches in 21 days, because that is quite literally the only way they’re going to have a chance at getting even a point here. 

Tottenham however are yet to lose a single match in 37 clashes against promoted clubs and I can see that run becoming 38 here. 

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Cardiff City

Jake predicts: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Cardiff City

Result: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Cardiff City

 

Watford vs Bournemouth

Both sides have been surprise packages so far this season so I am expecting a possible thriller here. 

Although they eventually got beat at Arsenal, Watford were creative and made plenty of chances which is something that Bournemouth are also good at when attacking. 

Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe acknowledged that and Watford’s quality on a whole by saying in his presser; “Watford look creative, they have a physical threat and players that can score goals…”

That shows just how much Howe analyses their upcoming opposition in terms of what he is expecting to face and I can see The Cherries really taking the fight to them. 

Ultimately though, I can see the run of five Premier League draws in six from this fixture becoming six in seven with a high scoring draw. 

Prediction: Watford 2-2 Bournemouth

Jake predicts: Watford 2-0 Bournemouth

Result: Watford 0-4 Bournemouth

 

Manchester United vs Newcastle United (5:30pm)

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With the international break brewing round the corner and perfect time for change, this match is Jose Mourinho’s visit to the last chance saloon bar in Manchester.

After a pair of abysmal performances against West Ham and Valencia in past week, United need to get themselves sorted with players like Paul Pogba, Antonio Valencia and Aleix Sanchez pulling their weight rather than rage a civil war against Mourinho. 

Newcastle are also in a similar situation which goes totally against the definition of united. The Magpies however are slowly working to fix those issues (relations between owner and fans however is more complex). 

Realistically, this will be a tough game because Man U are literally in freefall whilst Newcastle have done a solid job against four of last season’s top six already, despite losing them all. 

In end, if we get a winner then it going to be the team who can match the word ‘united’ the closest. 

Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Newcastle United

Jake predicts: Manchester United 2-1 Newcastle United

Result: Manchester United 3-2 Newcastle United