Saturday (12.30)
Cardiff 1-1 Brighton
I’m fascinated to see how Brighton will approach this game. Is this one of the few away games where the Seagulls feel they can show some attacking instinct? Being their defensive organised selves might force Neil Warnock to be more ambitious than usual. It could be a case of who blinks first..
(3.00)
Huddersfield 1-1 West Ham
West Ham have decent players but the reason they don’t play at a higher level is because a lack of consistency. The Terriers will set up organised and hard to beat. The Hammers have more quality, but can they match their hosts in terms of work ethic?
Leicester 3-0 Burnley
No one knew how the Foxes would react last week. To a man, their performance was admirable. They played like they wanted to win for their owner, celebrations towards their goal the most emotional moment of the season. Having been to Thailand for the funeral those scenes will be topped this weekend.
Newcastle 1-3 Cherries
The Toon Army know their performance last weekend was not perfect, but it got to the point where they would take a win however it came and will hope that can kick start their campaign. It they follow the same formula as they did against Watford their luck will run out. The Cherries are playing well and will take the chances the Hornets missed. Good to see Calum Wilson called up for England
Southampton 0-2 Watford
Mark Hughes needs to show he can rebuild confidence within the squad. Remembering how his Stoke reign ended it’s been a while since the Welshmen has been able to implement fresh ideas. The Saints seem to be going through the motions. Watford didn’t have their scoring boots on last Saturday but won’t be that unlucky two weeks running.
(5.30)
Crystal Palace 2-2 Spurs
Palace showed against us and at times against Chelsea that they raise their game against the top sides, with Selhurst Park making it intimidating for visitors. Spurs, having put so much mentally into keeping alive their Champions League’s hopes might not fancy this type of game.
Sunday
Arsenal 2-1 Wolves
I’m not going to keep arguing with arrogant Arsenal fans gloating over a draw at home to Liverpool. The latest boast I heard is Arsene Wenger would never have the tactical awareness to see us come from behind against a top 4 rival. I could point to us doing exactly that last season in the same fixture, not losing to Chelsea in 4 attempts and beating Spurs at the Emirates but let’s not let the facts get in the way of a good story. It’s going to take more than us being fifth in the League to start me claiming the good old days are back. I’m comforted that Unai Emery agrees with me, stating to being only 50 percent happy last weekend, at least our manager has more ambition then showing off because we drew a game. His attitude reassures me we won’t be guilty of underestimating Wolves. Last Saturday was the first time in the League we started well and that needs to continue. The visitors are a good enough team to punish us if approach it with arrogance.
Liverpool 4-0 Fulham
I saw Jankovic 3/4 times on Monday night talking to his senior players. He’s trying various tactics and personnel but can’t find a way to halt the slide. That’s why I worry for his job during the international break. Having been warned for being inconsistent in the Champion’s League, Liverpool are not going to make the same mistake twice in a week.
Chelsea 2-0 Everton
While gooners boast about a draw that took us 5th, Chelsea, who also finished outside the top 4 and are adjusting to a new manager are hanging in there with Man City. Meanwhile the media seem to think Liverpool are the most likely challengers. It suits the Blues not to have the pressure, being under the radar. Winning games without Hazard will only have helped confidence
Man City 3-0 Man United
90 minutes against Juventus summed up Jose. Still capable of producing results in a big game but then not helping himself, having to make it all about him. This from a man who got angry towards Chelsea’s celebrations. It will only help make sure Man City are not complacent. The champions are scoring 5-6 goals every game and the only hope for those wishing for a title race is their players find things too easy, that they one day fall apart when things go wrong. Not with this manager. His attention to detail is such that the more they win by huge margins, the more he will make sure their focus is on point. Like when he went to Anfield, I also think the memory of losing last year’s Derby will motivate him. UEFA are right to investigate Financial Fair Play, but Pep is right to point out the hard work he and his coaching staff are putting into training.
Dan Smith