This weekend’s Premier League action kicks off with the North London derby before Manchester City head to Bournemouth whilst the in form Burnley and Crystal Palace collide at Turf Moor.
Tottenham vs Arsenal (12:30pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter two sluggish performances, Tottenham really need to find that extra level, otherwise they have blown yet another shot at the title.
Arsenal meanwhile are looking tricky to stop when on attack, which is going to be a challenge for Spurs to stop.
I therefore can see a tough battle with Arsenal doing most of the attacking but Tottenham have to improve defensively if want anything from this.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Arsenal
Jake predicts: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Arsenal
Result: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Arsenal
Bournemouth vs Manchester City
Bournemouth might be struggling away but are in strong form at home, and their 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea just over a month ago will give them hope here.
Man City meanwhile grinded out their midweek win over West Ham after a tiring Carabao Cup triumph, so I am expecting a proper full strength team here who should provide a stern test for the Cherries.
If Bournemouth are at their clinical and pacey best then they should get something but I fancy City to get a comfortable win and move top.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-3 Manchester City
Jake predicts: Bournemouth 0-3 Manchester City
Result: Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester City
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Huddersfield Town
Embed from Getty ImagesI am expecting Huddersfield to come here fighting after their midweek win but cannot afford to let that momentum dip.
One of their main strengths in last two games has been their pressing when not in possession because did a solid job at Newcastle for majority of match despite playing 70 minutes with 10 men.
Brighton however will be tough opposition despite taking just a point from their last three home games, which has seen them move close to the drop.
For me, if Huddersfield can keep moving in the right direction then they should grind out a win here.
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-1 Huddersfield Town
Jake predicts: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Huddersfield Town
Result: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Huddersfield Town
Burnley vs Crystal Palace
After seeing their unbeaten runs ended in midweek, I can see a fierce battle as both look to make instant returns to winning ways.
Burnley just lacked a spark at Newcastle so need to quickly put that behind them and show more of their solidness to control the game, whereas Palace were simply outplayed by Manchester United.
It’s easy to go 1-1 here or a Burnley win but given the form of both sides and attacking ability, I fancy something of an entertaining but rewarding classic.
Prediction: Burnley 2-2 Crystal Palace
Jake predicts: Burnley 1-1 Crystal Palace
Result: Burnley 1-3 Crystal Palace
Manchester United vs Southampton
Embed from Getty ImagesWith a massive pile of injuries, Manchester United did a decent job in midweek at Palace but Southampton have made decent progress with just two away defeats under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
United have shown a strong attacking quality under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but Southampton have grown into their recent matches, so the longer it stays level the stronger I fancy Southampton to potentially snatch a point.
Ultimately I do fear though that it might go same way that the Saints’ trip to Arsenal last weekend did.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Southampton
Jake predicts: Manchester United 2-1 Southampton
Result: Manchester United 3-2 Southampton
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Cardiff City
After a testing week, Wolves really need to hit back here against a sloppy Cardiff side who have lost their way in the past week.
I can see Wolves playing their usual high energy attacking game as usual with the deciding factor being Cardiff’s defence, because if they defend like they did against Watford and Everton then I can see another thumping here.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 Cardiff City
Jake predicts: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Cardiff City
Result: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 Cardiff City
West Ham United vs Newcastle United
Embed from Getty ImagesWest Ham feel like they have dropped off in recent weeks with no real energy, which is worrying given that Newcastle have lost one of their last six and come here off the back of a four match winning home run.
Newcastle however possess Miguel Almiron who has caused trouble for Huddersfield and Burnley in the past week. If he can produce more of the same here against a slow starting Hammers then the East Londoners could be in for a difficult afternoon.
One positive for West Ham though is that they have lost just one of their last seven home games, so should just snatch a point here.
Prediction: West Ham United 1-1 Newcastle United
Jake predicts: West Ham United 2-0 Newcastle United
Result: West Ham United 2-0 Newcastle United
Prediction Wars
With the season past the half way point, 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 | 195 |
| Jake Self | 194 |
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