Dan’s EPL Predictions Week 4 – including Cardiff v Arsenal – What’s your picks?

Here is Dan’s Premier League Predictions for this weekend.

Leicester 0- 1 Liverpool
A tough away game for Liverpool where normally a draw would be a decent result. However if they are serious about challenging for the title, they need to win these type of matches. Man City became Champions based on how well they started last season, having dropped points those around them need to take advantage.

Message for Jamie Vardy – be man enough to retire from international duty not something inbetween. England are not good enough to be having the few players who start weekly to be picking and choosing when they will show up. By saying he will consider selection if there are injuries he’s essentially saying he’s not willing to spend a week training just to sit on the bench when he could be sat on a beach. Watch how he will change his mind on the eve of the Euros.

Brighton 0-1 Fulham
I am interested how Brighton approach this game. Do they take the initiative or show Fulham too much respect? Having already shown Newcastle what they were missing on loan, to still let Mitovic leave could prove to be a huge oversight by Rafa Benitez.

Chelsea 2-0 Cherries
While we use the excuse of transition for two defeats and just about beating West Ham, Chelsea have won all their games, even though their new boss has had less time to work with his squad. What I respect about The Cherries is they won’t contradict their footballing values no matter the opposition. Blues to win without playing well.

Crystal Palace 1-0 Southampton
One of those games where the Eagles will benefit from having a match winner, the reason I don’t see them in a relegation scrap this season. Mark Hughes needs to set up the Saints more positively for these type of matches.

Everton 3-0 Huddesfield
The earlier Everton score the more comfortable they will win. All Huddersfield appear to be doing at the moment is parking the bus. This time last year, I could see an upset but I’m not sure the Terriers have much confidence at the moment.

West Ham 1-2 Wolves
The test for West Ham was always going to be how they deal with adversity. If this was 12 months ago fans would be abusing their owners and complaining about the London Stadium. A marquee manager and signings has created more patience, encouraged by their performance against us. It makes this a pivotal point of the campaign, no one wants to enter the international break with zero points. Wolves can use this to give them the edge. History shows us that if visitors score first, the Olympic Stadium doesn’t respond well.

Man City 6-0 Newcaste
The last fixture the Toon needed at the moment. Rafa Benitz was critisised for his approach to this game last year, it’s hard not to see him parking the bus again this weekend. The quicker the champions break the deadlock, the Spaniard will have to revert to plan B, if that even exists. A heavy loss will lead to a long couple of weeks while there is no club action.

Sunday

Cardiff 0-1 Arsenal
Some have signalled Emery’s early substitutions and rotation has a change of the soft culture Arsene Wenger had created.
Only winning these type of games will prove if our squad is mentally stronger. Based on the last 12 months we have no right to go to Wales taking anything for granted. Don’t be fooled by their failure to score yet since returning to the big time. Neil Warnock sets them up physically anyway and will know we have individuals who have a soft under belly.

Burnley 0-2 Man United
All that concern about if Burnley’s squad could juggle Europe with domestic football, I’m sure they would have sacrificed losing a few points for the sake of their Europa League campaign not even reaching the group stages. This will be the last time they can blame playing Thursday Nights on affecting their result on a Sunday. It might be the slice of luck United need, something they havn’t had in a while.

Jose continues to not understand the size of the club he manages. When Man United lose 2 consecutive games, the media are going to write about it, no matter who the boss is. The way he acted in pre -season meant he was inviting a backlash the moment things went wrong. His brand of football is so boring he can normally point to his trophy collection. Without silverware to compensate for his dull style of play, he has nothing.

Watford 2-3 Spurs
Spurs are no doubt considering releasing a DVD of their win at Old Trafford while it could be the highlight of their manager’s second autobiography. In all seriousness it’s the type of result this young squad has been lacking. The type which might improve them mentally in key moments of games and seasons. This Sunday could be an example. Watford are playing well enough to get a result but Monday will help Spurs in the tricky moments.

Who wants to see if they can beat Dan? Leave your predictions below….