PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW & PREDICTIONS (WEEK 8)
They often say that refereeing is a thankless job, we’re not too sure the events of last weekend will change that anytime soon!
Every week we’ll be previewing and predicting every Premier League match featured in our Pick 10 league along with any other big fixtures - will you take our advice?
Luton Town vs Tottenham
Claimed their first Premier League victory over a poor Everton side last weekend, it had been coming for the resilient Championship play-off winners who are out of the bottom three. Carlton Morris scored his third of the season, his goals could be crucial this season. Tottenham can count themselves lucky to have bagged three points against Liverpool, sure, the VAR non-goal decision looms large, but Spurs couldn’t break a nine-man Liverpool down in the dying embers - they needed a Joel Matip own goal to seal victory. Despite that, Ange Postecoglou’s side are unbeaten and just a point behind leaders Man City.
Luton will be riding high despite defeat to Burnley, Tottenham should have too much when the sides meet for Saturday’s early kick-off.
Prediction: Luton Town 1-3 Tottenham
Burnley vs Chelsea
Vincent Kompany went from watching Luton win their first Premier League game last weekend to celebrating his side’s first victory beating the Hatters midweek. With the youngest average age in the league, Burnley will take great confidence moving forward but will have to stamp out costly defensive errors. Just when things started to become sour, Chelsea pulled out back-to-back victories over Brighton & Fulham in the EFL Cup and Premier League respectively to ease tensions around Stamford Bridge. Mykhailo Mudryk had his best outing in a Chelsea shirt at Craven Cottage, Armando Broja could also emerge as an alternative to the struggling Nicolas Jackson.
Having seen Chelsea slip up on a number of occasions already this season, the Clarets will be full of belief that Chelsea are there for the taking. Mauricio Pochettino may have his side back on track and should steer his side to another league win.
Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Chelsea
Everton vs Bournemouth
Everton had prospective new owners 777 Partners watching on from the stands as the team were booed off following their 2-1 home defeat to Luton. In fact, all four league home games have ended in defeat for the Toffees. That sort of form will turn an already passionate Goodison Park faithful into a raging riot, Sean Dyche will have to address it under mounting pressure. What started as a promising start for new manager Andoni Iraola has begun to unravel as Bournemouth are one of only two teams without a win in the league, the other being Sheffield United. The new approach under the Spaniard is taking a little longer than expected to develop, although the Cherries look fairly toothless on this season’s evidence.
Prediction: Everton 1-0 Bournemouth
Manchester United vs Brentford
Just when you thought that Manchester United had turned the corner, they lay an egg. Consecutive home defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray in the Champions League have left the Old Trafford side playing catch up on both fronts and we’ve only just entered October. Rasmus Hojlund has been a bright spot, but the same cannot be said for Andre Onana, who is evidently feeling the pressure. Brentford have endured a challenging spell, but are currently playing without seven first-teamers, six long-term injured and the suspended Ivan Toney. Dropping points has become a concern, In the opening seven games, the Bees have conceded eight points from winning positions.
Both teams have done little to encourage anyone as of late, but that could be a precursor for a great game come Saturday.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Brentford
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest
Palace responded to a lowly exit from the EFL Cup at Old Trafford by going back a few days later and taking three points against Manchester United. Under Roy Hodgson, the Eagles have been tough to beat and no man has profited more than centre back Joachim Andersen who scored a superb half-volley to steer Palace to victory last weekend. Nottingham Forest have found their footing in the Premier League but two goals in three games show the clear problem Nottingham Forest face at the moment. A problem that Steve Cooper is very much aware of. The performances are actually improving; it’s just getting into the final third and creating goal-scoring chances with Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi needing time to develop an understanding with the new signings.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Arsenal swept aside Bournemouth in their last league outing but it came at a cost as Bukayo Saka hobbled off. That worry was compounded when Mikel Arteta deicded to start the England international in the Gunners 2-1 defeat to Lens midweek, Saka was withdrawn before half time reaggravating the injury. Arteta has alternative options at his disposal, but losing their 22-year-old prodigy ahead of Manchester City’s visit would be a blow. Back-to-back defeats to Newcastle and Wolves were alleviated by a routine victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Gary O’Neil emphasised that without Rodri, Wolves had a greater chance of winning last weekend - and they did. Pep Guardiola will be without his crucial midfield cog again against Arsenal, but Bernardo Silva and John Stones have returned to training.
The two favourites for the title will be wary of each other gaining an advantage, even this early in the season. Expect a tight, tense game and both teams to largely cancel each other out.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City
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