After a difficult week, its time for the Premier League to kick off another round of action.
Arsenal’s home clash with Liverpool might be the headline match of this Saturday but everyone’s focus will be on Leicester as they visit Cardiff a week after the tragic death of their owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
Bournemouth vs Manchester United (12:30pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesBoth teams come into this match in good form but Bournemouth haven’t conceded in their last three matches, and flying high above Manchester United.
One of the Cherries’ biggest strengths has been the flanks when on attack, which is something that I can see United struggling with if fail to start well.
Ultimately in end, I can see Bournemouth winning this because their confidence is at another level of United at minute, who have a trip to Juventus in midweek.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester United
Jake predicts: Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester United
Result: Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester United
Cardiff City vs Leicester City
This is a very difficult match to predict because we don’t know how mentally prepared Leicester will be for this match.
Cardiff meanwhile won their last home match so will have extra confidence in wanting to follow it up with another win.
As tough as it will be, if Leicester can ride the wave of emotion and are mentally ready then I can see them nicking a win.
Prediction: Cardiff City 0-1 Leicester City
Jake predicts: Cardiff City 0-2 Leicester City
Result: Cardiff City 0-1 Leicester City
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Both teams experienced contrasting fortunes last time out to leave them separated by just a single point.
Everton were simply outplayed by Man U last Sunday but Brighton are on a roll with three consecutive 1-0 wins, including their first away victory of season.
For the Seagulls, that run has underlined their progress but Everton are yet to lose at home against them, and with Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina fully fit I now expect Everton to really start raising their game from now on.
Prediction: Everton 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Jake predicts: Everton 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Result: Everton 3-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Newcastle United vs Watford
Embed from Getty ImagesNewcastle and Rafa Benitez really need a win here if are to kick-start what has been a difficult season but face an in-form Watford side.
For me, Newcastle’s biggest issue is finishing chances because if can overcome that niggle then goals will start going in. Last time out at home, they managed 27 shots against Brighton without scoring to highlight their shortcomings.
Watford meanwhile are a strong solid side and haven’t lost in last five against the Magpies, so am going to back them to win here.
Prediction: Newcastle United 0-2 Watford
Jake predicts: Newcastle United 1-1 Watford
Result: Newcastle United 1-0 Watford
West Ham United vs Burnley
For two sides who had big hopes entering this season, not many would of thought this meeting would be a six pointer.
West Ham have lost three of their last four in all competitions whilst Burnley have conceded nine in their last two league matches, albeit against Manchester City and Chelsea.
Interestingly, the Hammers entered their last meeting with Burnley in similar form and managed to lose 3-0 in a match marred by crowd trouble and pitch invasions.
This time around, West Ham fans need to get behind their club because they are capable of more under Manuel Pellegrini if given time and support from the supporters.
Burnley meanwhile are really struggling to find any momentum and I can see things worsening before they improve.
Prediction: West Ham United 2-0 Burnley
Jake predicts: West Ham United 1-0 Burnley
Result: West Ham United 4-2 Burnley
Arsenal vs Liverpool (5:30pm)
With both teams going for the title, this is an absolute must win and the momentum is with Liverpool who are yet to lose in Premier League this season.
Arsenal however are flying with 12 wins in last 13 matches across all competitions, but could only draw last time out to a gutsy Crystal Palace.
We therefore have the ingredients for a thriller as Liverpool aim to score three or more goals against Arsenal for a sixth consecutive top tier match and extend their six match winning run over the Gunners to seven.
Unai Emery however has the physiological edge over Jurgen Klopp, having guided Sevilla to the 2015-16 Europa League title by beating Liverpool 3-1 in the final.
Although a high scoring draw would be a decent result, Liverpool are in imperious form when it comes to Arsenal.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-3 Liverpool
Jake predicts: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Result: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur (7:45pm)
Since returning from October’s international break, Wolves have struggled with two successive defeats.
Spurs however really have struggled to find their best quality this season but if can continue their level from midweek then they should blow a tight Wolves side away.
I can see both teams scoring here but Tottenham will have that extra gear in them to win this.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Jake predicts: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Result: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Prediction Wars
With the new season underway, so is Prediction Wars between me and Boro Rants writer, Jake Self.
Rules remain the same as last season and goes as follows alongside latest standings;
Correct score – 3 points
Correct result – 1 point
Incorrect result – 0 points
| Name | Points |
| James Gregory | 60 |
| Jake Self | 78 |
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