Barclays Premier League, Week 4 Predictions

This weekend marks the return of the Barclays Premier League. After a hectic transfer window which saw some of the biggest transfer deals in history, its time to get back to business domestically , the first round of fixtures after the summer window – a chance to fully see new signings in action this coming weekend.

The fourth round of matches throws up another set of tantalising spectacles to keep a look out for, here are my score predictions for this coming weekends round games:

Manchester City vs. Liverpool, (12:30pm)

The first match of the weekend is definitely an exciting one. A match involving two teams who will almost certainly be in the hunt for the title come the climax of the season; Manchester City and Liverpool. Both clubs under the guidance of two of the best coaches in the game. What a way to start the weekend.

Manchester City v Liverpool has thrown up some classic encounters over the past few years, last years draw at the Etihad stadium was a perfect example, with both teams throwing everything they had during that 90 minutes – an all or nothing game – which in turn could only end in a draw. Ever since Klopp joined Liverpool in 2015, they have never lost a game to City, the Reds have won 3 of their 4 games. Although, City have only just lost one of their last 23 games at the Etihad stadium.

Liverpool return to the Etihad stadium on Saturday in good form, and all looks set up for another classic encounter as the old Bundesliga coaches renew their rivalry. With Liverpool looking frightening in attack so far this season and City’s undeniable quality, there will be goals in this one, so I am going for a high-scoring draw.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool

 

Arsenal vs. Bournemouth, (3:00pm)

What is going on at Arsenal? It’s the same old story at the Emirates with another torrid start to the Premier League season. And with questions arising whether we will still see the best of Alexis Sanchez after his failed deadline day move to Manchester City, it remains to be seen. Wenger desperately needs his team on his side though, as they have looked nothing short of shambolic so far, especially in opening weekend win over Leicester City, a game which saw some real struggles in defence for Arsenal.

Will Alexis be involved from the off against Bournemouth? A certain question that a lot of fans and pundits alike will asking in the lead up to the game. Arsenal are in desperate need of a win, and Saturday’s game against Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth will not provide and easy ride. The south coast club were unlucky in their defeat to Man City as their quality pulled them through in the end.

Bournemouth will certainly be up for this one, but I can’t see anything other than an Arsenal victory. However, a win for Wenger will not unmask the problems that are present for Arsenal.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Bournemouth

 

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. West Bromwich Albion, (3:00pm)

Brighton would have probably looked at this fixture and thought, this is the one they can win. They haven’t had it easy so far in the league with games against Manchester City at home and away games at Leicester and Watford. Brighton coach Chris Houghton has stressed the importance of his side having a good home record if they are to have any chance of becoming a stable Premier League club for years to come.

Though, West Brom will not be easy pickings for Brighton. Tony Pulis has created a stable and steady atmosphere at the Hawthorns, and the question remains, can he take the club to the next level this season?

Brighton just can’t find goals so far this season, so I am going for West Brom to place more misery on Chris Houghton and his Brighton team.

Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 West Bromwich Albion

 

Everton vs. Tottenham Hotspur, (3:00pm)

What a game we could have on our hands here.

You don’t know what you’re going to get with Everton. They were fantastic against Manchester City at the Etihad, only to then put in a disappointing display against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, they played so poorly Chelsea couldn’t be bothered to score more goals. Koeman’s target this season is to snuff out those inconsistencies this season, and this big game against Tottenham is a good way to start. However, it could be difficult simply due to the fact that Everton have not replaced Romelu Lukaku’s goals. Rooney and Sandro Ramirez are good additions, but it is unlikely they will score the goals to fire Everton to break into the ‘Top 6’.

Tottenham would have been disappointed with the draw against Burnley, to concede so late in a game was so unlike Pochettino’s men. He will desperately be urging his side to put things right this weekend to fully kick start their season. Let’s be honest, we haven’t seen the best of Tottenham yet. Could we see the beginning of things to come against Everton. I certainly think so.

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

 

Leicester City vs Chelsea, (3:00pm)

Another intriguing game.

Leicester City were unlucky against Manchester United at Old Trafford last time out but Mourinho’s men had enough quality in the end to snatch a comfortable win. Without a doubt, Craig Shakespeare has restored the confidence and belief back into the team, plus they have been able to keep star man Riyad Mahrez who has been a real professional so far this season as he pursued a move away from the club this summer. He finds himself still at the King Power, so how much will that have an effect on him?

