nteIt’s a massive Super Sunday this weekend as the Premier League throws up another ‘Top Six’ battle as Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad stadium followed by Manchester United’s visit to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. There is no doubting that we are in for two massive six pointers as all four clubs will be aiming to stake a strong claim in this early race for the Barclays Premier League title.
Here’s a look at my prediction for this weekend’s Super Sunday’s games:
Manchester City vs Arsenal
The first of our ‘Top 6’ battle this Sunday is between high-flying Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad. Arsene Wenger’s side has not beaten City on the road in three years in which the Gunners claimed a memorable and significant victory over the then reigning champions, beating them in a robust, defensive and astute display, having only 35 per cent possession, taking fewer shots than their opponents.
Will Arsene approach this game on Sunday in the same manner? City are on fire right now and will be buoyed by their impressive 4-2 win over Napoli in Italy in the Champions League, midweek. There is no stopping City right now, with their scintillating football on show. Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero are all enjoying prolific starts to the season. Lets not forget about the brilliant Kevin De Bruyne who is desecrating defences week-in-week-out with his fabulous eye of the needle passes and vision. Guardiola has identified the perfect formula for this City side, and Arsene Wenger will have his work cut out if he does not have a game plan for this game.
Arsenal went to Chelsea a few weeks ago and snatched a draw, in which we thought the penny had dropped. Does Arsene now know to approach the big games with a particular game plan? The draw at Stamford Bridge showed he does, but right now City are on a different playing field than Chelsea. Arsenal’s impressive frontline of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette will have to be at their utmost best to get anything from the Etihad. City’s defence are vulnerable and without a recognised left-back, will Wenger target that area to go in his favour?
We’ll find out this Sunday.
I ain’t ruling out Arsenal, but my head is going towards a City victory to crank up the pressure on neighbours United.
Score Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal
Chelsea vs Manchester United
It’s worrying times for Chelsea right now, the Roma defeat on Tuesday would certainly have deepened the fears and worries surrounding the whole club right now. The Premier League winners need a massive win from somewhere to pick themselves up and there is no better place to do it than against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United on Sunday. Chelsea’s defence is a huge worry and Mourinho will be licking his lips at the prospect of inflicting further damage on his former club.
What’s interesting about these spectacles is that they throw up various questions on how both clubs will approach the game. Will Mourinho stick with the same approach he employed against Liverpool a few weeks ago or will he have a go at Chelsea’s struggling defence. United have been picking up victories aside from their surprise defeat to Huddersfield, the late win over fellow challengers Tottenham would was a much needed victory followed by a win over Benfica in midweek. Clean sheets are always a bonus and United have at this moment the best defence in the league, even picking up victories without their star performer Paul Pogba, and without him, Mourinho’s men have struggled to replicate the fast and exciting attacking football they showed earlier on in the season. Though, Pogba could make his return to the bench this Sunday, United will be in desperate need of his services if they strive to pick up a victory this Sunday.
Similarly, Chelsea have been poor without their main man N’golo Kante in midfield. At times over the past few weeks, their defence has been laboured and cut to pieces with ease because of Kante’s absence. Conte will be praying the Frenchman can make a return this Sunday which could be a much needed boost.
What’s certain, is that, this will be a very tight game. I don’t see Chelsea giving United another hiding like last season and without Kante, Chelsea may just struggle but all that depends on how Mourinho approaches this game. I don’t want to be biased here but Chelsea are struggling so I’m going for United to nick it.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace
What a night Tottenham experienced on Wednesday against European champions Real Madrid, not only did they beat them, but pretty comfortably too. Pochettino took advantage of Real’s poor form as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen ran riot. This weekend, its back to reality in the Premier League as they host Crystal Palace who are bottom of the Premier League table at this point in the season. Wednesday night proved that Tottenham have rid of their Wembley hoodoo and a win against Roy Hodgson’s struggling side is certainly on the cards. Pochettino and his men will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat to Manchester United last week and Wednesday nights antics will certainly boost them with confidence going into Sunday’s game.
Palace were awfully lucky last week, if it weren’t for West Ham’s naivety to close out the match at Selhurst Park last week, Palace would have been staring at another defeat. However, Hodgson would have been buoyed by his sides spirit after going 2-0 down, which must make the former England coach think why his players can’t start matches in similar vein. Players such as Wilfried Zaha has certainly given Palace hope, his new role up front has certainly filled him with responsibility. Can Palace cause an upset this weekend?
Score Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Crystal Palace
Everton vs Watford
It was a very disappointing result for Watford last week in their 1-0 defeat to Stoke, we would have expected better from Marco Silva’s men. It was the first time where they have turned up expecting a victory but cracked under pressure. Marco Silva will definitely want to resurrect the animal in Watford that we have been impressed with so far this season and what a time to get it, at struggling side Everton who are rock-bottom right now, out of the Europa League, managerless and in desperate need of fresh impetus.
The Everton hierarchy will certainly use the upcoming international break as a chance to choose the next manager to take over from sacked Ronald Koeman – it is a decision that could really make or break the future of the football club. They are in a relegation dog fight right now although its too early in the season, but within the club it seems as though there is no hope. Everton need something, now and fast.
Watford to take the three points.
Score Prediction: Everton 1-2 Watford
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