Here we have Dan’s 2nd Premier League predictions post for the new season, and he believes the Gunners will keep pace with the leaders ahead of our two massive fixtures coming up…
Arsenal 2-1 Burnley
Many fans will show up at the Emirates hoping to see a front three of Aubameyang, Lacazette and Pepe. At Newcastle, Unai Emery clearly wanted to give his new signings a chance to get used to the physical nature of the League but, as well as our youngsters did last weekend, I wouldn’t want to wait for Anfield to throw people in at the deep end. One of those homes games where we maybe underestimate Burnley but find a way to get over the line.
Aston Villa 1- 0 Cherries
Conceding a last-minute equalizer to a newly promoted side would have felt like a defeat to Eddie Howe. This is Villa’s first home game back in the big time after a couple of depressing years where they would have been worried about their future. Think the occasion will push Villa over the line.
Brighton 1-0 West Ham
The manner of how they won at Watford could be huge for Graham Potter. His new side ended last season in so bad form there is always a danger you take that with you in the new campaign. The only problem might be expectations, suddenly your fans will expect you to keep up those levels every week.
Everton 3-1 Watford
It doesn’t take lot for Watford’s owners to make a managerial change. A heavy FA Cup final defeat was followed up by humiliation at home to Brighton. If they sense Watford have lost momentum they won’t hang about, making this quite a big game against ironically Marco Silva.
Norwich 1-0 Newcastle
If Norwich were willing to play an open game against Liverpool, surely, they won’t change that ethos at home to Newcastle. The Toon showed little ambition against us as we waited for a push that never came. Surely Steve Bruce has to show more ambition here?
Saints 1-3 Liverpool
Liverpool did not play well in midweek yet found a way to win the Super Cup, always a sign of a good team. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea were getting past them so many times because of their great movement or Klopp choosing to play an offside trap. It’s something maybe we can take advantage of? Already we are meant to feel sorry for Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s fixture congestion, two clubs a month ago who were touring half-way round the world. If Southampton conceded three at Burnley do, they even believe they can keep a clean sheet in this fixture?
Man City 3-1 Spurs
Given the nature of how they won at West Ham, some are worrying that the Premiership will go the way of Italy and Germany in terms of one side dominating. Given that Sir Alex Ferguson is the only man to win 3 consecutive titles I don’t think we should worry just yet. Football goes around in cycles and there’s enough money around to see other sides re-find their mojo. The turning point might be when Pep gets tired like he did at Barcelona. This mans drive and obsessive attention to detail is unrivalled.
Chelsea 2-1 Leicester
Frank Lampard is too much of a winner to care that his players have played well in defeat, nothing will matter more than the fact he lost. Yet certainly no one should panic at the Bridge. The players clearly are trying to implement their manager’s new style of play but he still needs to trust those with experience, and for once the Blues might be an enjoyment to watch. Maybe they are due a bit of luck this weekend?
Sheffield United 1-0 Palace
The type of game where I think Palace, with the better players, should show more ambition. However, the first Premiership game at Bramall Lane in years, TV cameras, under the floodlights. The days belongs to Sheffield United.
Wolves 1-2 Man United
Between their fans, players and manager, United often reference losing at Wolves twice in a few days last season. In other words, they will approach this like the tough challenge it is. I just sense Ole is getting rid of the personalities he didn’t want and creating a better spirit at Old Trafford.
WATCH ARSENAL’S TOP FIVE GOALS AGAINST BURNLEY
Some interesting predictions there, Dan!
I agree with most… although I think Newcastle & West Ham will win. Will Iwobi score on his debut???
Sue 🙂 “will iwobi score on his debut?” Hehe. I’m sure you had A grin as you wrote that lol. Trouble maker… Even though am glad he was sold I believe he offers much more than Nelson.
Maybe just a little grin, ArsenalWhy ?
I want to see ALL the new guys in the starting line up! Am assuming they were signed because they were better than what we already have. Xhaka hopefully does not recover in time, mean I know, but it seems he’s bench-proof and only injury has the power to keep him out of the team.
I expect a win,and hopefully a far more entertaining game than that Newcastle borefest.
Yeah I’m with you on that, QD.. they’ve had enough time to regain full fitness… get them in!! We want sweat bands!! Crazy hair!! And lots of goals!!
Emery had better introduce the new Gunners into the starting line-up slowly
I don’t want Arsenal to end up like Fulham, that spent a lot of money on new players and forced them to replace the old players quickly
how can a fan wish his player does not recover from an injury?.. and you guys demand loyalty from players?…
if you introduce too many new players in one game that have not played together in a competitive game your in danger of losing play it is better to ease them in one at a time unless your wining 3-0 then throw them in after the 75th mnt
Arsenal is not a growth center where you throw young guys in to experiment the results…
The manager should field his strongest starting 11. Enough of this bu..s..t of “easing” new players etc etc…
Mane who was at the Afcon final is starting for Pool… and Pepe who got out much earlier is still “gaining match fitness”!!!! THIS GUY SHOULD FOR ONCE ACT LIKE A SERIOUS MANAGER.
QD, if Xhaka remains unfit, please God, we may finally find out how much more pace and midfielfd creativity we actually have with that one paced trundler gone from the team. I have supported Emery to the hilt BUT on his clear preference for Xhaka as a regular I cannot agree at all. Nor can many, judging by the regular comments which show Gooners general disliking of him. Players without mobility, pace and passion are never any use. He has passion only, so nowhere near enough for us.
I hoping we will see the PAL starting the match and am almost certain we will keep a clean sheet against Burnley.
Xhaka should be given time to relax, i see him gud at bench or out, should be shown door with mustafi
Congratulations on your new appointment as head coach! Unfortunately your team is not yet in existence. So wait for it and then you will start sending away players randomly.
Yes I also believe that Alex Iwobi will score on his debut for Everton because he has the talent and history had it that other Nigerian players (attackers) who have played for Everton in the past all scored on their debut
Oh yeah-like who
Yakubu
Never heard of him-any more?
Comeon Phil, Yakubu was there record signing at the time, and scored 11 minutes into his debut. It was only 12 years ago!
Changes
Start Pepe and Ceballos
Start Lacazette if fit
Start Torreira
Start Ozil if fit or play Ceballos in his position
Drop Nelson, Mkhitaryan and Xhaka
Keep the same defence
As others have said if we play luiz then xhaka becomes useless as long range passing is his best quality which luiz can do. once ceballos has adapted to the epl we can play either play him in the cazorla role between torreira and ozil or if ozil still plays bad we can play ceballos as attacking mid with guendouzi/torreira or willock/torreira depending on opponent.
How about the two complementing each other. It would be great to have two good passers of the ball.