And how will Leicester cope without Drinkwater who joined their opponents on deadline day? Will their be hostility in the air when Drinkwater makes his bow?

We’ll see.

I’m going for the Champions to edge this one, although I could be wrong. Chelsea have picked themselves up after their disappointing opening day defeat to Burnley, and with Morata and Willian on form, and Eden Hazard back to fitness too I expect them to grab a sneaky win here at the King Power.

Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Chelsea

 

Southampton vs Watford, (3:00pm)

Watford under Marco Silva could look a real asset to watch out for this summer. Silva has really recruited well. Richarlison, Nathaniel Chalobah, Andre Gray and the addition of Will Hughes could be the players to take the club to the next level and Marco Silva is key to their success. They’ve started really well this season, and really impressed against Liverpool and also ripping Bournemouth to shreds in an impressive win.

Southampton on the other hand have proved a difficult side this season, and Pellegrino has already proven some of his managerial qualities. Can he get Virgil Van Dijk back playing and on his side? That would be a huge boost for both Pellegrino and the club.

Nonetheless, this will be a tight battle. I’m going for a score draw here.

Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Watford

 

Stoke City vs Manchester United, (5:30pm)

After three wins from three, and no goals conceded, United find themselves top the table before the international break and this upcoming game against Stoke could prove to be their first real test of the season. United haven’t tasted victory at the Britannia since 2013 and will be looking to overcome their demons in Saturday’s evening kick-off. Mourinho’s men do look a much better side than last season, and with the addition of Matic, their attacking players have real sense of comfort and authority at this moment as their wins over West Ham and Swansea showed but, Stoke will not be rolled over that easy.

Mark Hughes once again has created a steady ship at Stoke, and after their impressive victory against Arsenal, they will have their tails up but I feel United’s quality will tell in the end. Lukaku, Martial, Pogba and Mkhitaryan all find themselves in scintillating form. Throw in Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata, and United may just have too much.

Prediction: Stoke 1-3 Manchester United

 

Burnley vs Crystal Palace, Sunday, (1:30pm)

 

Crystal Palace find themselves in a real heap of trouble, with Frank De Boer trying to implement a new style on the club. Yes, they have struggled and De Boer must be given time. However, patience is no longer a valuable trait in the Barclays Premier League and the Dutch coach needs a first victory, and fast or else he will lose the fans and the dressing room. The players are seriously lacking in confidence, and ideas. Is De Boer changing too much too fast?

Burnley are a very difficult side at home, and will prove a difficult test for Crystal Palace. Lets be honest, Sean Dyche’s side have started the season better than expected, a victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and a draw against Tottenham at Wembley? Dyche couldn’t have asked for more from his players. An unimpressive loss to West Brom at home would have really disappointed them and they will want to put that right this weekend

I feel Burnley would have too much here.

Prediction: Burnley 2-0 Crystal Palace

 

Swansea City vs Newcastle United, Sunday, (4:00pm)

How Swansea pulled of the signing of Renato Sanches, went to show the connections Paul Clement has. After formerly working with the Portuguese wonderkid while in his time at Bayern Munich, he was able to convince long time friend and Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti that Swansea City was the perfect environment for Sanches to continue his development away from the Bundesliga giants. What a signing this could be for Clement and his side, throw in the return of Wilfried Bony and Swansea will be delighted with their deadline day business.

If Clement can reinvigorate the form of both men, Swansea could be in for a very good season in the Premier League. Losing Gylfi Sigurdsson wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez will not be happy with his transfer dealings this summer, and he has constantly made his feelings known over the past two months. Now that the window is closed, Benitez must now make do with his side, but if his CV is anything to go by. Newcastle will do fine this season, but I have a sneaky feeling Swansea will nick this.

Prediction: Swansea 2-1 Newcastle

 

 

West Ham vs Huddersfield, Monday, (8:00pm)

 

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is treading on thin ice. The Croatian is in dire need of results as he finds his team at the wrong end of the table after 3 games. His position has already been under review by the clubs owners and anything other than a win against Huddersfield could be the final nail in the coffin. Monday’s game against high flying new boys Huddersfield will be Bilic’s biggest game so far, and he needs a win.

Huddersfield will be no pushovers, and will be full of confidence going into this one. Manager David Wagner has really instilled an early belief and  But I’m going to go for West Ham here, their quality may shine through in the end.

Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Huddersfield