PREDICTIONS: Game-week 2

SillySeason writers predict the scores for this weekend’s matches

The Premier League is back and we are already looking ahead to game-week two in our prediction articles.

After Alex Batt took on Steve Milne last week, it’s time for our lead writer to go head-to-head with Junior Contributor Joseph Richardson to see who can predict the most scores correctly.

It was Steve who won last week, with his perfect pick of Aston Villa winning 1-0 against AFC Bournemouth helping him along the way, so Alex will want some revenge this week as he takes on a writer.

So without further ado, lets get into the predictions for the Premier League‘s second weekend of action, which weirdly enough kicks off on Friday evening for the first time ever.

Friday Predictions

Aston Villa vs Manchester United

Alex Says: Friday night game in the Premier League is bizarre. This game is also rather tricky to predict but I do think Manchester United will just prevail and make it two wins from two. Won’t be easy though. Match Prediction: 1-2

Joe Says: The first Friday night Premier League game is an intriguing one. Louis van Gaal will be demanding a better performance from his United side from the opening day, whilst Villa picked up a valuable win at Bournemouth. But I see a comfortable win for United. Match Prediction: 0-2

Saturday Predictions

Southampton vs Everton

Alex Says: Another tight game here but after Everton‘s dropped points at home to Watford, I think they’ll struggle once again here with Southampton picking up their first win of the new season. Match Prediction: 2-0

Joe Says: Southampton have an excellent home record against Everton. The Toffees haven’t not won at St.Mary’s in 13 years, and I don’t see that changing. Pelle to score twice in an ambitious 4-0 win for the Saints. Match Prediction: 4-0

Sunderland vs Norwich

Alex Says: Both teams had poor starts to the campaign, but I reckon Norwich may pick up a shock win here at the Stadium of Light. They were unlucky about Crystal Palace due to bad refereeing and I think they’ll get their win this time around. Match Prediction: 0-1

Joe Says: Both teams will be looking to bounce back from opening day defeats. Sunderland‘s first 45 minutes of the season was another capitulation, which is becoming an all too familiar theme for the travelling fans. 1-1 draw between two prime relegation candidates. Match Prediction: 1-1

Swansea City vs Newcastle United

Alex Says: Following their impressive point at Stamford Bridge, I am backing The Swans to get a win here to continue their good start to the new campaign. Match Prediction: 3-1

Joe Says: It was an encouraging first game as Newcastle boss for Steve McClaren, despite not picking up all three points. Swansea meanwhile were very impressive against the champions and I am backing them to win an entertaining game 3-1. Match Prediction: 3-1

Tottenham Hotspur vs Stoke City

Alex Says: Despite their new signings and the addition of Xherdan Shaqiri, I don’t think Stoke City will have enough to win at White Hart Lane. However, I can see them taking a point off Spurs, who haven’t improved over the summer at all. Match Prediction: 1-1

Joe Says: In the first twenty minutes against United, Tottenham looked like a Mauricio Pochettino side. But then they slipped back into the Spurs of old. They are in desperate need of back up to Harry Kane, and threatening wingers. How they would have loved to pip their opponents to Xherdan Shaqiri. Stoke look good to pick up an away win here. Match Prediction: 1-2

Watford vs West Brom

Alex Says: Very hard game to predict this, but after their draw against Everton on opening day, I am going to back Watford this week as they have home advantage. Will be a tough and tight affair though. Match Prediction: 1-0

Joe Says: Watford‘s first home game back in the Premier League and Vicarage Road will be bouncing. Albion have bought well this week with Salomon Rondon signing. They were poor against City, and Tony Pulis will demand a response. Tough game to predict. West Brom to nick a point. Match Prediction: 1-1

West Ham United vs Leicester City

Alex Says: Both sides had superb opening day results, but I’ve got to back the team that beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Hammers to win this one. Match Prediction: 3-1

Joe Says: West Ham put in the performance of the weekend as they stunned Arsenal. Leicester weren’t bad either, scoring four in Claudio Ranieri‘s first game. Hammers to continue their 100% winning record. Match Prediction: 2-1

Sunday Predictions

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal

Alex Says: Palace got a solid away win over Norwich City, whilst Arsenal were stunned at home by West Ham United, and I reckon The Gunners will struggle here too. I can’t see them winning it that’s for sure. Match Prediction: 2-2

Joe Says: Everyone was stunned at how lackluster Arsenal were in their opening weekend defeat, and this will be a very tough game against a confident and very well drilled Palace side. Arsenal to bounce back with a solid win at Selhurst Park. Match Prediction: 1-3

Manchester City vs Chelsea

Alex Says: Every year we get a massive game early in the season. Every year they are boring. So I am going with trend and saying defensive game ending 0-0 and letting everyone down. Match Predictions: 0-0

Joe Says: Early season games between title rivals tend to be pretty drab, especially involving Mourinho‘s Chelsea. I don’t expect this to be the greatest spectacle either, but I believe it will be a significant one. I think City will nick it, which in turn will see Chelsea go into the transfer market. Match Prediction: 1-0

Monday Predictions

Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth

Alex Says: After beating Stoke City away, Liverpool should feel confident going into this game and I think they will pick up another three points at Anfield. Christian Benteke to get a couple too. Match Prediction: 3-1

Joe Says: It’s not often you say that an opening day game is a vital win. But considering the severity of Liverpool‘s fixtures away from home, it was a big victory for Brendan Rodgers and his team. It’s certainly a baptism of fire this for Bournemouth, but they will thrive upon a trip to Anfield. Comfortable win though for Liverpool. Match Prediction: 2-0

So there are our predictions for the weekend.

Who is going to get most correct?

Comment below!