PREDICTIONS: Game-week 7

SillySeason make their predictions for this weekend’s Premier League matches

After midweek action courtesy of the Capital One Cup, all eyes return to the Premier League once again this weekend.

The eye-catching tie of the weekend comes on Saturday lunch-time as Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester City, before Chelsea take on bogey side Newcastle United in the evening.

Sunday only sees one game as Watford host Crystal Palace, whilst West Bromwich Albion host Everton on Monday night.

This week Alex Batt takes on Ben Reardon as the two writers give their score predictions ahead of the weekend.

Here are their picks!

Saturday’s Matches

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

Alex Says: Like the intro says, this is the stand-out fixture. Spurs have just lost the North London derby and Manchester City are trying to bounce back from the West Ham United defeat. I can see City taking home the three points though as they usually do against Tottenham. Match Prediction: 1-3

Ben Says: I think Manchester City will bounce back following defeat against West Ham last week. Spurs, and more specifically Harry Kane, have struggled to get off the ground this season, by contrast to City have scored for fun in previous games. Match Prediction: 0-2

Leicester City vs Arsenal

Alex Says: This game ended 1-1 last season, and I reckon it could be the same again this year. Leicester are somehow still unbeaten in the Premier League and Arsenal have been a bit shaky. A North London derby win last night will boost their morale but I can see this ending in a draw. Match Prediction: 1-1

Ben Says: Leicester have surprisingly enjoyed a fine start to the season under Claudio Ranieri, with Arsenal somewhat struggling for consistency – the Gunners will be keen to get back to winning ways, but Leicester can gain a point in-front of their home crowd. Match Prediction: 1-1

Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Alex Says: What a tough game this is to predict. Liverpool are just a strange side and can’t seem to do anything right these days. As for Villa, they are another weird side who could struggle this year. I back Liverpool to win this though. Match Prediction: 2-1

Ben Says: These two sides have flattered to deceive so far in the early stages. This is a massive game for Brendan Rodgers, and at Anfield, Liverpool should just do enough to get past a Villa side who will be in for another relegation scrap this season. Match Prediction: 2-1

Manchester United vs Sunderland

Alex Says: Comfortable home win here. Sunderland are woeful and United are starting to get the ball rolling. No problems here for Louis van Gaal‘s men. Match Prediction: 4-0

Ben Says: Sunderland‘s woeful run of form will continue with defeat at Old Trafford, United are hitting form in the top-flight, thanks to new recruit Anthony Martial – and the result will heap more pressure on the beleaguered Dick Advocaat. Match Prediction: 3-0

Southampton vs Swansea City

Alex Says: This could be a great game. Both teams play attractive football and both teams like to attack. Very hard to predict who will come out on top though. So I will go safe and say draw. Match Prediction: 2-2

Ben Says: Southampton have struggled to replicate their league form of last season, though Swansea themselves have not had a great time of it in recent weeks, following a decent start, so I can see this ending in a stalemate. Match Prediction: 1-1

Stoke vs AFC Bournemouth

Alex Says: Stoke desperately need a win as they are yet to get off the mark in the Premier League, and I think this will be the game they get that win. Bournemouth have been alright so far, but I reckon the Britannia Stadium will get the better of them. Match Prediction: 2-0

Ben Says: Stoke are yet to win a game in the Premier League this season, and occupy the final relegation spot, they welcome a Bournemouth side who so far, have been a breath of fresh air in their inaugural season at this level, expect Eddie Howe‘s Cherries win on the road. Match Prediction: 1-2

West Ham United vs Norwich City

Alex Says: West Ham finally got things right at Upton Park against Newcastle United the other week, but Norwich City have been solid on their travels so far this season. However, I do see Slaven Bilic‘s men getting another win here. Match Prediction: 1-0

Ben Says: Having won their last three league games, the last of which at Manchester City – the Hammers will be on a high, and will hope to continue their good form against a Norwich City side who have started well upon their return to the top table of English football. Despite the work Alex Neil has done, expect a Hammers win. Match Prediction: 3-1

Newcastle United vs Chelsea

Alex Says: Everyone seems to say Newcastle play well against Chelsea, and although it’s true, it seems that’s only because of Alan Pardew. Crystal Palace beat Chelsea this season with Pardew in charge so I expect the Blues to dump more misery on Steve McClaren this weekend. Match Prediction: 0-3

Ben Says: Newcastle are in crisis, having not won a game under Steve McClaren – who is under an increasing amount of pressure at St James’ Park following Wednesday’s League Cup humbling at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea will be looking to continue their winning streak with a win at the Magpies, something I can see happening. Match Prediction: 1-3

Sunday’s Game

Watford vs Crystal Palace

Alex Says: Another tricky game to call. Watford have got back-to-back wins against Swansea City and Newcastle United, while Crystal Palace have been very sporadic. I will go with the form and back Watford to get another win. Match Prediction: 2-1

Ben Says: Two teams who have appeared equally matched so far this season. Watford have won their last two league games, while by contrast, Palace have lost their previous two, I can see the Hornets edging what will be a tight encounter in Hertfordshire. Match Prediction: 1-0

Monday’s Game

West Brom vs Everton

Alex Says: West Brom are another team that really need a win, but I can’t see them getting it here despite being at home. Everton are slowly growing in confidence and are putting a good run together. I back them to win here. Match Prediction: 1-2

Ben Says: West Brom have picked up some decent results lately, and will come up against an Everton side who have also been in a good run of form, with the Toffees sixth in the lead, tough to choose, but I’ll stay on the fence. Match Prediction: 2-2

So there are our picks for this weekend.

What are yours?

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt