SillySeason writers are back with Premier League predictions
After time away with international duty, the Premier League is back this weekend with a packed schedule.
It’s been quite an emotional and eventful fortnight off, mainly for reasons outside of football, but I’m sure we can speak for everyone when we say we cannot wait for the Premier League to be back on our TV screens.
Eight games on Saturday, one on Sunday and the final one taking place on Monday night.
This week, lead writer Alex Batt takes on Tom Sutton in the predictions, so lets dive straight into it.
Here are our writers picks for this weekend’s games.
Saturday’s Games
Watford vs Manchester United
Alex Says: The first game of the weekend comes from Vicarage Road was Watford take on Manchester United. This is going to be a tricky game and I don’t think it will be as easy as United would hope. However, I do back them to take all three points in a hard-fought affair. Match Prediction: 1-2
Tom Says: The news that French striker Anthony Martial left Wembley on crutches after England’s 2-0 victory over France will be a huge blow for the Red Devils. Though Wayne Rooney produced a perfect captain’s performance for his country and scored a trademark volley which may ease concerns. Watford are struggling for goals at home, scoring just three in six games so think United will nick this one. Match Prediction 0-1
Chelsea vs Norwich City
Alex Says: A relegation six-pointer. Chelsea must win this game and I’m pretty sure they will despite their horrid form in the Premier League. The fans would like to see a comfortable win, but I can’t see it being straight forward, although quality should prevail in the end. Match Prediction: 3-1
Tom Says: A relegation six-pointer, who would’ve thought it? All jokes aside I think Chelsea have got to ‘come good’ at some point this season and reckon it could be this weekend. Norwich will feel hard done by following their last away fixture where they lost 2-1 to Manchester City with minutes remaining. This could be a good game for the Eden Hazard and Diego Costa to try and restore some confidence. Match Prediction 3-0
Everton vs Aston Villa
Alex Says: These games are always exciting and always throw up some incredible results. Everton are in solid form and Villa are learning under a new manager. I reckon this could be another exciting game with the hosts taking the spoils. Match Prediction: 3-2
Tom Says: A stalemate with the Premier League leaders in Remi Garde’s first match in charge of Aston Villa will give the Midlands club hope they can avoid relegation. Everton have looked impressive this season and could make a real charge for a European spot. However, I fancy Villa to get a point in this fixture. Match Prediction 2-2
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Alex Says: Tricky game this as Newcastle are so unpredictable, and Leicester just keep getting results from out of nowhere. I reckon they could take all three points here as well to continue their sensational season. Match Prediction: 0-1
Tom Says: The surprise package this season is definitely Leicester. The Foxes are a point above Manchester United and Jamie Vardy is closing in on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League scoring record. Though, Newcastle have started to look like they’re gelling as a team so I fancy Steve McLauren’s boys to take the points here. Match Prediction: 1-0
Southampton vs Stoke City
Alex Says: Think this will result in a home win here with Southampton looking in good form. Stoke still can’t seem to get it right away from home on a regular basis. Match Prediction: 2-0
Tom Says: Another two sides that will be fighting for a European spot come the end of the season. Stoke inflicted more misery on Chelsea last time out while Southampton are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions. Predicting this one could have goals. Match Perfection 2-2
Swansea City vs AFC Bournemouth
Alex Says: Both teams in dire need of a win for their young managers. Swansea are really struggling, while injuries have cost Bournemouth. I can only see one winner here and it’s the Welsh side. Match Prediction: 3-1
Tom Says: A must-win for both teams. Gary Monk is the red-hot favourite to be the next manager sacked after just one win in their previous nine games in all competitions. While Bournemouth were always going to struggle this campaign but have not been helped by a plague of injuries. If Swansea lose, I fear Monk will be fired so going for Swans win. Match Predication: 2-1
West Brom vs Arsenal
Alex Says: Arsenal don’t usually fare too well away from home against Tony Pulis sides, but this West Brom team aren’t quite clicking right now. The Gunners are solid on their travels and have been all year, so I expect them to continue that form here. Match Prediction: 0-1
Tom Says: Despite looking certain to drop into the Europa League, Arsenal sit joint-top of the Premier League only pipped by City’s goal difference. However, West Brom are usually tough to break down under Tony Pulish so fancy them to get an unlikely point. Match Predication 1-1
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Alex Says: The late kick-off on Saturday sees Manchester City host Liverpool in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The two sides have put on some memorable matches in recent seasons and as a neutral, I hope it stays that way. Who will win? I’d have to back the home side. Match Prediction: 3-2
Tom Says: The stand-out fixture from this weekend, for sure. Liverpool lost their first game under Jurgen Klopp last game as Crystal Palace recorded a 2-1 victory at Anfield. If City can get Sergio Aguero and David Silva back in the team, the sooner they can march on to be champions. Match Predication: 2-1
Sunday’s Game
Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United
Alex Says: A London Derby for Super Sunday. These games are always tricky to call, especially in recent years with West Ham doing well against Spurs. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s men have only lost once this season and I can’t see them losing here either. Match Prediction: 2-1
Tom Says: Spurs are unbeaten since their opening day defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League this season but this could all change come Sunday. West Ham have already recorded high-profile away wins at City, Liverpool and Chelsea this season and I reckon their on course to make it a fantastic four. Match Prediction 1-2
Monday’s Game
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland
Alex Says: The Sunderland relegation party stops off in London this weekend. No offence to Sam Allardyce’s side, but I just cannot see them surviving this year. Another loss will take place here too as Palace is a tough place to go. Match Prediction: 2-0
Tom Says: Monday Night Football is set for Selhurst Park and this looks the most likely result of the weekend. Palace have been solid this season, particularly at home while Sunderland still look abysmal at the back, even with Sam Alardyce’s introduction. Should be an easy win for the home side. Match Prediction 2-0
So there are our picks for this weekend’s matches.
What are your predictions?
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
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